Mexican street food in Los Angeles
Street food in Los Angeles, Mexican style: antojitos, tacos and sweets from across Mexico, together in one Downtown LA alley. Each dish is available when a vendor is serving it.
What is Mexican street food?
Mexican street food, or antojitos, is food made to eat standing up: tacos, sandwiches, fried masa, sweets and cold drinks. Every region has its own specialties, and many were born at street stalls and fairs.
Where the dishes come from
Birria quesatacos
Origin: Jalisco. Slow-braised beef, crisped with consomé.
Cemitas poblanas
Origin: Puebla. Hand-layered sesame cemita with pápalo.
Tacos al pastor
Origin: Mexico City and Puebla. Spit-roasted on a trompo, with charred pineapple.
Churros
Origin: Mexico City. Fresh-fried dough in cinnamon sugar.
Fresas con crema
Origin: Irapuato, in central Mexico. Fresh strawberries, sweet crema and griddled crepes.
Aguas frescas
Origin: Michoacán and Jalisco. Fresh fruit macerated over block ice.
Sinaloa-style sushi
Origin: Culiacán and Mazatlán, in Sinaloa. Panko-fried maki with carne asada and shrimp.
Find it in Downtown LA
Imperial Night Market is at 2300 E 15th St, open Friday 6:00 to 10:30 pm and Saturday and Sunday 5:00 to 10:30 pm. Entry is free. Bring cash and share plates.
Dishes are available when a vendor is serving them, so the lineup changes by night. Ask at the stall if you do not see what you want.
Parking
Street parking nearby is free, with a few rules. The parking and rideshare guide has them all.