when I think of Sonoratown, I think "high quality". the meats are cooked over mesquite, with handmade flour tortillas and bright salsas and guacamole that feel so lively. I would be most likely to recommend Sonoratown over any taco restaurant because of its accessibility to most palettes.

it's actually hard to imagine this spot making the list (and especially so high!) because the tortillas aren't handmade. but, we're here, carried entirely by the brisket tacos. they're unexpectedly a flavor bomb.

BLUE corn tortillas? a rippin' hot charcoal grill right outside the parking lot for all of Figueroa to smell? THIS... I have to try.

immediately as you enter this small shop you're met Dodger's gear and pride. Tacos and LA baseball are a perfect match. each taco is skillfully prepared with a fairly diverse menu if you're craving something different. all of the meats are smoky. they also have a variety salsas for all tolerances of spice (including my favorite: habanero).  these are filling and cater to the soul.

I remember the first time I took a bite out of a taco here. at that moment, I understood that tiers of tacos can be so well-defined. there are discrete LEVELS in this business. I tried a ribeye taco and a filet mignon taco. I completely fell in love with both of them and immediately knew this place was magical. I always opt for prime meats despite the premium cost. they have a wonderful grilled flavor and fattiness that makes each bite feel complete.

Sonoritas is particularly memorable for me because I love the surrounding area of the Japantown location. I go browsing the local plant shops, order some food here, and get dessert at B SWEET. perfect day.

*I actually remember that the first time I ate from here... it was takeout. I had a Mar y Tierra (surf and turf) burrito two years prior. I loved that burrito too. since then, I've had an al pastor burrito, regular street tacos, and more; and have been impressed by everything I've ordered.

I have so much love for this place. as soon as you walk in you're greeted by a Santa Maria grill over a ripping mesquite fire. it is the most BOLD out of the list. the meats are top notch and there's a pretty diverse menu to choose from: pork belly, skirt steak, ribeye, chorizo, you name it. it's here. the tacos come plain and simple but there's a salsa bar to help yourself to whatever toppings you like.

as if the meats weren't flavorful enough, the tortillas are warm and hug your tongue. 

go ahead, feel like you're in Mexico for an afternoon.

I didn't think this place would be anything special. this stand opened up on Foothill in Sylmar next to the post office. "big deal", I thought. "another taco stand".

my dad was growing tired of seeing taco stands popping up. I can understand. he immigrated hundreds of miles to escape Mexico and pursue an ambitious dream only to end up in the United States and see the same street stands!

anyway, I ordered a couple of tacos with guacamole. they put on quite the show. you can see the tortillas being pressed and browned on the griddle. then they add a generous amount of meat and guacamole. thank you. 

what you get is a genuine street + tijuana experience.

holy smokes, as they say. I never knew that something so complete could be so addicting. I actually was missing their tacos as soon as I got home. these are worth a 40+ minute drive.

MORE TACOS LESS BORDERS. 

I'd read about their story online. The children of Antonio Esquivel, owner of Tijuanazo Taquerías, wanted to expand and write their own entrepreneurial story. my friend John and I had been reminding each other of this place and we finally took the leap one night in Silver Lake.

with that first bite -- you're immediately met with a comforting corn tortilla wrapping up a perfectly seasoned (not too salty, not too sour) ensemble of steak, al pastor, and a few more types of meat. salsa. these tacos are spicy. but they deliver an explosion of flavors that makes it worth it. we sat outside near the parking lot and for a moment it can feel like you're not in America. 

I was reminded that sometimes the best things can APPEAR like they're great on accident... but they're obviously not.