When we talk about Los Angeles’ vibrant taco culture, we often think of carne asada sizzling on the grill, street-side taqueros perfecting centuries-old recipes, and communities built around bold, handheld bites. But in recent years, Black entrepreneurs have carved out a powerful and flavorful space within this scene—fusing heritage soul food traditions with the taco form, creating a deeply resonant new subculture that speaks to culinary creativity, identity, and resilience.
Below, we spotlight 9 essential Black-owned taco spots in L.A. that are pushing boundaries, honoring ancestry, and proving, unequivocally, that tacos are soul food too.
1. All Flavor No Grease – Where Watts Meets the Taco
Located in the heart of South Central, All Flavor No Grease began as a backyard operation by Keith Garrett, now a legend in his own right. With a menu that marries Mexican staples with soul food influences, the star here is the chicken, shrimp, and steak quesadilla taco combo—a massive, overstuffed marvel that explodes with smoky meat, cheese, pico de gallo, and signature sauce.
Keith’s journey from underground cook to cultural food icon reflects the powerful intersection of hustle, pride, and neighborhood love.
2. Taco Mell – South L.A.’s Crown Jewel of Taco Fusion
Taco Mell is unapologetically bold. Located near Crenshaw, this Black-owned taco joint is known for its flamin’ hot tacos, combining spicy chips with cheesy, juicy proteins like brisket and grilled chicken. Every taco is a loaded masterpiece, with options to add Mac & Cheese, collard greens, or Cajun shrimp—ingredients that link directly to Southern Black culinary heritage.
What sets Taco Mell apart is its willingness to reimagine tacos through a soulful, streetwise lens, earning it a cult following that reaches well beyond L.A.
3. Trap Kitchen – Tacos with a Street Cred Twist
Founded by former gang members turned culinary stars, Trap Kitchen has grown from a Compton-based hustle into a brand that garners national attention. Their Trap Tacos feature a rotation of inventive fillings, including lobster mac tacos, fried catfish with hot sauce slaw, and even oxtail tacos, pushing the envelope of what street tacos can be.
Each bite tells a story of redemption, creativity, and cultural crossover that resonates with the community and beyond.
4. Billionaire Burger Boyz – The Gourmet Taco Game Changer
While best known for their decadent burgers, Billionaire Burger Boyz also offer a rotating taco menu that’s as indulgent as it is innovative. Think wagyu beef tacos, cajun shrimp with smoked gouda, and brisket tacos laced with truffle aioli.
Their tacos are a masterclass in luxury street food, drawing loyal fans across L.A. who appreciate the sophisticated flavor profiles blended with classic West Coast energy.
5. Vurger Guyz – Vegan Soul Meets the Taco
For those seeking plant-based soul food in taco form, Vurger Guyz delivers in spades. Run by four Black entrepreneurs from South L.A., their vegan tacos—made with house-crafted meat alternatives, tangy sauces, and crunchy slaws—offer an elevated experience that’s both ethical and full of umami-rich flavor.
Their BBQ Jackfruit Taco, smothered in a spicy vegan mayo and topped with crispy onions, is a standout that satisfies both vegans and omnivores alike.
6. The Red Chickz – Nashville Hot Tacos with L.A. Heat
A bold fusion of Southern spice and Mexican format, The Red Chickz serves up Nashville hot chicken tacos that pack a serious punch. The crispy, fiery protein is offset by cool slaw, tangy pickles, and garlic aioli—making it a mouthwatering play on contrasts.
With its cult social media following and consistently long lines, this downtown hotspot has helped redefine how Southern comfort food translates through tacos.
7. Compton Vegan – Where Health Meets Heritage
Compton Vegan, a pioneering force in plant-based soul food, brings the same dedication to their taco offerings. Staples like vegan carne asada tacos, spicy black-eyed pea tacos, and chili-lime jackfruit tacos speak to both health consciousness and deep culinary roots.
Owner Lemel Durrah’s mission is about healing communities through food without sacrificing flavor or cultural integrity—a goal made tangible through every taco he serves.
8. Crenshaw Juice Co. – Tacos That Nourish Body and Soul
Beyond just juice, Crenshaw Juice Co. offers a robust taco menu that emphasizes clean eating with bold Black flavor. Their lentil and quinoa tacos, topped with avocado crema and house hot sauce, feel as nourishing as they are flavorful.
It’s a reminder that Black taco culture isn’t monolithic—it’s a spectrum that spans indulgence, health, and everything in between.
9. Chef E Dubble’s Flavor Table – Sunday Dinner in a Tortilla
At Chef E Dubble’s Flavor Table, soul food classics like smothered turkey wings, candied yams, and cornbread dressing are often reimagined into seasonal taco specials. The results? Tacos that taste like a family reunion in handheld form.
Chef E’s culinary philosophy bridges down-home comfort and Los Angeles experimentation, bringing forth tacos that are as heartwarming as they are satisfying.
The Cultural Weight of Black Tacos in Los Angeles
These taco spots represent more than delicious bites—they embody a culinary revolution led by Black chefs and entrepreneurs, who are staking claim in an industry that often sidelines their contributions. By fusing soul food flavors with the beloved taco, these innovators are making a profound statement: Black foodways deserve visibility, creativity, and celebration in every format.
Their tacos are filled not only with meat and sauces but also with narratives of survival, joy, ancestry, and artistry. Whether grilled in a backyard, plated in a gourmet truck, or served from a storefront in Watts, these tacos serve as powerful cultural connectors.
Where Tradition and Innovation Collide
Each of these Black-owned taco spots brings a unique perspective to the plate. Some stick closer to Southern soul staples, while others dare to go global or embrace wellness. Together, they form a mosaic of modern L.A. food culture, standing proudly at the intersection of Black identity and taco innovation.
In a city where tacos are a daily ritual, these restaurants aren’t just participating in the tradition—they’re reshaping it. And as more locals and visitors seek out meaningful, flavorful experiences, it’s clear that Black tacos are not just a trend—they are the future of L.A.’s dynamic taco scene.
Support, Share, Savor
Support these establishments not just with your dollars, but with your stories. Share their food, uplift their voices, and acknowledge that in the city of angels, soul food and tacos are forever intertwined.
If you’re seeking tacos that speak to culture, creativity, and community, look no further. In L.A., tacos are soul food—and these 9 spots prove it every single day.