Fish Tacos in LA and San Fran

[Laura]

I recently moved from San Francisco to Los Angeles. I really miss my favorite SF taco joint (more on that below) and I am looking for a place to get great fish tacos in LA. Any suggestions? I definitely favor hole-in-the-wall or mom-and-pop shops over chain restaurants, but I've heard the fish tacos at Rubio's are pretty darn good.

Now, for folks living in or visiting San Francisco, I highly recommend Nick's Crispy Tacos on Polk Street near Broadway. Oh my goodness, my mouth is watering just thinking about that place! All the food is good, but the grilled fish tacos are amazing; so are the carnitas. Be sure to try the tacos served "Nick's way:" one crispy (fried) taco shell tucked inside a soft one with a heap of fresh guacamole on top! Nick's is not a fancy place (you order at the counter and then grab a seat) but the staff is friendly, the prices are reasonable and there's a good selection of Mexican beers, margaritas, etc.

[RIDE]

OOHHH....now you've got MY mouth watering! Sounds like this spot is a MUST visit for me the next time I am in the city.

Thanks for the suggestion...and sorry that I can't be of help for a reference in So Cal.

RIDE

[petecrooks]

I have heard good things about: Fish tacos at Tacos Baja Ensenada, 5385 Whittier Blvd., L.A., (323) 887-1980 .

[Dining Diva]

El Balazo — is a weird combo...sooper fresh fish tacos/burritos located in a truck perched behind a Bayshore Car Wash location (tables are set out in a coin-op car wash but you gotta watch out for the occasional car wash spritzing.
Don't know if they have an exact address but the carwash right before the Cesar Chavez entrance to 101.

[petecrooks]

El Balazo...Don't know if they have an exact address but the carwash right before the Cesar Chavez entrance to 101.

I know EXACTLY where that is! Thanks for the tip!

[Laura]

OK, I've been doing some field research here in LA and have a little progress to report on fish tacos. I've tried a few of the chains near my house and so far La Salsa is the best by far. The fish tacos at both Baja Fresh and Baja Bud's Del Norte underwhelmed me. Still need to try Rubio's, and then all the local (non-chain) spots.

Also, I have discovered that it really is not that hard to make my own fish or shrimp tacos at home! I think the secret is to be generous with the fresh limes. If anyone wants my 'recipe' (such as it is), I am happy to share it.

[jans123]

yeah i pretty much do the same and go to rubio's if i'm craving fish tacos. but i think i've had the best fish tacos from senor bajas. google it and you'll find most locations are a little more east of la--like covina and chino hills area. but trust, it's definitely worth the drive. tell me how you like it!

[rohit147]

I am living in Colorado now, there are not too many fishing places over here. Though i would be visiting my relatives in San Frans.. and i think i would go to the Tacos or sure this time.

[RiversideRich]

Well it's not LA, but if you ever get out to the Inland Empire, like maybe going to Palm Springs, in Redlands, at the southeast corner of Tennessee and Redlands Blvd. you'll find the "Little Fisherman" restaurant. It's small, and sets back from the street so it's easy to miss if you speed by. These are the real deal. He knows how to do fish! He also has a lunch, all you can eat, fish taco special, I believe on Thursdays, noon to 2pm if I remember right. No fancy ambiance here, just great fish! Check him out if you get out that way.

[johnnymac]

Woman, you are making me hungry!