Best Tacos in Long Beach
Updated June 16, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best tacos in Long Beach
Los Compadres Restaurant stands out as a beloved local chain, celebrated for its festive atmosphere and an expansive menu of South-of-the-Border classics. Patrons rave about their top-shelf sidecar margaritas and the consistently delicious chicken burritos, alongside a fantastic salsa selection. The warm, inviting cantina-like setting, complete with attentive service, makes it an ideal spot for family meals or a lively evening out, offering generous portions of flavorful dishes like the shrimp aguachile and molcajete mixes.
Taqueria La Mexicana is widely hailed as one of Long Beach's premier taco destinations, consistently delivering authentic flavors that transport diners straight to Mexico. This tiny yet inviting spot is renowned for its flavorful asada, featured in popular items like the asada cali burrito and super nachos. While it operates on a cash-only basis, the quality and taste of its traditional Mexican fare make it a must-visit for those seeking a true taste of home-style tacos and burritos.
La Taqueria Brand-7th St. offers a delightful experience with its relaxed neighborhood vibe and cozy outdoor seating, making it a perfect spot for any gathering. Known for its generous portions of meat, especially in their highly recommended al pastor tacos and rich queso birrias, this taqueria also caters wonderfully to vegetarians with delicious veggie birria options. The friendly and efficient staff, like Mayte and Sergio, ensure a pleasant dining experience, complemented by great music and a vibrant atmosphere.
Lola's Mexican Cuisine on 4th Street provides a bright, fiestalike setting, serving up homey, family-recipe Mexican fare that consistently impresses. Their mole burrito is an absolute standout, praised for its immense size and incredible flavor, while brunch favorites like guava French toast and smoky chilaquiles also earn high marks. With fresh ingredients, flavorful dishes, and refreshing drinks like the horchata iced coffee and spicy watermelon margaritas, Lola's offers a vibrant and welcoming dining experience perfect for any occasion.
La Chancla Mexican Grill is a true diamond among Long Beach eateries, celebrated for its absolutely delicious food and exceptional service, often highlighted by the owner's welcoming presence. Their Quesabirria Tacos are frequently lauded as the best in town, complemented by birria that's out of this world and tortillas freshly made by hand. With options catering to various diets, including keto-friendly cheese tortillas, and delightful drinks like the mango fresca, it's a small but spacious spot perfect for enjoying juicy meats and authentic flavors.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best tacos in Long Beach
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Long Beach tacos
What is the highest-rated taco in Long Beach?
Los Compadres Restaurant has the highest Google rating in our list of the best tacos in Long Beach, with 4.5 stars across 3,184 reviews.
How are the best tacos in Long Beach ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best tacos in Long Beach was last refreshed in June 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite taco on the list of best tacos in Long Beach?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Long Beach area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.