Okay let's get to it taco fanaticos. With many lists out there focusing on various famous styles of tacos, this guide will shed a light, more of a spot light to the meaning of a Sonora Style Taco. What constitutes a taco labeled with that precious word Sonora you may ask? Well, a good dam tortilla de harina to start. Usually imported or made with wheat from Sonora. Must be accompanied by a good quality cut of carne asada, grilled over mezquite de carbón. There're limits to this "formula" and the list of vendors below work hard to bring you the ultimate experience they can offer. Much respect to them.
If you didn't know, Sonora produces almost 60% of Mexicos wheat. Sonora also has the longest history growing wheat in entire Americas. And being cattle ranch central, no Sonorense goes without eating red meat.
We are not rating nor listing them in any particular order. Chorizo was also shown. Why? Because if you grew up Sonorense, you're accustomed to fresh handmade tortilla de harina accompanied with chorizo in the mornings. And this somehow served as my benchmark for the tortilla.
Please note: with COVID19, LA County has forced most vendors to wrap all food out from their kitchen if they do not have a permitted seating area thus harming their presentation of their food.
If you didn't know, Sonora produces almost 60% of Mexicos wheat. Sonora also has the longest history growing wheat in entire Americas. And being cattle ranch central, no Sonorense goes without eating red meat.
We are not rating nor listing them in any particular order. Chorizo was also shown. Why? Because if you grew up Sonorense, you're accustomed to fresh handmade tortilla de harina accompanied with chorizo in the mornings. And this somehow served as my benchmark for the tortilla.
Please note: with COVID19, LA County has forced most vendors to wrap all food out from their kitchen if they do not have a permitted seating area thus harming their presentation of their food.
#1 Sonoritas Prime Tacos
2004 Sawtelle Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90025
https://www.instagram.com/sonoritasla
Located in the west side, Sonoritas consecrates their tacos on prime cuts, something a Sonorense feels right at home with. They import their tortillas de harina straight from Hermosillo, Sonora, the experience is touches the core of what a Sonoran taco is. Period.
https://www.instagram.com/sonoritasla
Located in the west side, Sonoritas consecrates their tacos on prime cuts, something a Sonorense feels right at home with. They import their tortillas de harina straight from Hermosillo, Sonora, the experience is touches the core of what a Sonoran taco is. Period.
#2 FAT BOYZ TACOS
12836 Atlantic Ave, Compton, CA 90221
https://www.instagram.com/fatboyztacos
Just turned ONE, and fairly new to the scene, this boy got it right. It's a well balanced taco, good meat with great flavor and a good tortilla de harina. I have to confess, when I had the first bite, I dropped a tear or two taking me back to many visits to Navojoa. When you go, DO NOT leave without ordering their frijoles charros!
12836 Atlantic Ave, Compton, CA 90221
https://www.instagram.com/fatboyztacos
Just turned ONE, and fairly new to the scene, this boy got it right. It's a well balanced taco, good meat with great flavor and a good tortilla de harina. I have to confess, when I had the first bite, I dropped a tear or two taking me back to many visits to Navojoa. When you go, DO NOT leave without ordering their frijoles charros!
#3 ASADERO CHIKALI
401 S Atlantic Blvd, East Los Angeles, CA 90022
A second truck doing various pop-ups.
https://www.instagram.com/asaderochikali
Before you ask, yes, yes, and YES. Mexicali is only a 30 minute drive (when I drive) from San Luis Rio Colorado. The influence is a given and credit is well deserved. Now, these guys make a good handmade tortilla de harina, on location. Their asada is grilled over mesquite, which Sonoran asada is all about. They have a chikali style tacos loaded with goods. This is the place I hit up for a Sonoran breakfast taco–– tacos guisados.
401 S Atlantic Blvd, East Los Angeles, CA 90022
A second truck doing various pop-ups.
https://www.instagram.com/asaderochikali
Before you ask, yes, yes, and YES. Mexicali is only a 30 minute drive (when I drive) from San Luis Rio Colorado. The influence is a given and credit is well deserved. Now, these guys make a good handmade tortilla de harina, on location. Their asada is grilled over mesquite, which Sonoran asada is all about. They have a chikali style tacos loaded with goods. This is the place I hit up for a Sonoran breakfast taco–– tacos guisados.
#4 EL RUSO
1401 Mirasol St, Los Angeles, CA 90023
https://www.instagram.com/elrusola
Don't get confused, these tacos are not Russian tacos. A real Sonoran makes these tortillas by hand on the weekends. They recently place 4th in KCRW Tortillas Tournament for their tortillas made from that other material native to the americas. The must see of the show is the making of their sobaqueras. Made with harina, these tortillas are HUGE are are the show of their burritos.
1401 Mirasol St, Los Angeles, CA 90023
https://www.instagram.com/elrusola
Don't get confused, these tacos are not Russian tacos. A real Sonoran makes these tortillas by hand on the weekends. They recently place 4th in KCRW Tortillas Tournament for their tortillas made from that other material native to the americas. The must see of the show is the making of their sobaqueras. Made with harina, these tortillas are HUGE are are the show of their burritos.
#5 SONORATOWN
208 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
https://www.instagram.com/sonoratownla/
This place needs no introduction. But you will be surprised how many Sonorense are still hiding out there that have no idea who they are, or any one on this list. Sonoratown brings an authentic experience by driving to San Luis for the harina from a small Molinera (mill) based in the hometown of the owner. Their handmade tortilla de harina is a KCRW Tortilla 1st Place winner. Enough said. GO!
208 E 8th St, Los Angeles, CA 90014
https://www.instagram.com/sonoratownla/
This place needs no introduction. But you will be surprised how many Sonorense are still hiding out there that have no idea who they are, or any one on this list. Sonoratown brings an authentic experience by driving to San Luis for the harina from a small Molinera (mill) based in the hometown of the owner. Their handmade tortilla de harina is a KCRW Tortilla 1st Place winner. Enough said. GO!
#6 TACOS ESTILO SONORA
22400 San Jacinto Ave, Perris, CA 92570
https://www.instagram.com/tacos_estilo_sonora
Located all the way in Perris, Ca., this place is worth the drive. Grill time starts at 8pm and ends until you say so. In Mexico this is known as tacos de carreta. Everything about it is 100% Sonorense. They hand you over a the taco with the tortilla and choice of meat, you then go and add your favorite toppings. This IS the way it's done. Just by standing in line you feel welcomed and part of whatever conversation is happening. If you don't know what to order, ask the person line with you, they will be glad to guide you. If you're lucky, you'll find a famous Mexican singer enjoying tacos along with you.
22400 San Jacinto Ave, Perris, CA 92570
https://www.instagram.com/tacos_estilo_sonora
Located all the way in Perris, Ca., this place is worth the drive. Grill time starts at 8pm and ends until you say so. In Mexico this is known as tacos de carreta. Everything about it is 100% Sonorense. They hand you over a the taco with the tortilla and choice of meat, you then go and add your favorite toppings. This IS the way it's done. Just by standing in line you feel welcomed and part of whatever conversation is happening. If you don't know what to order, ask the person line with you, they will be glad to guide you. If you're lucky, you'll find a famous Mexican singer enjoying tacos along with you.