LA Tacos: A Tale of Two Prices, From $2 to $12
On National Taco Day, a look at how Los Angeles eateries offer vastly different taco experiences, from budget-friendly street fare to gourmet creations.
On National Taco Day, the diverse culinary landscape of Los Angeles offered a stark contrast in taco pricing, with options ranging from a wallet-friendly $2.25 to an opulent $12.
At Tacos LA 26, tacos are priced at $2.25 each, featuring eight different meat selections. Marketing specialist Jennifer Huynh explained that maintaining low prices is integral to the restaurant's community-focused mission. "Our goal is for the community to be able to afford something sustainable, something they can come to like three times a week, four times a week," Huynh said. "Something that doesn’t hurt their pocket." The establishment emphasizes fresh, daily deliveries of carne asada, prepared to order, with Huynh describing the ideal taco meat as "juicy, tender" and offering good value.
In contrast, Villa's Tacos, with three locations across the city, offers a more elevated taco experience. Their $12 creation features premium ingredients like Japanese A5 Wagyu beef and Chilean sea bass, served on a fresh blue corn tortilla and topped with carrot purée, microgreens, and bone marrow butter. The restaurant aims to "elevate the taco experience" by using these high-quality components.
Villa's kitchen manager Daniel Peñate noted that the premium price reflects the intention behind the dish, stating, "Everything is made with a reason." He believes that fine dining experiences are not limited to traditional restaurant settings and can be found "anywhere," even on the street.
Despite the significant price disparity, both establishments agree on the fundamental elements of a great taco. For Peñate, the key components include a fresh corn tortilla, mesquite-grilled meat, and a well-balanced salsa that harmonizes all flavors. Huynh also emphasizes the importance of tender, juicy meat as a core ingredient for a satisfying taco.