
Tacos Y Birria La Unica
RESTAURANT SUMMARY

Where generations of Michoacan tradition meet Los Angeles street food culture, Tacos Y Birria La Unica + Los Angeles elevates the humble taco truck into a pilgrimage destination for discerning gourmands seeking Mexico's most authentic birria experience.
The Mendoza family's culinary journey began with a treasured recipe passed down through generations, transforming their grandmother's kitchen wisdom into one of Los Angeles' most celebrated mobile dining experiences. Five years ago, brothers Yasmany and Jaime Mendoza, alongside their mother as head chef, launched this family-driven operation that has since garnered celebrity endorsements from Chrissy Teigen and earned recognition as the definitive birria destination in East LA. Their commitment to authenticity extends beyond recipes—every tortilla is hand-pressed daily using masa from La Jolla, while their signature birria follows traditional Michoacan techniques that have remained unchanged for decades.
The cuisine centers on two exceptional birria preparations: birria de chivo (goat) and birria de res (beef), each slow-cooked until achieving that coveted fall-off-the-bone tenderness. The signature Birria Tacos showcase succulent, wine-dark meat encased in flash-fried tortillas that achieve a remarkable textural contrast—crispy exterior yielding to pillowy softness within. The Quesabirria elevates this concept further, incorporating molten cheese that creates luxurious bridges between tender meat and charred tortilla. Each serving arrives with aromatic consommé, the deeply flavored cooking liquid that transforms each bite into an interactive dining ritual. Beyond birria, the menu features expertly prepared carne asada, pollo, and traditional cuts like cabeza and lengua—offerings rarely found with such quality at Los Angeles fine dining establishments, let alone food trucks.
The experience unfolds at two primary locations: Boyle Heights (2840 E Olympic Blvd) and Mid-City (5871 Venice Blvd), where the bustling street-food atmosphere creates an authentic Mexican mercado ambiance. Service maintains the warmth of family hospitality while delivering remarkable consistency—a testament to the Mendoza family's hands-on approach. The informal setting allows the extraordinary cuisine to command attention, with long lines of devoted patrons serving as testament to the quality within. House-made salsas ranging from mild to fiery provide customizable heat levels, while the affordable pricing structure makes this gourmet-level birria accessible to all.
For those seeking the best fine dining in Los Angeles through an authentic lens, Tacos Y Birria La Unica reservations aren't necessary—simply arrive prepared to wait for what many consider the city's finest birria. This family-driven operation represents the future of Los Angeles gastronomy, where tradition and excellence converge.
CHEF
Jaime Mendoza
ACCOLADES

(2025) EP Club Recommended Restaurant













