Mariscos Jalisco

Tucked away on East Olympic Boulevard in the heart of Boyle Heights, Mariscos Jalisco is the kind of unassuming food truck that has earned its place in LA’s culinary hall of fame. Long before food trucks became a trendy phenomenon with their own festivals and Instagram followings, this humble seafood spot was already turning out some of the freshest, most flavorful mariscos in the city. The formula is beautifully straightforward: fast service, wallet-friendly prices, and seafood so fresh it practically swam there itself.

The star of the show is undoubtedly the taco de camaron, a masterpiece that has achieved near-mythical status among LA taco enthusiasts. Picture this: a gloriously crispy deep-fried shell cradling generous whole shrimp, draped in a punchy housemade red salsa and silky avocado. It’s the kind of taco worth driving across town for. But limiting yourself to just the shrimp taco would be a mistake. The poseidon tostada is an absolute showstopper—a sky-high stack of ceviche, octopus, and aguachile that showcases just how seriously this truck takes its seafood. The aguachile on its own is equally impressive, with shrimp bathed in a fiery red sauce and topped with avocados that taste like they came from some magical garden.

The dining setup is casual to say the least—most folks just perch along a nearby ledge to enjoy their food, though there are tables inside the adjacent building if you’re with a group. Keep your eyes peeled as you approach since there are a few mariscos trucks in the area; look for the one with the big standalone menu out front.

Whether you’re a lifelong Angeleno or visiting from out of town, Mariscos Jalisco delivers an authentic, no-frills experience that captures everything great about LA’s street food scene. Come for the legendary shrimp tacos, explore the rest of the menu, and leave wondering why all seafood can’t taste this good.