Inglewood’s Mexican Food Scene
Inglewood: the vibrant heart of Los Angeles County, a city pulsating with energy, culture, and a food scene that’s as diverse as its population. While Inglewood is now known as the home of SoFi Stadium and iconic music venues, a lesser-known, yet equally captivating fact is that Inglewood is also home to some truly spectacular Mexican food. Forget everything you think you know about tacos – in Inglewood, you’ll discover a culinary landscape overflowing with authentic flavors, family-run gems, and innovative chefs pushing the boundaries of traditional Mexican cuisine. If you’re craving a taste of Mexico, but can’t quite swing a plane ticket, this is the only guide you will need.
But with so many taquerias, restaurants, and food trucks vying for your attention, how do you separate the sublime from the just-okay? That’s where this guide comes in. I’ve personally explored the streets of Inglewood, sampled countless dishes, and spoken to locals to curate a list of the absolute best Mexican restaurants the city has to offer. My criteria are simple: authenticity, taste that transports you, an atmosphere that makes you feel welcome, and value that doesn’t break the bank.
Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur of Mexican cuisine or simply looking for a delicious meal, Inglewood’s got you covered. From savory enchiladas to hand-made tortillas, and authentic mole to succulent carnitas, this guide is your passport to an unforgettable culinary journey. Let’s dive in and explore the flavors of the city.
El Rincon Oaxaqueño: A Taste of Oaxaca in the Heart of Inglewood
If you’re seeking an authentic Oaxacan experience without leaving Southern California, look no further than El Rincon Oaxaqueño. This family-owned restaurant, a hidden gem tucked away on a quiet street, is more than just a place to eat; it’s a portal to the vibrant culinary traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. The warm, inviting atmosphere immediately makes you feel at home, with colorful decor and the aroma of spices filling the air.
The star of the show here is undoubtedly the mole. Forget the generic, often bland versions you find elsewhere. El Rincon Oaxaqueño’s mole negro is a masterpiece, a complex symphony of flavors crafted from dozens of ingredients, including chilies, chocolate, spices, and nuts. The result is a rich, dark, and intensely flavorful sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. Served over tender chicken or enchiladas, it’s a dish that will linger in your memory long after you’ve finished your meal.
But the mole is just the beginning. The tlayudas, giant crispy tortillas topped with beans, cheese, meat, and vegetables, are another must-try. They’re perfect for sharing (or not, if you’re feeling particularly hungry). The memelas, thick corn tortillas topped with a variety of fillings, are also a local favorite. Be sure to ask about the specials; the restaurant often features seasonal dishes that showcase the best of Oaxacan cuisine.
Don’t forget the drinks! The horchata is creamy and refreshing, a perfect complement to the spicy dishes. And for those who want something a little stronger, they offer a selection of Mexican beers and, of course, mezcal.
The prices are reasonable, especially considering the quality and authenticity of the food. El Rincon Oaxaqueño is located on Market Street. Make sure to check their hours before you visit, as they are closed some days. You can also find them on social media to see what daily specials are on offer. It is not uncommon to find a small wait, especially during peak hours.
Carnitas El Artista: The King of Carnitas in Inglewood
For those who crave the savory goodness of perfectly cooked pork, Carnitas El Artista is an absolute must-visit. This unassuming spot is a carnitas institution in Inglewood, known for its consistently delicious and incredibly flavorful carnitas tacos. Don’t let the simple exterior fool you; inside lies a culinary experience that will have you coming back for more.
The carnitas here are cooked to perfection – crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside. The secret? Time-honored recipes passed down through generations. Each batch of carnitas is slow-cooked in a traditional copper pot, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
The tacos are the main attraction, served on warm, soft tortillas with a generous helping of carnitas, topped with chopped onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The simplicity of the ingredients allows the flavor of the carnitas to truly shine. You can choose from different cuts of pork, from the leaner maciza to the richer and more flavorful cueritos (skin).
But Carnitas El Artista is more than just tacos. They also offer carnitas by the pound, perfect for feeding a crowd or making your own at-home taco feast. And be sure to try their chicharrones, crispy fried pork rinds that are dangerously addictive.
The atmosphere is casual and lively, with a steady stream of customers lining up to get their carnitas fix. The prices are incredibly reasonable, making it an affordable and delicious option for lunch or dinner.
Carnitas El Artista can be found on Florence Avenue. Be prepared for a wait during peak hours, but trust me, it’s well worth it.
Mariscos Jalisco: Seafood Heaven in a Food Truck
While not a traditional restaurant, Mariscos Jalisco deserves a place on this list for its exceptional seafood tacos. This isn’t just any food truck; it’s a culinary institution that has earned a loyal following for its innovative and incredibly flavorful dishes. Their shrimp tacos are legendary and have been featured in countless publications as one of the best tacos in LA.
The signature dish is the Tacos Dorados de Camarón, crispy shrimp tacos that are unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. The shrimp are perfectly cooked, then rolled into a corn tortilla and deep-fried until golden brown. They’re then topped with a generous helping of salsa roja, avocado, and cabbage slaw. The combination of textures and flavors is simply divine – the crispy tortilla, the tender shrimp, the creamy avocado, and the spicy salsa all come together in perfect harmony.
Mariscos Jalisco also offers a variety of other seafood dishes, including ceviche, aguachile, and cocteles. The ceviche is made with fresh fish marinated in lime juice, cilantro, and onions, while the aguachile is a spicier version of ceviche made with serrano peppers. The cocteles are seafood cocktails served in a chilled glass with a variety of toppings.
The prices are very reasonable, especially considering the quality of the ingredients. This food truck is located on Olympic Boulevard. This spot is popular, so be ready to find street parking and wait in line.
Exploring Beyond: Hidden Gems and Honorable Mentions
Inglewood’s Mexican food scene extends beyond the main restaurants. Keep an eye out for the many *loncheras* (food trucks) that park around industrial areas, serving up quick and tasty lunches to workers. Also, take a stroll through the area near La Brea Avenue where you’ll find a mix of street vendors selling everything from elotes (Mexican street corn) to raspados (shaved ice). Each vendor has their own unique recipe so there’s always something exciting to try.
Honorable Mentions
[Restaurant Name]: While it didn’t quite make the top three, this place offers a wide variety of dishes. They are known for their delicious birria tacos.
[Restaurant Name]: If you’re looking for great, quick tacos this is your place. A neighborhood favorite.
Inglewood’s Mexican Heart
The story of Mexican food in Inglewood is woven into the very fabric of the community. The vibrant flavors you taste are a testament to generations of families who have shared their culinary traditions and poured their hearts into their cooking. This is more than just a food scene; it’s a cultural exchange, a celebration of heritage, and a testament to the power of food to bring people together.
Your Inglewood Culinary Adventure Awaits
So, there you have it: your ultimate guide to the best Mexican food in Inglewood. From authentic Oaxacan mole to perfectly cooked carnitas and innovative seafood tacos, Inglewood offers a culinary experience that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
Don’t just take my word for it. Venture out, explore these restaurants, and discover your own hidden gems. Inglewood’s Mexican food scene is waiting to be explored. *Buen provecho!*
