It’s that one day of the week when you can justify eating tacos for dinner without any explanation needed. But with LA food prices climbing higher more and more each day, finding legit deals that won’t destroy your wallet feels like searching for parking in West Hollywood on a Friday night.
Good news: I’ve spent the last few weeks eating my way through Los Angeles County (tough job, I know) to find the absolute best Taco Tuesday deals under $5. And I’m not talking about tiny street tacos that leave you hungry. These are real, delicious, fill-you-up tacos from places that have been perfecting their craft for decades.
Here’s what I found: 10 spots across LA County serving Tuesday tacos from $0.90 to $3.00. Yes, you read that right. Ninety cents.
When gas costs $5 a gallon and a basic burrito runs you $15, finding quality food under $5 isn’t just about being budget-conscious. It’s about keeping the Taco Tuesday tradition alive without breaking the bank.
Every restaurant on this list was verified in December 2025. I called, I visited, I ate the tacos. No outdated deals from 2023 that mysteriously disappeared. No bait-and-switch “must buy 10 to get the deal” nonsense. Just honest, inexpensive Taco specials that actually exist.
Here’s your quick reference guide. Screenshot it, bookmark it, send it to your group chat:
1. Tacos Mexico (North Hollywood) – $1.90
12730 Sherman Way, North Hollywood (plus 40+ other SoCal locations)
If you haven’t been to Tacos Mexico, you’re missing out on a LA institution that’s been serving authentic street tacos since 1975. On Tuesdays, their tacos drop to an almost absurd $0.90 each. The regular price is already reasonable at $2.75, but Tuesday is when magic happens.
Their family recipes haven’t changed in 50 years. You get your choice of carne asada, al pastor, chicken, or carnitas on warm corn tortillas with fresh cilantro and onions. The salsa bar is stocked with everything from mild pico to “why did I eat that” hot sauce.
Pro tip: Get there before the lunch rush at 11:30am or after 2pm. The line moves fast, but when you’re feeding families of six for under $20, word spreads quick.
2. The Great White Hut (Multiple Locations) – $0.99
121 W California Ave, Glendale (also Echo Park, Pasadena)
Since 1947, The Great White Hut has been slinging tacos in LA. On Tuesdays, they honor that legacy with $0.99 tacos all day long. Regular price is $3.10, so you’re saving serious money here.
The Glendale location is the OG spot, and it’s got that classic Southern California drive-in vibe. Open until midnight on most nights, it’s perfect for late-night taco runs after catching a show or finishing a shift.
What I love about The Great White Hut: They’re not just a taco place. They were voted #1 for loaded fries in LA (which you should absolutely order on the side). The menu is massive, but on Tuesdays, you’re here for one thing.
Pro tip: The Echo Park location has a killer patio if you want to sit and enjoy your tacos instead of eating in your car like a normal Angeleno.
3. Pablito’s Tacos (Burbank) – $1.00
3803 W Burbank Blvd, Burbank
Here’s the catch with Pablito’s: You need to order online to get the $1 Tuesday deal, and there’s a 10-taco limit per customer. But honestly, that’s not a catch. That’s a feature. Order online, skip the line, pick up your tacos, and get on with your life.
The street-style tacos are generous with meat, come with onions and cilantro, and the tortillas are always fresh. If you’re feeling adventurous, add their $1.99 birria taquitos to your order.
Pro tip: Place your order around 11am for a noon pickup. The system gets backed up during peak hours.
4. Baja California Tacos (Multiple Locations) – $1.49
Locations in K-Town, Los Feliz, Palms, and Culver City
Every Tuesday, Baja California drops their famous carne asada tacos to $1.49 (regular price is $2.99). The kicker? On Wednesdays, their fish tacos get the same treatment.
The Baja-style preparation means perfectly seasoned meat, fresh toppings, and a salsa bar that’ll make you want to come back even on non-Tuesday days. The Los Feliz location gets packed around dinner time, but the line moves faster than you’d think.
Pro tip: Get the horchata. It’s $2 and pairs perfectly with the carne asada.
5. El Chinanteco (Downtown LA) – $1.50
800 Main St (8th & Main), Downtown LA 90014
El Chinanteco runs their $1.50 special on both Tuesdays AND Fridays, which makes them twice as nice in my book. Regular price is $3, so you’re cutting your taco budget in half.
Located right in the heart of downtown at 8th and Main, they’re open from 10am to 9pm. The handmade tortillas are the star here. You can actually watch them making fresh tortillas throughout the day, and there’s something deeply satisfying about seeing your taco built from scratch.
The meat selection is solid: asada, pastor, chicken, carnitas, cabeza. The toppings are fresh, and they don’t skimp on portions.
Pro tip: If you work downtown, this is your new Tuesday lunch spot. Get there before 12:30pm or after 1:30pm to avoid the office crowd.
6. Kalaveras (Multiple SoCal Locations) – $1.99
Kalaveras is a chain, but don’t let that fool you. They take their Taco Tuesday seriously with $1.99 tacos all day. The deal includes access to their taco bar format, which means you’re building your taco exactly how you want it.
The atmosphere is more “let’s have a party” than “quick taco run.” Full bar, festive Day of the Dead decor, and usually some kind of music or special event happening. If you’re looking for a sit-down Taco Tuesday experience that won’t cost you $50, Kalaveras delivers.
Pro tip: Make a reservation if you’re bringing a group. Taco Tuesday gets busy, and you don’t want to wait an hour with hangry friends.
7. Brother Cousins Tacos (West LA) – $2.00
3118 S Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles 90034 (Palms/West LA)
Brother Cousins has developed a cult following on Reddit, and after eating there, I understand why. For $2 per taco ($2.50 with cheese), you get generous portions, unlimited access to their toppings bar, and free potatoes on the side.
The catch? They’re only open Tuesday through Saturday, and Tuesday hours are 6pm to 11pm. Cash only. Expect a line.
Is it worth the wait? Absolutely. The portions are huge, the meat is quality, and the DIY toppings bar means you can load up your taco however you want. Grilled onions, jalapeños, radishes, lime, various salsas. It’s all there.
Pro tip: Bring cash and get there right at 6pm if you want to avoid the crowd. Or embrace the chaos and go at 8pm when the line is part of the experience.
8. Tu Madre (Multiple Locations) – $2.00
Locations in West Hollywood, Los Feliz, Santa Monica, and Westwood
Tu Madre offers $2 street tacos all day on Tuesday. But here’s a secret: Their happy hour (Monday through Friday, 3pm to 6pm) drops tacos to $1.50. So if you can make it during happy hour on a Tuesday, you’re living your best life.
What sets Tu Madre apart is their creative taco menu. Sure, they have traditional options, but they’ve got Korean BBQ tacos, chicken mole, and ahi tuna variations. The West Hollywood location (1111 N Hayworth) has the best patio for people watching.
Pro tip: The mole chicken taco is criminally underrated. Order one traditional and one mole to compare.
9. Taqueria El Poblano (Multiple Locations) – $2.00
4253 E Compton Blvd, Compton (also Bellflower and Pomona)
Tijuana-style tacos with handmade tortillas for $2 on Tuesdays. The aguas frescas are $2 too, which makes for a solid $10 meal with change left over.
El Poblano does everything the traditional Tijuana way. Tortillas are made fresh throughout the day, meat prepared with authentic recipes, and generous portions. The Compton location is the original, and it’s got that authentic taco shop vibe you can’t fake.
Pro tip: Order the Jamaica (hibiscus) agua fresca. It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart to cut through the richness of the tacos.
10. Baja Cali Fish & Tacos (Pasadena/SGV) – $2.00
Baja Cali used to have a deal where you got 5 fish tacos for $7.50, but they’ve changed it to $2 per fish taco. Honestly, I prefer it this way. You’re not locked into buying five if you just want two.
The fish is fresh, never greasy, and the Baja-style preparation is on point. Cabbage slaw, white sauce, pico, all served on corn tortillas. Multiple locations across Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley make it convenient no matter where you’re coming from.
Pro tip: Add the grilled shrimp to one of your tacos. It’s not part of the Tuesday special, but it’s worth the upgrade.
El Torito (Multiple LA County Locations) – $3.00
Locations in Sherman Oaks, Pasadena, and throughout LA County
El Torito claims to be the “Original Taco Tuesday” dating back to 1954, and at $3 per taco starting at 4pm in their Cantina, they’re keeping the tradition alive. You get your choice of steak, chicken, carnitas, or al pastor on handmade tortillas.
The real value here is the DIY taco bar with unlimited toppings. Load up your tacos with lettuce, cheese, pico, guacamole, sour cream, and all the fixings. Pair that with their $4 margaritas and draft beers, and you’ve got yourself a proper Taco Tuesday for under $15.
The atmosphere is sit-down restaurant, not taco stand. If you’re looking for a more relaxed Tuesday evening with friends, El Torito provides that experience without the typical sit-down restaurant prices.
Pro tip: The Sherman Oaks location has the best happy hour scene. Get there right at 4pm to snag a good spot.
Asadas El Infierno (Northridge) – $1.00
18444 Plummer St, Northridge
Open 7pm to midnight daily with $1 tacos. Not technically a “Tuesday special” since it’s every day, but when you’re in the Valley and craving late-night tacos for a dollar, you’re going here.
Fiesta Cantina (West Hollywood) – $9.99 All You Can Eat
8865 Santa Monica Blvd, WeHo
Different value proposition. For $9.99 with a one-beverage minimum, you get unlimited tacos. If you’re the type who can put away six or seven tacos, the math works in your favor.
Follow on Instagram: Most of these restaurants post about their specials weekly. Follow them to catch any bonus deals or limited-time offers.
Make It a Route: Several of these spots are near each other. Baja California in Los Feliz and Tu Madre in West Hollywood are a short drive apart. Try two places in one night if you’re feeling ambitious (and hungry).
How I Verified These Deals
Every single price and detail in this guide was verified in December 2025. I called restaurants, checked their websites, visited locations, and ate way too many tacos in the name of research.
Prices can change, restaurants can close, deals can end. But as of right now, everything listed here is active and available. I’ll update this guide quarterly to keep it current.
If you visit one of these spots and find the deal has changed, drop a comment below. We’re building this together.
Taco Tuesday doesn’t have to be expensive to be good. From $1.90 at Tacos Mexico to $3 at El Torito, Los Angeles County is absolutely loaded with legit deals that honor the spirit of Taco Tuesday while respecting your budget.
The best part? These aren’t just cheap tacos. They’re good cheap tacos from places that have been serving LA for decades. Places with loyal customers, perfected recipes, and pride in what they serve.
So grab some friends, pick a spot from this list, and keep the Taco Tuesday tradition alive. Your wallet will thank you, and your stomach will be very happy.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some leftover tacos calling my name. Have a favorite budget Taco Tuesday spot I missed? Share it in the comments below. And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to get weekly Taco Tuesday deals delivered straight to your inbox.
