Los Angeles is packed with great taco spots, but one small chain has managed to stand out across the state. It didn’t start big—in fact, it launched from a food truck—but according to food experts, no one does birria tacos quite like this place.
The spot is Teddy’s Red Tacos. What started as a mobile operation in LA grew into a full-blown mini chain with a cult following and plenty of press. Here, we’ll look at why Teddy’s is getting so much attention, what sets their tacos apart, and where you can find them.
Why food lovers keep coming back to Teddy’s Red Tacos
Teddy’s Red Tacos has become a household name in LA’s taco scene, especially among birria fans. Their signature dish—beef birria tacos dipped in red consomé—is now a local legend. These tacos are bold, rich, and messy in the best way. You can taste the hours of slow cooking in every bite, and the consomé takes it to another level.
What makes Teddy’s different is how it respects birria’s roots while giving it its own style. The tortillas are hand-pressed and grilled just enough to hold up under the juicy filling. The meat is deeply marinated and cooked until it falls apart. Each taco gets a layer of melted cheese, chopped onions, cilantro, and a side of warm, red consomé made from the same broth the meat was cooked in.
Teddy’s started out serving these tacos from a single red food truck in Venice. The buzz was immediate: lines grew, local foodies spread the word, and eventually, Teddy’s expanded to several brick-and-mortar locations around LA while still keeping a few trucks on the road. The attention hasn’t slowed. From LoveFood to major food blogs, critics consistently call Teddy’s the best place in California to get birria.
Where to find Teddy’s Red Tacos and what to order
Today, Teddy’s Red Tacos has multiple locations in the greater Los Angeles area. You’ll find storefronts in places like Venice and Downey, plus food trucks still operating around the city. Every spot serves the same core menu, which keeps things simple but satisfying.
- Birria tacos: The signature item. Soft, griddled tortillas packed with stewed beef, cheese, and served with consomé.
- Quesatacos: A cheesier version of the original, with extra melted cheese crisped on the outside of the tortilla.
- Mulitas and tostadas: Stacked or open-faced options for those who want more crunch.
- Birria ramen: A noodle bowl made with Teddy’s consomé as the base, topped with beef and fresh herbs.
- Taco combos: Kits perfect for takeout, complete with all the fixings and plenty of consomé.
If it’s your first visit, go for the classic beef birria tacos with cheese and a side of consomé. It’s the item that built their following and still defines the menu.
Teddy’s delivers a full flavor experience built on slow cooking, bold seasoning, and simple ingredients done right. Whether you visit a truck or one of the storefronts, you’ll get the same quality that helped it earn its reputation.
