South L.A. comedian Ezone launched his "High and Hungry" web series five years ago with an idea to combine two things that naturally go together: food and weed. In the show, Ezone visits a restaurant, food truck, or pop-up and reviews the food—after getting stoned first.
This June, Ezone (Edgar Ayala) and his creative partner Ray Salazar launched Season 1 of High and Hungry after the two planned and filmed twelve episodes in advance, which are now being released weekly on YouTube. The long-time web series is now a full-fledged TV show.
Of course, weed and tacos are the roots of L.A. TACO. Who better to give us some suggestions for the best tacos in L.A. than the host of High and Hungry?
We've linked each spot to Ezone's video review of it. Roll one up for taco time.
Bee Taquería
5754 W Adams Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Closest Metro lines and stop: Bus Line 37 - “Adams/Thurman” or Bus Lines 38, 105 or 217 - "Fairfax/Adams."
Watch: High & Hungry (Bee Taquería)
This place has an outside-the-box thinking chef that runs the kitchen. From wagyu-beef tacos to beet tinga, it has some of the best tacos I've tried. If you’re really hungry, ask for their “taco omakase” in advance and just sit back and watch all the wildly creative food magically show up in front of you.
Tacos Way
7980 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046. Closest Metro lines and stop: Bus Lines 2 or 218 - “Sunset/Crescent Heights” or Bus Line 217 - "Fairfax/Sunset."
(Episode coming soon)
I love Tacos Way because the dude has a great story behind it. He used to work as a kitchen dishwasher and took everything that a traditional Mexican restaurant has but, to this day, keeps adding to it. The ingredients, the micheladas, and of course, the sazón. High and Hungry Episode coming soon!
A's BBQ
Follow A’s BBQ to see where they are popping up next.
Watch: High & Hungry (A's BBQ)
Not necessarily a taco spot, but they do have tacos, and they were the first place where I encountered brisket tacos in L.A. I think he threw tri-tip in there, and that sealed it for me. Not only do they have tacos, but they have taquitos with brisket in it. They deep-fry those right then and there. You got tacos and taquitos. What else are you going to want? Oh yeah, maybe their extremely juicy pioneering birria smash burger.
Orale Mojo Tacos
Follow Orale Mojo Tacos to see where they are popping up next.
One of my favorite up-and-coming taco pop-ups. When I first interviewed this dude, his mom was still making the salsas. He was still pushing the concept and trying to get a bunch of gigs. I've seen him grow. Every year he comes back on the anniversary on our episode and feeds the whole crew. He's like, "I'm never gonna forget that this was the first spot anyone ever interviewed me." It took off from there.
Birriería Gonzalez
Follow Birriería Gonzalez to see all their locations across Los Angeles
Watch: High & Hungry (Birrieria Gonzalez (DTLA)
Their specialty is birria, and they are an L.A. powerhouse with a dozen locations across the county. You can have it in many ways—tacos (regular or dorado), burritos, mulitas, and they are as reliable as can be. They have birria down to a science.
Taco Nazo
Several locations across L.A. County. Check out their website to see which one is closest to you.
Watch: High & Hungry (Taco Nazo)
Arguably, the first fish and shrimp tacos that started it all in Los Angeles, Taco Nazo, still stands out all these decades later for their always crispy batter and potato tacos that are in the style of Ensenada, Baja California—since 1978. Also on their menu are their micheladas, shrimp ceviche, and extremely addicting fried chiles güeros dusted with chile powder. They are to their fish tacos what french fries are to a legendary burger.
Ixtaco Taquería
10021 Valley Blvd, El Monte, CA 91731. Closest Metro lines and stop: Bus Lines 76 or 267 - “Valley/Baldwin.”
Watch: High & Hungry (Ixtaco Taquería)
A spot that lets you smoke weed while you wait for your food, where you can wash it down with a CBD-infused agua fresca! This taquería goes all out with their selected meats, such as the loaded nachos and fries that are topped with a giant egg, guacamole, and more that requires a big fork to get through. The only taqueria I've seen that carries CBD-infused mango agua fresca that are refreshing to have with your meal.
Top Shelf Tacos
23551 Avalon Blvd, Carson, CA 90745. Closest Metro line and stop: Bus Line 246 - “Avalon/Idabel.”
Watch: High & Hungry (Top Shelf Tacos)
One of the most popping taco spots featured in the series. Top Shelf Tacos is a taquería-inspired restaurant that is a community gem in the south bay. They offer items like jalapeño-topped fries and well-sauced "wet burritos." Aka, food meant to be best enjoyed while you are riding that verde tobacco.
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