MARISCOS JALISCO
SENSATIONAL SEAFOOD SELECTIONS

Los Angeles seafood foodies should be well aware of Mariscos Jalisco, a Boyle Heights institution serving its famous shrimp tacos and other seafood delicacies from its celebrated truck for well over 20 years.

Raul Ortega and his beloved menu offerings have catered the Grammys, fed numerous celebrities and has been heralded as ‘Best Food Truck’ among other accolades. Ortega was even crowed a “national treasure” by the late great food critic Jonathan Gold.

With two locations (the Boyle Heights truck and a storefront in Pomona), people lineup for Ortega’s food. While the Boyle Heights location serves from a food truck, there is indoor seating offered for patrons (there are even bathrooms). FYI, the truck sells sangria and looks the other way if you chose to BYOB.

At Mariscos Jalisco, it’s all about the flavorful Tacos de Camaron (shrimp tacos). It’s what they’re famous for and for very good reason. They are delicious. Fried tacos stuffed with shrimp and topped with avocado and salsa roja—they are heavenly.

Other offerings include oysters, ceviche (shrimp, and fish) and octopus. Be forewarned that the Aguachile and the Poseidon offerings are hot (as in super spicy). They are not for the faint of heart.

Popular menu items include the Poseidon (a tostada topped with shrimp ceviche, avocado and octopus with spicy red aguachile for $10); Aguachile (tostada with red aguachile for $5.25); Peinados (oysters with seafood toppings - 1/2 dozen for $13); Coctel (shrimp cocktail for $9.25); Mixta (tostada with fish ceviche topped with avocado, whole shrimp, octopus and veggies for $9.50); Ceviche de Camaron (shrimp ceviche for $5.25); Campechana (shrimp cocktail for $9.75 small); and Ceviche de Pescado (fish ceviche for $4.75).

The must-have Tacos de Camaron are $2.50 for two tacos.

Please be aware the Boyle Heights location is CASH ONLY.

Mariscos Jalisco, especially the shrimp tacos, are wholly an L.A. invention. They are unique to the city and have been integrated as part of the local food scene and culture. In this case, definitely believe the hype and immerse yourself in some of the vibrant flavors that make up the L.A. food landscape.

Mariscos Jalisco is located at 3040 E. Olympic Boulevard in Boyle Heights. Open daily from 9am to 6pm. Call (323) 528-6701. The Pomona location at 753 E. Holt Avenue is open daily from 10am to 5:30 pm.

Story By: Jose Martinez