Every Friday night in Altadena’s Grocery Outlet parking lot, a handful of rotating trucks gather for food truck Friday. Taste L.A. Donut’s donut sundaes, The Tropic Truck’s Cali-Carribean loaded jerk chicken fries, or Veggie Bomb’s vegan street food. Nearby on North Lake Ave is a regular spot for a few local trucks, including Birrieria El Patron 818 for next-level birria and Funnel Birds for a Nashville hot chicken fix.

15 trucks line up on Chatsworth Street every Friday night in Granada Hills for a family and dog-friendly grubfest. The trucks rotate but expect regular appearances from Poutine Brothers, The Churro Man, Desolar Fish Tacos, and Belly Bombz wings and burgers.

Five rotating trucks take over parking lot #11 in Marina del Rey on Thursday nights for Beach Eats. Each week’s lineup is different, but expect to see Tokyo Style Food Truck’s unique brand of Japanese fusion with dishes like the bacon-wrapped Hawaiian teriyaki hot dog. Roll’n Lobster is another regular in the Beach Eats rotation. Check the website before you go to see who’ll be there each week.

Downtown L.A.’s Grand Park offers weekday lunch from 2 rotating trucks for park goers and workers. Popular fish taco favorite The Surfer Taco has been popping up here, as has Flaming Grain’s nutritious gourmet bowls. If you’re serving jury duty, show your juror badge for a 10% discount. The trucks show up for the lunch hour weekdays except Mondays, check the website to see who’s on rotation for the week.

This “experimental seafood truck” uses carefully sourced Southern California fish and shellfish to create dishes like the smoked Saikyo miso-marinated black cod sandwich with grilled spring onions and Romesco sauce. Or, pair delicate sashimi salad with kombu-infused grapefruit Yess Aquatic water for a refreshing lunch. London chef Junya Yamasaki plans to open a brick-and-mortar restaurant in L.A.’s Arts District, but while waiting on pandemic delays he’s focusing on cooking for the community.

Mariscos Jalisco is an L.A. institution and has been serving tacos since long before the most recent food truck revolution. Perpetually ranked as some of the city’s best tacos, the crispy tacos de camaron are the go-to order here, though the ceviche is not to be missed. The original Boyle Heights location is cash only, as is the DTLA truck (E 10th Street and Towne Ave), while the newer Westside location (La Cienega and 18th St Fridays through Sundays) takes credit cards.

Southern California is chock-full of Tijuana-style birria tacos, so what makes one stand above the others? The rich consommé, streaked with beef fat and full of herbs and spices. Handmade tortillas and salsas add flavor and punch to already delicious quesatacos (crispy tacos filled with cheese and birria). Located a few blocks away from Mariscos Jalisco.

If you’re looking for Ensenada-style fish tacos, Ricky’s is your stop. With a recipe inspired by his grandmother, the perfectly battered and crispy fried fish tacos are light and refreshing. Ricky’s has been in business for over 10 years, and post-pandemic is considering selling the truck to retire, so make sure to try his tacos before he’s gone.

El Chato is a local, late-night legend known for their tacos, burritos, and mulitas (think crispy tortillas stuffed with cheese and meat). This is the place to try tender cabeza taco or a savory al pastor quesadilla with griddled onions.

Open noon until 7pm daily, the Treat Day Truck is serving up modern comfort food for vegans and carnivores alike. Fresh ingredients make their po’boys, burgers, and wraps stand out. Don’t skip dessert here: homemade turnovers and smoothies round out the menu.

Parked near the Staples Center is late-night, post-Lakers game favorite Hibachi Papi. Known for Teppanyaki cuisine, combo plates are the way to order here: The filet, chicken, shrimp trio is a popular choice. Bonus points for subbing fried rice in for the steamed rice the combos come with.