For most Angelinos born and bred on what eastern-based folk would call “the left coast,” daily life isn’t complete without those delicious corn shells stuffed with meat, produce, and some kind of “queso.” Of course, we’re talking about the quintessential taco, made famous by our southern neighbors in Mexico and introduced to Californians in what can only be described as a bordering-on-obsessive phenomenon.

But with so many stands, restaurants, and fast food-esque options available across Southern California – it seems everywhere you go, there is a taco shop on every block – how can a humble Woodland Hills resident get the insight skinny on the absolute best of the best when it comes to this Mexican favorite?

Simple: Leave it to the experts at Woodland Hills Magazine.

Taqueria El Tapatio, located at 22806 Victory Boulevard, is all about the Mexican food, serving its customers for the last 24 years in a satisfying, wholesome fashion – not to mention its highly authentic flair and vibe. With locations in West Hills, Canoga Park, Reseda and Woodland Hills, Taqueria El Tapatio offers a comprehensive lunch and dinner menu, encompassing traditional Mexican-style delicacies that include fan-favorite taco selections like the Taco Combo, Al Pastor Tacos and many more. Open every day from 8 am to 10 pm (Saturdays until 11 pm).

Poquito Mas, located at 21049 Ventura Boulevard, operates by a commitment to quality, the eatery offering over 45 items made from scratch – from corn and flour tortillas to guacamole, vegetable dishes, steaks, chicken, carnitas and even South Pacific Ahi. When it comes to tacos in Woodland Hills, no one does it like Poquito Mas, what with its smattering of options ranging from classic tacos to petitos tacos and Chef-Mex selections – choose from Fresh Ahi Tuna Tacos, Nature’s Grill Tacos, Shrimp Tacos San Felipe and Taco San Lucas for something truly different. Open daily.

XOC Tequila Grill, located at 6316 Topanga Canyon Boulevard #1110, has been called the best Mexican restaurant in Woodland Hills since its founding, serving food for customers of all ages – day and night. Amongst the myriad accolades this eatery receives regularly are well-curated Mexican menu items, amazing service and a convenient location that has made it the most popular choice for locals and visitors alike. Taco selections abound here, from Carnitas and Pollow to Pastor, Baja Shrimp or Fish and Vegetarianos. Open Monday through Thursday from 12 to 9 pm, Friday from 12 to 9:30 pm, Saturday from 11:30 am to 9:30 pm and Sunday from 11:30 am to 9 pm.

Casa De Papi, located at 22330 Sherman Way in Canoga Park, serves super-tasty and authentic Mexican food that includes such favorites as salsa, Al Pastor Tacos, Empanadas and nachos. Best of all, Casa De Papi delivers all this at an affordable price, quickly and with outstanding customer service. If you’re looking for a quiet, cozy spot to chow down on some classic tacos – and much more – this charming little eatery will leave you wanting for nothing. Open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm.

Birria and Pozole To Go, located at 6551 Topanga Canyon Boulevard, has become famous for its Birria Taco, Mulita and Birria Fries – but at the heart of it all is Birria, which is a delicious Mexican meat stew, and Pozole, a Mexican soup infused with luscious pork. So to say you’ll experience something different from your average taco stand at Birria and Pozole To Go is something of an understatement. Open daily from 9 am to 8 pm.

El Torito, located at 6040 Canoga Avenue in Los Angeles, is part of the XPerience Restaurant Group and celebrates family, food and community in a way largely unmatched across California. Often called the authority on great Mexican cuisine for more than 65 years, El Torito honors its Mexican heritage with flavorful slow-cooked meals and handcrafted margaritas, the restaurant known best for its tableside preparations – including made-to-order guacamole and flame-grilled fajitas. Stop by for El Torito’s Taco Tuesday, which takes place every Tuesday starting at 3 pm. Open Monday through Thursday from 11 am to 10 pm, Friday from 11 am to 11 pm, Saturday from 8 am to 11 pm and Sunday  from 9 am to 10 pm.

Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill, boasting myriad locations throughout Cali but situated at 6219 Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Woodland Hills, is the brainchild of Steve Paperno, who had a vision to combine the variety of flavors he experienced traveling through Mexico with innovative recipes and his passion for healthy living. The result was an innovative menu that strives to use fresh, natural and organic ingredients fused with unique cooking styles for enhanced flavor – and the realized promise of excellence and satisfaction. In the area of tacos, Sharky’s offers an overwhelming selection that includes favorites such as the Two-Taco Plate, Hot Honey Fried Chicken Tacos, Nashville Hot Fried Chicken Tacos and Korean BBQ Fried Chicken Tacos. Open from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm.

This roundup from the folks at Woodland Hills Magazine proves the art of the classic taco is far from boring.