Visitor
May 22, 2026
Al pastor is arguably the most beloved taco in Los Angeles. It's the one that taco tourists seek out, the one that locals argue about endlessly, and the one that separates great taco shops from average ones. The history behind it is as fascinating as the flavor — and finding a version that does it justice in the San Fernando Valley is easier than you might think.
The Origins of Al Pastor
Al pastor literally translates to "shepherd style," and its roots trace back to Lebanese immigrants who arrived in Mexico in the early 20th century. They brought shawarma — spiced meat cooked on a vertical spit — and Mexican cooks adapted the technique using local ingredients. Out went the lamb and in came marinated pork. Out went the pita and in came the corn tortilla. And the addition of pineapple — placed on top of the spit to baste the meat as it cooked — created something entirely new.
The result is one of the great fusion foods in culinary history: a taco that's simultaneously Middle Eastern in technique and deeply Mexican in flavor. The sweet-savory combination of caramelized pineapple and spiced pork, tucked into a warm tortilla, is one of those flavor profiles that people become genuinely obsessed with.
Roadside Taco's Al Pastor
At Roadside Taco in Studio City, the al pastor stays true to what makes the preparation special. Marinated pork is grilled with onions and sliced pineapple that caramelizes and picks up char, then served on a handmade corn tortilla with fresh avocado.
The handmade tortilla makes a bigger difference here than with almost any other taco. The earthy corn flavor of a freshly pressed tortilla complements the sweet-spicy-savory notes of al pastor in a way that a packaged tortilla simply can't. It's the foundation that ties the whole taco together.
Check out the al pastor in the food photos gallery.
Three Ways to Eat It
Al pastor at Roadside Taco comes in three formats:
As tacos — three on handmade corn tortillas with rice and beans for $15. This is the purist's choice and the best way to appreciate the al pastor flavor.
As a burrito — wrapped in a flour tortilla with rice, pinto beans, grilled onions, lettuce, sour cream, and avocado salsa for $15. A fuller, more filling option that's great for takeout.
As a bowl — all the same ingredients without the tortilla wrap for $15. The lighter option that lets you taste every component.
All three versions are on the menu.
Why LA Loves Al Pastor
Los Angeles has one of the largest Mexican and Mexican-American populations in the United States, and the taco culture here reflects generations of tradition, innovation, and pride. Al pastor is at the center of that culture because it represents the best of what Mexican cuisine does: it takes an outside influence, transforms it into something entirely new, and makes it so delicious that it becomes essential.
In a city full of all pastor options — from street carts in East LA to sit-down restaurants in Hollywood — finding a version made with care, on a handmade tortilla, with fresh avocado, at a fair price, on a beautiful patio with a craft margarita in hand, is something special.
The Taco Tuesday Factor
On Tuesdays, al pastor tacos drop to $2 each all day, with happy hour margarita pricing extended till close. If there's ever a time to discover (or rediscover) a pastor, Tuesday at Roadside Taco is it.
10628 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604. Call 818-452-9007.