If you’re new to the area, you’ll quickly learn that Lola’s (203 E. 4th St./4140 Atlantic Ave.) is not only one of Long Beach’s most beloved Mexican restaurants but simply one of the most beloved restaurants in the city, period. The reasons are simple: quality of the food, the charm of the place and a menu culled from family recipes. Among those recipes are a slew of taco creations ranging from vegan to fish to the usual protein suspects. Eaten at Lola’s, perhaps with a margarita or michelada, the entire experience is heightened and made even more delicious.

A local institution, Baja Sonora (2940 Clark Ave.) is famous for its tacos dorados, i.e. “golden tacos.” These fried, hard-shelled concoctions, stuffed with meat, iceberg lettuce, chopped tomatoes and grated cheese, serve as the entry point to Mexican cuisine for many Americans. Like a lot of successful businesses – Baja Sonora has been around more than 20 years – this place knows what it’s about and does it very well.

Never mind its size, which is small, and its location, which is off the beaten path, Cheko El Rey (343 E. Market St.) is simply one of the best restaurants in the city and can lay claim to serving the best fish taco in Long Beach. Ladies and gentlemen, behold the Smoked Marlin Taco! The creation of Chef Sergio Penuelas, the marlin is smoked over hot coals and then placed in a hand-crafted tortilla with a bit of cheese and a single slice of avocado. Not surprisingly, this minimal yet fantastic masterpiece garners online comments from first time Marliners ranging from “amazing” to “to die for.”