One of Baja California’s most celebrated taco institutions, the Michelin-recognized Tacos El Franc, is bringing a taste of Tijuana to the Los Angeles waterfront before officially opening its newest SoCal outpost at San Pedro’s West Harbor development.
They will host a series of pop-ups at the emerging development across multiple days this July. And with it, offer regional residents a preview of what Tijuana and San Diego locals have long known as some of the best tacos in the world and what the restaurant’s forthcoming brick-and-mortar location will bring to patrons.
How can I taste Tacos El Franc?
The appearances are tied to West Harbor’s role as an official Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Fan Zone. That will welcome soccer supporters to the Port of Los Angeles waterfront during the tournament’s final rounds.
According to West Harbor, Tacos El Franc will be serving guests on July 13, 14, 18, and 19. This is while thousands of fans gather to watch matches. Participate in soccer-themed activities. And experience the future waterfront destination before construction is complete.
Wait—what is Tacos El Franc?
For many taco lovers—especially those who watched Netflix’s “Taco Chronicles”—the arrival of Tacos El Franc in Los Angeles has been years in the making. And with rightful hype. Founded by Javier Valadez in 1996, whose family began serving tacos from a street cart in Tijuana in 1974, the brand has evolved into one of northern Mexico’s most revered taquerías.
The restaurant earned international attention through its inclusion in the Michelin Guide, helping cement its status as a destination for visitors crossing the border in search of Baja-style tacos that aren’t fried fish. Its specialties include adobada carved from towering trompos alongside classics such as suadero and lengua, all served on fresh tortillas and accompanied by the taquería’s beloved array of salsas. (Their salsa habanera being a personal fave of mine.)
Everything we know about the upcoming San Pedro location for Tacos El Franc.
The San Pedro location represents another major milestone in the company’s rapid U.S. expansion.
Tacos El Franc opened its first American restaurant in National City in June 2025, followed by a San Diego location, bringing its famed Tijuana flavors north of the border for the first time.
The forthcoming West Harbor restaurant will mark the brand’s Los Angeles debut and will join the development’s growing collection of food and beverage concepts, which also includes San Pedro Fish Market, Yamashiro, Mike Hess Brewing, and several other regional favorites.
For San Pedro, the pop-up offers more than just tacos. It serves as an early glimpse into what West Harbor hopes will become one of Southern California’s premier waterfront destinations. As fans descend on the harbor to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event, they’ll also get a first taste of one of Mexico’s most iconic taquerías—and a preview of a restaurant that is poised to become one of the most anticipated taco openings in Los Angeles County.
