Sky’s Gourmet Tacos Is Pure Los Angeles on a Plate
NOTE: Sky’s Gourmet Tacos closed permanently on August 15, 2026.
In March 2026, Sky’s Gourmet Tacos celebrated 34 years of operating from an intimate Mid-City space. Barbara “Sky” Burrell has become known for her all-day breakfast tacos, wraps, and crawfish burrito; she’s one of the Los Angeles chefs who celebrates the blend between Black and Brown cultures as a soul food-Mexican food hybrid: Black tacos. Los Angeles spots like Sky’s, Worldwide Tacos, and Taco Mell prepare a lightly fried tortilla shell featuring meats with non-traditional seasonings (Lawry’s or an all-purpose seasoning was the standard in my childhood home), and topped with shredded cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. The result is fiercely flavorful, satisfying, and pure Los Angeles.
What to order
- Starting at 8 a.m., find breakfast dishes served all day, including Burrell’s beef, turkey, or carnitas breakfast tacos. Sky’s breakfast sandwiches, on Mexican telera bread, feel like the ones mom used to make but with far better technique. For lunch, Sky’s lunch platter includes beef, chicken, or turkey tacos with a side of rice and beans. Both the pinto and black varieties are exquisitely creamy.
- We need to talk about the shrimp tacos, which use Gulf of Mexico shrimp and a proprietary seasoning for an otherworldly bite. The tender marinated lobster taco with shredded lettuce and Burrell’s sassy sauce (she’ll never reveal its tangy-sweet recipe) remains another favorite dish.
- It’s better to try the generously portioned filet mignon nachos with a group. The kitchen grills the steak with butter, garlic, and citrus over melted cheese, beans, and tomato.
- If Sky’s hasn’t sold out of her pineapple cheesecake, pocked with real pineapple chunks and brightened by pineapple juice, order it immediately.
The vibe
Sky’s resembles a spot in Puerto Vallarta, full of umbrellas and high-top tables in an adobe building. It’s a good place to settle in with horchata, sorrel lemonade, or coffee.
Insider tip
During later hours, parking can be scarce. If Burrell is present, introduce yourself. Her smile lights up any room.
