*Updating review to add menu* Sharing their updated menu with the community. OGs know that the best tacos in town are Karina's Tacos. Can never go wrong with their tacos and sopes! Service is always friendly and they are fast. You can phone in your order ahead of time. There's outside and inside sitting. They take card now but of course, cash is king! read more

Karina's Tacos - Menu - Mexican Near Me - South El Monte, California

Had a sudden urge for carne asada fries on my way to work and came across this place, decided to give it a try even though my go to place was pretty close by. Flavor was good but I typically get mine without beans but without the beans, this one seemed to be lacking something. So I can't really judge on the dish fully based on my preferences but it just seemed like it was missing something. haha. Their salsa was delicious tho! Horchata was also very delicious. Service is great and everyone was friendly. read more

Let's take a trip to El Monte where we have landed at Karina's Tacos a staple here in the city!!! The food is hot cooked to order just like albuelta would make. I grabbed a burrito of asada and a torta cubana which came out to just under $26 which is a steal. The service was fast and reliable the small store front you need to look for as it's a hidden gem its self. Here's a photo of the menu as of August 2025 good prices read more

Karina's Tacos - Menu August 2025 - Mexican Near Me - South El Monte, California

Haven't eaten here in years because they always mess up the order, or they dont add all the tacos you order. Today after I got off work I was driving by and wanted tacos. Figured I give them a chance again after so many years. Boy was that a mistake, was missing tacos that I had gotten for my family. And now one person will not get their tacos. Gave them a chance and they messed up just like always. No more karinas tacos. Ill stick to driving 20 minutes to my actual favorite taco truck to actually get good tacos, and the correct amount that I paid for. read more

The best tripa dorado tacos! Great service and good atmosphere, great food. Lowkey spot. read more

Karina's Tacos - Tripas doradas - Mexican Near Me - South El Monte, California

Taco truck at 1 am hits different! The service guy is always polite and gets the order right, he usually repeats it back to double check. The meats are ALWAYS good and the salsas complement the food just right. The restaurant inside is clean, and the menu has more variety, were as the taco truck has tacos, tortas and burritos. read more

Karina's Tacos - My personal opinion. - Mexican Near Me - South El Monte, California

Food and services Customers service was nice I would go again. Open early at 8am. I was looking for aplace to be open early to get a torta read more

Karina's Tacos - Mexican Near Me - South El Monte, California

Food is great I can't deny that but .... Literally the second time I order from this place, they get the order wrong and top it off they never repeat what you order. I ordered buche fries asada fries and asada nachos and an order of flautas they gave me a bag of fries. How do flautas and fries sound the same ? read more

Still the best. Still the one I love. You're the only one. Ok now that I'm done serenading this Mecca of Taconess!! Try em all. Carnitas, pastor, tripas, buche....asada if your boring. J/k not kidding. So at night try the taco truck that parks on the peck side. Usually slightly greasier. Order a side of pickled carrots. Trust. Don't let me hear you order ranch dressing. read more

The women taking orders at the register are always rude . The food is delicious but they can be a lot nicer to female customers ordering , I've sat inside and ate and the male customers get greeted and smiled . read more

Came here on a Friday night and wasn't too crowded. Sadly they did not have lengua but I ordered an Al pastor torta. The torta was juicy and warm, the meat was excellent - I would recommend! We also got some carne asada tacos, which were pretty good but the tortillas were a little hard. Washed it all down with an Agua fresca Jamaica flavored - the best!! read more

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Been coming here for ages. Some of the best tacos in the area. We prefer the tacos from the food truck to the ones made in the restaurant though. read more

The best asada burrito definitely recommend this spot they have a variety of option to choose from

This place is relatively close to work so my coworkers would often visit and speak well if the food so I decided to go out and grab something from this place. I've so far only gotten the burritos because they honestly are just that good. The times I've gone it's the food truck outside because of the late hour, but this doesn't stop the place from shining regardless their burritos are top tier and my new favorites. Although I will say their burritos don't have any rice which wasn't a big deal for me, but I know it is a deal breaker for others so if you love rice in your burrito this might not be the place for you. Regardless the service is great and very fast for a food truck. Definitely recommend for burritos. read more

i was gonna gate keep but i can't because if you're reading this you were craving mexican food right ? lol so this is your sign to come here and order. taste so good you're gonna want to order something else lol . read more

My family and I eat tacos on 3/23/25 and we all got sick!!! Please eat with caution. I would give them ZERO stars but the system doesn't allow me!! read more

I've usually gotten tacos at the truck but I was wanting some Karina's tacos and the truck wasn't out. Decided to try the store out. It didn't disappoint! Only downside is how they'll charge extra for their salsa etc unlike the truck. They're quick here and it's cash only. Ordered about a total of 11 tacos for about $20 and it was ready in about 5 minutes. My favorite is their carnitas here. They keep it on the grill long enough where the fatty parts are crispy yet it's still soft and moist! The prices aren't terrible but would come back more often if tacos were $1 haha! I haven't had anything else on their menu besides their tacos (from the truck as well), but their tacos are bomb. I wished they were just a bit bigger so I wouldn't have to order so much! But the flavor itself here are really good! read more

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Best tripas tacos I've ever had! Hands down! Been going here since 1997 when they were just a truck on Durfee!

Lets talk about this hidden gem in El Monte. You can already smell the authenticity in this place. Grease and meaty flavor in the air. I ordered the carne asada (the basic kind of taco), cabeza (head) and el pastor with a Jamaica to drink. WARNING.. When they ask you if you want everythanggg.. (onions, cilantro and salsa) the salsa might smack you in the face with how hot it is. But back to the tacos.. hints of latin spices - very flavorful. Carne asada was on point. Ive had better el pastor at other taco joints (shhh tacos el gordo of course). Cabeza is so soft and melt in your mouth. A must try. Also dont get confused.. there are two Karinas taco joints at the same block. One near the gas station at the other one. Same owner who knows? read more

Karina's Tacos - Cabeza, carne asada and el pastor tacos with everythang on it! - Mexican Near Me - South El Monte, California

Amazing food can't recommend this place enough if you want some good tacos this is the place

The tripas r so yummy! Crispy with nice flavor, and im not usually a fan of intestine The green sauce included was a little too sour for my liking. Pastor was a bit too salty as well. I got these tacos from the truck since it was 11;40 pm and the other 2 stores in the same plaza were closed (not sure why there's 3 karina's tacos in the same area but oh well) W/ 6 tacos total came out to $12 about $2 per taco but they're generous with portions. Would def come back for the tripas. Lengua and cabeza were also good! Cabeza was melt in your mouth tender. Lengua had big meaty chunks but not chewy. read more

5 stars. Very consistent, whether it's from inside the restaurant or outside after hours at the truck. My go to is for sure their tripas!! Pro tip: ask for them extra crunchy (if you like crunch) I also get their asada and lengua which are also so good! This visit I got 3 tacos de tripa, 2 tacos de asada & 1 de lengua. If you like burritos too.. give them a shot also. Another pro tip: Burritos from the truck don't carry rice, inside restaurant they do. read more

Karina's Tacos - 3 tripas 2 asada 1 lengua - Mexican Near Me - South El Monte, California

My husband loves Karina's tacos. I would of given it a 5 stars but I'm gonna have to give 4 stars. Only because I really wish the cashier would have told me that the tacos come with salsa in them. My husband got the asada green wet burrito, his burrito was delicious the meat was tender and juicy. I got the asada nachos, which were really good as well. And I got my small kids each tacos but they couldn't eat them because it had salsa all over them. So overall yes it's a good place the price is not too bad because the meat is good. But if your ordering tacos for kiddos just a warning make sure to tell them you want them dry. And just put the onions and cilantro yourself at home. read more

The only competition to Karinas is Karinas.. The Yelper in other review hit it right on the spot!! Located all in same shopping center you got: Taco Truck Large size restaurant Small restaurant (Times varies) but they were all packed af on a Saturday night. We picked taco truck! We did wait about 20-25minutes These tacos are so good. It doesn't matter! They do come topped with salsa so make sure you let them know if you want them plain. My experience they ask "Con todo?" Issa yes for me!! Decent prices and friendly service! If you're at taco truck, you can use RR in closest restaurant walking distance. Yelp review challenge 16/100 read more

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Ok so this spot is ok compared to Del Chino. I do like the fact that they have nachos and more variety like combos and Huaraches. What I find ridiculous is that there tacos are only good if you eat them there because if not they get too soggy if you take them to go.... Yet if you dine there.. There is a 50 cent charge.. Yet they're tables are dirty and they have no a/c... Wow... I'm amused. read more

I have no idea what all these 1-3 stars people are talking about. Bunch of Karens from this cancel culture and keyboard warriors. Karinas Tacos are the bomb!!!!!! Best Cabeza combo plate everrr!!!! Beans n rice are so on point to authentic Mexican foods they are straight up legit. I added them as my favorites on Google Maps. The service was fast for both cashier taking the orders as well as our food coming fast. Best little hole in the wall spots are thee best and this is one of them. Dont sleep on this spot people. read more

I still don't understand why there are two Karina's Tacos within walking distance of each other PLUS a food truck that parks right in front of it by occasion, but my review is for the one that's next to the water business. This place is definitely a taco spot where the locals go. It's cash only, and they're selling tacos for under $2. I got carne asada tacos, cause I noticed they didn't have the al pastor on the trompo (which is my fave by the way). The tacos are delicious! I've heard really good things about their burrito, so next time if I make it out here again, I'll be sure to try the burrito. read more

You guys need to speak English or someone there impossible to order get your order wrong all the tome

Ordered my food in Spanish as they speak Spanish. The first mistake was that i ordered 2 chicken plates with no rice and got 2 tacos. When i said something, they said no problem, just pay the $26.00 difference. Then i got home and found the burritos i ordered without rice. They had rice, and the beef flautas were chicken. This place is a complete disaster. The Karina's in Rosemead has NEVER messed up my order!! read more

The best chilaquiles verdes. Tacos. Sopes. Menudo. You name it! Sooo good and authentic.

Came here after a night a Pico Rivera because it was the only place that was open and nearby. The actual restaurant was closed, it was the food truck that was open. The line wait took us nearly 15-20 mins. And after we ordered they did not have the machine for us to pay in card. The cashier let us know to go inside the restaurant to pay, it took us a while to get the attention of the workers inside the restaurant as they were in the back washing dishes and cleaning.. i got a burrito de cabeza the rate would be a 7.5/10. I did not like that they did not put rice in the burrito and did not give us enough salsa. read more

The service was very rude. I had been waiting for over 30 minutes for my food and when I asked the cashier she cancelled my order. I was shocked by the reaction from the lady, all I did was say I had been waiting for over 30 minutes if my meal was gonna be out soon and she got upset. Turns out they had a big order and were overwhelmed. I understand that, but there was no need for her rudeness and reaction, like why take out your frustration with your customers, it's not good service. read more

I have been coming to karinas since the womb ! I love this place definitely a hometown favorite if you are ever in El Monte MUST MUST MUST try the tripas tacos you will not be able to stay away once you try this place read more

Karina's Tacos - Tripas tacos amazing !! - Mexican Near Me - South El Monte, California

Horrible asada and pastor tacos the meat tasted and looked old. Nothing like the karinas in pico Rivera.

Al pastor so good it had me on Expedia looking for flights to Mexico. Served on a paper plate as god intended. Fueled me enough to drive back to cry over lack luster in comparison Mexican food. Spicy, fast and delicious. Tasty combo for a devious little spot. Karina your a queen and please making tacos read more

Random odd fine, that turned out amazing. On a random Sunday late morning, the fam and I were trying to figure out what to eat and after debating and Yelping for a good 40 mins (or more), we finally agreed and decided on Karina's Taco. Damn, their asada burrito is amazing, I got mine with all the fixing minus beans. Customer service was very nice and friendly, we were able to place our order right away and within 10 mins, all our items were ready. We got 2 burritos, one tortas and some tacos. All items tasted amazing, I really enjoyed my burrito but I had to chances to try my sister's tortas order and it was really really good. If I go back, that is what I would get. Price: reasonable, all items we got was about $25, they only accept CASH! Parking: shared lot, fairly limited, the day we were it was empty, but I can see during meal times how the parking lot can be full Will I return? YES Will I recommend? YES! read more

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Whether you order from the restaurant or the truck in the parking lot, you cannot go wrong if you want tacos. The restaurant has a more extensive menu that my family and I have enjoyed but I prefer the tacos especially the tripas. Ask for them crispy and you will be amazed at how good they are. Lengua and tripas cost a little more than the other tacos but they serve a generous amount. I usually order 4-5 tacos elsewhere but three is enough here. Damn now I want tacos! read more

I grew up in EM so I know the spots. I no longer live in EM but I always come back to the spots I loved. Today my burrito was small and the meat was salty and dry. The tacos were not like they used to be. I Used to come to Karina's back when it was still in a truck and it was good. It just seems like ownership has checked out and the quality is not good. It's a shame because Karina's tacos was one of THE spots in EM/SEM. read more

Either the other reviews are lies or their taste buds arent working properly. Picked up food here for lunch around 11:30 am on a Saturday so no excuses Karina. I got asada tacos. Looked good, but not too good. Meat seems cheap, is dry like jerky, hard and chewy, very possibly old too. I hate having to chew hard meat so much it hurts my jaw and teeth, thats how dry this stuff is. The meat has turned black throughout it is so dry and old. Literally has the texture of a pencil eraser. Meat only gets dry and hard like this when it is old, stuffed in the fridge to dehydrate and reheated multiple times, awful. Or maybe it was sitting in the sun for a week. The meat resembles something you might find under your car seat a few years later, thats what this asada looks like. The salsa tastes like enchilada sauce mixed with salsa. Spicy but not very much else. Cmon, you el monte folks dont know better tacos in that area? 5-stars? No! I dont know how anyone can enjoy this, maybe late at night and extremely drunk? Otherwise i suggest stay away. Maybe it was a bad day, but my food sucks. read more

Karina's Tacos - Black carne asada? Old ass food, dry and hard. WTF Karina? What are you doing? - Mexican Near Me - South El Monte, California

We came on Sunday 6/5/22 and while we were waiting for our food German cockroach just runs across our table. We were grossed out and decided not to eat there. We asked for a refund and the lady gave us our money back. She was hesitant about the whole cockroach thing but cmon. This was a German cockroach the smaller ones that you find indoors. Not the American roaches that r mostly found outside in sewage. This place doesn't really look that sanitary to begin with and I'm definitely not coming back here. Even the other guest were disgusted by it and said the same. read more