Not a hidden treasure, I think most of us have heard of, or been to a King Taco, it's a long standing franchise and for good reason. I just wanted to give a shout out to the one in Pasadena, consistently delicious citrus marinated Carne Asada tacos and burritos, with a superb salsa verde, so good. And I wanted to point out the excellent customer service of both Daniel who prepared my food and Ryan. Good job, keep making the customers feel welcomed and making good food. Much appreciated. read more

I ordered 2 Tamales and 1 Sope. I am 1000% But Jose on Sunday argued, gaslit me, that i only ordered 1 tamale and 1 sope. Super simple fix. Don't gaslight the customer. If you make a mistake, own up to it. Fix it. I ended up just ordering another to which the Masa was actually fresh. Completely different from the first Tamale. I ask him if i can speak with a manager. He told me their is no store manager. I ask the shift manager and he attempted to song and dance around it as well. Well we dont have a manager, then its well we do today, but tomorrow no. I could have taken my money elsewhere if this is how I am going to be played with. Another elderly customer behind me asked why the same guy Jose.. why did you charge me $6 for salsa when all i wanted was the little ones? I have been coming to this location for over 10 years. Ordering the same exact thing. That means, every single time i walk in through that door.. i already know what i am ordering. So respectfully do not, gaslight the customer. read more

My all time favorite all meat asada burrito , with jack cheese inside amazing ! 5/5 Four tacos of asada delicious! 5/5 Quesadilla of asada with side of guacamole 5/5 2 sopes of asada with lettuce on top 5/5 One horchata 5/5 One pineapple drink 5/5 One Jamaica drink 5/5 Drinks are amazing ! Restrooms are available Definitely recommend it Friends and family Great customer service, very nice and helpful, positive attitude Clean inside seating , very colorful inside and bright I definitely will be back soon for more read more

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Found this sharp wire of some sort inside my mouth. Luckily I was able to spit this out immediately without any serious harm. For ol' sake, folks please inspect your food before eating. read more

King Taco - Wire - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

What kind of Mexican restaurant, even fast food Mexican, doesn't sell chicken tacos or chicken burritos!? I don't see any vegetarian options either so this place is a no go for me. read more

I've been coming to this place for around 5 years, but every visit lately has been more disappointing than the last. The food quality, restaurant atmosphere, and overall service mindset have all gone downhill over time. The biggest issue for me is the attitude from the staff. Right from the moment I walk up to order, it often feels like they don't want to help customers. Whenever I ask for something extra, even basic items like utensils or napkins, it feels like I'm bothering them. Everything now has to be requested separately, and the responses are usually cold and expressionless. The food also doesn't taste as good as it used to. At this point, there are plenty of taco trucks and smaller taco spots nearby that are cheaper, taste better, and provide a much better overall experience. Even the restroom, which I remember being fairly clean before, has become noticeably dirty lately. Overall, this place just doesn't feel like the same King Taco I used to enjoy years ago. read more

King Taco - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

King taco has been my to go place since childhood days. Their selections are always consistent and filling from burritos to tacos. Good thing they have one on Pasadena, lunch was a perfect choice when burrito or taco craves are rumbling down my belly!!! Their service is always quick and friendly. Expect crowds during lunch as always....parking on the streets. read more

King Taco - Combination burrito - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Que maldito es ese lugar que mal humor de todos empleados. Nunca volveré en mi vida! I went here yesterday and ALLLL staff were super rude and laughing the whole time, I'm not sure if they were all under the influence of something or we walked into a joke prior but what an uncomfortable experience in this place. It was the only place in the area open until 12 and my friends and I left karaoke at 1130. The experience was so bad I cancelled my order. I ordered a bean and cheese burrito for 5.85 and the cashier told me it cost $2.55 to add sour cream and did some extra weird punching in of things at the register and it went from $7 and some change when I initially said, "can you add sour cream" ? Then I all of sudden had a $9 bean and cheese burrito. My friend ordered in Spanish and told them no ice in her horchata. They put a full cup of ice and wrote it on the receipt in Spanish. Not sure if they were laughing at her ordering? Because her accent isn't super strong and she looks Italian - very fair skin w dark hair (still not a reason) but Ella es Panameña, but they laughed the whole time we were there. She also was missing a taco and they charged her for 3 and they took super long to make her food and they were closing in 15 min for 3 little street tacos. People kept coming from the back to the grill and the front register to laugh and speak Spanish (I speak Spanish) but very unprofessional and super rude establishment and environment. Very weird experience 0 stars - wouldn't recommend read more

The tacos are always bomb. Affordable lunch option. I get the asada and pastor. So good with some onions. Service is good. You gotta really listen for your number that they announce. The vibe is super casual. Parking: you have to find a lot. Overall: Will return for lunch read more

King Taco - 2 Carne Asada and 2 Al Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I live in the Bay Area, but anytime I'm in Los Angeles, King Taco is one of the first places I hit. It's one of those spots I actively look forward to, and it never disappoints. This time I kept it classic: one carne asada taco, one al pastor taco, and a carne asada burrito. Everything was solid. The carne asada had great flavor and was cooked just right--juicy, not dry. The al pastor had that slight sweetness and depth that keeps you coming back for another bite. The burrito was simple, packed, and exactly what a carne asada burrito should be. The chili (salsa) really ties it all together--flavorful with a real kick. Spicy enough to let you know it's there, but not overpowering. It's the kind of salsa that makes you slow down and enjoy the food. King Taco doesn't try to be fancy, the restaurant is clean and simple with plastic seats, and that's the point. It's consistent, straightforward, and always hits. When I'm in LA, this stop is non-negotiable. read more

King Taco - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

King Taco just hits the spot. It's a great place to get street style tacos & other Mexican dishes quickly. I also appreciate that they have cuts like Lingua & Cabeza which you can't always find a chain taco joints. The meats here are all tender and packed with flavor. The meats are all so tender and juicy that it feels like they could just melt in your mouth. I've truly never had a bad dish here. From the tacos to the quesadillas to the horchata, you're guaranteed to have a great meal here. The staff here is extremely efficient while also being very friendly. You know they are doing their best to move the line along, but they do what it takes to give each customer a personalized experience from ordering to picking up your meal. I truly appreciate it. This location is slightly small, but it is kept clean and inviting. It can, however, get full during peak meal times. Even with the second room all for eating, it might be a better idea to get your meal to go and eat elsewhere. I often come here before shows at the Civic Auditorium and just walk my meal back to the venue and eat out there. Even with a 10ish minute walk, my order still tastes as if I'm eating it right off the line thanks to how they individually wrap all of their food. In all, King Taco is an LA institution and rightfully so. Do yourself a favor and stop by. Even if you just ate and just have enough room for a single taco. Your tastebuds will thank you. read more

King Taco - Menu 1/2026 - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

This is the only location that I know that has chimichangas! They are amazing! I ask for extra crispy and creams and avocado not to be put on top of it. If I get it to go I ask them to put the sides in separate containers. Comes with a little lettuce and sliced tomatoes. I highly recommend the pastor taco. Afterwards we go to the Korean shaved iced next door. The only hassle is parking on a weekend since it's difficult to find parking read more

Haven't been here in 10 years, went recently with some friends out of town after a night out in old town and man... it was good we had to back the next day. The asada is so flavorful, the prices are reasonable and the staff is super friendly. I do wish they stayed open until 2am though. read more

The place is clean and plenty of seating. Parking next door is $5 per hour. The 3 stars is for not having limes, radish, pickled jalapeños and carrots! For the price is the food, those items should be offered like all other taco places!! read more

King Taco - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Usually love this place. Fast, easy and pretty consistent but man where'd this tooth pick come from? Nothing in your food ever has toothpicks. It makes me wonder, did a tooth pick fall out of one of your workers dirty mouths and end up inside my chimichanga? Pretty nasty and feels gross thinking about it. read more

King Taco - Tooth pick inside the chimichanga. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Food is delish, but god forbid u ask for a side of jalapenos holy shit they were so rude We got carne asada tacos and burritos and it was good but not worth the encounter booo meanies read more

There's street or structure parking to get here. There's lots of seating inside. It's very casual place for a quick meal. It's mostly clean. The staff are good and nice. I got three tacos. Suadero, al pastor, and carnitas. They were all fairly okay. The suadero was the highlight. It was the most juicy and flavorful. I probably could've had a forth taco, but three were decent enough to get full. read more

King Taco - Suadero and Al Pastor tacos - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I went here recently on a weekend trip, and ended going twice because of how good the food was. The salsa verde is one of the best I've ever had. They have limitations on their salsa for a reason! I got asada and pastor tacos, pork tamales, and rolled tacos and they were all delicious. The tamales are fresh and have a good ratio of meat to masa. The rolled tacos came out super crispy while the meat still being juicy. The set up is ordering at the counter, and then waiting to call your number. Very fast and efficient. Prices are pretty good for a brick and mortar shop. I'm already longing for my next trip back to Pasadena just to return to King Taco! read more

King Taco - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Zero ambiance No condiments. No napkins! Basically a stripped down cafeteria. These things not available is probably related to the homeless. Who knows. Should close the sitting area and make it takeout, which is basically what it is. Food is basic. read more

no limes at a taco joint is so criminal. came here with a group of friends for a snack and the staff was skimpy with the salsas & napkins, and they didn't carry any limes. the taco itself was also so mid. boooo read more

King Taco - asada taco - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

One of the few places open late (especially on weekdays) in Pas. It's basic in every sense but it gets the job done. Food is decent enough and well priced. read more

4+ This location (in Pasadena) is a classic. Over the years, I've been here many times and they have always been reliable for solid classics at reasonable prices. This location is great because of its proximity to bars or other eateries. It's open on the relatively late side (for Pasadena) as well. My go to order is usually tacos and/or sopas. The meat differs depending on what I'm in the mood for. My last trip, I just got a suadero and a carnitas tacos with green sauce. Both available salsas are pretty spicy in my opinion, but the green is the milder of the two. The service has always been quick and friendly when I've gone and the vibe is like a beloved regional chain spot that always seems to be somewhat busy. Never had a problem finding a seat, but if it gets too buys, it's perfectly okay and easy to get a take out order. Parking in the area can pretty busy, but there always seems to be a metered spot available. read more

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If you do an Uber Pick up from here... don't expect your order to be ready when the App tells you it is... I've given them 20 min on top of the time it said it would be ready but it is never ready... I asked if i should give them 45 min or more for my order to be ready but they told me that orders taken in house take priority... Just know that if you do an Uber eats order, it will not be ready on time... they will not make it until you get there. read more

Really like their food. The meat and their sauce always tastes very good. I really like their burritos.

While my partner had some pastries as a snack, I knew I needed some tacos. Their Jamaica was absolutely delicious and was incredibly affordable. Their tacos as well were so flavorful yet affordable. I always need to eat lots of tacos so being able to get them at a great price is always a plus. My favorite protein choice was their asada paired with their red salsa! read more

I love this king taco. Super clean, and there is never a long line like at other locations. One of the cooks, Aaron, always greets me with a smile and kindness too! They all do. 10/10 service. read more

Very tasty. Good. More filling than not filling. More tasty than not tasty. More good than not good. Yummy. More yummy than not yummy. Very good. read more

King Taco always hits the spot for me. Maybe it's the salsa. Maybe because the menu never changes and I know what to expect. No matter the location, I enjoy what I order. A late night staple for sure. My go to's are al pastor burrito, al pastor tacos, or the chicken flautas. And bonus points for serving champurrado when the temperatures drop. Love that stuff. Service is decent. They've raised the prices over the years so it's not always a fast, cheap meal. But the long lines tell you that other people still love it anyways. read more

I don't care what all the haters say - King Taco will always and forever be my favorite burrito & taco spot until the day I die. Carne asada burrito, tacos, cheese quesadilla, jamaica + drowning everything in red sauce = one happy SoCal girl. read more

King Taco - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

The only best King Taco there is.....tacos, burritos, and sopes, always generously served very well and the ONLY King Taco that asks, "how many salsas would you like" - their food is always fresh! Employees have EXCELLENT customer service, especially the boys that work @ night preparing the orders - always very polite, and always greeting the customers with a smile, no matter what! read more

My work bestie has been recommending this since I visit SoCal often. I was working at my hotel and had to take a walk break. When I was walking back, I passed by and decided this is the day!! I'm not familiar with the menu or their specialty (besides tacos) and went with the chimichangas to go, sauce on the side. Went back to my hotel and shared my chimichangas. This was what we needed - well portioned and a perfect shareable! I told my work bestie where I was and she was jealous - success!! read more

It's a very casual, delicious taco restaurant. You order at the counter, then the staff will call out your number for pickup a few minutes later. I got the suadero, al pastor, and carnitas tacos. the suadero was by far my favorite, though it was a little greasy! read more

I just spent $104 at this location and my 9yr old daughter spilled her drink from the lid falling off 2 minutes after getting it. I let the employees know she spilled it and probably want someone to mop it up or put a cone on the spill. I also asked if they could refill the drink and they said no and charged me to buy another one. SMH. Loved King Taco starting back from the 90's when they branched off from El Taurino on Hoover and 11th St. shame. read more

This particular location always has a really long line at all hours of the day, especially at night and on weekends. I recently discovered that you can order for pickup on Uber Eats, so I highly recommend ordering before you get here so you can skip the line. Everything is great here but my go to are tacos and sopes! read more

Quick and open late. Parking structure across the street and hella seating. Didn't like the Al pastor but asada was good. Pineapple agua fresca was BOMB read more

King Taco - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Came here on Cinco De Mayo expecting there to be a rush but was pushed into something MUCH deeper! I placed an uber eats order for pickup at 4:40. At around 5:10pm, i get a notification saying my food is ready for pickup. I drove to the restaurant and honestly wasn't disappointed with how many people were in line waiting due to it being Cinco De Mayo but i was clearly mistaken! I waited over an hour for my food. The server Abraham kept telling me 5 mins every 10 mins and I didn't get to pick up until 6:10pm. Not to mention my sauce was spilled all over inside the bag and missing extra salsa that i PAID for! Overall experience was a 1 star. read more

King Taco - Spilled salsa in bag - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I came here for lunch with my partner! We love king taco so much! I'm not sure what they put in their food, but there's something about it that makes me crave their burritos and tacos. This specific location has us always coming back as it's located in a very popular area in Pasadena near other restaurants and shops. After a bite, you can walk around the shops or even grab dessert as there are many nearby dessert options. This King Taco is very inviting and has a decent amount of seating. I will say that this location is not as big as some of their other locations, but it also does not get as packed with customers compared to the others. As for the food, I got a carne asada burrito and my partner got the same thing with a sope. The food is very fresh and it took no longer than 10 minutes for us to receive our food! I definitely will continue to go out my way to come back to this location! read more

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If I could give this place -10 star that's what I would do. The food was disgusting. It took 25 minutes to get our food. The stuff is slow. The place is dirty. I would not recommend anybody going to this restaurant. It was a horrible read more

Love the food and great service, the ambiance, you will definitely get the street taco vibes. Stingy on the salsa!

Usually if I don't like a restaurant I simply don't review it but I had to make an exception this time. My wife and I stopped by because it was late and it was one of the few places open. We should have just gone home. We ordered an el pastor burrito and an asada burrito. Both tasted like nothing and hardly had any meat. This is also the ONLY place I've ever been to where they do not give you limes for your food. The drinks were terrible also. Tasted super artificial. If you're looking at reviews and considering coming here, go anywhere else. Or stay hungry and save yourself the unnecessary calories. read more