King Taco is king. No seriously. You get some very authentic tacos in a variety of meats in a very nice setting, Old Town Pasadena. It seems a bit out of place in Pasadena, but it works for me. The spicy sauce is fairly spicy, so be careful. The taquitos are excellent as well. read more

Please king taco bring back the chicken flautas Love the red hot sauce and jamacaina drink tho still.... Yum read more

This place looks good, but I got sick the last time I went. Two stars because it's been good in the past. They should check to make sure their inventory is fresh. read more

Food was amazing and the staff was very friendly and welcoming. There is public parking and it's walking distance from the resultant. They have a variety of drinks (non alcoholic) their salads are delicious. You must try the chicken tamal. read more

Gross. How is this place in business? Worst al pastor I've had in a long time. I would rather eat Chipotle than here. There red salsa taste like they use liquid smoke. Just awful on so many levels. read more

Wow! First of all I have never been to a taco establishment where they don't have any limes. The pickled carrots with the chilies and onions were all smashed up, something I have never seen before. Let's just say that the food was less than mediocre. Staff was not friendly. Paid $12 for parking. A total disappointment all the way around. read more

King taco is always a good choice. Came here for lunch and it never disappoints. Tried ordering something different but I should have just stayed with their carne asada, but had to give the chicharones taco a try. What we ordered and it's rating (out of five stars) Carne asada sope **** meat is always tasty and juicy. Also the sope bread was really on point. It was just the right amount of crispiness and softness. Nachos with jalapeños *** cheeeesssy Chicharrones tacos *** it was ok probably wouldn't order it again, it was too saucy not what I was expecting. Chicken tamale *** it was typical Overall experience was good. Love going here. Service was ok. It took a little long for the food but that's expected because they were busy. I really wish they would bring back their chimichangas. Those bad boys were so delicious. read more

King tacos going down the drain had not been here for a year no the guy skimps on sauces with an attitude. Then after explaining he is like oh yes you had to have an extra sauce no apology was doing me a favor. No manager in site! read more

Okay so if you want nachos. Real nachos. GO SOMEWHERE ELSE!! Their food is pricey for what I got. The nachos was 5.00 for some chips and nacho cheese poured on. Plus the Guacamole was extra money. There tacos are okay, still pricier then I would of expected for their place. the people are okay, and what not. I have no complaint about the seating except sometimes you cannot get a seat its so crowded. read more

There's a lot of buzz about King Taco isn't there? That's why I HAD to try it! I was surprised to find a location in Pasadena (in the nice area too!) since in my mind I pictured a whole in the wall, almost roach coach like establishment. I ordered 4 tacos (2 al pastor, 2 carne asada) and a burrito. I made the mistake of ordering an ALL meat burrito when I had 4 tacos already. Oh well. Total came out to $12. Not bad. Each taco was $1.25 The food filled up both me and my boyfriend. There was SO much meat! The meat was very tender and flavorful. I liked the tortilla too. It didn't have a really strong "I'm a corn tortilla" taste. The hot sauce was incredibly hot. The perfect reason to love it! They seem to be stingy about their condiments, including hot sauce and napkins. I will definitely go back to try more stuff off the menu. read more

Ratchet people eveeeerrrrywhereeee. Im pretty sure people could read the sour face I had. Super grimey, dirty, smelly but poppin spot. Hit it up on a Saturday night and all these drunk people, mostly hispanic were beasting on their food. Got a seat right in the center of the chaos (entrance and line). I tried to enjoy the taco and taste its delicious-ness that everyone keeps raving about, but I had trouble swallowing my food because I was making eye contact with a full moon and butt crack the whole time. Pull your pants up woman! can't you feel the breeze coming inbetween them cheeks? worst part, she wasn't even sitting down! haha Anyway, the tacos were "meh". There weren't gross but they weren't spectacular. They were cheap and they satisfied my hunger. They were reasonably sized, the hot sauce was alright. I just might be used to San Diego red hot sauce more.. Now that I reflect back on this experience, I can't help but laugh. Might have been the best part of that night in Pasadena! read more

I've always liked King Taco and have been to this location many times in the past. It's 11:00 PM on a Sunday night, and not unusually busy. The problem is most of the people sitting in the restaurant are waiting for their orders. I've been here over half an hour and still no food. They seem to have the staff, but for whatever reason they just can't get out the orders. This location has to figure out a better system. Hopefully the food will be good.. read more

Oh King Taco, how I adore you so. First of all, let me start off this review by saying.. Vegetarians should NOT be commenting on this place. I don't think they have very many selections for vegetarians (unless you get a quesadilla or custom ordered vegetable tacos - ew). I've tried their breafast burritos -chorizo and eggs/ham & eggs.. with onions and cilantro & their UNFORGETTABLE Hot Sauce (RED).. and their carne asada and al pastor tacos and burritos..and MAN, those are dEEEELicious! I will admit that their red hot sauce has a lot to do with the rating, but everything combined is OH SO GOOD~!! and i THINKKK.. (i heard from someone else) that this is the only King Taco that has chimichangas~ although I haven't tried it yet. read more

I ordered the carne asada burrito and I just received rice and beans with onions, it was a bad experience definitely.

Carne Asada Burrito it's the bomb!!!! I'm really obsessed about their meat flavor, I really love it. Meat is juicy and fresh with a nice lemon flavor. Thumbs up king taco!! read more

I took a year-long break from King Taco for a variety of reasons, mainly because my distance from Pasadena over the last twelve months. But today, I was taking two out-of-town friends around Old Town, and after a visit to the Norton Simon and two root beer floats, we agreed that lunch was desperately needed. Miraculously, I remembered King Taco, that good ol' Pasadena staple, and led my friends there. Anything with lengua is still to die for. I got two tacos, my friends split a torta (which I've never ordered because I stick with my trusty tacos), all topped with lengua. They nearly shed tears in delight. I'm sure the security guard thought they were day-drunk for the 4th of July (it was 3 pm). As for me? Well. Those tacos were delicious, perfectly non-greasy and filling and tender, but my stomach regretted them quite a bit about an hour later once I got home... that's never happened to me with King Taco, so I'm willing to write it off as an unlucky day just this once, especially because my friends were apparently fine (they fell asleep on my couch instead while watching HGTV). We almost went back after the Rose Bowl fireworks, but were too full from our dinner... read more

The SERVICE IS EXTREMELY SLOW at this Pasadena restaurant. They have 2 cashier stations but usually only 1 cashier is on duty, and that person is responsible for taking walk-in orders, answering telephone calls, collecting payments, preparing drinks, etc., all while there is an extremely long line of customers waiting to place their order. I have been there 3 separate times during my 30-minute lunch break from work, and from the time I got in line to place my order to the time I received it 30 to 35 minutes had passed, which in addition to not having enough time to eat what I had ordered, it caused me to arrive late to my job after my break. read more

If you want a taco this is definitely place. Because it has tacos. The restaurant itself is pretty minimal. Just plain white walls. You pretty much just go there if you want a cheap taco. I would give it 3.2 if I could. read more

Good location, decent food-popular chain. Pretty busy.

Although it takes forever to get food here, I would still go to King Tacos to get my fully loaded carnita or carne asada burritos. This over 1000 calories monster is money after a night of drinking or even while drinking... Obviously open late for that reason. I wish it didn't take so long to get food from here but I can't complain about the restaurant being popular because of what they serve. read more

One of the nicer looking King Tacos I've been to. I've figured out why the tacos and tamales here are so good. 1) The tongue-numbingly delicious salsa. Duh. 2) Everything has LARD in it!!!! If it ain't got lard, it ain't a real taco. read more

Wah. I miss King Taco. I know, I know. Is it "authentic Mexican food"? Would you believe me if I said yes? Alls I know is that it's ten steps up from Taco Bell. King Taco satisfies all that I look for in a Mexican eatery: tasty, cheap, and seemingly authentic. Three carne asada tacos did the trick, with all sorts of hot sauce and pico and stuff I managed to pile on. Came out to be under five dollars... and I even found free street parking. Truly, it was meant to be. I miss you so. read more

I finally tried King Taco for the first time yesterday. I ordered 3 carne asada tacos (2 hot and 1 mild) and a large agua de pina. I dined inside and had no problem finding a small table to sit at. The decor and ambiance is really simple and causal here. I did have to wait for a bit for my food. I thought the tacos were really good. The hot ones actually are hot and the green salsa on the mild was really good too. I wouldn't say that these are my favorite tacos, as I would rather go to Guisados, but still really good. Parking was kind of easy to find. They have lots around and also metered parking. read more

Hands-down THE best Mexican food I've ever had in Cali. Can't drive down to Pasadena without going there. Their sopes & tacos de carne asada are deeeeeeelicious! The burrito de asada is pretty darn good as well. Oh & their salsas??? THE BEST! Wash it all down with a nice cold horchata, and well, it just can't get any better than that. Parking in Pasadena is a PAIN, so I would love, love, LOVE if they would open a King Taco in the west valley!!! Oh King Taco, how I love thee! :) read more

This is carne asada crack. At least once a week, I get a little tingle on the tip of my tongue reminding me to get my fix. There's something about the marinade in the meat and their salsa verde that makes it soooooo addicting. I usually grab a couple of tacos just to curb my itch. Although, from time to time, my chunky butt will opt for an "ALL MEAT CARNE ASADA BURRITO WITH SALSA VERDE COOKED INSIDE". Yep, the capitals were necessary. Ahhhh...'nuff said. =) read more

Gets pretty busy, expect a small wait time. Overall good Mexican food situated in a very competitive landscape. They get it done, no complaints. read more

King Taco - Experience the taco - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Only 4 stars cuz it's too friggin far to make this a regular spot. Tacos were so tasty - no gross fat in them . Burritos were a little small for this Valley Girl but tasty and made to my specifications. The bars had just closed so it was people watching time! Ah to be young beautiful well dressed and completeley shit faced! Lots and lots of cops too woo! I wish I wouldve gotten the sope cuz it looks so good...but my niece smothered it with the red sauce which made my lips vibrate. I had some homemade asada at our Easter get together - King Taco beat it (es la verdad!) Darn the oil companies for making it toooo expensive , the ride is nice but the gas prices are not. I will get back here sometime soon! POST SCRIPT - husband was very opposed to my review so i am giving him his own space. Hubby says the meat tasted like it was drowned or marinated in lemon, thats a flavor you can get without the drive. The rice was salty and hard, beans were dry. Flour tortillas were heated with like a hot plate grill thing and tasted a little raw - BURRITOS WERE FUCKEN SMALL!!! BEANS ARENT THAT EXPENSIVE DAMN! There was a drunk fat chick leaning on me with her nipples hanging out. I wanted a burrito not a gordita! lol. I wont be back - cept to bring the wife who loves King. read more

It's our first time. We walk in there at 8pm, see a ton of people, and I think to myself, "hey this shit must be good!". So my hubby and kids order and we sit. Mind you we are fuckin starving cuz we just watched the hubby play hockey for a couple hours. We sit down and we are anxiously awaiting for what appears to be good mex food. I mean, the place was packed for gods sake. I get my asada tacos...so damn disappointing. No flavor and the sauces provided just couldnt save it. My hubby's burrito looked like a kids size (not good for a guy who just played sports) and again, lacked flavor. The kids? Forget it...the boys had a half-assed assembled bean & cheese burrito which fell apart at first bite. My daughters quesadilla was equally disappointing as you would expect it to have some CHEESE! You really wanna know what topped this experience off??? We ALL had the runs a few hours after eating. Save your hard earned cash and go elsewhere...ANYWHERE! read more

Absolutely simple and delicious! Just goes to show if you keep a simple menu and be good at it, people will flock! And flock they did...never did I walk pass this place was it ever empty. It's always busy with lines nearly out the door at whatever time of day. The tacos are Baja-style: soft flour tortillas wrapped with a variety of meats. I had the carne asada and it was amazing. At $1.35 apiece, you really can't beat it. I also had the pork tamale which was very good and just the right size. Two dining rooms and two cashiers to handle the crowd. Tacos and tamales were not huge; good place for small appetites. read more

No. I don't understand it's popularity. I've tried it multiple times at 2 other locations as well and I'm underwhelmed with their tacos. I'm a street taco kind of girl who can dress her own taco with condiments. EDIT: Okay. It turns out my go to is the Carne Asada Burrito with only meat, onion, and cilantro. I've found the ONE. read more

I was taken here a couple weeks ago by a friend who lives in downtown Pasadena. I had heard great things about King Taco but did not realize it was a chain. With that in mind, you can't really compare the tacos at King Taco to Taco Bell or Del Taco. The latter are mediocre Tex-Mex and King Taco is a dolled up taqueria. Anyways... The tacos were great. Not the best I've had, but pretty close. I ordered 4 tacos: carne asada, al pastor, carnitas and pollo. The carne asada was pretty typical. I can't really say anything bad about it. The al pastor was delicious. The carnitas had a little bit of crisp to the edges which is how all carnitas should be cooked up. The biggest surprise came from the pollo. I typically don't look forward to the pollo tacos and from the looks of this one, I didn't look forward to it either. The cut was large and big chunks of chicken tend to leave you with empty tortillas. I was surprised however to find that the chicken was very moist, soft and exceptionally flavorful. I also ordered an al pastor tostada. Pretty typical layout. Forked the shredded salad, tomato slice, meat, beans and sour cream into my mouth... then broke up the crisp tortilla below and threw them into my belly. My friend ordered the beef taquitos and although she said they were tasty, about half of the meat would be pulled out on each bite, leaving her with empty tortilla straws. All in all a very great eating experience. Their salsa rojo was yummy as well and about a 7 on the spicy scale. read more

I'm pretty impressed with King Taco. I wasn't really expecting much from a "chain" taqueria...but the carne asada is suprisingly tasty! MMMMM Mexican food! I'm a sucker for a street style carne asada taco and King Taco really hits the spot. As for the hot sauce, I agree it's pretty good -the perfect amount of heat...and i personally can take a little more heat...I love my tacos like my men -nice and SPICY!! All this meat and spice talk is gettin' me hungry! Find me at King Taco! :) happy taco eating! read more

Perhaps I wasn't drunk enough... or maybe I was just pissed at experiencing the "last call" at 1 am in a local bar... seriously, 1 am people? Eating a totally unsatisfying carne asada burritto whilst juxtaposed next to whatever the cat (or dog) had drug in from downtown Pasadena that night just wasn't appealing. Half the size of your typical Mexican burrito, and barely any filling. And it was super-dry, just some meat thrown in and barely any salsa. Upside, fellas- judging by the drunk skankathon at this establishment, something tells me you'd probably have more luck scoring at King Taco than you would at one of the local bars and clubs. Seems the alcohol finally kicks in once people reach King Taco following their night [cut short] of fun. read more

Great tacos and you have the best roja salsa in LA hands down! The burritos and nachos are solid as well. Like other yelpers have commented, they can be shiesty with the condiments. If I could buy King Taco's roja hot sauce by the gallon I would.... read more

King Taco - Al Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Favorite tacos ever. Get the carne asada tacos - 4 should be enough to fill you up, 5 if you're starved. Or if burritos are your thing, get a carne asada burrito (my boyfriend likes it with no rice, because he thinks you get more meat/beans that way). ALWAYS get the salsa (both kinds). On the side. Drizzle them on your foods and enjoy the best meal ever. read more

Idk what the hype is about this place it sucked and it has no flavor in the food I'm not.Mexican and probably could make better tasting food than king taco. Not worth all the hype . I'll stick to chipotle read more

Food truck food without the food truck. AWESOME. Tacos are $1.29 each. I had three and they were delicious. They also have burritos, quesadillas, you name it. It's quick, simple and great. And cheap. What more could you want? read more

ATTENTION KING TACO LOVERS!!!! I wanted to share 2 unfortunate events that occurred to my family and an African American family while waiting in line at King Taco Fontana and Ontario. The lady at the door ushering people in at both locations let multiple Latino couples in. Once it came to the African American father and son, She did not want to let them go in together. My father and I were behind them. She had said it was only one person per family but before that she was letting multiple couples in. The Aftican American men were speaking to her in English try to ask why, she just kept saying no and kept pointing her finger at their face, so then I stepped in and asked her in Spanish why she let the couples before go in and at first she didn't answer, but then she said "because they asked me". I questioned her why are you changing the rules and choosing who goes in she kept saying it was an ordinance. After that she let the African American family in. I went back to ask her name so I can report her to corporate and she tried to shut the door on our face. It's very unfortunate that this injustice still exists and I've seen it happen twice this month at King Taco. Families go there and buy large orders of food. King taco is suppose to be a family orientated business, it is no longer representing those values. They really must create a protocol that applies to everyone and post signs because there was none. Also make announcements to tell people in line that it's only one person at time. They have lost my business for now read more

After a 1000 cocktails, this seems like a great idea. Its not. The food quality looks good, but you will pay the fiddler later. Promise. I love the GREEN SAUCE! Still, the fiddler calls for 3 days after..... Green sauce to go! Nothing else. Good luck. read more

WHY YOU NO OPEN 24/7?! I'm still very unsure of their closing time but every time i DO make it, it feels like I made the last bus to heaven. One thing: PASTOR. TORTA. Aint nobody got time to shovel in tacos. Their burritos are ok but their TORTA!! Parking is on the streets and you're gonna need change, but there's plenty of seating indoors and of course, it's reasonably priced so if you feel like drowning in the best hot, red sauce of your life, I'd just bring a $20 bill and go full out. Actually, even $10 would suffice. VIVA LA TACO OF THE KINGS read more