For many years I drove right by this place without ever stopping, mainly because there is a really good taco truck that parks across the street at night. Then one day out of the blue I gave it a shot. I'd love to report that it was the most amazing taco I've ever had, but it's just a taco and in a city full of outstanding tacos this place manages to be good and forgettable at the same time. The lengua is tender and they give you quite a lot, the asada is tasty but vaguely generic. Most of my issues with the place aren't about the food. My latest visit I ordered tacos without onions and lo and behold my tacos came with onions. This isn't really that big of an issue, but it's an example of why this place doesn't rise above. Also, if you want chips you have to place a side order. Lastly, this place commits my cardinal sin of a retail store of any kind. They don't accept credit cards, but they have an ATM machine for which you can have the pleasure of being charged to use it just so you can eat in the restaurant. This always pisses me off no end, how presumptuous is it for businesses to think their service is so good that not only will you pay for the food or service, but you'll also pay a fee for the right of giving them your business. WTF? Anyways, clientele here is mostly nearby workers and the food is tasty but not authentic in the slightest. Food - B- Ambience - C Service - C Value - B read more

I got a groupon for this place because it was close. Came and the carne asada was super salty. I'll go in order, but everything I had had carne asada. The #8 combo - cheese enchilada and crispy taco - The cheese in the enchilada could have been better. The enchilada sauce was okay. The crispy taco had dry and salty carne asada. The rice was meh and the beans were horrible. Canned rosarito beans are better. Half order of nachos was good. The salty carne asada was masked by the beans, cheese, guac and sour cream. No complaints here. The chile relleno - Decent. Not the greatest. Used a pasilla chile I think. I went overboard and bought a burrrito which i ate the next day. Meh rice, salty meat and not so good beans = less than mediocre burrito. read more

I stopped @ Los Tacos today for the first time in 10-plus years. It was the same! The secret here is to get two huge hard shell tacos (I chose machaca and chicken, they have many meat and also veggie options) and a drink. It's only $14 incl tax and plenty of food for lunch! They are big tacos (not street taco size) and are jammed with meat, cheese and lettuce. Sooo bomb. Tacos like these are actually not so easy to find in LA! I'm not sure why everyone is complaining about prices or spice level. Hit the fresh salsa bar, and those spicy marinated carrots and jalapeños (the salsa included with my to-go bag was not spicy but there are others to serve yourself @ salsa bar free of charge). Such a cute old fashioned shopping center with lovely shade trees and easy parking. I called my order in via phone, the youngish woman working was sweet as could be, my order was ready when I arrived! I sat in the shade with my pup and enjoyed the nostalgic taste of my youth. read more

Visited: Late afternoon meal due to GrouponNOW Found the deal online ($6 for $10) worth of food. Purchased the Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos to-go. Al Pastor tacos - Greasy - Great flavor (probably unhealthy due to the grease contributing to the flavor) - Greasy... - Lots of meat (larger chunks, not the smaller ones you'll normally see). - Hardly any onion and cilantro Carne Asada tacos - Great flavor - Moist and tender - again hardly any onion and cilantro If there isn't a GroupOn or someone else paying for it, I will not be coming to this. Tacos are normally $1.60 + tax on there....more than taco trucks and King Taco. Too greasy/oily for my liking and they skimp on the cilantros and onions. A big plus would be their Hot Sauce bar...you can load up as much as you'd like before taking off. read more

Let's put it this way, my car went in autopilot to Los Tacos as soon as I got back from Tokyo. I was craving nachos and drove their without any consciousness. I have never eaten in the place, as I always get it to go. Also whenever I go there I forget that I never have cash. I have had to run to the Vons down the street and the staff is always nice enough to put the order in for me anyone. Just remember folks bring cash. Alright here is the thing about Los Tacos, you don't go for the tacos. You go for the nachos. They are enormous and delicious. I always get the chicken or asada nachos. One thing I love about these nachos is that I find the occasional pea or carrot inside my nachos, I think it's from the beans but I love that and it is my favorite part. One more note: for some bizarre reason they give you a ton of radishes (which I love) with the asada nachos but not with the chicken ones. I am sure you can ask for it but it is just something strange I noticed. Anyway, just remember Los Tacos=Los Nachos Grande con Carne read more

10.85 for a burrito , you've got to be kidding me . I was in a rush with a short lunch but I didn't order chips or a drink that's a crazy price for a burrito just because I added cheese. The prices online or on the board do not display anything about a burrito being $10 this is crazy .i could have gone anywhere gotten a full meal for 10.85 but burritos are priced no more than $8 with any choice of meat and I was charged 10.85. Idk what the hell I was charged extra for but I'm pretty disappointed . Double check ur tabs people . read more

Los Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Been to this place once! and one too many... I tired their nachos... if you love nachos you'll be dissapointed with this place.. not good at all... I do have to give it to them though they did give me aaaaa looooooot of food. but too bad it wasnt good.. Will I be back again? Most probably not. if they cant get something as simple as nachos to taste good i dont think anything will! read more

Pro- huge portions on my carne asada nachos, I had a lot of chips 4 stars based on food and service. We ordered and it came out quickly. Con- Location Location Location, coming up Fair Oaks and turning on California Blvd, it is hard to see where this place is because it is on the other side of the plaza where Porta Villa Italian restaurant. I didn't see a review of how to find this place... Would go back? Yeah I'll go back, if I'm craving Mexican food and I'm in the area read more

SO EFFING SLOW!!!! But besides that the food wasn't bad but it wasn't that good either. P.s. there where peas in our burrito. Weird. read more

Nacho with carne asada was delicious, super large portion, lots of cheese and sour cream. The kids like it very much. Wet burrito, ginormous, and cheesy. Carne asada tacos - kids love them! read more

I called in an order and the girl wasn't paying attention half the time. She got it right after I repeated it three times. Arrived to pick up my order and they had it wrong, and when I corrected them the girl at the register gave me a bit of attitude. I got home and my tacos were covered in salsa and sour cream when I asked for none, and my boyfriend's nachos were made with stale chips. My tacos were bland and greasy, the rice was dried out, and they're overpriced. I used to frequent this restaurant despite the prices because I enjoyed the food and never had an issue, but after today I will not be going back. read more

Catering services were excellent. The ceviche was exceptional but all the food was fantastic. Friendly staff!

I was craving nachos like crazy and had to go to Pasadena to pick something up at Macy's. I did a search for nachos and this place came up. Parking was a breeze, oh man, I forget that outside LA people don't have to worry about parking. I ordered a full order of nachos to go. They were $5 and massive. Worth every penny. My eyes were bigger than my mouth. Even though I hadn't eaten all day, I still couldn't even eat half of them. They come loaded with cheese, pinto beans, sour cream, cilantro, onions, green onions, tomatoes, and guacamole. YUM! read more

Pretty good lunch place if you don't like food... My first mistake was ordering the fish. It was... Fishy... Not in a good way. And rubbery, there were bones and other inedible bits. The rest of the burrito was bland and didn't taste good. Ugh, I would have been better off just grabbing a salad at Starbucks. Wasted meal and probably super unhealthy. read more

This place has gone to sh*t! Carne asada burrito mojado is what I ordered to go and crap is what I got. Carne asada is mushy, The enchilada/mojado sauce flavorless. Last time coming here. What's up with the bouncer at the door of the kitchen??? Somebody answer me that question. He sure isn't the "enforcer of taste"! read more

This place used to have the best burritos in town. It was where I took my out of town friends to experience food in Pasadena. Then about 5 years ago the food started getting less good until it was bad. The last few times I thought it would be the last. But last night, last night was the absolute last time I will ever go there. The meat in my burrito was dry, the rice bland, and the beans were just slightly undercooked. I ordered salsa and cheese to smother my burrito. And there was hardly any cheese. I had to ask for more. Also I ordered to dine in and was given my food in a to go box. I don't like to write bad reviews but then I woke up and my stomach was rumbling in a very angry and painful fashion. Man I miss the old days. What happened? read more

All the people here need to get real . The food apeals to white folk. (And thats ok. We are in Pasadena.) In my opinion thats is why the food is a little bland. Bland yes... but not bad. This place has a lot better food than Dona Rosa, for shure. If you are in the area and want a quick bite , I say go ahead and try it. read more

This place has been here a LONG time. I was having another torta craving and just happened to be in the Pasadena area at lunchtime, so in I went. Ordered a carne asada torta and man, was it good! No skimping on the ingredients here - equal portions of meat, lettuce, tomato and guacamole between two slices of sweet bread...YES! And again, I was in Torta Heaven. I think they've expanded since the last time I've been here (which was years ago) so there's plenty of seating. Service was fast and the girls behind the counter were pretty cool. They only accept cash (no cc's or debit cards) so make sure you have some before you head over there. Next time I go there, I want to try their nachos and tacos. I've had their tacos before, but can't remember what they were like. So a return trip to Los Tacos is definitely in order. *UPDATE: 3/11/08* Came to Los Tacos again tonight and had the carnitas platter with sides of rice, beans, and guacamole. The carnitas was a little on the dry side, so I added a little salsa and that kicked it up a notch (props to Emeril). I'll get around to sampling tacos and nachos eventually - which means I'll have to come here yet again! Somebody twist my arm! read more

Average Mexican food. Despite the new marketing the food is just not up to par. Papas tacos and the menudo are legit though - just don't like hearing the staff argue, waiting a long time for food. salsa bar is on point, good variety and fresh! and disappointed that have a $6 credit card minimum with their ATM broken. read more

I second the horchata not being great...a bit powdery. The carnitas are good, a bit dry, and the ratio of tortilla to meet is a bit off. Didn't care too much for the beans either but the guacamole is delicious. They only take cash, which I am never a big fan of, but at least they have an ATM machine. I've also never been to big of the fan of the self serve salsa bars, but that's just me, I know I'm in the minority with that gripe. read more

Now look. I know what you are going to say. "I know this one taco truck that only shows up on the 3rd Thursday of every month and the tacos are so awesome..." Shut up. Everyone is tired of your dumbass taco truck stories. Admit to yourself that those tacos are drier than Atacama and the beef in them is closer to Kobe Bryant than Kobe Japan. Los Tacos isn't cool and it isn't some big secret. It just has great food, cheap prices, and friendly people working there. Sometimes they can hook your up with potatoes in the tacos or just plain potato tacos. Kiss my grits, ghost of Dr. Atkins! Order the chicken tacos. The meat is going to be juicy and good. You might not be expecting that if you've been eating those cottonmouth communion wafer tacos everywhere else. Put the green sauce and some lemon on the tacos. Don't look back. read more

If you live in Alhambra / South Pasadena area and are seeking exquisite lengua (tongue) meat, look no further! I have always noticed this hole in the wall as I would make my way south on fair oaks. The brightly lit interior would call my name and yell out "you can make room for one more taco!" Last night I finally make the conscious choice to try this out over King Taco. Boy, am I glad I took a chance on Los Tacos! The meat was just soft enough for you to eat with no teeth. It's considerate of Los Tacos to have a salsa station for the sauce bosses out there. Parking is NOT ample but gauging from observation, there isn't much of a problem in finding a spot Further review would be needed as their complete menu also includes wet burritos and breakfast. Wet burrito -- I challenge you the YELP BELLY CHALLENGE. read more

Los Tacos was the 1st Pasadena institution I dined at when I moved to Pasadena. Ordered a bunch of their signature tacos to feed my bro, wife, and I after a long move. Over the years I've stopped by occasionally for a taco fix and whenever I'm feeling the mood for spicy food - I love their pickled carrots at their salsa bar, just thinking about them is making my scalp sweat. Anyway, I stopped by last night and learned something about Pasadena: WE HAVE PIRATES IN PASADENA! Seriously, a pirate strolled into Los Tacos last night! With bandana and pirate boots! Although I was disappointed when he didn't speak pirate. But still! Anyway, my thoughts on Los Tacos: Their tacos are good, but not notable enough to warrant the "World's Greatest Tacos" moniker. I love me some Pastor, by far my favorite Mexican meat. But I have to say the Pastor here isn't as savory or juicy as I prefer. Major bummer. Serving sizes here are HUGE. I ordered a Burrito last night, wet. When I opened my to-go box I literally mouthed a Keanu-Reeves "WOAH". Very generous. While the wet burrito was satisfactory, it really lacked the flavors to counter the meat-rice-beans-sauce thing that gets monotonous especially w/ the serving size. It really needed some sour cream. So when you order it, be sure to ask if they can hook you up with this OR order the "Super Burrito" that has the sour cream. Service is very friendly, BUT it takes a while to get your food. I was the only one in the restaurant last night (before the pirate came in) and the cook staff didn't exactly jump on my burrito order. Flan was decent. This is going to sound like heresy, but I prefer the El Pollo Loco Flan. All-in-all, a solid neighborhood institution! And now I know my neighborhood includes pirates! read more

Pros: Pretty good guacamole and chips. Cons: VERY greasy tacos. Potato tacos and the cheese on top lack flavor. Additionally, once when we ordered food, the person behind the counter cleared tables and handled trash, then handled our food without washing his hands. We refused the order, asked for a refund, and left. read more

They were out of fish tacos which disappointed me. So I ordered two carnitas, one chicken mole and one chile verde instead. The best one turned out to be the chile verde. The carnitas were too dry. The chicken mole was very interesting. They are very generous with the tacos and I was able to take home enough meat that had fallen out of my tacos to make a salad the next day. I thought the place was very clean and cheap (less than $5 for four tacos). read more

Quick and tasty, don't ask for much more! That's about it for this place... if you know what you want and aren't looking for much in the way of sit-down service, then you've got your place. There really is only one reason for me to go here, and it's not on the menu.... get the Torta Sandwich, but substitute in the fish that they offer.... mix that with their sauce on the sandwich and a little of their self-service green salsa, and you've got yourself a BOMB sandwich. The horchata here is not great, don't get it. That's about it.... go here, get a Fish Torta! read more

Would never go back, out of all the 40$ worth of food the best thing was the Guacomole. Carne Asada was a complete joke, nothing but hamburger meat and it was horrible. Fish Tacos barley passable. Noisy inside and outside. John read more

This place is soooooo good. Went yesterday morning with my mom to try these amazing breakfast burritos she's been talking about and they were absolutely wonderful! I got the chorizo burrito and I couldn't stop eating it. read more

Worst place ever !!!! Always see this place on the way home I want to give it a chance But what a joke !!!! Had to toss the entire meal read more

Got a groupon deal. Food: Fish taco, fish ceviche, potato hard shell taco and something like a little flour bread underneath with meat on top. The food is really not that good. We didn't enjoy it at all. The fish in the fish taco is way too fishy. I am a big seafood eater, I eat uni and all kind of exotic seafood. But their fish is really fishy to a way not very fresh. Their award potato hard shell taco was .....very disappointing. Just basically add the mash potato inside of the hard shell taco..... I thought the shell was made of potato.... The meat was not good, so mushy , the lettuce and cheese on top remind me the Taco Bell 's lettuce and cheese. Service: the staffs there were very very friendly but it was a bit confusing on how they order. The cashier placed order for one person, and the other staff was asking us the order with written down note and passed it to the cashier. So some people behind us were confused and it took a bit long. read more

This restaurant seems to be very polarizing, based on the extremes of previous reviews. I can't really think of any glaring inadequacies of this place, but rather there were just a host of little issues here and there that added up to "2" stars, in my opinion. For example, the beans came out really watery. The bottled water I got was room temperature. The tables and seats were worn. The dining area smelled funny. The restroom was offputting. I would not come back. read more

See all

This hole in the wall can easily be overlooked in the foothill community with so many trendy eateries gracing the Old Town strip and Lake corridor. But for those in the know, this family owned establishment is a staple for traditional Mexican dishes; no frill, only flavor. Usually, I stick to the dishes involving carne asada. This addictive beef dish is best in street taco form. With a spattering of diced onion and cilantro to compliment, these tacos explode with a flavor that has to be a family secret. The texture is as delightful as it is mysterious. Is it broiled, grilled, how do they make it firm, yet tender enough that it pulls apart, almost in flakes? It's simply not something you could duplicate in your own kitchen. The texture and flavor are unique, to say it mildly. The beef leaves you with hints of smokiness and salt but is far from ovewhelming the way so many over-marinated carne asada dishes all too often can be. Top it with a hint of lemon and a dollop of hot sauce and you have an eclectic flavor explosion leaving you yearning for that next bite. The corn tortillas were warm and soft as a dreamy embrace you've long ago forgotten. In a city defined by skinny jeans and ironic mustaches in poorly lit hipster watering holes that are big on vibe and short on substance, it's refreshing to find yourself cozied up in a booth enjoying the surreal goodness that only a place like this could present. read more

I tend to hit up this place if i end up leaving my apt after 9 when the majority of places i want to go close down. I've been here a handful of times and so far they haven't let me down. My favorite is the #13 combo and i usually get it with a potato enchilada and small tostada. It feels very homey to me. The only thing i would say is the beans can be a little flavorless... Overall, pretty heavy, pretty delicious. read more

Los Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Greasy cheese enchiladas soaked my side of rice.. (quesadilla w/asada meat) meal was ok, fish tacos were :( - a little fishy , a little dry. Service sucked. really bad. the older gentleman at the cashier taking orders needs to be a little nicer... i wouldn't come back. even with a groupon. read more

I was in town visiting a friend who grew up in the area. When we decided to have a low key Saturday she immediately through out Los Tacos for dinner. Their guacamole was amazing as were the chicken tacos. The service was quick and the price was right. We got our order to go but the dining area also looked nice. read more

While I absolutely love the food here... service is also very important. I had ordered some carne asada tacos, and knowing that onions is basically standard, I asked "Do they have onions on them?" and the lady at the counter said "no" and then I said "Good, because I don't want them"... but then when the food came, and they forgot the drink I ordered.... of course onions right on the tacos. Does anyone listen anymore? Again, the food is great, but it is a little pricey. read more

Yummy carne asada taco I loved it. I will be back to get dinner later. The employees are very Nice also Thank you read more

For some reason I had a higher opinion of Los Tacos than I think they actually merit. I visited again recently and was disappointed. Both my chile verde and my friend's dish were passable but may be the last meal I have here. It's not so bad but there's definitely no reason to go here over El Metate or other places in Pasadena. The location's pretty good and the prices were nothing to complain about but I find that their fare don't really rise above average. read more

Figured I would give something totally new a shot today and can't say I regret it or should have done it. This place is just ok. Nothing special about it at all. I agree with everyone else that the parking is easy but other than that its a pretty forgettable meal. The food was ok, not great, not bad, and there was enough of it to be content. Had tacos, umm guess it was the name that made me do it, and they were the standard fare: chicken, corn tortilla, cilantro, onion. I ordered the fish tacos but they didn't have any fish, which was told to me after I paid and sat down (they did refund the difference). I will give them a thumbs up on speed and service, other than the "we're out of fish" line. Guess for $8.xx (CASH ONLY) it wasn't that bad but then again I doubt I will be making a trip here again....unless I'm in the plaza next door and need a quick meal. read more

Best Chile Verde I've ever tasted Having grown up in LA, I know mexican food. My family has eaten here for years and it's still up at the top of my list for an amazing taco plate. The chile verde tacos are beyond excellent. I crave them all the time, and have never met their equal. We had Los Tacos cater my mom's 60th birthday a couple years ago, and everyone loved it. It's hard to beat food this good, especially at the price. Tasty flan too! read more