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Local picks

Taco lunch spots in Pasadena

A casual lunch break centered around a few tacos is the simplest way to reset.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Saucy Chick Indi-Mex Eatery image 1
Saucy Chick Indi-Mex Eatery image 2
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Small indoor space with extensive outdoor patio seating creates a casual, LA chill vibe with friendly, welcoming atmosphere. Busy with takeout and delivery but remains unhectic and pleasant for dining in. Decorated with taste, featuring live music and henna art during visits.

Tacos feature exceptionally tasty tortillas and come in standout varieties like goat and chicken pibil. The carne asada and cauliflower options also deliver strong, flavorful experiences.

People are saying

"The food here is a delicious and fun fusion of Indian and Mexican flavors."

"I thought the tacos were amazing and expertly made."

"This Lunch Spot's flavors are an explosion, blending cultures beautifully."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers both indoor and outdoor seating options.

2

There is a parking lot available at the restaurant.

3

The restaurant provides Halal options for diners.

02
Chak De California image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

Modern Indian restaurant offers a spacious, upscale interior with vibrant, lively music from a live DJ blending Indian and pop tracks. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, suited for both intimate dinners and larger gatherings. Walls feature gorgeous paintings and intricate designs, enhancing the cool, contemporary vibe.

Late lunch options include great dishes that satisfy well. Reserving a table helps secure a spot for a relaxed lunch experience with family.

Paneer tacos stand out with their rich, creamy filling. They come alongside other snacks like Dahi chaat and Vada Pao, offering a mix of textures and flavors.

People are saying

"The Indian food, especially the chicken tikka masala, is so creamy."

"I really enjoyed the paneer tacos."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is outstanding and delicious."

Good to know

1

Live DJ performances occur on Fridays and Saturdays, enhancing the dining experience.

2

A new lounge with a Punjabi DJ will open soon, adding to the entertainment options.

3

Parking can be challenging nearby, so plan accordingly before your visit.

03
Madre Maiz Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican cantina offers intimate indoor tables and ample outdoor seating with umbrellas. Atmosphere feels cozy and casual with good music and friendly staff. Kitchen is visible and efficient, creating an authentic vibe.

Lunch here draws repeat visits and convinces others to come back for dinner. The spot offers consistent quality and a friendly atmosphere during midday meals.

Grilled shrimp and birria street tacos stand out with fresh cut potatoes and a premium taco option beyond cilantro and onions. Breakfast tacos feature cheese and potato cooked onto the tortilla with ham or bacon choices.

People are saying

"The birria here is so juicy and flavorful."

"The tacos here are delicious, especially the grilled shrimp."

"This Lunch Spot's food was amazingly delicious."

Good to know

1

There is limited indoor seating for large groups.

2

They have an outdoor seating area which is nice.

3

There is a free parking lot outside.

04
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

Fast casual seafood spot with quick service and a clean, modern setting. Atmosphere feels bare and cold, lacking cozy or lively vibes, but outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio with heating. Offers healthy, hearty fish portions with fair prices and consistent quality.

Very good atmosphere makes it a nice spot for lunch. The place gets crowded during lunch hours, especially around noon and early afternoon.

Shrimp tacos come with pickled purple onions and a flavorful sauce. Fish tacos get replaced immediately if fishy, and the Cajun shrimp tacos offer a lot of flavor on a corn tortilla.

People are saying

"I found the seafood here to be fresh and tasty."

"The fish tacos here are really tasty and fresh."

"The fish & chips lunch spot had a spot-on batter to fish ratio."

Good to know

1

The restaurant uses a kiosk ordering system for faster service.

2

Expect crowded conditions during lunchtime, especially on weekdays.

3

Parking is usually available in the plaza, making access easy.

05
Mercado Pasadena image 1
Mexican restaurant

Modern Mexican restaurant offers a heated outdoor patio with pet-friendly seating and powerful fans for comfort. Atmosphere feels inviting and cozy, with a great view and lively energy. Specialty margaritas and flavorful dishes like carnitas and enchiladas stand out.

Seafood lunch stands out with superb quality. The team offers special menu items and ensures everything needed during lunch is provided.

Surf and turf tacos offer fresh taste with steak packed with flavor. Jicama shrimp tacos come with a fried shrimp texture and pair well with aioli for enhanced flavor.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here has such attentive and welcoming service."

"The tacos el Filete were on point and delicious."

"The service at this lunch spot is always helpful and friendly."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers tacos for $12, a great deal compared to regular prices.

2

Reservations are recommended to secure a table, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking is $2 for 20 minutes, and they do not validate parking.

06
Roll Em Up Taquitos - Pasadena image 1

Open concept Mexican restaurant with vibrant patio seating and reggae music sets a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Board games and free books add a playful touch while plenty of parking accommodates various vehicles. Artistic decor and clean grounds create a welcoming environment.

Lunch offers very good food with a price over $17. It's a spot where meeting a friend for lunch feels natural.

Crunchy ground beef tacos and taquitos deliver a crispy beef texture with delicious flavor. Rolled tacos come alongside protein bowls, offering a solid take on classic Mexican street food.

People are saying

"I loved their crispy, flavorful taquitos; it's great Mexican food."

"I loved the crispy beef tacos here."

"The tequitos at this Lunch Spot are made fresh and are perfect."

Good to know

1

There is plenty of free parking in the lot.

2

The restaurant offers vegan and vegetarian options, including potato, chicken, or beef taquitos.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food served.

07
Amigo's Restaurant and Cantina image 1

Spacious interior with a dark Mexican atmosphere and a mural on the back wall sets a warm, comfortable vibe. Bar area offers a loud, fun energy with a jukebox and booths, attracting mostly locals. Strong, flavorful margaritas are a key draw, making it a popular spot for casual dining and drinks.

Lunch specials come with generous portions at reasonable prices around $12.50. The large burritos often leave leftovers for the next day, making it a solid choice for a quick, affordable lunch.

Tacos come with a perfectly crunchy shell and juicy, flavorful beef. Options include chicken and beef tacos, often served in combos or a la carte.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was delicious and had good flavor."

"This lunch spot has huge portions; I had leftovers for days."

"I especially enjoyed their crispy beef taco."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect limited parking; consider arriving early or using street parking.

3

Lunch specials cost $12.50 and offer generous portions.

08
Tortas Mexico image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small indoor space with homey decor and outside picnic tables creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Family-run vibe brings warmth and authenticity to the experience. Known for large portions and authentic Mexican tortas that stand out.

Quick service suits those needing a fast lunch. Options focus on grab-and-go convenience for a brief stop.

Tacos come in huge portions with crispy shells that drip oil. Varieties include sweet and savory al pastor, spicy chicken, and potato tacos. Birria tacos stand out as a favorite among kids, while some find certain tacos hard to finish.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food tortas to be the best I have ever tasted."

"The Asada and cheese at this lunch spot were outstanding."

"I found their spicy chicken tacos outstanding."

Good to know

1

The wait time is usually under ten minutes for orders.

2

There are many vegetarian options available on the menu.

3

Indoor seating is limited, but outdoor seating is available.

09
ANAYA'S RESTAURANT image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant offers large family seating and a well-stocked bar with quality cocktails. Live music creates a lively atmosphere, though noise levels can be high. Outdoor patio provides a comfortable al fresco dining experience.

Carnitas tacos stand out with flavor better than many Midwest versions. Food remains outstanding for lunch, making it a reliable go-to spot downtown.

Carnitas and carne asada tacos stand out with rich flavors and tender meat. Chicken and fish tacos come well prepared, alongside crispy taquitos and flautas that add variety.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's depth of flavor, especially the chilaquiles, was amazing."

"This lunch spot's carnitas tacos were better than any I had back home."

"The margaritas here are well made and potent."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price margaritas and drink specials on weekdays.

2

Sunday brunch features a special menu with unique dishes.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

10
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spanish-style building offers modern renovations with separate dining areas including sports TVs and banquet space. Atmosphere ranges from loud bar with live mariachi music to more relaxed dining sections. Brunch features unlimited mimosas and live entertainment, creating a festive vibe.

Offers tasty lunch specials with a great selection of breakfast and lunch options. Provides good deals that suit tighter budgets.

Tacos come with handmade tortillas and offer great taste without overpowering flavors. Taco Tuesday features $3 tacos and runs from 3-10 pm with drink specials and a tapas bar option.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and flavorful."

"The Birria Tacos were an awesome choice."

"The lunch spot's chicken fajitas were delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 9pm in the cantina and bar area.

2

Karaoke night happens every Friday from 5pm to 11pm.

3

The price for brunch is $24 per person, which is considered a bargain.

11
Green Street Restaurant image 1
Californian restaurant

Californian restaurant offers comfortable outdoor patio and a small bar area with ample indoor seating. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with jazz music playing softly, creating a relaxed vibe. Menu features large variety appealing to diverse tastes, supporting casual brunch gatherings.

Relaxed vibe creates a calm setting for lunch. Meals suit catching up with friends and enjoying a laid-back atmosphere.

Ginger steak tacos stand out as flavorful and well-made. Shrimp tacos struggle with tortilla disintegration and clashing ingredients, making them less enjoyable and overpriced.

People are saying

"I loved the Steak and Dianne Salad."

"The zucchini bread here is top tier and a must-have."

"The ginger steak tacos here were dynamite."

Good to know

1

Pay parking and street parking are available nearby.

2

The restaurant does not validate parking.

3

Public parking costs over $12 at the restaurant.

12
Fishwives image 1
Seafood restaurant

Small, intimate seafood restaurant with nautical decor and a New England fish house feel. Bright interior and courtyard seating offer a mix of indoor and outdoor dining. Atmosphere tends to be loud and lively, with a friendly vibe.

Casual atmosphere defines the lunch experience here with a quiet vibe during midday. It suits a relaxed meal or a simple date with low crowd levels and a comfortable setting.

Fish tacos feature fried wild cod with a batter like fish and chips, offering a fresh and tasty bite. Portions are small but filling, making them a solid choice for a meal.

People are saying

"The seafood here is top quality, especially the crab cakes and lobster roll."

"This Lunch Spot has great seafood, especially the oysters and clams."

"The fish tacos here are massive and amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for large groups, due to high demand.

2

There is no parking available near the restaurant.

3

The average cost for a meal for four is around $385, excluding tip.

13
Yuca's / We Cater! image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small food stand with limited seating focuses on takeout and quick service. Atmosphere feels casual and unassuming, with a short wait and modest portions that often lead to leftovers. Known for classic Mexican dishes, large portions, and minimal sauce servings.

Food arrives quickly and portions are generous, enough for sharing. Expect a long wait during lunch hours.

Tacos come in large portions but can be a bit dry and lack strong flavor. Options include carnitas tacos alongside burritos like carne asada.

People are saying

"The carne asada burrito here is tasty, but the beef could be more tender."

"This Lunch Spot's burritos are mostly from fast-food chains."

"I loved their tacos; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

Yuca's is a food stand with no seating available.

2

Expect to pay extra for additional salsa.

3

Portions are large enough to share between two people.

14
Margaritas Mexican Restaurant image 1

Mexican restaurant combines colorful traditional decor with a family-style atmosphere that feels like dining at home. A lively mariachi band often plays, enhancing the vibrant cultural vibe. The space splits between a restaurant and cantina, offering distinct dining and social experiences.

Lunch offers quick service with friendly servers who provide helpful recommendations. Specials include 2 combo lunch options that deliver good food at reasonable prices.

Tacos come with tender, flavorful meat and generous portions. Fish tacos stand out with an incredible sauce, and the $2.75 taco special offers solid value.

People are saying

"The tacos here are fresh, flavorful, and satisfying."

"This Lunch Spot's food is great and delicious."

"I loved the tacos on Taco Tuesday."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has a $30 minimum payment per person.

2

Parking can be challenging during busy periods, especially for larger vehicles.

3

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm on weekdays.

15
King Taco image 1
Mexican restaurant

Fast food Mexican restaurant with a spacious dining area and bright, clean interior. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and inviting despite occasional sketchy moments. Known for affordable prices and authentic flavors in tacos and burritos.

Offers good value for work lunch with filling options. Requires planning ahead due to potential wait times during short lunch breaks.

Tacos feature authentic Mexican taste with citrus-flavored asada meat and options like lengua, al pastor, and cabeza topped with onions and cilantro. Prices stay unbeatable while the hot red sauce adds a perfect kick.

People are saying

"I always come back for the consistent Mexican food here."

"King Taco's tacos are so consistent, I always know what I'm getting."

"The food at this Lunch Spot is fresh and tasty."

Good to know

1

Parking at King Taco is difficult and often inconvenient.

2

You can only order online after they open at 10am.

3

They charge $1 for an extra hot sauce.

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Pasadena, California

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