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Guide to Pasadena

Salsa taco spots

A warm taco topped with the right amount of sharp salsa is the only thing that matters right now.

Based on 678 Opinions
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01
El Jarocho Taco Stand image 1
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Tiny taco stand stays put on the street with freshly made tacos served promptly. Atmosphere is low-key and clean, attracting locals who appreciate homemade tortillas and spicy red salsa. Prices are very cheap, making it a standout spot for well-seasoned meats and a variety of options.

Tacos come with well-seasoned meat and good portions, especially the pastor, asada, and carnitas varieties. They are small, so ordering more than usual is common, but the tacos are delicious and affordable with fast, friendly service.

Red salsa stands out with its spicy kick and bold flavor. Habanero salsa adds a delicious heat that complements the other flavorful options.

People are saying

"I found the tacos packed with flavor and really super."

"The red salsa here is incredibly spicy and flavorful."

Good to know

1

They accept cash or Zelle as payment methods.

2

The dinner cost $12.50 per person.

3

The taco stand has been in the same location for over 3 years.

02
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One-man modified truck by the roadside offers family-style seating and a community table that fosters togetherness. The atmosphere stays welcoming and unassuming with a focus on specialized birria tacos known for rich flavor and quality. Street and on-site parking add convenience to the straightforward setup.

Juicy, flavorful meat comes generously on birria tacos that impress with consistent quality. Prices stay low with queso birria tacos at $3.50 and consomรฉ at $3, making them a solid choice for tasty, affordable tacos.

Salsas come fresh and homemade with spicy heat and careful preparation. Limes and pickled onions add bright, complementary flavors.

People are saying

"The birria tacos here are amazing, especially with the consommรฉ."

"The salsas here are delicious and complement the meal perfectly."

Good to know

1

Parking is available in the lot and on the street.

2

The queso birria tacos cost $3.50 and the consomรฉ is $3.

3

Drinks and water are sold separately.

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Cafeteria-style Mexican restaurant offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of community. The vibe is authentic and comfortable, featuring fresh, flavorful salsas and strong, fresh-squeezed margaritas. Regulars enjoy affordable street tacos and a variety of traditional dishes in a casual setting.

Street tacos stand out with Al pastor, carne asada, and potato options. Prices stay reasonable while flavors stay rich and tasty.

Salsas come very fresh with a noticeable kick. The peanut salsa stands out as a unique option. Chips and salsa come packed together, complementing the platters well.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be really delicious."

"The salsas here are excellent and have a nice kick."

Good to know

1

Happy Hour is from 4 to 6 daily with great deals.

2

Parking is available across the street from the Rose Parade route.

3

Tacos are reasonably priced, making it a great spot for affordable food.

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Modern, cozy space with clean interior and fun wall art creates a chill atmosphere. Self-service ordering via touch screen adds convenience. Tacos stand out for being fresh and flavorful, especially the carne asada and cochinita pibil options.

Tacos come out fresh and flavorful, with options like Cochinita Pibil and asada standing out for their savory and sweet tastes. Modifications are easy, and the tacos are consistently cooked well and filling.

Green salsa stands out with its amazing flavor. Red salsa offers a smokeyness that surprises without heat. Both salsas are mild and paired with crunchy pickled onions alongside tacos.

People are saying

"I thought the al pastor taco was the best I ever had."

"The green salsa here is amazing and has a great kick."

Good to know

1

The ordering process is self-service.

2

Prices are fair, with tacos around $5.25 each.

3

The portion size is large, providing good value.

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Hole-in-the-wall taqueria with an aesthetic interior featuring a great mural. Atmosphere is good, with authentic Mexican food known for fresh tortillas and a variety of flavorful salsas. It gets very busy on weekends and offers affordable prices with ample nearby parking.

Tacos here stand out for their amazing quality and authentic Guerrero-style flavors. The grilled fish tacos and fresh tortillas add to the very tasty and affordable options available.

Red salsa offers a good amount of heat and strong flavor. Freshly made salsas come with chips, including a milder green salsa option.

People are saying

"I found the tacos to be amazing and authentic."

"I loved the fresh chips and the red salsa's perfect heat."

Good to know

1

Ample parking is available on the streets nearby.

2

Tacos are very cheap, making it an affordable option.

3

Expect busy crowds on weekends; consider visiting during weekdays.

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Small strip mall setting offers an authentic Mexican feel with a bare bones interior that resembles a home kitchen. Atmosphere stays quiet during lunch with reasonable prices and generous portions. The place attracts those seeking traditional dishes made by Mexican hands in a casual environment.

Tacos come with a crispy texture that adds a unique twist. Options include carnitas, chicken asada, shredded beef, and fish, all well seasoned and affordable, with three tacos and chips costing under $10.

Chips come with medium hot green salsa that tastes fresh and pairs well. The habanero salsa adds a spicy kick, and the overall salsa selection feels home-cooked and authentic.

People are saying

"The carnitas tacos here are the best I've ever had."

"The Salsa here feels like an incredible home-cooked meal."

Good to know

1

3 tacos with some chips cost under $10.

2

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

3

The restaurant is not clearly visible from the street.

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Small Mexican restaurant with a family-run atmosphere and nostalgic vibe. Offers authentic home-style cooking with homemade tortillas and spicy salsas. Most guests take food to go, enjoying affordable prices and generous portions.

Tacos come hot and soft with onion, cilantro, and cooked beef. Fish tacos stand out in this hole-in-the-wall spot, while carne asada tacos offer a lighter, less marinated flavor.

Salsa here has a perfect heat level and leans toward the spicy side. Options include red salsa served with dishes like mole and pork ribs.

People are saying

"You can't go wrong with their delicious tacos."

"I thought the salsa was out of this world amazing."

Good to know

1

Menudo is only served on weekends.

2

Taco Tuesday and Thursday deals offer $1.50 tacos.

3

The burrito costs $11.24.

08
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Spacious restaurant with laid-back vibe and big screen TVs showing sports. Atmosphere feels casual and genuine with chill energy despite music that includes explicit content. Seating is ample but can get hot inside without outdoor options or air conditioning.

Small but delicious tacos feature traditional street flavors with a fresh twist. Standouts include potato tacos and grilled shrimp, served with flavorful salsas and attentive service.

Fresh, quality ingredients make the salsas stand out. The red salsa pairs well with taquitos, and the Mango Salsa on Mahi Nachos adds a savory, fruity touch.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be fresh, flavorful, and plentiful."

"The salsas here are delicious and taste homemade."

Good to know

1

They offer a 10% discount for Pasadena City College students.

2

Free parking is available in the rear lot, but spaces are limited.

3

Tuesdays feature $1.99 street tacos and $5 margaritas.

09
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Small Mexican restaurant offers a cozy, homey atmosphere with a casual, relaxed vibe. Menu features authentic dishes like menudo, pozole, and fish tacos, paired with affordable prices and generous portions. Complimentary chips come with two fresh salsas, enhancing the dining experience.

Potato tacos stand out for their crispy texture and rich flavor. Fish tacos and camarones al mojo de ajo offer a fresh, garlicky taste that many find memorable.

Two types of salsa come with the chips, served fresh and warm from the oven. The salsa verde stands out as particularly memorable, and the roasted salsa offers a unique flavor not often found elsewhere.

People are saying

"I thought the salsa here was great and delicious."

"I found the tacos here to be delicious and filling."

Good to know

1

Parking can take up to 15 minutes to find, so plan ahead.

2

Combo plates cost about $13 and are large enough to share.

3

The menu offers a nice variety, catering to different tastes.

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Mexican restaurant with authentic atmosphere and varied food choices including vegetarian options. The space is clean and offers comfortable outdoor seating. Service runs with a small crew, maintaining smooth operation despite limited staff.

Steak tacos stand out with their fresh flavor and satisfying taste. The menu also offers burritos and quesadillas, making it a solid spot for classic Mexican dishes.

A Mocajete Salsa offers a spicy kick while the Baja Salsa provides a milder, tasty option. The roasted salsa adds a rich, smoky flavor to the salsa bar.

People are saying

"The salsa here is delicious and fresh."

"The salsa bar here is delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is easy and free, with nearby shopping options.

2

Baja Fresh offers vegetarian options on the menu.

3

Outdoor seating is available and comfortable.

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Small Mexican restaurant with a colorful, remodeled look and hole-in-the-wall energy. Atmosphere feels family-owned and cozy, with free chips and salsa accompanying meals. Food highlights include mole sauces, pozole, and carnitas tacos, offering a casual and authentic dining experience.

Carnitas tacos stand out with a flavor close to homemade. Taco nights run from Thursday to Sunday until 11 pm, making it a regular weekend spot for grabbing tacos and multitas.

Chips come free with the meal and pair well with the good salsa. The salsa has a notable flavor that stands out.

People are saying

"The carnitas tacos here were amazing."

"I found the salsa to be incredible."

Good to know

1

Chips and salsa are complimentary with every meal.

2

Prices are generally affordable, with meals around $10-$20.

3

Taco nights run from Thursday to Sunday until 11 pm.

12
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Mexican restaurant with family-owned charm and walls adorned by colorful murals creates a vibrant atmosphere. The air conditioning runs strong, making the space cool despite the hot food served. Known for juicy grilled chicken and fresh salsas, it offers generous portions with a slightly upscale price point.

Street tacos come with flavorful salsa and taste delicious. Carne asada burritos and tacos also stand out. Pricing runs about $4 per taco, with a meal of a burrito, two tacos, and a drink around $30.

Staff offer all salsas for tasting, letting you pick your favorite. Salsas are fresh, include a special homemade and a hot salsa, and add great flavor to tacos.

People are saying

"The spicy chicken here is my favorite dish."

"I found the street tacos and burritos to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Expect to pay around $16 for a burrito and $20 for three pieces of chicken.

2

The portion sizes are good, but some sides may be smaller than expected.

3

The air conditioning can be quite strong, so consider bringing a sweater.

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Outdoor seating with a spacious patio and covered areas creates a relaxed, casual vibe. The place draws a steady crowd seeking quick, affordable meals with high-quality tacos and burritos. Service involves ordering at a window, fitting the easygoing, no-frills atmosphere.

Fish tacos stand out as fantastic and large, especially the shrimp and fish options. Tacos like tongue and head are excellent, served quickly with efficient service and reasonable prices.

Salsas here have great flavor with the red salsa being very spicy and the green salsa generally well-liked.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be the best I've ever had."

"I thought the salsa here was the best around."

Good to know

1

The 2 taco meal costs less than $7.

2

Cash discounts are available for payments.

3

The restaurant only has outdoor seating.

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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.

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.

Warm chips come with flavorful salsa that encourages at least two servings. Portions are generous, and chips and salsa are consistently excellent.

People are saying

"The chips and salsa here are excellent and flavorful."

"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.

15
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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.

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.

Salsa here stands out for its simple seasoning and great flavor. The green salsa served with chilaquiles is especially notable.

People are saying

"I thought the salsa here was really great."

"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.

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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.

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.

Breakfast salsa stands out with its special flavor and pairs well with blue corn tortillas. Red salsa brings a spicy kick, while green salsa offers a mild lime flavor that complements dishes like Gorditas.

People are saying

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

"The salsas here are flavorful and 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.

17
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Mexican restaurant with authentic decor and a chill atmosphere offers excellent salsas and delicious tacos. The environment stays quiet and clean, with free onsite parking available. Prices tend to be on the higher side compared to typical street tacos.

Tacos come packed with loads of meat and strong flavors. The potato taco stands out as a favorite, alongside marinated pork, softshell chicken mole, and green-chili pork options.

A salsa bar offers a variety of salsas with different heat levels. Some salsas are excellent, while others lack seasoning and flavor.

People are saying

"The salsas here were excellent and had different heat levels."

"I tasted the best hard tacos I ever had."

Good to know

1

There was free parking onsite.

2

Los Tacos has its own parking lot.

3

The price for a taco was $5.50 each.

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Mexican restaurant offers a quiet, old school small town vibe with a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere. Live music adds to the experience while the menu features authentic dishes like menudo and birria. The place stays busy and serves affordable, flavorful food with quick service.

Tacos come in several varieties like carne asada, birria, al pastor, tripa, and chicharon, often served with mild salsa. Prices stay reasonable, with combos including tacos, fries, and a drink around $12.98, and the tacos are easy to eat and flavorful.

Complimentary chips come with green and red salsa that many find addictive. Some find the salsa and food subpar, while others enjoy the mild salsa with various tacos.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be very good and tasty."

"I can never get enough of their addictive chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

The menu features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including menudo and chili relleno.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $12 for tacos and sides.

3

Chips and rice with beans are included with most orders.

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Cozy indoor seating creates a homey atmosphere with authentic Mexican flavors. The place offers sizable portions and complimentary spicy chips and salsa. It serves as a casual spot favored for tender lengua burritos and flavorful dishes.

Tacos feature authentic flavors with options like fish, birria, and queso birria. Prices hover around four dollars, with some finding them too expensive for the portion and quality.

Chips come with complimentary salsa that is usually spicy but balanced. Some batches are watery and less flavorful, but most have a good kick without overwhelming heat.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the fish tacos here."

"The salsa here is perfectly spicy, not too hot."

Good to know

1

Parking is plentiful near the restaurant.

2

A torta with a soda costs around $20.

3

They use lard in their beans, which may not suit all diets.

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