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Top picks in Pasadena

Taco spots

A taco that relies on the quality of the tortilla and filling rather than relying on excessive garnishes to hide the flavor.

Based on 739 Opinions
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01
El Jarocho Taco Stand image 1
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Tiny taco stand offers well-seasoned meat tacos with homemade tortillas and spicy red salsa. Prices are very cheap, attracting locals who enjoy fast, friendly service in a low-key, clean setting.

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.

People are saying

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

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 serves juicy birria tacos with rich flavor and affordable prices around $3.50. Family-style seating and a community table create a welcoming vibe. Convenient street and on-site parking make visits easy.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

03
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Modern, cozy spot with fun wall art and clean design offers a chill vibe. Tacos shine with fresh, flavorful carne asada and cochinita pibil, always cooked well and filling. Self-service touch screens add easy ordering for a smooth experience.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

04
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Hole-in-the-wall taqueria offers authentic Guerrero-style tacos with fresh tortillas and a variety of flavorful salsas. The interior features a great mural and the atmosphere is lively, especially on busy weekends. Prices are affordable and parking is ample nearby.

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.

People are saying

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

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.

05
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Small indoor space with a large outdoor patio offers a casual LA vibe and friendly feel. Tacos shine with exceptional tortillas and bold flavors like goat and chicken pibil. Live music and henna art add unique charm to the experience.

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

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

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.

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Lively spot with signature margarita pitchers and frequent sports games on TV. Taco Tuesday shines with creative Pozole Taco and diverse options. Chill vibe makes it perfect for casual dining and pregame fun.

Taco Tuesday features quesa birria tacos, pasale tacos, and a standout Pozole Taco with creative flavor. Servers suggest these options, making the taco selection diverse and delicious.

People are saying

"Taco Tuesdays here are the best."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesdays feature special pricing on tacos.

3

Marguerita Mondays provide discounts on margaritas.

07
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Cafeteria-style Mexican spot shines with affordable street tacos like Al pastor and carne asada. Warm, family-friendly vibe invites all to enjoy fresh salsas and strong margaritas. Casual setting feels authentic and welcoming.

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

People are saying

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

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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Food truck serves authentic street tacos with six meat choices like carnitas and pastor. Fast service keeps tacos fresh and tasty every time. Cash-only, no seating, and a lively crowd create a tailgate vibe late into the night.

Tacos here have super authentic flavor with standout options like carnitas and pastor. Service is extremely fast, and the tacos stay consistently good over many years.

People are saying

"I thought these were the best street tacos I'd ever had."

Good to know

1

They only accept cash for payments.

2

Tacos cost $2.75 each, with nachos priced at $13.

3

Parking is available nearby, but it can be tight.

09
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Small strip mall spot offers an authentic Mexican vibe with a bare bones interior and quiet lunch hours. Tacos feature a crispy texture with options like carnitas and fish, all well seasoned and affordable. Generous portions and reasonable prices make it a great casual choice.

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.

People are saying

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

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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Spacious spot with a laid-back vibe and big screen TVs for sports fans. Tacos shine with traditional street flavors, especially potato and grilled shrimp. Casual atmosphere feels genuine but can get warm inside without 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.

People are saying

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

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.

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Modern Indian spot shines with paneer tacos that blend creamy richness and spice. Spacious, upscale interior features live DJ music mixing Indian and pop beats. Walls boast intricate designs, creating a warm, lively vibe perfect for any gathering.

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

"I really enjoyed the paneer tacos."

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.

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Small seating and a family-owned vibe create a charming small town feel with a relaxing atmosphere. Daily taco deals and weekly grilled shrimp specials offer great value. Fresh salsas and chips boost flavor, while a huge variety of fresh juices complements the casual, neighborhood spot energy.

Great taco deals appear almost daily with weekly specials like grilled shrimp tacos on Wednesdays. The salsas pair well with chips and tacos, enhancing the flavors.

People are saying

"I loved the weekly taco specials, especially the grilled shrimp ones."

Good to know

1

They offer taco deals almost daily.

2

Daily specials are available.

3

This place allows customers to bring their own beer.

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Fast casual spot serves hearty fish portions with quick, friendly service. Shrimp tacos shine with pickled purple onions and bold sauce, while fish tacos get replaced if not fresh. Outdoor patio is dog-friendly and heated, though indoor vibe feels cold and bare.

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

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

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.

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Cozy spot serves authentic dishes like menudo and pozole with generous portions at great prices. Crispy potato tacos and fresh, garlicky fish tacos shine here. Complimentary chips with two fresh salsas add to the relaxed, homey vibe.

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.

People are saying

"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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Life-size Samurai sculptures and trendy decor create a cozy vibe with dim, warm lighting. Creative cocktails and beautifully presented dishes make dining special. Wagyu Tacos showcase rich flavors, paired with bold appetizers like Shishito Peppers and Garlic Edamame.

Wagyu Tacos highlight the chef's creativity and skill with rich, flavorful fillings. Crudo tacos offer a fresh twist, paired well with bold appetizers like Shishito Peppers and Garlic Edamame.

People are saying

"The sushi here is a decadent culinary adventure."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Brunch service starts at 10am on weekends.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

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New American spot buzzes with live music and a rock and roll vibe. Tacos shine, especially chicken and fish varieties, perfect for quick bites. Spacious yet lively, it blends great sound with a dance-friendly atmosphere.

Tacos come in hand-held Carne asada, lobster and shrimp, and chicken varieties. The chicken and fish tacos stand out as tasty and excellent, with shrimp tacos also getting strong praise.

People are saying

"I found the shrimp tacos to be awesome."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Tuesdays features $5 drink prices.

2

Comedy night happens every Wednesday with local comics performing.

3

The venue does not serve free tap water; only bottled water is available for $3.

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Modern Mexican spot shines with heated outdoor patio and pet-friendly seating. Tacos like surf and turf and jicama shrimp bring bold, fresh flavors. Specialty margaritas add to the lively, cozy vibe with a great view.

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 tacos el Filete were on point and delicious."

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.

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Small Mexican spot shines with authentic home-style cooking and homemade tortillas. Tacos come hot and soft, especially the fish tacos and lighter carne asada. Family-run vibe makes it cozy, with affordable prices and big 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.

People are saying

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

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.

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Baja Cali Fish & Tacos (Pasadena-Lake Ave) image 1
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Small Mexican spot buzzes with bumping music and a relaxed vibe. Fish tacos shine with crispy shrimp and fresh fillings. Taco Tuesday offers a five fish tacos special that's both tasty and affordable.

Fish tacos stand out with crispy shrimp and generous fillings without gristle. Taco Tuesday offers a five fish tacos special at a great price, featuring tasty pastor and surf and turf options.

People are saying

"The fish tacos here are fantastic and delicious."

Good to know

1

They offer a Taco Tuesday special with 5 fish tacos for $7.50.

2

Weekly specials are available Monday through Saturday, but none on Sunday.

3

The restaurant gets busy during peak hours, so plan accordingly.

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Cozy spot with a small-town vibe serves authentic dishes like menudo and ceviche. Tacos shine with homemade corn tortillas and big portions of Birria, Asada, and shrimp. Affordable prices and refreshing sangria make it great for casual meals.

Tacos come in big portions with homemade corn tortillas. Options include soft Birria, Asada, Carnitas, crunchy hard shell chicken, and generous shrimp tacos.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

Parking is tricky; the lot is located right before the building.

2

Expect longer wait times during peak lunch and dinner hours.

3

Prices are reasonable and portions are generous.

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Outdoor seating with a spacious patio offers a casual vibe. Fish tacos, especially shrimp and fish, are large and fantastic. Quick service at the window keeps meals affordable and efficient.

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.

People are saying

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

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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Enjoy steak tacos bursting with fresh flavor and classic Mexican dishes like burritos and quesadillas. The authentic atmosphere pairs well with vegetarian options and clean, comfortable outdoor seating. Small crew keeps service smooth and efficient.

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.

People are saying

"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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Outdoor patio shines with live mariachi music and warm lighting, setting a lively mood. Tacos impress with Tacos Ahogados and hearty birria plates, though fish tacos are light on fish. Indoor space buzzes with chatter, featuring comfortable seating and sleek design.

Tacos stand out with Tacos Ahogados and Tacos de pappa as notable options. Fish tacos come with just a couple of bites of fish, while the birria taco plate offers a hearty choice.

People are saying

"The Tacos Ahogados were especially phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Mariachi entertainment is available on Thursdays, with boleros on some Saturdays.

2

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

3

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially during live events.

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Fast food spot with quick service and a wide menu. Tacos are stuffed with fresh lettuce and tasty meat. Busy and noisy at midday, it feels tense after dark but stays clean and open.

Tacos come stuffed and overflowing with fresh lettuce and meat. They taste fresh and flavorful while staying easy on the wallet.

People are saying

"I found the tacos to be fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru is consistent with speed and quality food.

2

Extra charges apply for anything other than coffee.

3

There is very little to no wait time at the drive-thru.

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Small Mexican cantina offers a cozy atmosphere with friendly staff and good music. Grilled shrimp and birria street tacos shine with fresh cut potatoes and premium toppings. Ample outdoor seating with umbrellas makes it perfect for casual dining.

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 tacos here are delicious, especially the grilled shrimp."

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.

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Two-floor German pub with a lively party atmosphere and a downstairs bar. Taco Tuesday features $2 fresh tacos like asada and shrimp, offering great value. Multiple NFL screens and casual games like beer pong keep the vibe relaxed and fun.

$2 tacos come super fresh and full of flavor with options like asada, chicken, carnitas, and shrimp. Taco Tuesday offers great value with tasty tacos that stand out compared to pricier spots.

People are saying

"The $2 tacos are super fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Tuesday with no cover charge.

2

Taco Tuesday offers cheap tacos and drink specials.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during game days and special events.

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Small Mexican spot offers carnitas tacos with a homemade taste and lively taco nights from Thursday to Sunday. Cozy, family-owned vibe shines through colorful decor and free chips and salsa. Authentic dishes like mole sauces and pozole complete the casual 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.

People are saying

"The carnitas tacos here were amazing."

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.

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Baja Cali Fish & Tacos (Pasadena-Washington) image 1
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Small dining space offers a quiet atmosphere with plenty of seating. Fish tacos shine with crispy texture and chipotle crema, while Tuesday deals make them a great value. Free fountain drink refills add to the appeal for seafood lovers.

Fish tacos stand out with a crispy texture and a chipotle crema that adds flavor. Options include vegetarian faux meat, shrimp, carne asada, and el pastor tacos, with Tuesday fish tacos offering good value.

People are saying

"I found the fish and shrimp tacos to be really good."

Good to know

1

The vegetarian options are no longer available at this restaurant.

2

Prices may be higher when ordering through apps compared to calling directly.

3

There is a risk of cross contamination for allergies.

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Mexican spot serves large portions with authentic tacos like lamb birria and beef tongue. Prices stay reasonable while flavors stay bold. Fresh seafood and well-made salsas add to the hearty, filling vibe.

Tacos feature authentic flavors with options like Tacos de Cabeza, Birria, and Lengua. The cook offers helpful advice on taco choices and prices, making it easy to find a good deal.

People are saying

"I didn't expect the tacos to be so delicious."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable for the quality of food offered.

2

The restaurant offers a variety of meat options on the menu.

3

Portion sizes are large, making it a good value for money.

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Spacious interior with a dark Mexican atmosphere and a mural creates a warm vibe. Tacos feature perfectly crunchy shells with juicy beef or chicken. Bar area buzzes with loud, fun energy and strong, flavorful margaritas make it a top 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.

People are saying

"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.

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