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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 727 Opinions
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Updated July 2026
01
Teddy's Cocina image 1
Teddy's Cocina image 2
Teddy's Cocina image 3
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Restaurant

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."

"The vibe here is so cool and genuine."

"You can get student discounts with your ID."

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.

02
Birria Master image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 and super tender."

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

"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
Los California Tacos image 1
Taco restaurant

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."

"This is a great late night spot for tasty tacos."

"You have to try their amazing nachos."

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.

04
Kulturas image 1
Restaurant

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

"The food here is delicious, with amazing Latin flavors."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the birria tacos."

"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.

05
El Jarocho Taco Stand image 1
Mexican restaurant

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."

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

"I found the Al Pastor to be the best around."

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.

06
Tacos Neza image 1
Mexican restaurant

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

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the tacos."

"The corn tortillas here are made fresh on site and are delicious."

"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.

07
Salsa Picante Pasadena image 1
Mexican restaurant

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

"I loved the authentic, home-cooked Mexican food here."

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

"I loved the crispiness of the carnitas."

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.

08
El Metate image 1
Mexican restaurant

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

"You have to try the tacos; they're delicious."

"The fish tacos and ceviche here are delicious."

"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.

09
Chak De California image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

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

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

"I found the food here delicious and flavorful."

"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.

10
Saucy Chick Indi-Mex Eatery image 1

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

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

"I loved their Indian-Mexican fusion dishes, especially the chaat-chos."

"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.

11
Tacos Poncitlan image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 food here to be amazing and authentic."

"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.

12
Mercado Pasadena image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 Mexican food here has such attentive and welcoming service."

"The carnitas here are melty and insanely good."

"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.

13
Mi Casa Mexican Food image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small, family-run spot serves authentic carnitas and grilled chicken tacos with super warm tortillas. Cozy, home-like vibe makes it perfect for a casual meal. Portions are hearty and prices stay affordable.

Tacos come with super warm tortillas and burst with flavor. Varieties like carnitas and Al Pastor stand out for their rich taste.

People are saying

"I found the food to be fresh and excellent."

"I had the best carnitas Iโ€™ve ever tasted."

"The carnitas and al pastor tacos are super flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited, but there is a small private parking area available.

2

The restroom is very clean and well-maintained for customers.

3

Tacos are priced at $3.25 each, which some may find high.

14
Baja Cali Fish & Tacos (Pasadena-Lake Ave) image 1

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 food here is so delicious and fresh."

"I found the fish tacos here to be great."

"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.

15
Baja Fresh image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 food here is so fresh and delicious."

"The Diablo burrito was fiery and wholesome."

"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.

16
Chiquita Bonita image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 Mexican food here to be really authentic and delicious."

"The food here is delicious, perfect for Date Spots."

"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.

17
Madre Maiz Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 birria here is so juicy and flavorful."

"I loved the authentic food, bursting with flavor."

"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.

18
Jack in the Box image 1
Fast food restaurant

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

"The food here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"The fast food service here is amazing and attentive."

"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.

19
La Estrella Tacos #2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

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."

"I found the burritos here really good with amazing flavor."

"The outdoor seating here is great, with a lovely breeze."

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.

20
Roll Em Up Taquitos - Pasadena image 1

Open concept Mexican spot shines with crunchy ground beef tacos and lively vibrant patio seating. Reggae tunes boost a family-friendly atmosphere while board games add fun. Plenty of parking and artistic decor make visits easy and welcoming.

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."

"The staff here is family owned and genuinely welcoming."

"I loved the crispy beef tacos here."

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.

21
Puebla Tacos 2 image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy indoor seating sets a homey tone while serving authentic Mexican flavors. Tacos like fish and birria offer genuine taste but may feel pricey. Generous portions and complimentary spicy chips make it a casual favorite for tender lengua burritos.

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.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the fish tacos here."

"I've never had better Mexican Food; the lingua burritos are the best."

"The chips and salsa were perfectly spicy."

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.

22
Der Wolf image 1
Restaurant

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 tacos here are super fresh and flavorful."

"The DJ kept the energy moving with music I wanted to dance to."

"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.

23
The Mixx image 1
New American restaurant

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 really enjoyed the comedy show; it was very funny."

"The nachos here are great in price and size."

"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.

24
Maestro Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

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 Mexican food here is amazing, especially the enchiladas."

"The service for dinner spots was so attentive and welcoming."

"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.

25
California Fish Grill image 1
Seafood restaurant

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

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

"Their fried fish is so good, it beats some English fish and chips."

"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.

26
Baja Cali Fish & Tacos (Pasadena-Washington) image 1

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 tacos to be excellent and crispy."

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

"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.

27
Osa Rooftop image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop spot shines with stunning mountain views and a romantic ambiance perfect for date nights. Chicken tacos offer rich flavor paired with tasty cocktails. Multiple TVs and a bar add a casual touch to the elegant setting.

Chicken tacos stand out with rich flavor, paired well with delicious cocktails. Other notable items include swordfish and tostones alongside the tacos.

People are saying

"The rooftop views are breathtaking and romantic, especially at sunset."

"It's a romantic spot with breathtaking mountain views at sunset."

"The chicken tacos here are super flavorful and tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance on weekends.

2

The event runs from 9 pm to 3 am, but lacks food and drinks.

3

Expect a mandatory 20% gratuity for groups of six or more.

28
El Matador Authentic Mexican Food image 1

Mexican restaurant serves authentic flavors in a family-friendly setting. Hard shell tacos offer a fluffy texture with filling portions of shredded beef and chicken. Large wet burritos and pollo mole add to the satisfying menu.

Hard shell tacos have a fluffy texture that feels like a sandwich in bread. Shredded beef and chicken options come in very filling portions with flavorful fillings.

People are saying

"I found the Mexican food here to be truly authentic."

"I loved their chicken enchiladas; the chicken was so tender."

"The tacos here are outstanding, especially the beef."

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday offers discounted prices for a budget-friendly meal.

2

Parking is easy and available near the restaurant.

3

The portions are large, making it a good value for the price.

29
Arturo's TacoTruck image 1
Taco restaurant

Taco truck shines with tripas and tongue tacos offering bold flavors and generous portions. Open late until 3 AM, it features a self-serve condiment bar with unlimited jalapeรฑos and onions. Casual vibe with no seating but convenient parking on site makes it a top spot for late-night cravings.

Tripas and tongue tacos stand out with generous meat portions. Variety includes chicken, beef, carnitas, chorizo, al pastor, and chicharrรณn, all served as affordable street tacos with solid flavor.

People are saying

"These tacos are the best I've ever had."

"I found the Mexican food here to be excellent and affordable."

"The carnitas tacos here are a must-try."

Good to know

1

Arturo's TacoTruck stays open until 3 AM for late-night cravings.

2

The taco truck only accepts cash payments; no credit cards are accepted.

3

Parking is available nearby, but seating is limited.

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Pasadena, California

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