The Best tacos in California! I have tried many cities in California for Mexican food from restaurants to take out places but could never find a taco like the ones from La Estrella. The beans are also amazing they use a white bean I think but whatever they use they are the best as well! read more

This is a great spot to stop at if you are in the area and just want some good cheap tacos. 8 tacos for 15 bucks is pretty tough to beat. Are they the best quality taco? No. But for 15$ they don't need to be. You get more than enough bang for your buck. Not everything you eat needs to be Michelin Star worthy to earn some high stars. Parking is in the back and there is some shade near the wall where you can chow down. The one thing that I wished they did is open up the out door patio so you can eat on the tables. Not sure why they closed it because I'm pretty sure they are allowed to have it open during COVID since it's outdoors. Great spot though and will happily come back if I'm in the area. read more

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i always get the cabeza tacos or burrito, everything here is pretty good. agua frescas are good too

The most crave worthy fish/shrimp tacos or burritos you can find in Pasadena. Perfectly crisp and freshly fried. Just the right amount of creama, and by that I mean a lot (in the best way #trust). Smokey and spicy rojo salsa. I'm already planning my day tomorrow around eating this for lunch as I write this, it's that good. read more

This place I used to love but they kinda slacking I always get the loaded fries with carne Asad this time when I got it, the cheese was so watery that the fries were just squishy and just taste it straight like water. I could not believe as many as times as I kept coming here they would give me cheese like nacho cheese on the asada fries this time the nacho cheese was like water. I mean when I picked up the fries it just dripped off the fort. I'm so done with this place. I don't know if they like Black people because they slack on us.when I'm there I see that they give nothing but more meat put on their food with hispanics, Blacks people you don't get that I give them a two the only reason why they get two is because they say hi this place been here for years and it the place where people come after games but now the new generation can have them!!!!! read more

Disgusting. I don't know how this place has 4 stars. Bf and I love Mexican food but we haven't found a really good place in Pasadena yet. Ordered the cali burritos and they were so poorly made. Carne asada is more like ground beef not the correct type of meat. The burrito was just filled with lettuce and large pieces of tomatoes. Barely any meat or cheese. Cheese was cold and not melted. Literally this place is 5 min away from the office but when we took a bite it was already cold. The napkins smelled weird too. The lady who took my order was so weird and not friendly. I get English isn't her first language but if you're at the register at least be nice. Very bad experience. The worst burrito we've ever had. read more

Just okay. Good for a quick meal as I t is cheap. Location is NOT SAFE for a woman to go to alone at night. I was asked by a man who quickly appeared out of a dark stairwell - clearly high and/or drunk - if I had any money. I didn't, and he stared me down for 30 seconds after. I did not feel safe walking back to my car behind the restaurant. read more

This place has been on my list forever! Especially because it's right in my neighborhood! Thankfully, there are a few parking spots in the back and it's tucked away on a pretty random spot on Fair Oaks right before the CVS! There is only outdoor seating, but I got my order to-go so it didn't matter anyways. They do accept credit cards but for orders under $10 there is a $0.50 charge, so I opted to just pay with cash. There's also a Chase and Wells Fargo right across the street if you find yourself without any cash but don't want to pay the extra charge. The place is pretty straightforward, you order through the window on the left and pick up your order through the window on the right. I ordered: CARNITAS TACO - this one was my favorite out of the 3 - it was just so juicy and the meat was so tender - they paired it with the red sauce which was spicy but amazing! - I wish I had just gotten all 4 of my tacos with this meat! AL PASTOR TACO - also super flavorful and almost too flavorful? - i usually love al pastor over all other meats, but this one was a little different - super oily but I mean it's a taco what did I expect? - this one was also paired with the red salsa - this taco was good but i think i just like the carnitas meat better LENGUA TACO - this is the only one i wouldn't order again - the lengua was super chewy and rubbery almost - it also had a distinct gamey taste, almost like when eating lamb - I usually like legnua over normal asada but i wouldn't eat this one again - this one was paired with the green salsa which is pretty mild so i poured some extra red salsa all over it They gave me radishes and limes with my order which is a huge plus! (Some places tend to forget or leave those out for to-go orders) Overall, I'm glad I found a solid taco joint near me WITH PARKING! The service was quick and they even gave me extra salsa so I can't complain. I looked at the menu and they actually have a lot of other items like carnes asada fries, fish tacos, burritos, etc. So they have a good variety and the prices are pretty decent. read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - Top to Bottom: Carnitas, Al Pastor, Lengua - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I grew up on Mexican food so my standards are pretty high. I ordered the asada fries and 5 asada tacos. The asada fries were basic and had no flavor. Asada tasted like it had no seasoning. Chopped tomatoes were yellow, nacho cheese was watery. Don't put nacho cheese on asada fries. Come on. The asado tacos were the same. Basic. Meat wasn't cooked the whole way through. Tortillas weren't cooked entirely. It had the smallest amount of onions and cilantro. The horchata was delicious. read more

I ordered asada tacos. The tacos were okay. I could do without the red sauce. It actually made the tacos not as good. I also ordered shrimp burrito. It was better than the tacos. They didn't put red sauce in it. It was tasty. It had rice beans shrimp and sour creme. I would order that again. I hoped it off with coke in the bottle. That was amazing. I really didn't like the beggers. He came and pressured me to give up a taco or some money. He stood there and glared at me till someone else gave him a couple of bucks. Then he left quickly on his bike. read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

This has been my absolute favorite taco spot since 11th grade. I am 36 years old and have traveled through Mexico all the way to Guatemala. Part of if is the nostalgia. Part of it is the fact that their fish tacos and their homemade salsa give me the most lovey warm fuzziness. Also watch out for george because he is one amino guapo with those eyes read more

It's like ordering tacos from a food truck you walk up to a window then wait for your number to be called at the other window! I love tacos it brings everyone together with it's deliciousness, you have blue collar workers and kids after high school eating here. There is some outdoor seating but at dinner time this can fill as at the tables aren't very big and it can get cozy quick. I've seen people take their food to their car and eat their food fresh there especially in the winter months. I got the Taco special plate which was two tacos and rice and beans with a sprinkle of tortilla chips and then because I'm a hungry, hungry hippo got an extra taco added to the mix. I got the al pastor, lengua and cabeza. One of my favorites is lengua so I enjoyed that, it's strange but I usually like al pastor too but just thought it was OK. I didn't care for the red sauce as much as the green sauce they have here. Usually don't mind an horchata to go with tacos since it's like a dessert in drink form with the cinnamon flavor, but since I got so much food went with a lighter aqua frescas in Pina flavor. read more

Not a taco expert but I've eaten at several dozen places and trucks and really like theirs. Between the portion size, flavor and consistency, they're hard to match. I've been here once a week since I learned about them and will continue to visit often. Also have tried their burrito (very good) and torta (good but the carnitas one was a bit greasy for me). Nice workers. Clean for an outdoor place. Hard to beat! Give them a try and you'll agree. read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - my standing order - carnitas, al pastor and asada w/ green sauce please! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Happened upon La Estrella by lucky chance. Highly recommend... did not see a Letter displayed thus the four instead of five stars. My wife had the Asada Fries and hummed all thru dinner... very tasty, indeed!! Authentic flavors and salsas. read more

Not a good deal at all. Says $5 tacos. You go there and you must purchase 5 tiny tacos. The people there are not very customer oriented. They dont even want to Answer any questions after being slow to recognize two of the only customers in the restaurant. I wont be going back. Bad location as well. read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

So I bookmarked this place a while back and decided to give them a try today, Well the City is tearing up the street in the area and with all the construction equipment made it very difficult to get in the driveway to park, I almost said forget it but....I'm glad I didn't................... I asked the lady is this hurting your business and she replied OH YEAH.... So I looked over the menu http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/KkEC3-QABUv7V3VYxIdWDQ?select=Nic_hrj2ecssDNXXLY37ng and decided on Tacos, haven't had those in a while.................... So I ordered 2-Carne Asada, 1-Carnitas, and 1-Al Pastor http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/KkEC3-QABUv7V3VYxIdWDQ?select=ENpQ3imaxWHDEY8hUVRjgw So the tacos are small but only $1.10...........OH the salsa is awesome I could drink this stuff by the cup!!, I have nothing but good things to say about these tacos, ALL the meats were cooked to perfection and had wonderful flavor, it was well worth the hassle maneuvering my big truck through the road construction! YEAH, I'll definitely be back..............OH and bring your CASH, as it's CASH ONLY here!!, I hate that but understand why these small places do it. 5-Stars and TWO thumbs up....................... read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - Menu..Duhhhh - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Well, it was bound to happen, so listen up. Tacos are now 1.29 plus tax - yes, that stings a little, but they're still the best. Burritos are 4.99 plus tax, and they still rock. They may or may not charge you a $1 extra if you want an all meat burrito, though. Other than the tacos and burritos the rest of the menu is rubbish. They somewhat sold out and now sell nachos, and california burritos and what not. Screw all that noise. Also be careful when getting an order to go. The cooks are easily distracted when hot chicks walk in to order. I ordered an asada burrito to go today and somehow they got their nachos first, as did like two other people that arrived after I did. I had to walk up and stay at the pick up window giving them the stink eye just in case they gave someone else their order before me. I was about to raise some shit upon this! No mas llegan las gueras y se ponen bien lentos, cabrones. Yeah, what can I say, I should knock off a star, but I'm bound to these guys like Sauron is to the Ring. read more

I been loving La Estrella since I can remember. They have good tacos. I always get carne asada with cheese. And the fish tacos are bomb.com. And guess what... La Estrella has finally stepped into the present and accept cards now!!! Nothing bad to say about the food but I must admit I hate the parking situation. read more

I am addicted to tacos. Seriously, at the rate I'm inhaling La Estrella tacos, I'm going to need an intervention. My favorite meat is cabeza, tender and fatty muscle from the head of the cow. Mmm face meat. So delicious. Close runner-ups are al pastor and carnitas. Carne asada was only whatevs for me -- its so diced up, it's practically ground beef. I do appreciate that they don't mix onions and cilantro though, since I just like cilantro and salsa on my tacos. But where are my precious radishes? Well, for $1/taco, you can't complain that much. The nachos could use some more cheese, but they're still good only because the chips are so dang fresh. Tips: Brush up on your Espanol -- they holler ticket numbers in Spanish. read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - 7 tacos para mi - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I came here for lunch on a Sunday after the Rose Bowl flea market. Not much of a line, parking was easy, and the shaded outdoor seating was comfortable even though it was sunny and 95 degrees. Food was good, hit the spot. read more

If you ever catch me looking at your knees... a word of warning to you... don't mess. If I'm eye-balling your knees, your appearance is making me think that you fit the description of "shady" and I'm going to keep an eye on you the whole time. You're also probably a big guy and I'm getting ready to kick the hell out of your normal-sized ACL. Each time I visit La Estrella, I find myself scoping-out at least one set of knees. The food is good. I love their fish tacos. I usually get it with everything but the crema (they like to drown it in that stuff). Their carne asada tacos are also delicious although neither of their sauce options are anything to write home about. King Taco's hot sauce is still, far and away, the best. There's a bus stop right in front of the place and the parking lot in back is accessible via a narrow driveway. It looks like the perfect place to get ambushed as you go back to your car with bags in hand. There are always guys hanging out back there too. Whether or not I have a reasonable chance, I still spot all their knees. read more

La Estrella was my first restaurant when I moved to Pasadena over a year ago, and i can't get enough! Their burritos are absolutely delicious, and my go-to meal if I'm getting off work late. I love the atmosphere too. You order from a window, and they only have outdoor seating which is super nice when the weather is nice and sunny! I've had the fish burrito and quesadillas here which are great, but the absolute must for me is the cabeza Estrella burrito (only $7-$8!). I don't think anyone makes cabeza like they do. It's incredibly tender, juicy, and flavorful. I would eat here everyday if I could. If you're paying by credit card, they do have a $10 minimum, but that gives me an excuse to always buy 2 burritos! read more

If you hate reading: By far one of the best burritos I've had. Go there, now. Order the Estrella and there you go. I love burritos. But I'm boring and always order the same kind. (Wet, shredded beef, beans... that kinda stuff.) I'm also very picky, and never ever order asada burritos because I've been traumatized before by those all too common stings of meat and chewy fatty parts. I decided to go against my own advice and finally order an asada burrito. I'm glad I did. Super tasty, tender, and not ONE single piece that didn't go down well. I ordered it with the red sauce, which made it perfectly spicy. Not the kind where you NEED water, but it'd be nice. Tasy, fast and the guy who took the order was chill. I have finally found a place up here that has a decent burrito. Yay! read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - Estrella (asada) with no avacado. SO yummy! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

The food was pretty good. I tried the asada, lengua, and al pastor tacos. I wouldn't say they were the best, but they were pretty delicious. I enjoyed the quantity of meats they give you, and I liked both the red and green sauces. Great flavor, and prices were reasonably cheap. This place isn't a dine-in restaurant and the outdoor eating area is kinda dirty, so I recommend taking it to go. But I definitely recommend this place for quality Mexican food! read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - Mm mm mm. Carne asada, al pastor, and lengua - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Oh man, I forget how my last experience with them has gone down hill since my first. It certainly hasn't slowed down, nor improved. Today's fish was more like scrapes from the bottom of the fryer, bits and pieces of overcooked albeit crispy fish. Not one of my taco's had a whole fillet like they use to serve them. Besides, at the cost you're better off going elsewhere. read more

Great classic burritos with tons of flavor. Don't skip the hot sauce on the burrito it's so good. Reasonable prices are why I keep coming back to this family owned spot. read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - Pick up yummy orders on this side - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Ahh.... this may be a 4 or 5 in Pasadena area but it's only a 3 when you compare to good mexican food. Tried the Asada, Pastor, Tongue and Carnitas... I was meh.... loved the horchata. Note that it's on the east side of fair oaks just pass the freeway. Very small driveway so be careful of cars coming out. read more

Best tacos I have had in long time. This was my first time at La Estrella in Pasadena and I almost missed it driving by. It is literally just north of the 210 Freeway on the northeast corner of Villa Street and Fair Oaks Avenue. As I looked at the menu, I could not decide so I decided to try the al pastor taco special. The special comes with rice, beans, tortilla chips, and 2 tacos. The al pastor tacos were very flavorful. The pork was tender and seasoned just right. At the price, you can get stuffed for $10. I am definitely coming back and you should try it too. Enjoy. read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - Al pastor taco special. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

One of the best burritos in the SGV. I usually get the California burrito with pastor but tried the asada last time and it was just as good. A little on the pricey side but to their credit the burritos are a fairly reasonable size; I'm usually satisfied after only eating one. I always look forward to the red salsa too. It has just enough of a kick to give whatever you're eating that little extra bite. Comes with lemons/limes and radish slices as well. Just a heads up, there's a .50¢ charge for using debit/atm cards so consider bringing cash. read more

It's ok. Nothing special. The prices are steep for the quality of food. I wasn't wowed by the fish tacos. The batter was very thick. Fish tacos were better than the shrimp tacos. I also got an order of the asada nachos. There also could be a language barrier even despite my 4 years of spanish. Ended up with way more food than I could eat despite me carefully asking and reasking them how big the portions were. The service was very good, for me at least. read more

In town on busication, decided I better try some authentico Mexican while I'm in SoCal. This place was close, cheap and had 4 stars so I dove right in. I had the special taco plate with al pastor and another asade taco on the side. I ordered just onion/cilantro because I didn't want the hassle of asking what else came on them when she asked if I wanted "everything". Hint: everything is hot sauce. So I get my plate. The rice is bland, the beans are beans (though very cheesy) and the tacos are bland! This is NOT the al pastor I know and love...at all. Is this authentic? Have I been fooled by "authentic" in Minnesota? If so, bring it on, because it's light years better than this! So dry and bland, though they did have a good amount of meat in them. I finished my plate and thought "ok, I only have myself to blame not ordering them with everything." And I sucked up my pride (and sucked in my gut) and ordered 2 more tacos to go - al pastor (which is my 'test taco' everywhere I go) and a carnitas - with everything this time. I knew for a fair test I had to eat them quickly though. I pulled over in a neighborhood and ate the tacos in the car. Or tried at least. They were so saucy and messy!! Oy! I can't win with Estrella. I am glad I left the sauce off the first 3 though, because it was too overpowering and a tad on the spicy side for me. I mean, it was actually a perfect spice level as long as it wasn't drenched in sauce. I came, I tried, I'll stick to the tacos back home. read more

This was a bit of a let down, for me, but maybe I made the wrong choice? Had such a hankering for some Carne Asada Fries and went on Yelp to help quench my urge. Read some reviews and thought I'd give it a try. The results were not what I'd expected- the fries were drenched in what seemed to be yellow cheese wiz. I hadn't even thought to ask what type of cheese they used. As I figured they were making them from scratch. Lesson 101-ask if you're not sure! There was an over abundance of raw onions and the carne asada was a little over cooked. Perhaps the real 'star' here are the tacos and burritos that everyone seemed to be ordering- oh well, next time! read more

La Estrella Tacos #2 - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I absolutely love this place. I usually get carne asada burrito or tacos. Getting the tacos with rice on the top makes it more flavorful. The red and green salsa are both very good. I tried a bean and cheese burrito but there was way too much cheese. Next time I may try with rice. They have very good horchata, but sometimes they don't have it. I come here every time I come to California. read more

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Tacos are okay. Tortillas definitely not hand made. I'm from a city that borders Mexico, so these tacos are definitely no where close to that quality. But they're okay. read more

Customer service is horrible!! Food is nasty!! I will never ever go back to this place again ! read more

Best shrimp burritos & artificial pineapple juice loll Try the shrimp fries , nachos & tacos as well a must !!!

Raised in San Diego and spending a lot of time in Tijuana. I've definitely had my fair share of quality Mexican food. There is something about La Estrella that reminds me of all the amazing food I grew up having. Their tortillas are authentic, the rice and beans are flavorful-- and most important of all.. their salsa is ON POINT. I adore both the red and green salsa so make sure to ask for extra. Definitely one of my favorite underrated spots in LA. read more

Carne asada tacos and fish tacos were both delicious! I love their hot red sauce, the flavor is addicting. The green is great too if you prefer mild. Excellent customer service. It's a quick take out style place, no bells & whistles but have been coming here for years. read more

Excellent taco. Al pastor with spicy sauce and veggies very good. Just wanted to say that this place is wonderful. Not a long time to wait. Eat there or take out. On the corner. read more

They treatin their hot sauce like liquid gold charging extra for extra sauce I doubt there is cocaine in it yall can go back to being generous again if you wanted to read more