Got a groupon deal. Food: Fish taco, fish ceviche, potato hard shell taco and something like a little flour bread underneath with meat on top. The food is really not that good. We didn't enjoy it at all. The fish in the fish taco is way too fishy. I am a big seafood eater, I eat uni and all kind of exotic seafood. But their fish is really fishy to a way not very fresh. Their award potato hard shell taco was .....very disappointing. Just basically add the mash potato inside of the hard shell taco..... I thought the shell was made of potato.... The meat was not good, so mushy , the lettuce and cheese on top remind me the Taco Bell 's lettuce and cheese. Service: the staffs there were very very friendly but it was a bit confusing on how they order. The cashier placed order for one person, and the other staff was asking us the order with written down note and passed it to the cashier. So some people behind us were confused and it took a bit long. read more

I hate writing this review, because I actually really like the food here. I just don't know how else to get some justice. On May 20th (I remember this because it was my BIRTHDAY), my husband and I stopped by to pick up some food for our kids and babysitter to eat. We live close and come here all the time for fast, cheap, reasonably good burritos and tacos. My husband left me in the car with our daughter to run inside. He was standing in line playing with the wedding ring on his finger when it slipped off and fell under their counter. We have not seen it since. They have refused to help us find it. We stopped by later that evening and asked if we could help them look, I sent a friend by to help, we have called numerous times, spoke with the manager, etc. Their reply is "IT IS NOT OUR PROBLEM." It had to have rolled under a fridge or something. It did not vanish into thin air. It wouldn't (and shouldn't) be hard to move things out to look. This is not even about customer service, it's about human decency. They obviously have none of that. We're looking into buying a new ring, which will just be a ring, because our wedding ring is being held hostage by Los Tacos! Avoid this place. read more

I think perhaps my first review of Los Tacos was too short and sadly I was too nice giving them 2 out of 5 stars. This review isn't about their food, it's about their service or lack of service. After ordering a chicken burrito for work lunch from Taco Spot, I was dismayed to discover they accidently made it a beef burrito and not chicken (I don't eat beef, long story). As a last ditch effort to salvage my lunch time, I decided to walk to Los Tacos to get a quesadilla because let's face it, it's really hard to screw-up a quesadilla. One quesadilla: $5.25. What I have- one $5 bill and my debit card. Dilemma, a huge sign posted stating minimum transaction for card is $6. I frantically look around and notice they have an ATM. I can withdraw cash and problem solved. Nope, ATM is broken. So, when I explained to them I can only pay with my card and my purchase doesn't meet the their minimum purchase YET I'm willing to get cash BUT their ATM is broken- you'd think they say "hey, no problem we can make an exception this time". Nope. They wanted me to either get something else I didn't want (soda) or charge me extra to make up for the difference. No way Jose. I walked out. read more

We came on a Saturday night and ordered 2 super burritos with carne asada (one of them with guacamole), #14 macho combo, chorizo con huevo, and quesadilla with carne asada and 2 medium drinks plus 1 refill for the groupon deal! Totaled to exactly $40, nothing extra. (Used Groupon $15 for $40) - Amazing deal! So much food for 3 people. Almost as cheap as Del Taco! lol. - Difficult to find. Although GPS guided us to correct destination, I wasn't able to see it at the cross street where I was positioned. Not in the starbucks plaza, but across! Small place. Not like the one in San Gabriel! - Food pre-made. You can tell because the taste isn't fresh. - Super burrito : Ain't no California burrito. Reminded me of a macho burrito from Del Taco because of the cheese and lettuce. - Macho combo: 3 items, hard shell taco, tostado, and enchillada. I got al pastor, carnitas, and carne asada. Comes with a drink, refried beans, rice, and chips. Not the best flavor. - Carne Asada Quesadilla: Packed with lots of carne asada and cheese. Comes with 3. Side of lettuce and tomato - Chorizo and egg: Not enough chorizo and too much egg. side beans and something idk. haha - I'd come here if I live around town and crave Mexican, not a drive over 20mi to come because it's that special for that kinda taste. - Salsa bar: Mild, Hot, Extra hot, carrots/veggies. - Overall average taste +3. Not a Pepes or Molca Salsa. But the deal made it a major hit +2! read more

See all

For many years I drove right by this place without ever stopping, mainly because there is a really good taco truck that parks across the street at night. Then one day out of the blue I gave it a shot. I'd love to report that it was the most amazing taco I've ever had, but it's just a taco and in a city full of outstanding tacos this place manages to be good and forgettable at the same time. The lengua is tender and they give you quite a lot, the asada is tasty but vaguely generic. Most of my issues with the place aren't about the food. My latest visit I ordered tacos without onions and lo and behold my tacos came with onions. This isn't really that big of an issue, but it's an example of why this place doesn't rise above. Also, if you want chips you have to place a side order. Lastly, this place commits my cardinal sin of a retail store of any kind. They don't accept credit cards, but they have an ATM machine for which you can have the pleasure of being charged to use it just so you can eat in the restaurant. This always pisses me off no end, how presumptuous is it for businesses to think their service is so good that not only will you pay for the food or service, but you'll also pay a fee for the right of giving them your business. WTF? Anyways, clientele here is mostly nearby workers and the food is tasty but not authentic in the slightest. Food - B- Ambience - C Service - C Value - B read more

I got a groupon for this place because it was close. Came and the carne asada was super salty. I'll go in order, but everything I had had carne asada. The #8 combo - cheese enchilada and crispy taco - The cheese in the enchilada could have been better. The enchilada sauce was okay. The crispy taco had dry and salty carne asada. The rice was meh and the beans were horrible. Canned rosarito beans are better. Half order of nachos was good. The salty carne asada was masked by the beans, cheese, guac and sour cream. No complaints here. The chile relleno - Decent. Not the greatest. Used a pasilla chile I think. I went overboard and bought a burrrito which i ate the next day. Meh rice, salty meat and not so good beans = less than mediocre burrito. read more

Visited: Late afternoon meal due to GrouponNOW Found the deal online ($6 for $10) worth of food. Purchased the Al Pastor and Carne Asada tacos to-go. Al Pastor tacos - Greasy - Great flavor (probably unhealthy due to the grease contributing to the flavor) - Greasy... - Lots of meat (larger chunks, not the smaller ones you'll normally see). - Hardly any onion and cilantro Carne Asada tacos - Great flavor - Moist and tender - again hardly any onion and cilantro If there isn't a GroupOn or someone else paying for it, I will not be coming to this. Tacos are normally $1.60 + tax on there....more than taco trucks and King Taco. Too greasy/oily for my liking and they skimp on the cilantros and onions. A big plus would be their Hot Sauce bar...you can load up as much as you'd like before taking off. read more

Let's put it this way, my car went in autopilot to Los Tacos as soon as I got back from Tokyo. I was craving nachos and drove their without any consciousness. I have never eaten in the place, as I always get it to go. Also whenever I go there I forget that I never have cash. I have had to run to the Vons down the street and the staff is always nice enough to put the order in for me anyone. Just remember folks bring cash. Alright here is the thing about Los Tacos, you don't go for the tacos. You go for the nachos. They are enormous and delicious. I always get the chicken or asada nachos. One thing I love about these nachos is that I find the occasional pea or carrot inside my nachos, I think it's from the beans but I love that and it is my favorite part. One more note: for some bizarre reason they give you a ton of radishes (which I love) with the asada nachos but not with the chicken ones. I am sure you can ask for it but it is just something strange I noticed. Anyway, just remember Los Tacos=Los Nachos Grande con Carne read more

Nice service clean and friendly. Thanks to groupon I found this place I got full and took some home for work Love it and will be back. The flan is to die for! The girl cashier was super friendly. Got a free drink :) read more

Been to this place once! and one too many... I tired their nachos... if you love nachos you'll be dissapointed with this place.. not good at all... I do have to give it to them though they did give me aaaaa looooooot of food. but too bad it wasnt good.. Will I be back again? Most probably not. if they cant get something as simple as nachos to taste good i dont think anything will! read more

Pro- huge portions on my carne asada nachos, I had a lot of chips 4 stars based on food and service. We ordered and it came out quickly. Con- Location Location Location, coming up Fair Oaks and turning on California Blvd, it is hard to see where this place is because it is on the other side of the plaza where Porta Villa Italian restaurant. I didn't see a review of how to find this place... Would go back? Yeah I'll go back, if I'm craving Mexican food and I'm in the area read more

SO EFFING SLOW!!!! But besides that the food wasn't bad but it wasn't that good either. P.s. there where peas in our burrito. Weird. read more

I called in an order and the girl wasn't paying attention half the time. She got it right after I repeated it three times. Arrived to pick up my order and they had it wrong, and when I corrected them the girl at the register gave me a bit of attitude. I got home and my tacos were covered in salsa and sour cream when I asked for none, and my boyfriend's nachos were made with stale chips. My tacos were bland and greasy, the rice was dried out, and they're overpriced. I used to frequent this restaurant despite the prices because I enjoyed the food and never had an issue, but after today I will not be going back. read more

It has been years since I've been to this place. I basically stopped going because I would patronize other Mexican fast food restaurants. When I saw that Verizon Smart Rewards had a promotion for Los Tacos, I decided to go back as I remembered the food was pretty good. I spent 3500 Verizon reward points to purchase two coupons. I walked in with a coupon and was told the owner is no longer accepting coupons sponsored by Entertainment. I pointed out this coupon was just recently printed with a validation date of 5/13/2017 through 5/27/2017. I was told the owner had decided to just discontinue accepting those coupons. I am really sorry to have returned just to learn the owner rather make a few bucks than bring back an old customer. I cannot nor will not patronize such a business that places more value on the mighty dollar than on its customer. I have also reached out to Verizon letting them know of my experience so others will not be scammed. I will never return again. Sorry, Los Tacos. read more

I was craving nachos like crazy and had to go to Pasadena to pick something up at Macy's. I did a search for nachos and this place came up. Parking was a breeze, oh man, I forget that outside LA people don't have to worry about parking. I ordered a full order of nachos to go. They were $5 and massive. Worth every penny. My eyes were bigger than my mouth. Even though I hadn't eaten all day, I still couldn't even eat half of them. They come loaded with cheese, pinto beans, sour cream, cilantro, onions, green onions, tomatoes, and guacamole. YUM! read more

This place has gone to sh*t! Carne asada burrito mojado is what I ordered to go and crap is what I got. Carne asada is mushy, The enchilada/mojado sauce flavorless. Last time coming here. What's up with the bouncer at the door of the kitchen??? Somebody answer me that question. He sure isn't the "enforcer of taste"! read more

Pretty good lunch place if you don't like food... My first mistake was ordering the fish. It was... Fishy... Not in a good way. And rubbery, there were bones and other inedible bits. The rest of the burrito was bland and didn't taste good. Ugh, I would have been better off just grabbing a salad at Starbucks. Wasted meal and probably super unhealthy. read more

This place used to have the best burritos in town. It was where I took my out of town friends to experience food in Pasadena. Then about 5 years ago the food started getting less good until it was bad. The last few times I thought it would be the last. But last night, last night was the absolute last time I will ever go there. The meat in my burrito was dry, the rice bland, and the beans were just slightly undercooked. I ordered salsa and cheese to smother my burrito. And there was hardly any cheese. I had to ask for more. Also I ordered to dine in and was given my food in a to go box. I don't like to write bad reviews but then I woke up and my stomach was rumbling in a very angry and painful fashion. Man I miss the old days. What happened? read more

All the people here need to get real . The food apeals to white folk. (And thats ok. We are in Pasadena.) In my opinion thats is why the food is a little bland. Bland yes... but not bad. This place has a lot better food than Dona Rosa, for shure. If you are in the area and want a quick bite , I say go ahead and try it. read more

This place has been here a LONG time. I was having another torta craving and just happened to be in the Pasadena area at lunchtime, so in I went. Ordered a carne asada torta and man, was it good! No skimping on the ingredients here - equal portions of meat, lettuce, tomato and guacamole between two slices of sweet bread...YES! And again, I was in Torta Heaven. I think they've expanded since the last time I've been here (which was years ago) so there's plenty of seating. Service was fast and the girls behind the counter were pretty cool. They only accept cash (no cc's or debit cards) so make sure you have some before you head over there. Next time I go there, I want to try their nachos and tacos. I've had their tacos before, but can't remember what they were like. So a return trip to Los Tacos is definitely in order. *UPDATE: 3/11/08* Came to Los Tacos again tonight and had the carnitas platter with sides of rice, beans, and guacamole. The carnitas was a little on the dry side, so I added a little salsa and that kicked it up a notch (props to Emeril). I'll get around to sampling tacos and nachos eventually - which means I'll have to come here yet again! Somebody twist my arm! read more

I second the horchata not being great...a bit powdery. The carnitas are good, a bit dry, and the ratio of tortilla to meet is a bit off. Didn't care too much for the beans either but the guacamole is delicious. They only take cash, which I am never a big fan of, but at least they have an ATM machine. I've also never been to big of the fan of the self serve salsa bars, but that's just me, I know I'm in the minority with that gripe. read more

Now look. I know what you are going to say. "I know this one taco truck that only shows up on the 3rd Thursday of every month and the tacos are so awesome..." Shut up. Everyone is tired of your dumbass taco truck stories. Admit to yourself that those tacos are drier than Atacama and the beef in them is closer to Kobe Bryant than Kobe Japan. Los Tacos isn't cool and it isn't some big secret. It just has great food, cheap prices, and friendly people working there. Sometimes they can hook your up with potatoes in the tacos or just plain potato tacos. Kiss my grits, ghost of Dr. Atkins! Order the chicken tacos. The meat is going to be juicy and good. You might not be expecting that if you've been eating those cottonmouth communion wafer tacos everywhere else. Put the green sauce and some lemon on the tacos. Don't look back. read more

If you live in Alhambra / South Pasadena area and are seeking exquisite lengua (tongue) meat, look no further! I have always noticed this hole in the wall as I would make my way south on fair oaks. The brightly lit interior would call my name and yell out "you can make room for one more taco!" Last night I finally make the conscious choice to try this out over King Taco. Boy, am I glad I took a chance on Los Tacos! The meat was just soft enough for you to eat with no teeth. It's considerate of Los Tacos to have a salsa station for the sauce bosses out there. Parking is NOT ample but gauging from observation, there isn't much of a problem in finding a spot Further review would be needed as their complete menu also includes wet burritos and breakfast. Wet burrito -- I challenge you the YELP BELLY CHALLENGE. read more

I love this place. The food is always good or great. They have some of the best chili rellenos around. Prices are a bit high for a order at the counter place, but the food is worth it. read more

Los Tacos was the 1st Pasadena institution I dined at when I moved to Pasadena. Ordered a bunch of their signature tacos to feed my bro, wife, and I after a long move. Over the years I've stopped by occasionally for a taco fix and whenever I'm feeling the mood for spicy food - I love their pickled carrots at their salsa bar, just thinking about them is making my scalp sweat. Anyway, I stopped by last night and learned something about Pasadena: WE HAVE PIRATES IN PASADENA! Seriously, a pirate strolled into Los Tacos last night! With bandana and pirate boots! Although I was disappointed when he didn't speak pirate. But still! Anyway, my thoughts on Los Tacos: Their tacos are good, but not notable enough to warrant the "World's Greatest Tacos" moniker. I love me some Pastor, by far my favorite Mexican meat. But I have to say the Pastor here isn't as savory or juicy as I prefer. Major bummer. Serving sizes here are HUGE. I ordered a Burrito last night, wet. When I opened my to-go box I literally mouthed a Keanu-Reeves "WOAH". Very generous. While the wet burrito was satisfactory, it really lacked the flavors to counter the meat-rice-beans-sauce thing that gets monotonous especially w/ the serving size. It really needed some sour cream. So when you order it, be sure to ask if they can hook you up with this OR order the "Super Burrito" that has the sour cream. Service is very friendly, BUT it takes a while to get your food. I was the only one in the restaurant last night (before the pirate came in) and the cook staff didn't exactly jump on my burrito order. Flan was decent. This is going to sound like heresy, but I prefer the El Pollo Loco Flan. All-in-all, a solid neighborhood institution! And now I know my neighborhood includes pirates! read more

Pros: Pretty good guacamole and chips. Cons: VERY greasy tacos. Potato tacos and the cheese on top lack flavor. Additionally, once when we ordered food, the person behind the counter cleared tables and handled trash, then handled our food without washing his hands. We refused the order, asked for a refund, and left. read more

They were out of fish tacos which disappointed me. So I ordered two carnitas, one chicken mole and one chile verde instead. The best one turned out to be the chile verde. The carnitas were too dry. The chicken mole was very interesting. They are very generous with the tacos and I was able to take home enough meat that had fallen out of my tacos to make a salad the next day. I thought the place was very clean and cheap (less than $5 for four tacos). read more

Joined my sister for lunch today. I ordered a sope and didn't like it felt soggy and didn't have the crunch as if it was reheated in microwave. The Place had a cool vibe, very pleasant and I'd probably go again and order a different item. I loved the SALSA BAR! Specially the red hot salsa! read more

Quick and tasty, don't ask for much more! That's about it for this place... if you know what you want and aren't looking for much in the way of sit-down service, then you've got your place. There really is only one reason for me to go here, and it's not on the menu.... get the Torta Sandwich, but substitute in the fish that they offer.... mix that with their sauce on the sandwich and a little of their self-service green salsa, and you've got yourself a BOMB sandwich. The horchata here is not great, don't get it. That's about it.... go here, get a Fish Torta! read more

Would never go back, out of all the 40$ worth of food the best thing was the Guacomole. Carne Asada was a complete joke, nothing but hamburger meat and it was horrible. Fish Tacos barley passable. Noisy inside and outside. John read more

Lower your prices and get better recipes ! Sorry but my carne Asada burrito was not good. And I love Mexican food. I'm guessing other items are good but today's meal was not. read more

Came here with the bf for lunch on a groupon deal. I forgot to take pics but wasn't really planning on doing a review anyway. The decor is kinda nice and all but the food was honestly pretty bad, I am only giving two stars because I liked the flan. We ordered two enchilada plates with rice and beans, two hard tacos, two drinks, and flan. My enchiladas of mole was kinda funky looking, the mole was very dry and crumbly. Never seen mole so dry looking. The chips in my beans were so stale I couldn't eat more than one. The beans were ok but tasted like canned beans. The lettuce was a little brown on the edges. The tortillas in my enchiladas were the cheap kind that fall apart easy, the chicken in it was super bland. I smothered so much sour cream on my food to make it tolerable to eat. The hard tacos were soooo greasy/ oily, and the beef was bland, the whole thing kind of soggy. The cheese on top had no taste for some reason, like imitation cheddar cheese. The flan I did enjoy though it was a bit too sweet The cashier was nice at first, but later seemed annoyed because I ordered another side of sour cream. Won't be coming back, I can get way better quality, authentic Mexican food for lower prices. read more

Parking can be tight here, but the tacos here were tasty! We tried the mole chicken, the chili verde, the fish, and the al pastor. The special was 4 tacos for 7.95 nice. read more

Worst place ever !!!! Always see this place on the way home I want to give it a chance But what a joke !!!! Had to toss the entire meal read more

This restaurant seems to be very polarizing, based on the extremes of previous reviews. I can't really think of any glaring inadequacies of this place, but rather there were just a host of little issues here and there that added up to "2" stars, in my opinion. For example, the beans came out really watery. The bottled water I got was room temperature. The tables and seats were worn. The dining area smelled funny. The restroom was offputting. I would not come back. read more

See all

This hole in the wall can easily be overlooked in the foothill community with so many trendy eateries gracing the Old Town strip and Lake corridor. But for those in the know, this family owned establishment is a staple for traditional Mexican dishes; no frill, only flavor. Usually, I stick to the dishes involving carne asada. This addictive beef dish is best in street taco form. With a spattering of diced onion and cilantro to compliment, these tacos explode with a flavor that has to be a family secret. The texture is as delightful as it is mysterious. Is it broiled, grilled, how do they make it firm, yet tender enough that it pulls apart, almost in flakes? It's simply not something you could duplicate in your own kitchen. The texture and flavor are unique, to say it mildly. The beef leaves you with hints of smokiness and salt but is far from ovewhelming the way so many over-marinated carne asada dishes all too often can be. Top it with a hint of lemon and a dollop of hot sauce and you have an eclectic flavor explosion leaving you yearning for that next bite. The corn tortillas were warm and soft as a dreamy embrace you've long ago forgotten. In a city defined by skinny jeans and ironic mustaches in poorly lit hipster watering holes that are big on vibe and short on substance, it's refreshing to find yourself cozied up in a booth enjoying the surreal goodness that only a place like this could present. read more

I tend to hit up this place if i end up leaving my apt after 9 when the majority of places i want to go close down. I've been here a handful of times and so far they haven't let me down. My favorite is the #13 combo and i usually get it with a potato enchilada and small tostada. It feels very homey to me. The only thing i would say is the beans can be a little flavorless... Overall, pretty heavy, pretty delicious. read more

Los Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Greasy cheese enchiladas soaked my side of rice.. (quesadilla w/asada meat) meal was ok, fish tacos were :( - a little fishy , a little dry. Service sucked. really bad. the older gentleman at the cashier taking orders needs to be a little nicer... i wouldn't come back. even with a groupon. read more

I was in town visiting a friend who grew up in the area. When we decided to have a low key Saturday she immediately through out Los Tacos for dinner. Their guacamole was amazing as were the chicken tacos. The service was quick and the price was right. We got our order to go but the dining area also looked nice. read more

For some reason I had a higher opinion of Los Tacos than I think they actually merit. I visited again recently and was disappointed. Both my chile verde and my friend's dish were passable but may be the last meal I have here. It's not so bad but there's definitely no reason to go here over El Metate or other places in Pasadena. The location's pretty good and the prices were nothing to complain about but I find that their fare don't really rise above average. read more