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    Tight Tacos Kaimuki

    4.1 (292 reviews)
    ModerateTacos
    Open 10:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated 3 weeks ago

    Tight Tacos Kaimuki Photos

    Business Info

    TIGHT TACOS KAIMUKI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - Tight Tacos Kaimuki

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    3 Taco Plate
    Lauree T.

    OH MY GOSHHH the tacos were fire. Honestly super amazing, best tacos I've had in a while. Very flavorful, spicy, and packed with spice. I've heard a lot of good things about this place so I wanted to try it and I was not disappointed. My personal favorite was the deep fried fish taco I believe? We also got our food extremely fast too so that was a plus. The place was pretty chill and casual.

    Raenae G.

    Tried Tight Tacos and ordered the fish burrito and raja tacos. The fish burrito was delicious and packed well--it was wrapped tightly and held together nicely. The raja tacos were also tasty with great flavor. My friend got the 4-taco deal, and all four of his fish tacos were really good. They also had an onion mix on the side that paired really well with the food and added extra flavor. The restaurant has a very casual setup--you order at the front, they bring the food to your table, and you clean up after yourself when you're done. Overall, the food was solid and I'd definitely come back to try more items on the menu.

    Camarones Burritos
    Sophia W.

    All the other shops were closed in the afternoon so we got tacos! It turned out SO GOOD. We ate it all happily in the car. Only thing was they were out of horchata but it didn't reflect online but they gave me another drink instead. We got the 3 taco plate, and shrimp burrito. Their green sauce is really great too! Definitely recommend for a good simple bite.

    Outside
    Kristina C.

    I LOVE THIS PLACE!! We ordered online and everything was ready for us by the time we picked it up! The beans were cooked perfectly, the rice was fluffy and soft, and the tacos were delicious. I would totally come back and get a taco plate. If you are super hungry I would say go for the burrito!! You will have leftovers for sure! Anyways, I will be coming back to get my tacos from here !!

    Don't need to dress up here but you can celebrate their tacos!
    Dawn K.

    Who doesn't love tacos, right? And if you're going to have tacos, they might as well be tight! Tight Tacos is more brick and mortar taqueria than Mexican restaurant. And there is nothing wrong with that! They offer tacos, burritos, and burrito bowls. Steering clear of a full entree menu with enchiladas and fajitas, Tight Tacos keeps it tight and simple and sticks to what they do well. And they do tacos well--very well! We only tried this place a few months ago and have been here at least once a month since. It's hard to stay away from their crispy chips, spicy salsa, and terrific tacos. The fish taco is my favorite. The batter is crisp and the fish is delicate and buttery soft. Contrasted with a light slaw and a warm tortilla that's a blanket for a perfect bite. The shrimp taco has a generous serving of plump and perfectly cooked crustaceans. The poblano taco might be overlooked next to its pork and streak counter parts but it's a delightful vegetarian option. Hubby always does the three-taco plate with sides of rice and bean. They are no-frills but filling and are a nice balance to the crunch and heat of the spicy pickled onions they serve at the all-you-can handle, do-it-yourself bar that also offers an endless surplus of sliced limes. Counter service is fast. They serve you but you bus your own table when you're done. Again, it's not so much a full-serve restaurant as a fancy taco truck without the wheels and with tables. Pricing is fair and reasonable and they have taco Tuesdays and daily specials. Lots of metered parking nearby. Locally owned and operated joint...No reason to not try this place! You might bump into us on our at-least-once-a-month visit!!

    Karla M.

    Perfect for the occasion! Food was awesome and so was the service. Will definitely be back

    As many times as I've walked Waialae I somehow missed Tight Tacos until recently! We got to try several of the different meats for tacos. I think our favorite was the Carne Asada. The shrimp and fish ones with the sauce were second best. The amount of meat in each taco was also great, and we felt it was more than other Mexican places we've had. They had pickled carrots out as well! Service was good, it felt like the staff were maybe newer and still getting the hang of things but still were very sweet. They gave oranges out as well. Small restaurant but really good food.

    Leah H.

    The meat was cooked perfectly. But a bit of info, the tacos do not come as pictured o. The menu. Just meat and taco shell, and no avocados on the fish taco like pictured. So make sure you order other toppings if you want them. Shells not oiled but they held up good. I would go back and try the burritos and other items as lime I said the meats are the star of the show and so well done!!! Small shop, seating may be tight, also you know in this area you may have to park kind far away, but it is worth the walk and that way you can also stop to get an iced coffee or ice cream on the walk bac

    taco tuesdays
    Grace W.

    We were craving tacos at the last minute, and they were open a little later on a Sunday night, so we checked this place out. We really enjoyed the street-style tacos and the bajaritto. The rajas is a tasty option if you want veggies or a meatless taco and the pollo asado meat was cooked just right, juicy not dry, and very flavorful. The bajaritto was great fresh from the fryer. The fish was a decent size, with good batter and fried just right--the combination of ingredients blended well. However, this is not fast food. There was only one cook and food was made when ordered so the order may take time but it's worth the wait.

    Baja Fish Taco. Battered and fried, so it's okay.
    Randy S.

    I've tried Tight Tacos before. I am not much of a taco fan - that bend your neck sideways to eat 'em move doesn't appeal to me. But these are the best tacos on the east-side of Honolulu. Having recently spent several lunch hours on the top of the hill in Kaimukī I've rediscovered what is so good about Tight Tacos. The carne asada, carnitas, lengua, and pollo asada are slow cooked. The tortillas are hand pressed. The salsas are made in house and are outstanding - there might be a fresh slivered onion, mild verde, medium rojo, or an unassuming incendiary orange version. Salsa is help yourself. So is water. Napkins and utensils are take-away style. I like the tacos - especially with a Taco Tuesday discount. If you want crispy tacos you can get a pair in a cute dino w some beans and rice. The burritos are hefty, as expected. I love the way they get a good grill on their flour quesadillas. This is the only Tight Tacos in Hawaii. The Ballesteros and Cosio duo have their OG shops in Portland but this is a return to the same block in Kaimukī where they once worked. The best tacos on the east-side of Honolulu.

    Chips and Salsa
    Alexandra I.

    I tired different Mexican spots while in Honolulu but this place definitely hit the spot! The salsa has a nice kick to it and very authentically made. Not with canned tomatoes. The service was quick and staff were super friendly. The burrito was delicious and very filling. I'd definitely come back here when back on vacation plenty of indoor seating and very clean

    menu
    Diana K.

    I'm super picky about tacos (ask anyone) and a friend from LA swore this was her favorite spot on Oahu so obviously I had to try it. The interior is cute, the environment is laid-back, and the staff was beyond helpful (especially with my long list of food allergies). I ended up getting the pollo asado and camarones tacos - both on fresh corn tortillas with cabbage, onion, cilantro, and a side of their incredible homemade salsas + pickled red onion. The shrimp had the perfect texture (not rubbery or overcooked ) and the chicken was juicy and super flavorful! Honestly, the salsas alone are worth the trip! My friend went for the baja fish tacos and the weekend special birria tacos and said they were hands-down his favorite on the island so far. My only wish? Bigger meat portions but flavor-wise, it was there. IMO they don't hit the same as California tacos, but for Oahu? My fav so far! Also noted that they have Taco Tuesday aka $33 tacos So you know I'll be back for those!

    Baja Fish Tacos
    Rodney G.

    Probably my favorite fish tacos on the island. On par with fish tacos in San Diego in my opinion. I like the self serve salsa bar so you can get as much salsa and limes as you want. It's a smaller space and limited seating but a lot of people do takeout from here anyway. Customer service is always nice and you're never really waiting that long for your food. As always in Kaimuki, mostly metered street parking. I honesty haven't tried anything else other than the fish tacos cause they're that good! Hahaha. Except for their horchata; get the coconut horchata to pair with your tacos!

    Yummy Taco Tuesday Special

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    3 months ago

    Love this spot! It's become a weekly tradition to get their taco Tuesday special every week! Their carne asada tacos are super tasty!

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    4 months ago

    When u put meat in ur tacos why are u putting so much fat instead of the meat? It was not good...no fat in my tacos please

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    3 months ago

    The worst tacos & 'Mexican' food. Waste of money. No quality or taste... You go there because there's no great Mexican food in Honolulu ‍

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    2 months ago

    I will give it another try, but my first time was no bueno. Rice was kinda hard & it just seemed like not freshly made ingredients.

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    Page 1 of 8

    Tight Tacos Kaimuki Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Tight Tacos Kaimuki

    Is there beer served? Or can you byob? Would love a michelada!

    Don't believe so! They have a limited menu!

    View All 4 Questions

    Alejandros Mexican Food - Three taco plate (carnitas and two asada tacos)

    Alejandros Mexican Food

    4.3(1k reviews)
    6.2 mi
    $$

    I drive a little distance to come here to eat and enjoy the cantina next door. Today a new…read morebartender named Jackie waited on me I had a fantastic experience with her and my lunch... very friendly and very aware of all the customers in bar. I ordered food ahead for dinner to go. Highly Recommend this Establishment!!! I drive a little distance to come here to eat and enjoy the cantina next door. Today a new bartender named Jackie waited on me I had a fantastic experience with her and my lunch... very friendly and very aware of all the customers in bar. I ordered food ahead for dinner to go. Highly Recommend this Establishment!!!

    Such a great find for Mexican food on the island! Everything we tried was fresh, flavorful, and…read morereally hit the spot--but the bean and cheese burrito deserves a special shoutout. It was simple, comforting, and absolutely delicious. My son, who's from California and very serious about his Mexican food, said it was the best bean and cheese burrito he's ever had--which is definitely saying something! The portions are generous, so you definitely get your money's worth, and the spicy sauce has the perfect kick with amazing flavor that takes everything to the next level. If you're craving satisfying, authentic-tasting Mexican food, this place is a must. We'll definitely be back!

    Photos
    Alejandros Mexican Food - Love the ambiance !

    Love the ambiance !

    Alejandros Mexican Food - Lunch@Alejandro Mexican Food 2/9/2024.I ordered Beef Nachos,Da Chips comes on da Side.U could share this Meal.I liked it,No can eat 'em all!

    Lunch@Alejandro Mexican Food 2/9/2024.I ordered Beef Nachos,Da Chips comes on da Side.U could share this Meal.I liked it,No can eat 'em all!

    Alejandros Mexican Food - Margarita during happy hour which is 11am to 5pm

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    Margarita during happy hour which is 11am to 5pm

    Thyda's Tacos - Carnitas, barbacoa, and lengua tacos  IG: @fooddeclassified

    Thyda's Tacos

    4.7(541 reviews)
    3.6 miKaka'ako
    $$

    About a month ago I walked by a man eating a burrito at the beach and I couldn't help noticing that…read morethe tortilla looked better than any other I'd seen in Hawaii. I believe that Mexican food is only as good as the tortilla, so I asked him where he got it and he said "Thyda's - bro you have to go!" Well, today I finally went and let me tell you - that random beach man was absolutely right! I got the carnitas burrito and it was simply perfect. At $12, I'd say it was reasonably priced too. Service was fast and Thyda and Magid - the husband and wife owners - were so friendly and chill. You can tell they take a lot of pride in what they do and love whipping up great food with a great attitude. They talked to us while we ate and shared a little of their 10 year taco stand journey. I wasn't surprised to learn they spent years in LA. The food definitely holds up to LA standards. Head's up - there's no tables and not much seating or parking. We ate on a small step near where you order. Also note that they have Taco Tuesday deals. Can't believe I've been missing out on this place for so long and I can't wait to go back! Check it out

    I ordered the asada taco and asada mulita. I much preferred the mulita and would get it again. It…read morewas my first time having one. I also got the horchata. Service was nice. They have sauces out to pack with your food. I didn't see any tables to sit, but it's in the ward village area so easy to walk somewhere to sit and eat.

    Photos
    Thyda's Tacos - Taco Tuesday!

    Taco Tuesday!

    Thyda's Tacos - Sauces. Orange: very hot. Red: hot. Green: mild.

    Sauces. Orange: very hot. Red: hot. Green: mild.

    Thyda's Tacos - August 2025: $12 carnitas burrito. Delicious

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    August 2025: $12 carnitas burrito. Delicious

    Taqueria El Ranchero - Shrimp taco

    Taqueria El Ranchero

    4.0(2.4k reviews)
    20.8 mi
    $$

    My foodie friends wanted to make sure we stopped here on our food adventure. I always love coming…read morehere because the Mexican food is pretty good! But what I didn't know was that they don't have a happy hour...they have a HAPPY DAY!!!!! 10-6 PM! So even though we were not really hungry cause we just had lunch, we ordered some crispy tacos...which are four minis. The day was getting happier and happier! The bartender was great! Friendly and attentive! And it still has the same great vibe to just relax and enjoy! Gracias and Mahalo El Ranchero!

    The food at Taqueria El Ranchero is still very good, and the prices are reasonable. I had the wet…read moreseafood burrito with shrimp, and as usual, it had an impressive amount of shrimp in it. Flavor was solid, portion was generous, and the food itself is the main reason I keep coming back. The ambiance is chill and local. Most of the afternoon crowd seemed to know each other, which gives the place a comfortable neighborhood feel. That said, the inside is a little dingy and could probably use a renovation. The issue on this visit was the service. When we got there, it was pretty empty, maybe 4 or 5 people sitting at the bar. The guy working behind the bar seated us, but then never brought menus, never brought water, and never came back to take our order. When my friend tried waving him down, he ignored us. Eventually another employee came in, and the bartender just told him, "Go take his order," without acknowledging us at all. I don't know if he was only working the bar that day, but he could have at least brought water, menus, or simply said someone would be right with us. Instead, the whole interaction came across as dismissive and unnecessary. Food was very good as always, but service matters too. Based on this visit, I'd call it 3 stars overall.

    Photos
    Taqueria El Ranchero - Tacos in the cantina

    Tacos in the cantina

    Taqueria El Ranchero - WATERMELON SANGRIAS

    WATERMELON SANGRIAS

    Taqueria El Ranchero - SEAFOOD WET BURRITO

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    SEAFOOD WET BURRITO

    Tight Tacos Kaimuki - tacos - Updated September 2026

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