Seemor
Arturo's TacoTruckBWorth Trying
400 Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105
· Taco restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (696 reviews)
Takeout
Well-loved late-night taco truck with flavorful meats and a great salsa bar; cash-only, occasional inconsistency, and limited seating mean it is best for quick, tasty bites.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
Arturo's TacoTruck earns its grade through distinctly seasoned meats and an excellent salsa bar that regulars praise, plus reliable late-night availability in Pasadena. However, quality swings—particularly greasy or dry items during late hours—and minimal seating prevent higher standing. It's a trusted neighborhood taco truck that delivers solid value and flavor, though operational inconsistency keeps it from competing with more dependable dining options.
Restaurant Summary
The scene is a classic Pasadena curbside stop: quick orders at the window, the aroma of grilled meats, and a self-serve salsa bar that regulars rave about. One diner put it simply: "Each meat actually tastes different." It is lively and practical, built for speed more than comfort, and a trusted late-night fallback when sit-down options close. Bring cash, and expect standing room or takeout. Cooking leans traditional street-style—tacos in small, juicy bites, hearty burritos, and the occasional indulgence like asada fries. The approach is classic over creative, with real appeal in the seasoning and salsa variety rather than fancy twists. Fans love the California burrito (crispy fries by request), lengua, and tripas; skeptics occasionally find items greasy or a burrito on the dry side, so freshness and timing matter. For families, the food is straightforward: simple tacos and quesadillas that most kids will eat. There is no kids menu and seating is limited or nonexistent, so it is best for quick bites in the car or at home. Horchata and Jamaica are easy wins; champurrado shows up on weekends only.
At a Glance
- Distinctly seasoned meats and excellent salsa bar
- Reliable late-night option in Pasadena
- Cash-only and hours can end earlier than posted
- Inconsistent quality late at night (greasy or dry reports)
- Minimal or no seating; plan for takeout or standing
What Sets It Apart
- self_serve_salsa_bar
- late_night_availability
- broad_meat_selection
What People Love
- Distinct flavors across meats instead of one-note seasoning
- Self-serve salsa and toppings for dialing in heat
- California burrito with extra-crispy fries on request
- Consistent late-night availability compared to nearby spots
- Affordable taco pricing for sampling multiple meats
Points of Concern
- Cash-only; some reviewers frustrated by lack of cards or mobile pay
- Hours may vary; reports of early closing vs Google listing
- Quality swings: occasional grease or dryness, especially very late
- Order hiccups (missing add-ons) and rare misfires like wrong item
- Review patterns show signs of potential manipulation (critical sampling bias, a few poetic five-stars) which may not reflect typical diner experience
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$16-25 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Pair 3 tacos across different meats to sample range for under $10
- Add aguas frescas for $4.50 to complete a quick meal
Perfect For
- Late-night taco cravings after a show or bar crawl
- Quick solo bites with a focus on flavor over ambiance
- Casual takeout for groups that do not need seating
- Lengua and tripas fans seeking classic street tacos
Location Insights
Area: Busy corridor near South Arroyo and Old Pasadena, mixed residential and small businesses, late-night traffic.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit arterials; standard urban caution late night.
Nearby: Near Old Pasadena dining, coffee, and bars; convenient stop after evenings out.
Bungalow HeavenBungalow Heaven is a residential neighborhood known for its early 20th-century Craftsman-style homes and tree-lined streets. The dining scene here is more low-key and local, with a mix of casual eateries and family-run establishments, often frequented by residents and visitors seeking authentic, affordable food options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday18:00–01:30
Tuesday18:00–01:30
Wednesday18:00–01:30
Thursday18:00–02:00
Friday18:00–03:00
Saturday18:00–03:00
Sunday18:00–02:00
Available: Takeout
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