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Pasadena › Pasadena › La Estrella Tacos #2
La Estrella Tacos #2BWorth Trying
502 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103
· Mexican restaurant, Fast food restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (1150 reviews)
Takeout · Outdoor seating
Beloved Pasadena taqueria for fast, flavorful tacos and burritos with outdoor seating and bargain pricing, though occasional order errors and inconsistency show up at busy times.
Why it gets a B for overall quality
La Estrella Tacos #2 delivers solid neighborhood taqueria performance with strong food quality in carne asada and al pastor, backed by exceptional value and quick service. However, inconsistent execution—occasional cold items and portion variation during rushes—prevents a higher grade, while modest outdoor seating lacks the appeal of premier local destinations. A reliable local favorite that excels at what it does, though not without occasional rough edges.
Restaurant Summary
Outdoor tables, sizzling plancha smells, and a steady line set the tone at this no-frills taqueria. Staff work the counter quickly and numbers get called to the patio. One fan summed it up: fast, flavorful, and cheap for tacos and burritos, though a few diners mention order mix-ups during rushes. The cooking skews classic: carne asada, al pastor, and fish tacos, plus hefty burritos and asada fries. When the kitchen is humming, flavors pop and portions satisfy; a small minority cite cold items or smaller burritos at peak times. This is straightforward, street-style Mexican built for speed over flourish. Families will do fine here thanks to cheese or bean quesadillas, chicken burritos, fries, and uncomplicated sides. There is no kids menu, but familiar items and quick service help. Seating is outdoors; on hot days, flies can be a nuisance, so bring wipes and choose cooler hours.
At a Glance
- Strong value tacos and burritos with fast counter service
- Local favorite with loyal repeat customers over many years
- Occasional order errors and cold items at busy times
- Parking can be difficult; outdoor seating may be a bit dirty
- Outdoor-only seating may be uncomfortable in summer heat
What Sets It Apart
- late_night_hours
- decades_of_local_loyalty
- broad_meat_selection_including_lengua
What People Love
- Punchy carne asada and al pastor flavors
- Hearty burritos that fill you up
- Fish tacos that overdeliver for the price
- Speedy service even when lines form
- Cash discount and wallet-friendly menu
Points of Concern
- Order accuracy and communication issues reported by some guests
- A few recent reports of smaller portions or cold items
- Outdoor seating cleanliness and flies in hot weather
- Parking frustrations on nearby streets
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleCounter With Seating
Average Cost$15-$22 per person
ReservationsNot required
What to Order
- Lean into tacos or a basic asada burrito for best value; add salsa at pickup. For seafood fans, shrimp burrito and ceviche are affordable upgrades.
Perfect For
- Quick lunch on the go
- Late-night taco craving
- Casual outdoor bite with friends
- Budget-friendly family meal
Location Insights
Area: Mixed commercial corridor north of Old Pasadena with local shops and auto-oriented traffic; casual, late-night bite appeal.
Safety: Generally safe urban-suburban setting with steady traffic; lighting and foot traffic moderate in evenings.
Nearby: Near residential streets, service businesses, and quick-drive from 210; not a tourist area, more local convenience.
North Fair OaksNorth Fair Oaks is a primarily residential and commercial neighborhood with a strong Latino influence, reflected in its many authentic Mexican eateries and family-run businesses. The dining scene is casual and affordable, catering to locals seeking traditional and flavorful Mexican cuisine in a friendly, community-oriented atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday10:00–23:00
Tuesday10:00–23:00
Wednesday10:00–23:00
Thursday10:00–23:00
Friday10:00–00:30
Saturday10:00–00:30
Sunday10:00–00:30
Available: Takeout, Outdoor seating
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