Experience Altadena's Mexican food at these fantastic spots.
“El Caporal is my go to for Mexican food in Altadena. The food is always delicious and they have a wide variety of options available. The food is always ready quickly and accurately. You get a lot of food for a reasonable price. I highly recommend them!“
“Speedy service, great prices, phenomenal burritos that'll keep you full for a long time. You can tell it's popular amongst locals because of all the work trucks in the parking lot at lunch.The VARIETY of meats you can get on the burrito is also unmatched, and I strongly urge anyone reading this to get out of their comfort zone and go for a cabeza (beef head) burrito. I was blown away.“
“This is as local and authentic as you can get for Mexican food! It's a cute little shop that makes fantastic tasting dishes, better than many fancy restaurants I've visited. Their Carne Asada nachos is bursting with flavor and reasonably priced, consider me a regular, cheers!“
“We stopped by to have breakfast on a Sunday morning. We were the only customers inside the restaurant but we decided to still try it out. We ordered the veggie omelette, house potatoes, and sourdough bread. The food was served in less than ten minutes. The meal was decent and I enjoyed the tasty potatoes, the only negative was the old piece of cantaloupe that was included on the plate. They also had donuts for sale from a shop on Lake Ave and it was super delicious.“
“This is a casual restaurant. High take out especially at noon.8 booths 4 tables in the middle. I've been eating here for the last 25 years. I work in the area. Traditional mexican food. Generous portions. The wet burrito is huge generally I takesome home. Beef soup is excellent. Its casual if you want a good place to eat without all the pazza. You can eat here and be comfortable. He's also added a separate addition just waiting county approvalParking: 2 spots in the back of the restaurantGenerally plenty of street parking, never been a problem“
“The food, the service, the ambiance are all very very good!! We have been coming here as regulars for a while. Every single item we have ordered on their menu has been consistently the same/as expected and so yummy (whether it be ordered 7 days ago or 6 months ago). Have tried their tamales, chile verde, burrito mojado, tacos, etc and they are all delish! It is a mom n pop owned place as far as Mexican food is concerned....IMHO this place is one of Altadena's "best kept secrets". They serve fresh-made salsa which does vary slightly from visit to visit but it's still got a good balance of heat and flavor, so you know their salsa does not come out of a can or jar. Love this place, and Maggie is the most gracious and humble hostess/server/owner. Highly recommend checking out this place if you are in the area.“
“My husband is from India, so we have eaten a lot of flavorful foods. We both thoroughly enjoyed our meal here. We ordered the five taco plate and sides of corn, mom‘s beans, the vegetarian beans, potatoes with chorizo, corn, and rice. We also tried the coconut rose milk lime drink, and the cucumber salad . My husband, especially like the jeera chicken and corn. I loved the Carne Asada and goat tacos. The green sauce is fabulous. The fresh house made corn tortillas also really take the tacos to the next level. We really enjoyed our meal here. Kudos to the owners for taking such an interesting fusion risk and executing it well.“
“A beautiful date night spot where you can sit beneath string lights nestled in an alleyway, listening to live music (plus, they have outdoor heaters!). Plates are tapas style and the bar is full, with an advantage for mezcal enthusiasts. Bonus- The wait staff is knowledgeable and friendly. They recommended some drinks for us to try and gave us some suggestions on the entrees. The drinks were great and we recommend the sea bass! Nice atmosphere with good service and lots of mezcal.“
“Loreto lived up to my expectations in every aspect. Last minute they were able to accommodate an extra guest for our table, which was much appreciated! Our server (I forget her name, so sorry!) was so attentive and helpful; we had a gluten allergy and she was able to let us know on the spot which dishes had gluten and which didn't. We were coursed so well, with all of the ceviches and tostadas arriving first, followed by hot dishes. For a group of five, we ordered: -3 Oysters Preparado -yellowtail sashimi -Aguachiles Rojo -Leche de Tigre -Bay Scallop ceviche -Tostada a la Joaquin -Tostada Kondo -Tostada Bang Bang! -Camote Horneado -Mar-Esquites -Empanadas de Camaron -Albondigas de Camaron. My favorites of the night were the Aguachiles Rojo, Tostada Kondo and the Albondigas; however the shining star of the night was the Tostada a la Joaquin. The aquachiles was perfectly spicy and fresh with a lot of umami- I could eat 3 servings of this!! Tostada Kondo was also fresh and the scallops were so soft and buttery. The albondigas were an excellent hot dish to share and the green curry they were served in was flavorful and bright. The oysters and yellowtail to start were also excellent. The Tostada a la Joaquin was absolutely perfect; the otoro melted in your mouth and the yuzu vinaigrette was perfectly rich to compliment the tuna. Everyone was so impressed by this dish. The Leche de Tigre and Camote Horneado fell a bit flat for me, but were still enjoyable alongside the other dishes. We had a round of drinks; I ordered the Todos Santos Milkpunch and loved it. Everyone enjoyed their drinks as well! I took not one photo (which is rare for me) because the food and company was so good. We had so much fun here and will return so soon!!“
“We are from Brazil and happened to find this amazing spot in LA. Absolutely worth the wait. We suggest that you try both corn in the cup and in the spike. I’m pretty sure we will have dreams about it. Super tasty, soft and crunchy at the same time… thank you, Corn Man!“
“Best Carnitas in town!! I been going to el momo for 6 years and it’s the best!!! Just go try it! You’re not going to regret it ?????? it’s a family owned restaurant and the carnitas are the best!! Thank you to el Momo Family for the delicious carnitas ?????????“
“Horchata was bomb. Tacos are small usually its two tortillas and spill-over meat makes a second. Tortillas were somewhat undercooked. Other than being small gourmet playhouse looking portions it was good. It was more once in a lifetime kinda meal not beefy hearty get full go to work filling kinda meal. Its more like a Go alone buy a second round of the sampler kind of meal. Its pricey but worth it.Parking: Dont wear plaid or red or blue. There was a face tattoo guy leaving the parking lot.“
“This place had amazing tacos made from scratch. I ordered the mole and shredded beef taco and neither disappointed. There is plenty of room here with both indoor and outdoor seating. The outdoor area has a large mural on the outside walls of LA themes. Super unique and yummy place to visit. Plus, the prices are reasonable for the places popularity.Parking: Small parking lot but lots of street parking.“
“Ordered Marko's Omelet and Chili Cheese Omelet. Both were fantastic! The sourdough bread that came with it was perfectly toasted and buttered. Marko came out to greet us personally and was very warm and kind. Service was great! The dining area was clean and open! Great breakfast joint! Will definitely be back!“
“Great place to experience some new flavor combos. Service was top notch, but for us the flavors were a little dull. Maybe a case of having too high of expectations going in, but the street corn pasta dish was very underwhelming. We wouldn’t have known what it was going for. Again, food was still delicious, maybe worth another shot to try the rest of the menu.“
“ButtonMash is the epitome of a gamer's paradise blended with delicious food and drinks. From the moment we stepped in, the vibrant atmosphere was palpable, with the sounds of laughter and the clinking of glasses mingling with the cheerful beeps and boops of arcade games.Our experience at ButtonMash was elevated by our incredible waitress, Victoria, whose warmth and charisma made us feel right at home. Despite the bustling crowd, Victoria ensured that our needs were met promptly, adding an extra touch of magic to my birthday celebration.The menu at ButtonMash is a delightful fusion of mouthwatering dishes and drinks, perfectly complementing the nostalgic ambiance. Whether you're craving classic comfort food or innovative culinary creations, there's something for every palate.But what truly sets ButtonMash apart is its impressive array of video games and pinball machines, transporting guests back to the golden age of arcade gaming. From iconic classics to modern favorites, there's no shortage of entertainment to accompany your meal and drinks.Overall, ButtonMash exceeded our expectations in every aspect, from the exceptional service to the delectable fare and endless gaming fun. Whether you're a hardcore gamer or simply looking for a unique dining experience, ButtonMash is the ultimate destination for food, drinks, and play.“
“This place is the #1 thing I miss about living in Los Angeles. Pro tip, buy 2 fish tacos, they each come with 2 tortillas. Leave the outer tortilla on your plate. The tacos are so generously stuffed that enough will fall out on your empty tortilla to make another taco!“
“We live in Ventura but stopped by after my postoperative surgery appointment.. all I can say is AMAZING! The cafe de olla and Charro eggs are delicious! We will definitely be back if we're ever in the area! Their service is extraordinary! It's so rare to find exceptional customer service! Very kind and attentive“
“The food was so delicious. I recommend the chorizo and frijoles. We had two servers one was exceptional however the other server made us very uncomfortable with his aggressive, bad attitude and rude behavior. I'd like to say I would come back but if I saw him I would RUN!“
“Love Los Dorados and their perfect flautas- we always have an itch and craving, and find them either in Pico Rivera or East LA. They are so worth the drive! All of the options are delicious but our favorites are the potato, black bean and chicken flautas. The combination of the green sauce with the coteja cheese are mouthwatering! Staff is always incredibly friendly and helpful.“
“I eat here every week after climbing at the nearby gym. They are friendly people. BEST cabeza, so juicy. Cabeza Mulitas are amazing especiallywith the green sauce and lime--? perfection! My friends and I usually get cabeza, al pastor, tripas, suadero, among others. Their champurrado seems more authentic than some of the other local taco trucks I've tried. It actually has the corn flour--great for cold weather. They don't have the veggie/sauce bar here, but you can ask for them. Located at the Arcadia Parking lot on Santa Clara and Huntington.“
“Delia's has been our favorite lunch spot for years now, and for good reason! Their chile verde special is absolutely to die for - it's our go-to dish every time. The customer service is top-notch, with the owner and kids being incredibly sweet and welcoming. The food quality and flavor are consistently amazing, and the outdoor seating creates a charming atmosphere that feels like you're enjoying a meal in your grandma's backyard, surrounded by beautiful plants. This hidden gem comes highly recommended - a must-visit for anyone looking for a delightful dining experience!“
“All I have to say is this: There is another Mediterranean/Mexican fusion in another part of East Los. THAT place gets a .25 of a star compared to this gem. Do yourself a favor. If you want that Mex/Med fusion you HAVE to come here. I had the Kebab burrito w/chile rojo and it's been on my mind ever since.“
“This place is a classic. The best bean cheese burritos in town. The fries and tacos are super crispy crunchy and tasty. I’ve been coming here for years. The prices are good the food and service rock. This place has looked and tasted the same for years. Consistently good. Ten out of ten recommend.The parking is a bit challenging but worth it.“
“Fave spot in LA and order here at least 2-3x a week. Best, most creamiest hummus I’ve had in my life. Rice is cooked to perfection every time. Both their salads are delicious and refreshing, Tabouleh Oaxaca Salad is a must try. Taco plate with chicken and cauliflower is my go-to. Everything is fresh and packed with flavor. Prices are affordable/reasonable and portions are perfect. Owners are super friendly and you can tell they put a lot of care and passion into their food.Dietary restrictions: Vegan and vegetarian friendly.Parking: Has its own parking lot. About 7 spaces.“
“Without a doubt the best lunch truck in Cali!! Being a truck driver who has been coming to Cali for 30 years and have visted lunch trucks thru out the state makes me an authority on the subject. So you can believe me when I say they're the best. I've eaten here for over a decade and have never been disappointed once. The team that operates it are also the best. Give it a try. You will definitely not go anywhere else again if you do.“
“Food five stars, service five stars...The food is good, I like spicy but they have a good balance of flavor that made the extra spice I usually like unnecessary, the portions are generous. I don't really like mole but after trying some of their mole, I don't think I can continue saying that. The restaurant is cozy, clean and has good/attentive staff. Our server was Rene and he is courteous and attentive, next time I will try their desserts I just wasn't ready for their portions and got full / was left with no room for dessert. The four stars on the atmosphere section is only because, for me to truly judge a restaurant's atmosphere you need to experience it during its busy time when it's buzzing with people and all the staff is present. I love that it is cozy, it is and feels like an authentic family restaurant. I don't like taking pictures of my food as it gets in the way of fully being present and enjoying the experience so go see it and taste it for yourselves. I recommend it.“
“I found my new go-to spot! I ordered the pozole verde with everything. Comes with cabbage, onions, and avocado on top. There's BACON in the pozole, mind blowing and takes the flavor to the next level! You get salsa, limes, crema and tostadas on the side. I got sopes to-go (asada & al pastor) and they were enormous and filled to the brim with meat and all the toppings. One sope filled the entire to go box. Don't forget to try the banana water, so tasty. Exceptional service and food. Thank you, I'll be back again soon.“
“Really great service! Overall, we enjoyed the food but what we liked the most was the service provided. I went with my husband and 10 month old baby and they gifted us a plate of rice and beans to accompany the chicken taco we bought for the baby. You must try at least one of everything! My favorite were the tacos de tripa and asada quesadilla. Honorable mention: asada tacos, Al pastor burrito and asada tlacoyos. The place looks small but it actually has a really big seating area. They have the cutest patio out back as well.“
“The fish tacos are so good! We also tried the shrimp burritos and the tortas, everything was cooked quickly and had great flavor. The portions are huge and the service was also great. The only thing I didn’t like is that it’s outdoor seating only and it can be packed quickly, but everything else was so good, definitely recommend!“
“So glad we found this place! Everyone in our family tried something different and enjoyed their meals. The lemonade was perfect too! The staff were helpful and friendly. Highly recommended if you're in the area and love tacos!Kid-friendliness: Kid friendly and can eat inside or outside.“
“let me tell keep this description short and straight up: fresh handmade corn tortillas, homestyle braised meat, everything you're looking for in a taco There was free parking (a plus) and the service was super FAST! we didn't wait for more than 5 minutes for our food. there's seating indoor and outdoor. The patio was really nice to sit and eat at because they had heaters and it's entirely covered and shaded. Here's what we ordered: -the OG sampler ($10.49) - includes 6 mini tacos of steak picado, bistek en salsa roja, tinga de pollo, mole poblano, chicarron, & cochinita pibil -tinga de pollo (normal sized $3.79) -cochinita pibil (normal sized $3.79) - we got this with a medium spice level but this was SPICY!! I am someone with pretty high spice tolerance and the spice on this got me“
“I saw a picture on yelp and wanted the same thing. How often does the real life order look just as good as the yelp picture? Well, today it did, and it was delicious!! The name is definitely deceiving, it's more of a breakfast/Mexican food truck, dont come for bagels, lol.Mine on the left and the yelp pic on the right.“
“La Abeja is our family's favorite breakfast spot. My parents started taking me here when I was nine years old and now my kids get to enjoy it just as much. The food is amazing. The waiters and owner are always very interactive with our family. The steak, Picado and pork adoba are especially amazing!“
“Let's see,- no-frills taco and kabob joint,- food is pretty dang good- they are not playin' with their red sauce. My mouth is on FIRE but it hurts so good... can't get enough.- they did just recently (Nov 2023) raise their prices, but it's still competitive. just LAST month it was a crazy good deal. now it's a pretty good deal.- service is usually really fast.“
“¡En primer lugar, Jairo es el mejor que hay, un hombre muy agradable y un gran servicio al cliente! ¡En segundo lugar, empecemos diciendo los mejores tacos de la historia! No voy a ningún otro lugar aparte de mis tacos de Leo tan buenos como si tuviera antojo de algunos ahora mismo. Me encanta este lugar, lo recomendaría 5/5The atmosphere is dope too not to spooky great spot to get tacos safely“
“I ordered nachos from here and I was really excited except the bowl was 90% meat and just a few chips so I ended up with a bowl of slop. Nachos should really be layered. There was so much meat and so few chips. All the chips are gone now and I have a bowl full of ingredients. So now I'm at home frying up tortillas myself to remake the nachos. I feel like it's so simple... balance out the chips with the ingredients so there's enough chips to finish dish.“
“Good service, excellent portions, the food is super delicious and with top quality ingredients, we ordered the nachos, chilaquiles and birria, all delicious, the café de roca is also excellent and the best thing is that the tortillas are made to “
“Great spot to go with friends for lunch or to take the kids on the weekend. They have a great front patio and full bar, a back room with TVs and games for kids and a back patio that's more private. I've never hosted an event here, but seems like a great spot for a birthday party with friends on a Saturday or Sunday - Margs and tacos and lots of space for socializing. Also very kid friendly! They have a great kids menu with options for picky eaters, frozen lemonade etc. Recommend the mexi cali taco and the Philly cheese steak! So good!“
“This is a gem of a family run restaurant. The specialty is their house-made birria, served in a wide range of dishes. We've tried the quesa birria, the torta de birria, and the amazing birria ramen.The ramen was what drew us to this charming place, and is what keeps us coming back.They have a generous parking lot at the side of the building. They are also wheelchair and mobility scooter accessible.“
Mexican • $
“Everything very Authentic taste from food to drinksCarne en su jugo was perfect with the hot fresh tortillas u see them making as you walk inCafe de Olla so sooooo delicious ....Our servers were extremely nice great atmosphere definitely worth stopping by“
“I absolutely love MX 30-30!! This is such a gem in the heart of El Sereno. If you're looking for a good Mexican restaurant definitely check this place out. The food is great and the ambiance is also super chill and casual. I ordered carne asada fries. They were soooooo good! The use steak fries which makes it so much better. The portion is shareable. Not only was the food good but the service is wonderful. This is a small mom and pop business and they are so wonderful. High Recommend!“
“I absolutely loved this restaurant. So modern, food is exquisite, and the vibe is perfect. The servers are friendly and know what they are serving. You must visit this place if you love eating Mexican food and trying flavorful cocktails.The chips and guac, asada and chicken perfect.Fast service, welcoming and good food.“
“Nice place that lets you sample drinks! It’s also right in the Santa Anita mall food court. Super friendly workers and food is delicious. I got a cucumber/lemonade mix which was soooo good and refreshing. Hot dog was pretty good except the bun was split :(“
“I came in to get a cafe de olla but decided to take the tres leches pancakes Togo I was so glad I did they were delicious, Lorena took my order she was friendly, professional even gave me some fried small gorditas to try , will definitely be back to try their chilaquiles next time..fYI - pancake plate was a great size good to share!! Thank you Lorena !“
“Best quesadillas and tacos. The tortillas are hand made. You can also add beans and nopales to your quesadillas and tacos. They are a down to earth family. Really friendly. After so many years the taste and service is the same and never disappoints.“
“There is a line out the door for a reason.1. This is THE perfect fish taco in California (yes, including down the coast to San Diego). The perfect ratio of pico/light cabbage with a generous fish portion and an excellent corn tortilla. Their hot sauce is also a benchmark and available for purchase separately — highly recommended.2. The “ambience” at some of the locations is just one step above standing next to a taco truck in a parking lot, but the staff is very friendly and I promise that you will leave happy (especially if you order 3 fish tacos. Otherwise happy, but filled with slight regret if you order 4 ?)“
“Everything is well cleaned and the attention of the employees is excellent, they treat you with respect and all the ? ? ? mulitas the cakes are delicious and the water ? de horchata, not to mention it is delicious and it is very accessible for all those who wish to come recommended ? ? ? ? ?“
“If you are a vegetarian or have dietary restrictions this is the place you are looking for. The menu is full of veggie options and let's not forget about their 1L homemade juices and smoothies.Tree house restaurant with a huge tree in the front, that has birds talking and singing all evening.“
“A no-frills "fast food" spot. They have a very diverse menu consisting of American, Mexican, and Chinese food. I have yet to try any other item besides the burgers and fried zucchini, which I'm a fan of. The service is quick and your food is cooked to order. The burgers are a great size and delicious! Also, do yourself a favor and get the fried zucchini. The batter is nice and crispy, and the zucchini is sliced thick.“