Check out these Sierra Madre Mexican dining hotspots.
“Let's dive into a cozy little gem in town, Tacos Ensenada. This spot may seem small at first glance, with only three tables tucked inside, which does make it a bit snug. It's perhaps more suited for grabbing a bite on the go, especially since one of the tables seems more like a spot for waiting on takeout rather than dining in. But don't let that deter you; the charm of this place lies beyond just the seating arrangement.For those taco enthusiasts among us, Tacos Ensenada shines on Taco Tuesday and Taco Thursday, offering tempting deals that are hard to pass up. A personal favorite of mine is the Al Pastor tacos – a flavor-packed choice that's a must-try for anyone visiting.Now, a little tip on parking: it's a bit of a unique setup. I recommend heading over to Memorial Park first, then make your way from East to West to enter the parking area. This little detour might seem like a bit of extra effort, but believe me, the tacos at the end of the journey make it all worthwhile.In essence, Tacos Ensenada is the perfect spot for those looking for delicious tacos without the fuss. It's about the simple pleasure of enjoying good food, even if it means eating it somewhere else. Whether you're a local or just passing through, make sure to give it a try – especially on their special taco days for an extra treat.“
“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.“
“OMG! These are the best tacos I’ve had. I had a taco de carnitas with cilantro, onion and green salsa. They had other topping like nopales, guacamole, and three different salsas. The meat was flavorful and the corn tortillas were made from scratch. I am from the Bay Area visiting family- I will definitely return and tell my family back home.“
“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.“
“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.“
“I frequent this place. Their homemade tortillas are incredible and elevates the breakfast burrito experience. The Chile relleno option in the burrito is out of this world—I think someone posted a review saying that the poblano lacked flavor and I’m convinced that specific person was having a bad day. Their burritos are exceptional in flavor and quality. East LA gem, don’t sleep on it.“
“El Canton De La Patrona took over the old Fish Grill location and is in the same plaza as El Pollo Loco. My husband and I decided to try this local restaurant. We made an order over the phone for pick up. We ordered: La Patrona Ceviche, $16.95 prior to tax- The ceviche was fresh and refreshing. This order also came with 3 tostadas. The ceviche is made with shrimp, cucumbers, avocados, red onions and tomatoes. I wished I had a few more tostadas. Burrito, $15.95 prior to tax- My husband got the asada burrito, which was packed with rice, beans and lettuce. Cheese and guacamole are also in the burrito. A side of chips are served along side the burrito. This entree was very filling, which my husband ate over 2 meals. 3 item combo, Trio Perfecto, $16.95 prior to tax- For this meal combo, I picked sopes, tamale and soft taco. This meal was also served with a side of rice and beans. My mom enjoyed the tamale and soft taco. We both also enjoyed the rice and beans and I liked the sopes. The 3 item combo is a good portion for one, although a fair amount for 2 to share (for a small dinner). ----------------------------- (Total= $54.96 after tax) Please note that there is a small discount if paying with cash. Service was friendly at pick up. Also it was nice that our food was ready at the time promised when we came to pick it up. My family and I enjoyed El Canton De La Patrona and will most likely order from them again.“
“I went to Tirzah’s for the first time today and I have been wanting to come for years! Don’t wait! Go now! It was very delicious! I got the LA burrito and my friend got the chili relleno burrito and she said it was awesome! The chili relleno is a Friday only burrito just fyi. I can’t wait to go again and try something from the Mediterranean part of the menu.“
“Los dorados are one of my top 3 taco spots in Los Angeles, their taco it's just crispy like my grandma used to make them and the salsas are delicious, they make you feel very welcome at their spot in el sereno and the ambience is just perfect, you get to dine just like in Mexico out doors and enjoy their delicious tacos“
“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.“
“Bomb bomb bomb ass tacos! So happy we decided to try this place. We ordered a couple fish tacos, a couple shrimp tacos, a papa taco, requeson, and bean taco with an horchata and nothing disappointed. The sauce and the yellow chiles were the cherry on top. I'm glad this place is just a delivery away.“
“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.“
“A great casual spot located in El Sereno I highly recommend it Specially if you are into Mexican food that you can't find to often here in LA like their delicious tlacoyos de tripa that I really enjoy and recommend to everyone that I know The service is great and welcoming Hopefully you get to try it soon“
“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“
“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.“
“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 “
“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.“
“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 !“
“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!“
“Good spot to pick up some carnitas, chicharon and other goodies. The only thing I really go for is the pork. Word of advice, take some cash because the place is cash only. I didn't see any signage that says cash only and was only aware of it until I had to pay. Felt bad cause I didn't have cash on me and I couldn't pay for my stuff. The place looks a little rundown from the outside and inside but if your Mexican you don't really mind. Also, for those of you who are germophobic, or neurotic about cleanliness, the place is self serve. No mask mandatory for the store, but they do ask that you sanitize your hands before grabbing stuff with tonsils. Do with that what you will. Some people might find that a little weird. Lady inside wasn't super helpful as it gets busy and they're really just charging customers. It's pretty straight forward though as you see what other people are doing and monkey see, monkey do kind of thing. They charge per pound but I also didn't see a sign how much they charge per pound. I bought a out 3.5 pounds of carnitas and it was about $34. You can do the math lol.Also be aware that parking is limited. No dedicated parking. Only residential.“
“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 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.“
“Authentic food from Chiapas Mexico. Distinct flavors that all can appreciate at a great price. Had lunch with my family and we were well served and well taken care of. We tried the especially good Torta. I had the tamal with huevos revueltos and It was all delicious. The agua fresca de Melon was also very good and I recommend it if you like it when agua frescas don't carry too much sugar. The place looks like a hole in the wall and it lived up to all the great reviews.“
“I ate here for the first time. I can’t believe I had never tried it! I’m not as much of a fish person, so I got the Torta Asada. It was incredible! The guacamole blended perfectly with the marinade to make a savory creamy complement to the asada. Throw a little lime that’s provided in there and it’s to die for. This will be a new craving!“
“This was a pit stop on the way to the Bay Area from Palm Springs. I’m a veggie and so it was great to see good choices of tacos - potato, cauliflower and brusel sprout here. They were all delicious and of the highest quality but the brussels were a standout. Definitely worth a detour off the freeway!! Service was also the best.“
“Visited this establishment the other day. It is a small venue, but the people who work here make you feel welcome. I tried some empanadas (shrimp) were delicious! I had a campechana cocktail and a tostada de camarón. Both of these were also delicious. I loved the chips and salsa and I appreciated the fact that the food here is made fresh as soon as you order. The service here is great. The ladies who work here are courteous and very friendly. It was a good first impression and I would definitely come back to dine here.“
“The seafood here is so fresh! The service was great also. We were constantly checked on to ask if we needed anything. We were so happy to find this gem after a long night of drinking. We will definitely take the long drive here to eat again.“
“Friendly staff, we had more than one server taking care of us, food came out fast and efficiently, bottomless chips and salsa and the fish tacos have made it to my top 5 that’s I’ve ever tried! The sauce, the crispy fish, the flavour. 10/10“
“# 129 Review for 2024 ***A Culinary Journey: Authenticity, Tradition, and Flavor Explosion at Tacos Los Palomos*** Overall 5 Stars***** If there's a sacred haven for taco enthusiasts, Tacos Los Palomos is it. Nestled in East LA, this gem embodies the essence of Mexican street food culture. As a self-proclaimed taco inspector, stumbling upon this treasure was a stroke of luck, unraveling a tapestry of flavors that transported me to the heart of culinary authenticity. What sets these taco trucks apart is their unwavering commitment to tradition. It's not just about tacos; it's a testament to preserving heritage, using time-honored recipes and seasonings that make each bite an homage to Mexican street cuisine. The sheer variety of flavors--Lengua, Buche, Tripa, Suadero, and Cueritos--each bursting with its own distinct taste, left an indelible mark on my taste buds. But let's talk about the salsa, specifically the chipotle; it deserves its own accolades. It's not just a condiment; it's a flavor symphony that elevates every taco to a divine experience. Yet, beyond the culinary prowess, these taco trucks serve as a conduit to nostalgia and cultural roots. They transcend the realm of mere dining; they're gateways to cherished memories and a taste of home. Each bite feels like a reunion with flavors that resonate with a deep sense of belonging. Tacos Los Palomos isn't just a taco truck; it's an emblem of community, tradition, and an odyssey through the rich tapestry of Mexican culinary heritage. In a world where authenticity often gets diluted, this place stands tall as a beacon of genuine flavors and cultural significance. In short, if you seek not just a meal but an expedition into the soul of Mexican street cuisine, Tacos Los Palomos deserves not just five stars but a standing ovation for keeping the flame of tradition alive in every savory taco they serve.“
“We have been coming here for some time now. At first the food was good and prices were good. Of course everything being expensive they had to raise prices but I feel like their churros don’t taste as good anymore. Their chocomil though is really good! And their free cafe de olla on the weekends is great.“
“I love to come to this taco stand; the service is always prompt and the owners are very kind. The food is absolutely incredible and they usually have an Agua Fresca (horchata most of the time) and it's always delicious as well. They accept cash or zelle!“
“I did some kitchen installation in Pasadena and we got some lunch and the wet burrito is amazing i truly suggest this restaurant 100% also great service and really good cooks. Restaurant was also really clean and organized. They have an outside sitting area also.“
“Yay I got the 10% off with yelp check-in discount today!! Service was super fast today and my servers Rosa and Chuy recognized me from last time and Rosa knew what I got, too. Lol. That makes me happy!! Everything was delicious, as usual. Steak pieces were cooked to perfection. The black beans, queso cheese and all the flavors just meld together in harmony deliciousness!! The service was excellent; I had more creamy orange dressing, which was delicious!! It wasn't too packed so it was a peaceful early dinner alone.“
“I got the sausage burrito and sausage quesadilla. It was so yummy. The guys that run this are super cool. Both items were excellent. They provide a green sauce on the side. It has a really nice citrus kick to it. Lots of parking in the lot or on the street.“
“Me and coworkers went out for drinks after work and had dinner at another place across the street. We were not satisfied and decided to pop in for 1 beer. The place is cozy and not too busy. But we want to support local businesses, especially long established ones who now have to fight the big new restaurants like cheesecake factory. The staff read super friendly, attentive and always ready to assist. The owner prepared super nachos, guacamole dip and chips and salsa. Food was amazing! Wish we stopped here first. Going back With our other coworkers real soon. Thank you El Toreo!“
“Decided to check out this place due to its high reviews. We found the owner or front person was very passionate about all the different styles of taco, burritos and nachos. We came in only desiring a snack, but then ending up ordering three meals due to all the choices that sounded so delicious. We really enjoyed their food, and they give you a great amount for the price. The ingredients were really good, and they give you lots of meat. I particularly loved the lengua and tripa (as they cooked it the way I liked it). The reason I give it one less star is the ambience. Its definitely a mom and pops restaurant and the lighting is very dim. Otherwise, the food was good and the prices are great! The owner is so awesome and provides good service too!“
“The carnitas burritos are delicious! The whole thing is super flavorful - the pork is great, the green salsa is fantastic, the tortilla is so good, and the rice and beans add so much to it. It came with chips and green salsa. It felt like a pretty big amount of food for $12. The lady at the counter was so nice and sweet. Highly recommend next time you want a great burrito.“
“A great local hidden gem. The food was fresh & delicious, and the service was outstanding - attentive & very accommodating! There is no longer a buffet due to COVID restrictions; however, the menu includes a great focused combination of seafood, meat & salads, plus options for kids. There is also outdoor dining still available, along with the takeout option. A must try!“
“Highly recommend this place, always letting my coworkers know this is the place to get some good food, my go to is a wet burrito with red enchilada sauce, the staff are really friendly and on top of everything. Been coming here for a couple years now.“
“Food and service were terrific. You HAVE TO get the nachos. It's HUGE and loaded with toppings, including a large portion of sour cream and guacamole. Our family of 4 devoured those nachos but were SO full after eating them that we could hardly eat our dinners!! We basically took our entrees ToGo because we couldn't eat anymore. I took off a star bc they were out of horchata and Jamaica drinks and the fountain orange soda tasted weird, almost soapy?? Other than that the food and service were top notch. If we're ever back in Pasadena we will definitely be back. Also, the complimentary chips and salsa are very good too.“
“This a small neighborhood diner nestled in the El Monte Airport (SGV Airport). The staff is very friendly and helpful, and the food is just downright amazing. It's like your momma or grandma cooked it. I had the daily special, Chili Releno Omelet with Chili Verde sauce, home fries, and short stack pancakes, which were just perfect! It was crispy on the outside but fluffy and chewy on the inside. Wow. Handsdown the best pancakes I've ever had! Seriously. The coffee was also so good. We sat on the patio in the 40-degree morning chill, watching the small planes take off the runway. You could also see the majestic SGV mountains in the distance with snowcapped tops and such clear blue skies! It was just perfect on this day. So try the food and enjoy the atmosphere as well.“
“Delicious and perfect. Everything I could ever ask for in a meal. We accidentally interrupted the employees' lunch but they were sweet and welcomed us in. Birria tacos and chicken flautas were delicious. Will be dreaming about the birria.“
“This place is perfect for breakfast and lunch. I’ve eaten here several times and it never fails to satisfy me above and beyond. Karen is a gracious hostess. She could answer all of our questions and also recommended a few dishes to try next time. Happy Hour 11a-4p $5 mimosas were perfect. I recommend the Bulgogi and rice and the curry chicken. I’ve had the menudo which is pretty good as well. Very healthy proportions! I’ll be back“
“You wouldn't guess the historical significance of this restaurant from the outside, but Burritos La Palma is very significant in the survival of the wet burrito as a Chicano staple according to their profile on Eater.Regardless of their importance to Mexican/Angeleno cuisine, the service here is incredibly quick and the food is fantastic! Well worth a special trip if you're interested in the historical aspects, but also just a great burrito experience overall. Get the Platillo Especial if you don't know what you want, it's what they're known for.“
“I'm very big on customer service and great food and this place has both. A restaurant can have the best food but if their customer service sucks then it's a no go for me. Customer service was really great and the food was fresh and delicious! I highly recommend!Parking: Decent parking lot with plenty of parking.“
“I went to Casa Del Rey in Temple City for years and loved it. This one did not disappoint. As a vegan it is difficult to order and yet our server Melissa made it easy. I had a veggie taco and wonder refried beans. Both were delicious. I will certainly return.“