L.A. TACO is embarking on its biggest mission yet: to create a taco guide for every single neighborhood in Los Angeles! Along the way, we will also be releasing brief histories of each neighborhood to understand L.A. a little more and why each and every neighborhood that makes our fine city is unique in its own way. Check out our neighborhood page to get to know why Los Angeles is the best damn city in the world.
The name Pasadena derives from the Ojibwe word for valley. Situated below the vast San Gabriel mountains, you might come to Pasadena to trek crisscrossing hiking trails, watch a Rose Bowl game and visit the venue’s iconic monthly flea market, or go birdwatching for the feral flocks of green parrots that call this foothill community home.
Although those are all compelling reasons to visit, one of the biggest draws Pasadena has is the food (and also, since we’re talking about the greater Los Angeles area here, ample parking). Whether you’re chowing down on historic burgers and sandwiches or scoping out buzzy newcomers, Pasadena’s dining scene accommodates every budget and palate. Here are our favorite bites around the city of roses.