(626) 792-8559

502 N Fair Oaks Ave
Pasadena, CA 91103 34.1546 -118.1503

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Neighborhood: West Central

Last updated 6.20.11

Category:

Restaurants

Payment Methods:

Cash

Cuisine:

Mexican

drinks
100.0% positive
  1. This is the best Mexican food bar none.
food quality
100.0% positive
  1. The tacos are also tasty, and at a buck a piece, they're a deal.
  2. The al pastor burrito w/ a little lime and salsa is the best burrito I've had in years and years.
  3. BTW, there ain't no "mystery meat" here (don't listen to the other reviewer), who obviously doesn't know Spanish - those are some of the best meats to have in the tacos :).
  4. Good fish tacos
  5. If you want authentic Mexican food - Hardcore, no frills, great taste, for cheap(!)
  6. Tastes so good, you can keep slamming down tacos for hours.
  7. always tend to get the Al Pastor tacos $1 (meat is succulent and flavorful), but the burritos are HUGE and foor $4 you can't beat it!
  8. La Estrella has the best fish tacos in Pasadena.
  9. This is the best Mexican food bar none.
value
100.0% positive
  1. Food is excellent, and affordable.
  2. If you want authentic Mexican food - Hardcore, no frills, great taste, for cheap(!)
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/27/09

Hand's down

Contributor at Citysearch

Food is excellent, and affordable. We even had them cater and loved it.

5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

08/29/06

The Taco Truck Killer

by nomis at Citysearch

This is the best Mexican food bar none. It looks like any other taco stand, with limited seating. But, I'll scarf those tacos and burritos down in my car if I have to. You haven't had a fish taco until you've eaten here. The batter is so crisp on the outside, and the fish is so moist and fresh on the inside. They're open pretty late too. Go now!

  • Pros: Mouth watering. Cheap. Friendly
  • Cons: Limited seating/standing room.
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

04/21/06

Best fish tacos and shrimp tacos in L.A. area

by fulanodtal at Citysearch

I've tried them all, folks, and nothing this side of the border comes close in L.A.. I found out about this place word of mouth from a chef in a top Pasadena restaurant (to remain unnamed). About $3 per taco, you will be plenty satisfied with two (big eaters can tack another on, but that's a lot). You may want to get the cream and the salsa on the side to control the amount that you get, but definitely do get both. The shrimp are even better than the fish.

Parking is tight, so try and get there early if you are there for lunch (be there by 11:45 or be prepared to wait).

If you have not been there in a while, it's a bit nicer now with more seating (outdoor only).

I am totally addicted. Like crackcocaine on a tortilla.

  • Pros: killer fish tacos, killer shrimp tacos, authentic as all heck
  • Cons: parking, busy at lunch time, there isn't one near me
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

02/11/06

Best burritos in the Pasadena area

by phoenix_68 at Citysearch

The al pastor burrito w/ a little lime and salsa is the best burrito I've had in years and years. The carne asada is very good, too. The tacos are also tasty, and at a buck a piece, they're a deal. Burritos are only $4. I keep meaning to try the tortas or nachos, but always return to the burritos or tacos. Seating is available, but only outside and right along Fair Oaks, so don't come for the atmosphere!

  • Pros: burritos & tacos, prices, easy parking
  • Cons: no indoor seating, busy street
5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended

12/12/03

Yum Yum~~

by wildswede at Citysearch

I have been going to La Estrella for a few years now. There is NOWHERE in town to get better Al Pastor. It is the best I have EVER had (I have to agree with the other reviewer about that, and that there are no mystery meats anywhere to be found).

I always tend to get the Al Pastor tacos $1 (meat is succulent and flavorful), but the burritos are HUGE and foor $4 you can't beat it! Their Carne Asada is good as well.

They have salsa roja (hot) or green salsa (mild) that you can choose from (get the red).

Have not tried any of the other meats, though. Only two tables, or a counter to eat at.

Run, don't walk. Open late - great for hangovers!!

  • Pros: Food, Prices, Hours

The Details on La Estrella

Place Categories:

  • affordable mexican food
  • great taste
  • huge burrito
  • very good carne asada
  • good little taco
  • authentic frills
  • big eaters
  • great holeinthewall
  • best meats
  • tasty fish tacos
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