Hugo's Tacos - Pasadena

Not to be confused with the local Hugo's Taco chain, Hugo's Tacos is a single taco-stand style restaurant in Pasadena. The restaurant looks like it is built inside an old warehouse or tiny convenience store.

We were the only ones sitting in there but a couple of people came in and out while we were there. The place was very well staffed with 4 people behind the counter as though they were expecting a crowd. The atmosphere is western with wood tables and booths.

Hugo's Tacos has a short menu including the basics only - tacos, burritos, and quesadillas. Order at the counter by choosing your choice of product, meat, and choice of there or to go. They have a long list of meat choices from carne asada and carnitas to lengua and cabasa. These are street tacos with choice of onion and cilantro and also grilled onions if you like.

I ordered three tacos with three different meats - carnitas, carne asada, and al pastor. I had mine topped with the onions and cilantro and the red salsa. The tacos also come with radishes and lime. Drinks are in the bottle or the can, except for the pineapple juice and the horchatta--so I got some pineapple juice which ended up being a great cutter for the spice.

The red salsa had a very smoky taste. The asada reminded me of ground beef. My favorite was the carnitas. I believe the pork was fried a little bit giving it a slight crunch. If we were to go back to Hugo's, I would go for the carnitas only and maybe give the green sauce a try.





Hugo's Tacos
490 N Lake Ave
Pasadena, CA 91101
Map