Taco Lita

For some, I’m sure the nostalgia keeps them coming back. For me, it was the first time and it was pretty much what I expected. A mom and pop Del Taco, with higher prices but slightly better flavors. The taco is definitely the standout as it’s stuffed with meat and cheese. The combo burrito was mid. Beans, meat and cheese. Nothing really special. I guess they don’t have their taco sauce anymore, so Heinz mild is all you get. I think a really good sauce would make this place stand out more, but Del scorcho is still the best sauce in the biz, so I guess I’ll be going to Del Taco when I need my gringo taco fix. Glad I tried it and not mad that I did. Really would go back for their tacos if they only had better sauce. Service was fast and friendly, so that’s definitely a plus.

I love this place. Hard shell takos are classic. Sad that there's no more taco Lita sauce. Another victim of the pandemic. The building is a jewel/ time capsule and that tiles work is so nice. Mid century modern Mavens will love meeting here ... Definitely worth visiting. Don't forget the bean cup

This was a regular place to visit a.d eat back in my college days over 30 years ago. I gave it another try today and was pleased with the fantastic crunch taco and even better was the combo burrito.

Since 1967, this place is excellent! I liked the tacos. I got the Tuesday special with 3 tacos and a soda for $9 and change. Get the jalapeno salsa! The service is fast and super friendly! If I lived in the area, I'd be a regular! Huge parking lot too!

Nostalgia is what comes to mind when entering Taco Lita. Is it authentic Mexican food no! Is it supposed to be no!. What it is a small mom and pop place that hasn't changed ever, and what they do they do well. I had the taco which was crunchy and filled with ground beef, cheese, lettuce and a slice of tomatoe. Also I had a meat and cheese burrito which was generously stuffed with ground beef and cheese, very simple but simply delicious. Worth a shot in my opinion if I even drive past Duarte I will go out of my way to stop by.

Been going here since I was with my first partner in my 20’s, long ago! It’s so renown, there’s an entire Facebook group for this place!!! Quick, great value, fresh, and straight forward, avoid peak hours may only caveat: they might be extra crowded!! I/we go out of our way to pick up from here. Living back in San Diego now, that’s not often as when I/we were living in the San Gabriel Valley…. In fact, there’s a Burrito Jumbo from our visit yesterday that’s calling my name in our fridge right now… 😎💯😋

This is not just a taco shop. It has a certain, special set of skills. Its what america thought Mexican food was in the 60s. Think moms meatloaf meets hard shell taco. It is unique. Burritos are big and filling. Everyone must try

Taco Lita was reminiscent of my childhood. And after I moved away I would ho to Taco Lira before I headed home. One thing I always loved was the grease in my bean and cheese. I would squeeze my burrito and watch the cheese grease bubble out. I was there this weekend, and for nostalg's purposes I stopped in and got a burrito. What was once a daub of cheese grease has turned into an oil derrick. My burrito was so covered in cheese grease that it was slipping out of my hand. And while the burritos taste as good as childhood me remembers the middle aged me wants a burrito that slips through my fingers. An enthusiastic 5 stars for your wonderful staff, from those who are new behind the counters and those who have been there when I was 10 years old.

This place is staple of LA County. Authentic food and ingredients. The only place other than this is Barstow Del Taco off Lenwood. Old school Gringo Mexican!!! Keep up the good work. Tacos, burritos.... Can't go wrong!

For some, I'm sure the nostalgia keeps them coming back. For me, it was the first time and it was pretty much what I expected. A mom and pop Del Taco, with higher prices but slightly better flavors. The taco is definitely the standout as it's stuffed with meat and cheese. The combo burrito was mid. Beans, meat and cheese. Nothing really special. I guess they don't have their taco sauce anymore, so Heinz mild is all you get. I think a really good sauce would make this place stand out more, but Del scorcho is still the best sauce in the biz, so I guess I'll be going to Del Taco when I need my gringo taco fix. Glad I tried it and not mad that I did. Really would go back for their tacos if they only had better sauce. Service was fast and friendly, so that's definitely a plus.

Off the top!! I will say this is not your authentic Mexican food place, very much American-Mexican if even that. You come here for the fresh loads of cheese and the sauce. I'd be surprised if the beans weren't from a can and that's okay, they serve their purpose. Ground beef, loads of cheese and fresh crisp lettuce and tomato. Sometimes you feel like that kind of burrito and/or tacos. Cheese lovers unite! Service is always great. Very fast, not a large menu so quick to make. Place has been here for years, a staple in the community and gives off that vibe. Very enjoyable if you're in the mood for it.

I have been coming here since I was a kid, and each time you know what to expect. It's nostalgic and classic place to come, but it would be nice for them to update the interior a bit. We got the burritos and tacos and all were devoured! Missing the sauce of course, but the new sauce they got will suffice. Free refill is just up my alley to wash it all down. I'll keep coming back for more. Thanks for being a staple!

Our very first time here for Taco Thursday. I missed out on the yelp event because I didn't get the email, so here we are, trying something new for Taco Thursday. Lol. We got the Thursday special and added another Taco. Thursdays special was a bean and cheese burrito, a Taco and a drink. It tasted almost like Taco bell but fresher and less salty. It was pretty good, we wolf down!! The food was good, service was good and the ambiance was clean and simple like a Taco joint. Thanks Taco Lita. When in mood, we'll come back for a quick bite.

Old school since 1967. The Wednesday special for $10.70 includes a combo burrito, a hard shell taco, and a fountain drink. What a great deal and the food is the gringo style wanna be Mexican food that is yummy. The service was quick and the interior's bright orange tile decor reflects it's history. The only downside is that it's been four years since they offered their famous hot sauce packets.

I have been coming to this place for 40 years and only disappointment is they don't have the Lita sauce. Thank you. Arcadia and family for many years of combo burritos.

You get what you get at Taco Lita. A classic. My family has been coming here for decades. The bright tile is an iconic comforting throwback. They serve a uniquely American burrito that is fresher than typically fast food but definitely still a guilty pleasure. I pick up a hot, greasy, beautiful combo burrito every time I'm in the area.

Est. 1967- Old school taco place. Looks like it should have a drive through, but it doesn't. Menu is very simple - Tacos, Burritos and Tostadas. That's about it, but that all you need at this place. Gotta love the crunchy, hard shell, tacos, served with seasoned ground beef, lettuce, cheese and tomato. They remind me of the cafeteria tacos we used to get in elementary school. The Combo, Burrito is big and filling (Meat, beans & Cheese). This place is clean and the service is friendly. Taco Lita, you still got it!

RIP Taco Lita I won't be back. The prices have Sky Rocketed. $9.75 for a Combo Burrito, thats beans, hamburger meat, and cheese and $12.05 for a Jumbo burrito. I've been coming here for 40yrs, but this is crazy. Their prices have always been a little high which I let slide, but since the loss of the Original Taco Lita sauce, I was at my price ceiling. Now they have blasted through it. Sorry Taco Lita, you're going to be missed.

I should have looked up the reviews first. I came to this establishment since they serve my favorite type of food, Mexican! Was thrown off by the prices, very expensive for basic food. I purchased a bean, cheese, and beef burrito. Total came out somewhere along the $11 dollar mark which is crazy expensive but paid since more than likely it will be a beefy tasty burrito......wow was i wrong. I got my burrito, felt very hefty which I was happy about since I did pay close to $11. I went back to back to my work vehicle to eat it. It was disgusting, and a waste of money. Somehow they forgot the beef but maybe though they would make up for that by adding a lot of cheese? Infant there was so much cheese that it didn't melt. Waste of time, and money.

A ground beef and cheese burrito was $12. I knew what to expect for taste and selection here, but the pricing was unbelievable. Almost double from 2 years ago. Just not worth it anymore. I will not be back.

This is my go to place for fast Mexican food. Big delicious burritos and great service. I miss the Taco Lita sauce, but still a great place to go for a quick bite.

This is my second Taco Trek in search of the best local tacos. Today, the crunch was great and reminded me of my youth when tacos were primo. Apparently, there is report of a ghost haunting this location, so I need to do more investigating. Today was taco Friday, so I got five tacos for around ten dollars, which is pretty good. Service was kind and efficient, with even the patrons super friendly while waiting. This extremely clean taco stand is a standout and something to come back for, possibly on a Tuesday!

So, if you're coming here anticipating Mexican food, you're not going to get that. Mind you, they do not advertise their food as such. Taco lita is its one of its own as they have basic tacos and burritos that is prepared with ground beef. The main thing about here is that it's is always consistent. I'm talking over 30 years of consistent same food and flavors. Sure, the original sauce isn't around anymore, but the sauce they provide now is nearly identical if not better. Customer service isn't the best, but again if reviews are based off of food as I believe should be all it is, food is good, consistent and the service is extremely fast. Well seasoned and literally tastes the same every single time and size is equal and generous. Prices meet local prices and you can't really get anything else like this. No, it is not Mexican, but they do a great job with their style. The ingredients are good quality and they make all of their meat, beans, and fried taco shells in house.

... what happened! They're so different now! They definitely use good, fresh ingredients, but they no longer have their famous sauce! They were very quick with my order, almost too fast... As soon as I ordered a burrito and paid, they called my number. That's fast. I hate to give 3-star but they only deserve it for no longer having their sauce. If they reach out to me, or bring back their sauce, then I'll remove this review and give 5-star. They have very clean tasting tacos and burritos. Theres basically no oil in the meat. A little bland to me, but very healthy. This might be your style.

Typical white people typeof Mexican food, you know, bland and boring, but taste really good. If you like non spicy Mexican food you'll like taco Lita! The food is good but customer service is no

For Taco Tuesday, my boyfriend and I decided to have Taco Lita... I've lived in Arcadia almost all my life... But yet I've only had Taco Lita the last few years. It's a simple menu...our go to is their crunchy tacos. Simple, crispy taco shells with ground beef, lettuce, and tomato. It reminds us of our childhood tacos. On Friday, you can get a 5 taco deal that's less than $11. so if you're feeling nostalgic and want a quick meal, you should definitely try this place.

Had a craving for the hard taco, so I went and their special that day was a bean and cheese burrito, a hard taco and drink, so that's what I ordered. Cheap, good tasting food. Plain and simple. Only downfall is they don't have the taco salsa anymore they now serve Heinz packaged salsa. It's not bad though. The employee at the counter was super Friendly, he was new to me. I hadn't seen him before, and they are super fast.

Craving an old school American-Mexican crunchy taco with ground and not shredded beef? Stop in here! The vibe as soon as you walk in is to go back in time. Their crunchy shell taco has ground beef, shredded cheese, lettuce & tomato slice. (This surpasses Tito's now IMHO.). Super friendly staff tends to your order.

White People Taco Night! Felt like I actually went back in time to 1960's Arcadia where people that looked like me did not belong in certain areas. I don't remember the last time I saw so many white folks in a Taco joint. Maybe never..even the workers were white. Except the one girl who gave me my food...she said "jalapeño" so well I knew she wasnt white. I don't even care. It just felt so other wordly to me. Anyways, is the food good. Not really. It taste like I hoped it would...a mix of Del Taco meets Taco Bell. I sometimes enjoy that 'almost' forgotten style of Americanized Mexican food. But I have had it done better. The building is the best things about it...beautiful 1960's building that likely hasnt changed in years. I loved it. My grade: Building A Food C Parking A Customers W for white.

Food is good, but prices are getting out of control. Curious how many times they've upped the price in the last couple years.

Been going here for years. When I have a hard taco craving, it's Pepe's, Tito's Tacos, or Taco Lita.

I read a few reviews where it was noted the how expensive it was for just regular food. Well, it seems that the ingredients they put in their "regular" food is regular! Which is really the good news! They actually use real ground beef for their tacos. If you look at the chain tacos places, which are cheaper, you will definitely see a difference. Not just one ingredient, besides salted pepper, but you will see multiple ingredients. Some start with beef followed by water, then, often textured vegetable protein, soy flour, silicone dioxide, and the list goes on. Yes they may be tasty, but the additives are always something to consider. Taco Lita tacos seem to be just ground beef. And no, they don't really season their beef and it doesn't have any after texture in your mouth which I really appreciate. Service is always amazing as everyone is very friendly and very accommodating. It definitely has a 1960s or 70s type of feel in the place. It's stepping back in time... And no, it's nothing like "real" Mexican food! Being new to California back in the day, taco Lita definitely is similar to what we came to know as Mexican food at that time. Of course, years later, it's a different story. But still, there's something about hardshell tacos with real meat in them that makes a difference. The price of beef certainly isn't coming down fast enough to make any differences. And to think, just 20 years ago, how inexpensive these tacos were compared to now. And that's everywhere, not just here. That is, unless you're a large food chain where you buy in bulk and use multiple ingredients in your "meat" product to bulk up the "meat". I can't say I don't enjoy those tacos, but I definitely like the real ones better. Great parking, great location, always clean and pleasant. Unfortunately, they cannot get back their original Taco Lita sauce since the pandemic. Unfortunate, but it is what it is. This type of thing has been systemic in a variety of businesses across the country. We will continue to drive the 20+ miles on occasion just to have our "flashback" to a different time of "real" taco meat. BTW, their beans are amazing. Really good burritos.

Another visit and another 5 star review. There taco meat is delicious whether you get it in a twci or a burrito. They really only do one thing and they do it very well. They are quick, food is hot and the restaurant is spotless.

This is a nostalgic place in my home town. It's an american take on Mexican food similar to Taco Bell as it was in the 70s. Their menu features tacos, tostadas, burritos with ingredients like ground beef, refried beans, grated cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce and diced tomatoes. They've been out of Taco Lita branded hot sauce packets for a while. The fact that it's still the same over decades is kinda cool, almost frozen in time.

This Arcadia institution can't be beat! #fresh #value #dining #quickserve I've been coming here faithful since the 1980s!

I love the meat and cheese burritos, they r my alltime favorite ever since they first opened Very clean, courteous and fast!

Consistency. I always get the same thing now for 20+ years and y'all deliver. The BEST " white boy" burrito around. No the sauce is not back BUT, the back up ain't bad. Thanks for making me and the boy enjoy our Friday night snack.

Bought a combination burrito and quesadilla. Took a bite of the combination burrito and could not take another because it was so greasy and had no flavor. Switched to the quesadilla, was shocked to be served a burrito with cheese product that spilled grease and yellow liquid-YELLOW! So disappointed that I do not recommend nor will purchase again.

Taco Lita definitely stands out compared to other fast food restaurants. Greeting customers with their large and sunny signs, you will be amazed by the vibrant colors as you walk inside. It has the classic mid century vibe to it. Everything there is original from the 60s! The menu was simple - straight forward and no frills! Unfortunately, they don't have the famous taco lita sauce, but they do have the Heinz replacement sauce packets. As I took my first bite into the taco, I was surprised by the quality of the hard shell. It was light and crispy, unlike the store bought versions. The taco has simple ingredients such as ground beef, cheese, lettuce, and a couple strips of tomatoes. I appreciate its simplicity. My verdict? This place is a must try if you're in Arcadia and in the mood for burritos and/or hard shell tacos. This longstanding Arcadia hard-shelled taco stand definitely deserves much recognition!

Taco lita is so yummy! An old business that hasn't lost its charm. It's an old location and the bathrooms are super tiny but everyone is so nice and the reason you go is for the food which is top notch!

Spiced up ground beef, refried beans, shredded mild cheddar cheese, lettuce, sliced (1/2) tomatoes. Whether in a hard corn shell taco, a large warmed up flower tortilla or on a bun, the five ingredients pretty much makes up for the entire combinations of ways they are served. As simple as that is there is something that happens when you take a bite, especially if you lace some Ortega mild taco sauce (almost identical to their original Taco Lita sauce which they no longer carry), that bite and flavor is addictive. Like heroin, you turn into a Taco Lita junky. It's truly weird. I've be going there since the early 1970's. If I lived closer than 32 miles I'd be there at least twice a week. As it is my addictive only gets satisfied about once every couple of months. Oh well. It is what it is.

I don't care what anyone says. I frickin LOVE Taco Lita! I always get the combo burrito when in town and never disappoints. Service is always friendly and the ambience, very retro 60's. It's definitely a comfort on all levels. Highly recommend. Cheers!

This place has been around for decades with the same delicious and consistent taste. Great customer service. Sad the taco lita signature sauce was changed to basic Heinz taco sauce. I enjoyed the combo burrito and of course the signature tacos

White Mexican food but really good . They use to to have amazing taco sauce . I love the tostada it is huge and good cheese

I've been going here for years and I always order the jumbo burrito no beans, but today when I got home, opened my burrito and took a bite, there was less than half the usual meat. No longer a Jumbo burrito. A below average burrito. I immediately called, but there was something wrong with the phone there. No one answered. So I got back in my truck and went back to Taco Lita and asked for the manager who told me that they measure the meat now and it's consistent; no more two or three scoops. I told her I found that to be shocking and appalling, especially with no notice or candor to let the customer know. I am writing this review to let the public know that the jumbo burrito is no longer jumbo by any stretch. It is a lettuce and tomato burrito with a little meat. If you want what you've gotten from Taco Lita in the past, or if you're a new customer, you need to ask for extra meat, which is now two or three dollars more. This is surprising as a Jumbo no beans runs about $10. So without meat you're paying $7 to $8 for lettuce and tomato in a tortilla.

Such a great place with the most accommodating staff. A true comfort food with a homey vibe. Would recommend all to try!

Taco Lita is the last remaining fast food from the 60's i love everything about it. Same food, original building great place, never close it!!!! Donald Forbes

Classic Arcadia restaurant. Taco Lita has been in business for many years and is a landmark Arcadia food establishment. Their food is nostalgic to me and tasty as well

I've been eating at Taco Lita for 60+ years. Try the combo burrito and ask for extra taco sauce packets. There's a unique flavor like no other...and it's big! Sorry they've closed other locations. But if I'm passing by on the 210 frwy, it's hard not to stop!

Taco Lita used to be good food for a fair price. In January 2024 the Jumbo Burrito was $8.50. Yesterday, October 2024 the same item was $12.50. Don't tell me a 50% price increase is due to inflation. Guess I'll go back to Del Taco.

Nothing about this restaurant has changed, for better or for worse. All the photos you see on this yelp age? They still apply, no matter how old they are. The tacos look the same, the burritos look the same, the decor looks the same. Heck, it all still tastes the same as it did a decade plus ago. And yet, this is a nice staple of Arcadia. The texmex hard-shell tacos are filled with a generous helping of ground beef, cheese, lettuce and a slice of tomato. I've always found the tomato slice to be kind of weird and out of place, but I've accepted it. I just eat the slice first and then devour the taco (otherwise the dang thing is just gonna flop around) This place used to be known for their "Taco Lita" sauce (you'll see lots of rabid reviews go on and on about it) but they don't have it anymore. I don't know if they ever will bring it back, but I never really thought much of it. It was a good addition but it wasn't a game changer or anything. To me, this place is great because it's a solid crunchy taco. In some ways, more fulfilling than Taco Bell (and I say that as one who loves the Doritos taco). Like, it may not have sophisticated flavors, but it's very... solid, like it's got structure to it. I'm not talking about the integrity of the taco itself, but rather like, the heartiness of it. The burritos are pretty filling too. They got the Bean and Cheese, the Combo (Bean/Cheese/Meat) and Jumbo (Bean/Cheese/Meat/Lettuce/Tomato) They always have a daily combo special written on a white board- but I think Wednesdays are always Combo Burrito + Taco + Drink and Fridays are 5 Tacos + drink. Service is very fast given how simple the menu is. I'm not giving it an amazing rating because honestly it's pretty plain and hasn't changed in years, but I still think it's a tasty taco and I like to come by once in a while for that crunchy taco craving.

I love this place. I was sad that their sauce was discontinued, but the Heintz taco sauce isn't bad and I honestly love it. And the thing about their food is that you have to have it with the sauce if you don't want the bland flavor. I know one person who used one packet for half a burrito, but I grew up saucy and I use a packet of sauce for every two bites. I can't handle as much cheese now, so I usually tell them easy on the cheese or just a little and they're fine adjusting it. They've recently renovated the space a bit, but I hope they keep the side tables because I love those seats. I always choose to sit at those quirky side tables. I've been coming here for 20 years and I still see a good amount of people during lunch hours. It's a friendly place with simple food and always hits the spot for me.

Same great taste. They're still out of Taco Lita sauce and they're providing Heinz taco sauce. But I've become accustomed to it no longer being available. Biggest surprise is that the prices are same as pre-Covid.

This place was closed with cones and tape, blocking both entrances and exits. Big sign in front saying no hiring. I'm not sure if they're going through new ownership, or what. I just wish it was open because I love their burritos.

Taco Lita has been around for years used to go there all the time back in the day when it was really good. Haven't been there in a few years, but I checked them out since I was in the neighborhood and it was horrible. They don't have the taco Lita sauce anymore, which was really good now they have Heinz taco sauce, which is horrible, I ordered two tacos and a meat and cheese burrito when I got home the burrito was sitting in a pool of grease which I literally had to take a paper towel and dab all the grease off of the tortilla the meat hardly had any taste to it? Taco shells tasted stale sorry to say since it's changed for the worst, it has gone downhill way downhill and I will not be going back at all.

So, I like architecture and the different, while driving down Duarte Rd. I see this gem https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/taco-lita-arcadia?select=qYyUckLx0kRx1LMysaOv8g and it's a spot for Tacos! Win, Win or so I thought. Apparently, Taco Lita has been around since 1967 https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/taco-lita-arcadia?select=FvAEQ9AFh2l4Y2e02-K_aQ so the obviously have plenty of locals supporting this small business. Apparently, they had their own branded "Packaged Taco Sauce" and that had a lot to do with their fame. Not sure what that was all about but now they have this https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/taco-lita-arcadia?select=KYnPHCgA7p2IaT7x0UvxPw seriously might was well just serve Ketchup. The ground beef is pre-cooked and held in a steam pan, so assembly of your order goes very fast... https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/taco-lita-arcadia?select=HLp2sehpSP4l-k-W6QDYUQ Burrito Meat & Cheese ($7.50) https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/taco-lita-arcadia?select=zxHIt1YjXkoVMdIrk7SPFQ Supposedly it's Seasoned ground Beef and shredded Cheese, decent size burrito for the price, the beef was barely warm, not even hot enough to melt any of the cheese https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/taco-lita-arcadia?select=oYNFRkj1nV3lrWzB_DFoGA I'm not sure what they season this with but it eats very plain to me, and not even a good salsa to help out. 2-Stars Taco ($2.45) https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/taco-lita-arcadia?select=Evubn63hm6zrD16kB3UR8Q Yeah, a hard-shell taco, ground beef, lettuce, tomato and Yellow Cheese, remind you of a couple FF Chain "Mexican" spots? Well, they have better flavor than this. 2-Stars

Obviously, eat a burrito. Lucky for you, there's a delicious option right here. The world has many exceptional, fantastic, and delicious types of food. Few are as perfect and versatile as the humble Taco Lita burrito. It is acceptable to eat a burrito for all three meals of the day. Taco Lita can address two of these meals....lunch and dinner. Loaded with beans and cheese these babies are a handful. Add ground beef, lettuce and tomato to ensure all food groups are represented. Beans are well known for their ability to make you fart, so plan accordingly. This may not be the best option for a first date. Taco Lita sauce....bored with this already. The tacos here are American versions but worth a try. Pre-fab shells filled with ground beef and stuffed with a mountain of cheese. Finely shredded lettuce and a slice of tomato top this stoner staple. The daily specials here are all a better value for your money. My fav is Wednesday's Special: Combo Burrito, a taco and a med drink for less than $9. The Combo includes beans, meat and cheese and is big enough to split. As a lifelong overeater, I find my way to Taco Lita every chance I get. My expanding waistline is proof that I don't place much emphasis on physical attraction. Follow me to Taco Lita, indulge in a loaded gas bomb, and roll down your windows on the drive home.