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ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in Pasadena
Master Critic Review
HomeState
8.0
Austin-transplant Tex-Mex built on house-made flour tortillas that won KCRW's Best Tortilla in Southern California tournament and 12-hour slow-smoked brisket—the breakfast tacos and loaded queso are the core draw. The counter-service format and colorful patio with string lights keep it family-friendly and low-key, though weekend brunch gets loud and the small parking lot fills fast. Taco prices run higher than street-level spots for portions that don't always match, but the tortilla quality and brisket technique justify the trade-off for most regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Tacos, Brisket Tacos, Frito Pie
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Austin-style Texas comfort food built around flour tortillas made from scratch and slow-smoked brisket, transplanted to Pasadena
Who should go: Taco loyalists and Texas expats craving the real thing
When to visit: Weekend brunch for the full taco and slushy experience
What to order: Start with the breakfast tacos — the Trinity is the classic move — add a brisket taco, and don't skip the cookie at the end
Insider tip: Grab a frozen paloma or slushy and eat on the patio — it's the closest thing to an Austin porch in Pasadena
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Small on-site lot with two sections (one up top, one down a hill) that fills up fast on weekends—free street parking on Lincoln Ave is usually the easier bet
Dress code: Come as you are—counter-service taco spot with patio seating, shorts and sandals fit right in
Noise level: Moderate baseline, but gets loud and buzzy during weekend brunch rush with families and music playing
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options—multiple breakfast tacos marked vegetarian (Frio, Brazos, Comal, Blanco), potato taco, migas, queso, guacamole, ranch salad, quesadilla, and Frito Pie
Vegan options: Limited but workable—EMO's taco (black beans, guac, cabbage, pickled onions on corn tortilla), Cowboy Cup, crispy potatoes, guacamole, and soyrizo substitution available
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available as a swap on any taco; Cowboy Cup and crispy potatoes are naturally grain-free
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — this is a casual, counter-service taco spot with picnic-table seating and a lively, sometimes loud atmosphere. Better suited for a laid-back, getting-to-know-you hangout than a romantic evening. The patio with string lights and olive trees has charm in the evening, but the communal seating and bustling energy don't lend themselves to intimate conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — HomeState is a walk-in, counter-service restaurant, so no reservations are needed. On weekday mornings and afternoons, you can typically grab a table right away. Weekend brunch is the busiest time; expect a line out the door, especially between 9am and noon. They offer an online waitlist to help manage peak-hour waits. The Pasadena location has more seating than some of their other spots, so waits tend to be shorter than at the original Hollywood location.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — HomeState is explicitly family-friendly with a casual, no-fuss atmosphere where kids won't feel out of place. There's no dedicated kids menu, but plenty of naturally kid-friendly options like bean and cheese tacos ($3.50), quesadillas ($5.00), and chips ($4.00) plus cookies ($4.00) for dessert. The picnic-table seating and counter-service format keep things relaxed. High chair availability is not confirmed — call ahead if you need one.
Is it good for groups? Yes for casual group outings — the picnic-table seating (both indoors and on the patio) naturally accommodates larger parties, and the counter-service format means no awkward split-check situations since everyone orders and pays individually. No private dining rooms are available. Specific maximum party size is not posted, but the communal seating style works well for groups of 6-8. For very large gatherings, they offer catering. Call ahead for parties over 8 to confirm they can seat you together.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a charming patio with picnic tables shaded by yellow umbrellas and mature olive trees. String lights overhead make it especially pleasant in the evening. The patio is dog-friendly. No permanent cover beyond the umbrellas, and heaters have not been confirmed, so it's best suited for fair-weather dining. A solid outdoor option for LA's typical sunny days.
Best For
Better for: Weekend brunch with kids, casual group hangs, dog-friendly patio dining, or a quick affordable Tex-Mex breakfast any day of the week
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic dinner or a formal sit-down experience—counter service, family-heavy crowd, and moderate-to-loud noise work against that
Hours
Monday8am - 9pm
Tuesday8am - 9pm
Wednesday8am - 9pm
Thursday8am - 9pm
Friday8am - 9pm
Saturday8am - 9pm
Sunday8am - 9pm