Mike’s Red Tacos in Pasadena is Seeing Green
San Diego favorite Mike’s Red Tacos has landed in Los Angeles, and they are taking birria to the next level. What was once a popular food truck is now among the Top 100 U.S. Restaurants on Yelp and is backed by LeBron James. So should you get on this birria bandwagon? Here’s what you should be eating at Mike’s Red Tacos in Pasadena and how to get FREE Mike’s Meals for a year!
Who is Mike?
San Diego native Michael Touma is the heart and soul behind Mike’s Red Tacos. He began crafting the perfect birria recipe years before his first food truck popped up in 2021. Thanks to lots of R&D in the south of the border birthplace of this signature meat-based consome, it has an authentic Mexican flavor and savory depth that’s brought out even more by the pickled onions and homemade sauce combinations. A popular catchphrase associated with the brand is “the dip is worth the drip,” and if you’re eating this right, you’re about to get your hands dirty.
Mike’s Red Tacos in Pasadena
Mike’s Red Tacos in Pasadena is located at 899 E. Del Mar Blvd, the former Real Food Daily space, which was known for vegan food. Ironically, there’s not much on the Mike’s Red Tacos menu that doesn’t have a birria base – save for the Cheese Quesadilla, the Bean Burrito, and the Churros. The distinctive red color of the tacos is thanks to a brushing of the tortillas with that beautiful broth, so even the Veggie Taco has a hint of the good stuff.
The restaurant space is decked out in graffiti-style art by Los Angeles-based artists, with an indoor dining room for over 60 guests and an outdoor patio facing Del Mar Blvd. Best of all, there’s plenty of paid parking right behind the restaurant on Shoppers Lane.
This shop is a model for future locations that are already expanding across the country. You can say you tasted it first.
The Menu at Mike’s Red Tacos
If it’s your first time, you’re gonna want to start with the Mike’s Meal, which features 2 Birria Tacos with cheese and a side of house-made chips and consome ($14.99). You can also get singles for $5.29 each.
The Red Quesadilla and the Crunchstack are where you’ll go when you make your second visit- and the portions are massive. I felt the Red Quesadilla ($13.99) best retained the integrity of the OG Birria Taco, while the Crunchstack ($13.99) was denser and a different palate hit thanks to the addition of beans and guac.
Mike’s Red Tacos opens at 10 a.m., so of course you’re gonna find a birria-based Breakfast Burrito ($14.99) on the menu stuffed with tater tots, scrambled eggs, cheese, cilantro, and onions. Diners coming in for lunch and dinner can transition that to a Cali Burrito ($14.99) instead.
If you’re dining with friends, consider adding a shareable like Loaded Nachos, Fries ($10.99/$15.99), or Chips & Guac ($5.99).
Lastly, there is a Birria Ramen, steeped in consome and served with cilantro and onions ($13.99).
What I’ll Birria Be Back For
The best menu items at Mike’s Red Tacos in Pasadena are the ones that started it all. I couldn’t get enough of the Birria Taco and walked out with stains on my jeans to prove it! The Guacamole is fresh and a great add-on when you’re enjoying a Mike’s Meal with those house-made red chips. My sweet tooth was also hitting repeat on the Mini Churros ($4.99).
Visit on Taco Tuesday, and you can add on a Birria Taco, Guacamole, or Queso to a Mike’s Meal for just $2.
How to Win Free Mike’s Red Tacos for a Year!
Mike’s Red Tacos in Pasadena officially opens its doors on Wednesday, October 14th, but they are doing something truly special on Friday. Be among the first 100 guests in line at 10 a.m. on Friday, October 16th, 2026, and you could win FREE MIKE’S MEALS FOR A YEAR in the form of 12 Mike’s Meal Gift Cards. That’s 24 Tacos in 12 months! Visit the website to plan your visit.
