Bless me food gods, for I have committed food sin. I’m going to confess something to you right now. Come closer, I’m ashamed. Closer. Closer. AH! BACK UP, WHAT ARE YOU TRYING TO DO, look up my nostrils? OK, that’s better. Ready? I used to hate Mexican food. gasp, shriek, faint Yes, I know. I have no true reason to have ever disliked Mexican food, other than perhaps a sudden sensitivity to peppers. One greasy enchilada lingering in my memory? Too much white-washed, Americanized cuisine confusing my palate? My bizarre on-again-off-again love/hate relationship with chicken? Who can say, except that somehow or another, I finally got over it and Mexican food has been a top favorite of mine for most of my adulthood.

There are two rules I abide by when it comes to Mexican food:
(1) Taco Bell, Del Taco, El Pollo Loco and of the like should never be placed in the same category as true Mexican food
(2) Mexican food should never be put in a fancy restaurant with a dress code and accessorized with a matching fancy price tag.

Luckily for residents and visitors of Pasadena, Norma’s Tacos on Green Street does not find itself committing any Mexican cuisine faux pas, instead shining out like a beacon of exemplary standards by which I dare say most Mexican eateries, great and small, should follow.

Situated in a gas station dating back to 1924, Norma’s Taco opened just over a year ago under the name Taco Station (which I like, but have no overall preference). Owner Norma prides herself on her handpicked fresh vegetables and handmade tortillas.

Mister J was extraordinarily hungry the day we ventured off to run some errands and as the clock ticked on, our tummies growled. Determined to make Cherry On Top one of our essential errands, I grumbled that I wanted real food and told him about Norma’s Tacos – a mere block away from the dessert mecca. Mister J said perfect! and ordered a double-whammy with a chicken quesadilla and a chicken chimichunga:

Verdict: Can’t talking. Eating. No, seriously, he really loved both of these items. I don’t believe one of them came with chicken, but the good folks at Norma’s Tacos were happy to accommodate him and his childlike tastes. Bonus points for keeping the guacamole, sour cream and salsa to the side since he’s not much of a fan of two of those things and I got to enjoy the majority of the guacamole. Least to say, he was a happy camper.

Three Crispy Tacos – $5.75

I ordered three crispy tacos. The choice is between potato and shredded beef tacos. I ordered two beef tacos, one potato. The potato was too thin and creamy for me; I’m used to making my own with beans in the potatoes. The beef was out of this world. Tender, juicy and simple. The three tacos are laid on their side and covered in a bed of shredded lettuce, fresh sliced radishes, onions, queso fresco, and a light beef broth. So simple, so straightforward and so tasty. I’ve been thinking about the next time…and how can I just stop at one plate? Six tacos! Nine tacos! Twelve tacos! Tacos forever!
(warning: levels of deliciousness may cause temporary insanity and religious fever)

Crispy Beef Taco – topped with lettuce, radish, cheese, onion, salsa & guacamole

Will I be going back to Norma’s Tacos? Yes!
Would I recommend Norma’s Tacos to locals & visitors? Yes!

Norma’s Tacos
1265 E Green St
Pasadena, CA 91106
(626) 795-1224