Javier’s

Having attended Pasadena City College for the past semester, I had the opportunity to try many of the restaurants around the area, and Javier’s was no exception to this.
On the outside Javier’s looks a bit… dinky. There is a sign that states that this place is home to best fish tacos in Pasadena. A bold statement. At this point I knew I had to try their fish tacos.
As I walked into Javier’s, I noticed a Korean women as the cashier. I was confused but brushed it off. Food is food, regardless of the ethnicity that has cooked it. The lady was very nice and accommodating. They do not have a soda machine and sell drinks by the bottle (except for the Orange Bang and Horcata) but they do have a self serve water station. I ordered the 2 fish taco plate with refried beans and chipotle sauce on my fish tacos.
A few minutes later my fish tacos were ready and oh my… they looked gorgeous. The fish taco was like a fine painting, the hues of orange red from the chipotle sauce contrasted well from the chopped light green cabbage and complimented the red from the tomatoes. Okay, maybe I’m overreacting a bit but you get the idea.
I have had my fair share of fish tacos all over Los Angeles County, and these fish tacos were some of the best that I had tried. The fish was flakey and had a nice crunch unlike many soggy fish tacos. The chipotle sauce went well with the crema. The cabbage complimented everything very well too. It was simple, yet so effective.
At the end, I gulped down the fish tacos and was quite satisfied with my meal. I have not really ordered anything else from the menu but seriously, you cannot go wrong with the fish tacos. Give them a try, you won’t regret it.

This is a Mexican restaurant run by a Korean family.
They seem to have a good menu of Mexican plates such as tacos and burritos.
I saw on the menu that they had a Gogi Burrito as in bulgogi so I definitely wanted to try that one out. It actually came out a little bit soggy with the sauce either due to them stir frying it from frozen or that there is just way too much marinade but I tend to think it’s because of the former.
The meat wasn’t the highest quality cut as it was fatty and chewy. I probably wouldn’t order this again and just order a burrito with traditional ingredients next time.
I asked them for a side of chips since it didn’t come with any once I got my order and you have to have chips with your burrito, right? The nice lady accommodated me and gave me a generous side of warmed chips.
The salsa station was fairly depleted since it was late in the evening (after 8pm) and the salsa was a little more thinned out than what you’d find at a typical Mexican joint.
It’s an okay place to grab a quick Mexican meal. It wouldn’t be my go-​to place for a Mexican meal but if I were in a hurry and in the area again, I wouldn’t mind stopping in and ordering something.

Even thou the place looks shabby, i did not regret going there to try their mexican food. The food was amazing! I had their carne asada fries and fish taco and they were so good. Portions were huge so i can prob eat 2 meals worth for the fries. The server was super nice and patient while i was ordering. Def will come back again!

Not even sure where to start. My boyfriend and I just moved up from our home town of San Diego, known for their amazingly delicious California burritos. I searched via Unilocal a taco shop nearby that would serve these, and even though the reviews were so-​so, most people said their carne asada was on point.
First thing’s first, this place is entirely Asian owned. I know we live in a predominantly Asian town but really? It was slightly off putting. Who is Javier? lol
Second, we get in, and I order the same drink I always do. Horchata. Their son I’m assuming, took our order, and said they had Horchata. After he took our order, he walked back to the kitchen to make the food, and his mom came up and asked what I wanted to drink. I told her Horchata and she said «Oh, we’re out.» Well, okay then. They also did not have fountain drinks. So of course, you have to pay for drinks or refills of Horchata, Jamaica, and Orange Bang.
Third, they had no salsa. Just puddles of what was there. We told the lady (the mom?) and she said «Oh, no problem!» and walked back to what we thought were refills. She did refill their watery green salsa, and their mild salsa, which was gross. It tasted like mesquite. Definitely not what we look for in salsa. Not only that, when my boyfriend asked about the hot salsa, the lady said «We’re out. But you can try this one.»
So, all in all, not super impressed. They overcharge ($ 20 for a burrito, carne asada fries and two drinks), and they didn’t have popular food items available and lacked customer service. I guess this is L. A for ya!

I’ve only tried the carne asada fries… And it is bomb diggity! :):) get it, you won’t regret it. Very good ratio of fries to asada, guac, sour cream, pico de gallo, and some other stuff. I’m drooling while writing this post. Haha. They also have a water dispenser on the side. Yay! The lady in the front is super nice, plenty of tables. Parking on the street.
Happy eating. :)

If you’re like «where can I get the most authentic, cheapest Mexican food» this is your place. The fish tacos have my heart, light flakey fish mmmm. I think their chips are coated in crack, they’re so good. Add a diet coke with lime and it’s a party in my mouth!

Might be the best place to get toppoki! Love the bulgogi and the sauce is not too scorching hot but just enough to tingle your tastebuds. The best owner too! She is very nice and will make sure that you are satisfied with your food.

The carne asada fries and bulgogi burrito are great! Customer service is great as well. They always give my daughter lollipops haha. Still have to try the other items on the menu but I’m sure they’ll be great as well. Gotta spread the word to my friends and family so they can try it out.

My NEW FAVORITE SPOT!!!
I had a quick lunch with my friend today
We were desperately looking for descent Mexican food to eat quickly
because we need to go back for appointment
luckily I found out this place!
I had fish tacos and my friend had carne asada fries
I was so surprised! it’s so good
I mean it’s fish taco! and so many places that serve fish tacos
but this fish is outstandingly crispy… i know lot of places really fail in getting
fish crispy for fish taco ‚.
and whenever it fails at least flavor should be good…
but Javier has both of em!
cabbage and picco de gallo and salsas… all marrying together beautifully
Only con is not really traditional mexican food as el taurino or other places in los
angeles but who cares as long as taste good love it!

Came here for the first time and the guy at the counter recommended the fish tacos. The batter they use is so different from any other place I’ve been to. It was surprisingly well seasoned, crispy, and light at the same time.
Although I’ve only had the fish tacos, it seemed like most people here get the carne asada fries or some form of burrito. I can’t say too much about the other items but I definitely recommend the fish tacos.

NEW OWNERSHIP WITH NEW MENU. They should change the name but haven’t yet. It is definitely an interesting place now as it is a Korean/​Mexican Fusion joint. It is leagues better than previous ownership. Check it out.

So came back to the restaurant with my buddy after a couple months. The storefront had changed a bit, and was drawn to the new fish taco options. Damn… these were really really good. Like, ricky competition status. The fish portion was very generous, and the batter was a perfect crisp/​crunchy. Almost tempura like, but it withstood its texture when folded over by a thick corn tortilla. They give you the option of two specially made sauces with the tacos. Really liked the chipotle, but the green (not a traditional salsa, which they have at the salsa bar) was a bit heavy on the cilantro (though to be fair, not a huge cilantro fan) I just wish they allowed the customer to control the amount of salsa/​crema they put on. Also, wish they were a bit cheaper (2.79), though they do offer a two fish taco plate special with rice and black beans
My friend loved the new green enchiladas with shredded chicken option, topped with actual mexican cheese and crema. Didn’t try them, though the portion was generous for 8 bucks. They’re also now serving homemade molay… a taste for which I have yet to acquire.
The owners here seem to be trying to do new things, and from what I’ve experienced thus far, i’ve been really satisfied. Plus points to the nice lady at the register who is always smiling (i’m a sucker for good service). Even remembered me from the new years rose parade visit. Have yet still to try the kogi-​inspired items.

Well, not what I was expecting, but what a delicious surprise.
It’s restaurants like Javier’s that really show what our community, region and country are made up of. Beautiful mixes like Javier’s.
So, Korean & Mexican combined. Delicious. Tacos are great & the burrito was pretty good too. Before you arrive, don’t expect traditional Mexican, because it’s not.
Go, check it out and you be the judge.

I hate to say it but its not great. Its not terrible, but just kind of bland food.

Reasonably price Mexican food, I had delicious crispy taquitos and a Korean style burrito names the gogi burrito, that was fantastic and huge! I really recommend the Korean food. The owner is so nice and accommodating with my food allergies.

Reasonable price and reasonable food. People working there are very sweet. Casual place, don’t see too many customers thoigh :/​if you’re in the area, and crave Mexican food, come here. If you are able to go elsewhere, I’d recommend you go to other places.
I’ve ordered a few items. Carne aside fries, which are yummy, but a little soggy, good portion for $ 7.99. Tamale and Burrito combo for 8.99. Definitely filling but tamales are so-​so. Carne aside burrito was mediocre, meat was tough and dry. Chorizo breakfast burrito was great. I’m a big fan on breakfast burritos, and only for $ 4.75! Great after class.

I personally hated it. I ordered the California burrito which was with carne asada and fries., It was disgusting. I actually feel sick now. My stomach hurts and I’m starting to get a headache. I will never ever be back. no matter what. The carne asada was VERY chewy, and the taste was unusual. I dont know. I wouldnt recommend it to anyone. I would rather eat at a fast food mexican chain. Yuk!
UPDATE: Within hours I rushed to the bathroom. Im pretty sure I have food poisoning, full force case of diarrhea and I’m pretty nauseous. I’ve never been sick after eating something, I guess i have high tolerance for garbage but this is probably so bad my immune system couldn’t fight it.
yes this place is cheap but please pay the extra amount and get something else.

So Alberto’s used to be fair to decent depending on the day, but now under new ownership with the name Javier’s it’s just freakin disgusting. I should have known to turn around and walk out when ordering two simple combo meals was an adventure in patience and deep breathing. When you have to explain the menu to the owner of the shop, something is dreadfully wrong.
But the food was even worse — I think the secret ingredient in the enchilada sauce was rancid ketchup, the «beef» was nearly indistinguishable from that stuff they try and pass off as BBQ in the little boxes at the grocery store and the beans were… I don’t even know how to describe it. Antiseptic tasting?
Top it off with a 3 day old stale taco shell and a bunch of mushy carrots (!) in what tasted like frozen bagged rice and the decision was clear — dump the food left after tasting each item and figure out a better place to get lunch!
Seriously, one star is giving way too much of a compliment. I would not recommend this place to the roaches living in the sewer beneath it.

I found a hair in the carne asada!
I asked the guy if the hair was included and he offered a new carne asada fries.
Why would I want a new one! Ill just have to inspect that one too and find more hair!
Shoulda gave us a refund because I will never be back.
Spot is nasty. My boyfriend and I shared carne asada fries. Fries were decent, but they were cold. The carne asada is way to chewy, like I’m chewing a peice of cloth. Really gross.

Went here on a Friday night right before closing… They close quite early for a Friday night IMO. 10pm… But I realize the concentration of their business is the PCC students, but still… I’ve been to the Alberto’s in Covina many times and really liked the place. I was glad to hear that there’s one a little closer to home but all I kept hearing was they closed too early and it’s not as good as other Alberto’s.
Like I said, we went in about 20 mins before closing time and the lady behind the register was like ‘takeout only’. That was fine cause that was our plan but i’d like to at least get to the counter/​register before you try to dissuade me from eating here. I was super hungry and I wanted the carne asada nachos. She said they were all out of beans cause my friend who ordered right before me got the last of them in his burrito. Really? Ok… So i said that was fine cause I was really craving them. It had been a minute since I’ve had that from Alberto’s and they were always so good. I also ordered rolled tacos with guacamole, another Albertos staple.
The nachos were nowhere was good as I’ve had them in the past. The lack of beans, I’m assuming, didn’t allow for the cheese to melt. What kind of nachos doesnt have melted cheese? The asada was ok. Cubed up skirt steak lacking major flavor. I was really disappointed… My friend ended up microwaving the dish when we got to their house and that made it a little better. But that shouldnt even be necessary.
The rolled tacos were good. They were as expected… But the disappointment in my main dish for the evening trumped that especially cause I had been craving those carne asada nachos for a while… Bummers.

¿20 minutos por 3 penche tacos? ¡No mames!