The Taco Stand — Restaurant in Laguna Beach

If you do not eat pork then definitely this is not the place for you even if you make a special request to avoid any pork contamination.

1st visit for it was yesterday, After I waited long time in the line I made sure they know to avoid any contact with pork such as the girl where they cook the pork on top of it and they grill the burrito tortilla on the same grill so they said we another grill for the taco tortilla and we can make it there and avoid any pork contact with my California burrito. After I paid and waited to get my food I was observing their process and realized that they did put my burrito tortilla on the grill where they cook the pork on and called my name for it. I asked the cashier again it has been made not as promised and they had to redo it on the taco grill. I thought they forgot but today went again because I really liked the California burrito and made the same order with carne asada taco and again after observing they did the same scenario and I had to tell them again but this time they redid it within less than 2 mins and I told the cashier that I did not see them using the other grill for the tortilla but she mentioned that they did it. I took it in a good doubt and believed them. As I’m eating I realized the worker who did my burrito looking at me eating and talking to his colleagues and laughed multiple times, so after I finished as I’m leaving I looked inside the station where they stalking the tortilla ready for the burrito and told the cashier that you did made another one but they didn’t grill the tortilla in the taco grill look at them they are stalked over there no wonder they redid it for less than even one min and you lied about it. Simply she responded we are so sorry. This behavior from the worker in the station is not acceptable at all it is cheating and disrespectful for those who do not eat pork.

After I asked the manger and told him about what happened he responded respectfully that everything in the restaurant contains pork because they use the same cutting boards, knives, gloves so even if they use the other grill still the pork continuations will be there. I really appreciate his honesty and responded back to him that doesn’t give the right for the worker to lie, cheat and disrespect my belief, values.

And if I been told about from the beginning I would really appreciate it and will leave from the beginning because it is not for me or anyone who doesn’t eat pork. I hope the high Managment or the owner take this issue seriously after this review, and hopefully take in consideration for the ones who...

The Taco Stand has excellent food, there's no doubt about it. If you've been to any of them, then you know it's delicious. Expect to wait minimum 30-45 minutes to get your food once you order (could be another 30 minutes standing in line).

The rest of this review is meant for feedback for this location specifically. Either this location needs more staff or better training or both.

I placed an order online and was given a pick up time - when I arrived at that time I asked about my order and was told it would be ready in 5 minutes. 5, 10, 15 minutes went by my order is still no where near the top of the queue. I understand, it was Sunday and the restaurant was packed - I don't mind waiting but communication is key. The cashier was telling customers 5-10 minutes for everything when it was clear it was closer to 30 minutes. People don't mind waiting but the cashier needs to under promise and over deliver. Let customers know the wait for food is closer to 45 minutes - which is how long it took for me to pick up my take out order that was placed well before I arrived. Also, it would be helpful to update your online ordering system to give a better prediction on pick up times.

Next, please teach proper food prep etiquette. I watched a worker handle money to refill the cash register then without changing their gloves proceed to go prep food. I kindly asked them to change their gloves and they were very understanding. But this is how people get sick...

I understand this location gets crazy busy but the salsa bar was a mess, someone had thrown up all over the bathroom, and none of the tables were being wiped down. The place was a disaster. I felt bad because I could tell the staff were working really hard but the condition of the restaurant and the wait is unacceptable.

To the owners/management - please get more help and...

This was my first time visiting, and I must say, the experience was fantastic. While the place can get a little crowded and parking is a bit tricky (it's located in a corner spot), it's definitely a hidden gem worth finding. They handmake their tortillas, and the flavor of the meat is truly outstanding.

I tried the al pastor taco and the Sonora taco, opting for corn tortillas instead of flour. Both tacos were packed with flavor—the meat was tender, juicy, and savory, with generous portions that really made the dish worth every penny. I also ordered the Mar y Tierra fries, which were just as impressive. Despite all the toppings, the fries maintained a perfect crispness. They weren't soggy at all, even with the generous portions of shredded cheese, nacho cheese, and salsa. The meat and shrimp on top were perfectly seasoned, offering a savory, slightly sweet flavor, and the shrimp was far from soggy, keeping its texture intact.

Another highlight was the variety of sauces available. As a fan of spicy food, I made sure to try them all, and each one had great flavor. If I had to rank them, my favorites would be the Matcha salsa in first place, followed by the Habanero salsa in second, the Green salsa in third, the Chipotle salsa in fourth, and the Cilantro salsa in fifth, with the Pico de Gallo coming in last.

Overall, this place offers great value, with flavorful, well-prepared dishes and generous portions. It's definitely worth a visit if you're in the area and craving some seriously tasty...