Puebla Tacos, 700 N Lake Avenue.
Overview: Puebla Tacos is not a fancy place, but has a decent range of options, a good salsa bar, and quite possibly the best carnitas of any place in the Altadena/Pasadena area. If you love your carnitas this is the place for you. There are several other related branches in northern Pasadena. Parking can be a little tough at the small strip mall where the restaurant is located.
Decor: There are some very interesting murals that make the inside of Puebla Tacos worth looking at, even if you are just standing around waiting for your take-out order. There are several featuring Central American landscapes, and one behind the counter where you order with a neat illusion in it. See if you can spot it.
The dining area is relatively small, about 5-10 booths, and you order at the counter.
The Drinks: Unless you are looking for jamaica and horchata, this is not the place to come for a drink.
Appetizers: The usual that you would expect, nachos, quesadillas, etc. The appetizers are in the $3 to $6 range, which is almost the price of a burrito, and since there is no table service, they are something of an afterthought. There is also the age-old question of whether you get chips and salsa for free with your meal.... and the answer here, sadly, is no.
Entrees: The carnitas burrito is the key option in my opinion, but the carnitas is good in any other dish as well. The torta, a Mexican sandwich, is delicious. There is a large range of seafood options, which I have never tried. The priciest thing on the menu goes for just over $11. According to the Yelp review of the place, quite a few people like the breakfast burrito here.
Sides: Extras like a side of refried beans, guacamole, cost extra.
Desserts: There is no dessert menu
Service: By the time you get done pilfering the salsa bar your order will just about be ready.
