King Taco in Cypress Park to be evaluated as a historic site

King Taco’s Original Location May Be Designated as a Historic Landmark

Los Angeles is considering officially recognizing one of its most beloved taco shops.

The original King Taco in Cypress Park is up for designation as a historical and cultural monument. This would acknowledge the restaurant’s significant impact on taco culture in Los Angeles and its representation of Latino immigrant entrepreneurship, as reported by LAist.

The city’s Planning and Land Management Committee is set to review the proposal to add the establishment at 1118 N. Cypress Ave. to the list of protected historic sites, based on city documentation.

Raul Martinez, the founder of King Taco, identified a growing appetite for authentic Mexico City-style tacos, which were quite scarce in Los Angeles back in the day. He kickstarted his venture from a converted ice cream truck in 1974, according to the restaurant’s website.

Martinez began selling homemade tacos at local soccer games around MacArthur Park, where players quickly requested more food, highlighting the city’s lack of genuine Mexican street-style options at that time.

Within just a year, Martinez and his wife Lupe opened a small brick-and-mortar shop in Cypress Park, initially serving as a central kitchen to support the expanding business.

LAist mentions that King Taco played a crucial role in popularizing soft tortilla tacos, filled with ingredients like carne asada, carnitas, and al pastor, thereby helping to shape what many now consider the modern taco scene in Los Angeles.

Over the years, the restaurant evolved into a regional chain, boasting over 20 locations across Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties, becoming a cherished part of Southern California’s Mexican food landscape.

This nomination is part of a larger effort by the city to honor cultural landmarks associated with immigrant communities that have significantly influenced Los Angeles’ identity.

If the nomination is approved, the Cypress Park location will join a special group of businesses acknowledged for their historical and cultural importance.