by Los Angeles, California — The original King Taco location in East Los Angeles is one step closer to becoming a designated historic site after receiving unanimous backing from the city’s Cultural Heritage Commission.
The modest storefront at 1118 N. Cypress Avenue — where one of Southern California’s most iconic taco chains began — is now under consideration for official recognition as a Historic-Cultural Monument.
Founded by Raúl and Maria Martinez in the mid-1970s, King Taco grew from a converted ice cream truck into a regional institution with 22 locations across Southern California, including Long Beach, Pasadena and San Bernardino.
From Ice Cream Truck to Taco Empire
King Taco’s story began in 1974 when Raúl and Maria Martinez purchased a classic ice cream truck and transformed it into a mobile taqueria. By 1975, they opened their first brick-and-mortar shop featuring a simple walk-up counter — a format that would become a staple of the brand.
The restaurant quickly built a loyal following thanks to its soft corn-tortilla tacos topped with grilled meats, cilantro, onions and fresh salsas — a departure from the hard-shell fried tacos that had long dominated the American market.
According to the Los Angeles Conservancy, King Taco played a pivotal role in reshaping how many Americans experienced Mexican cuisine.
Preservation advocates credit the original King Taco with helping introduce Angelenos to authentic soft tacos and expanding appreciation for traditional Mexican street food.
Raúl Martinez, a Mexico City–born taquero, is also widely credited as one of the first to bring al pastor tacos to Los Angeles. He reportedly installed one of the city’s earliest trompos — vertical spits used to cook marinated pork — at the original Eastside location.
Historic Designation Under Review
The property is now being considered for designation as a Historic-Cultural Monument due to what officials describe as its “significant contributions to the broad cultural, economic or social history” of the community.
City documents also highlight its claim as the creator of the “first taco truck in the United States.”
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission voted unanimously to recommend the designation.
The commission’s approval marks a major step toward preserving the birthplace of one of L.A.’s most influential food institutions.
The recommendation now heads to the City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee for review. If advanced, the full City Council will have 90 days to act on the proposal.
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What Historic Status Would Mean
If granted Historic-Cultural Monument status, the designation would provide additional protections for the building.
Specifically, the city could delay the issuance of any demolition permit for up to 360 days. During that time, officials would evaluate preservation options before approving any structural alterations.
Supporters argue that protecting the original King Taco site goes beyond saving a building — it preserves a chapter of Los Angeles’ culinary and cultural evolution.
Advocates say the location represents not only a successful business story, but a milestone in the mainstream acceptance of authentic Mexican street food in America.
As the review process continues, longtime customers and preservationists alike will be watching closely to see whether the birthplace of King Taco earns its place in Los Angeles history.
Do you think the original King Taco should receive historic landmark status? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
