King Taco, Birthplace of Soft Tacos, Poised for Historic Designation

The original King Taco location in Cypress Park could become a Los Angeles historic-cultural monument.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The Los Angeles taqueria where soft tacos were popularized starting 50 years ago is poised to become a city-designated historic-cultural site. The original King Taco, founded in 1975 by Raúl and Lupe Martinez, helped introduce Angelenos to soft corn tortillas piled with grilled meats, cilantro, onions and fresh salsas, changing the way the city conceptualized Mexican food. The restaurant's first storefront is currently under consideration as a historic-cultural monument, recognizing its 'significant contributions to the broad cultural, economic or social history' of Los Angeles.

Why it matters

King Taco's original location is credited with popularizing soft tacos, al pastor, and the taco truck in Los Angeles, influencing taco culture across the country. If granted monument status, the restaurant's building could see preservation protections to maintain its historical significance.

The details

In the 1970s, the Martinezes helped proselytize soft, tender corn tortillas piled with grilled meats, cilantro, onions and fresh salsas through a small fleet of food trucks and nearly two dozen restaurants. Their first storefront, founded in 1975, is now under consideration as a historic-cultural monument by the city's Cultural Heritage Commission, which voted unanimously in favor of the designation this month. Next, the proposal will go to the City Council's Planning and Land Use Management Committee and then to the full City Council, likely by late April.

  • In 1969, the Martinezes left Mexico City for L.A. by way of Tijuana.
  • In 1974, the Martinezes launched their first taco truck out of a former ice cream van.
  • In 1975, the Martinezes opened their first storefront restaurant in Cypress Park.
  • In 2013, co-founder Raúl Martinez passed away.
  • In 2026, the Cypress Park location is under consideration for historic-cultural monument status.

The players

Raúl and Lupe Martinez

The husband-and-wife team who founded King Taco in 1975, helping to popularize soft tacos, al pastor, and the taco truck in Los Angeles.

King Taco

The taqueria chain founded by the Martinezes, known for its soft tacos, al pastor, and other Mexican cuisine that has influenced the region and country.

Jaime Martinez

A customer of King Taco for roughly 40 years, who grew up visiting the original Cypress Park location and now brings his own children there.

David Hernandez

A King Taco enthusiast who has been visiting the Cypress Park location since high school and now stops in for lunch two or three times a week.

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What they’re saying

“They told me I was crazy, but ... here I am.”

— Raúl Martinez (The Los Angeles Times)

“This is the original one — it's always been 'the one.' It's just a cool little hole-in-the-wall restaurant.”

— Jaime Martinez, Customer (latimes.com)

“I hope it happens because this is the first one. I know the story: At first it was a stand, then they bought this [restaurant], then it became huge.”

— David Hernandez, Customer (latimes.com)

What’s next

The City Council's Planning and Land Use Management Committee will weigh in on the historic-cultural monument designation for the original King Taco location, followed by a vote from the full City Council, likely by late April.

The takeaway

King Taco's original Cypress Park restaurant played a pivotal role in popularizing soft tacos, al pastor, and the taco truck in Los Angeles, forever changing the city's Mexican food landscape. If granted historic monument status, it would cement the restaurant's legacy and help preserve its cultural significance for generations to come.