King Taco's original location may become historic landmark

Los Angeles City Council committee votes unanimously to designate the 1974 Cypress Park restaurant as a historic landmark

Apr. 15, 2026 at 4:33am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing the blurred exterior of a taco shop, with neon signs and palm trees visible through a rain-streaked window, conveying the nostalgic and community-oriented atmosphere of a longstanding local business.The original King Taco location in Cypress Park may soon be designated a historic landmark, preserving a beloved local institution that has served the community for over 50 years.Los Angeles Today

The Los Angeles City Council Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee has voted unanimously to designate King Taco's original location in Cypress Park as a historic landmark. The iconic taco chain, which now has over a dozen locations across Southern California, first opened its doors at this Cypress Park site in 1974. The proposal to grant historic status to the original King Taco restaurant is now advancing to the full Los Angeles City Council for final approval.

Why it matters

King Taco has become a beloved Los Angeles institution over the past five decades, with its original Cypress Park location serving as the birthplace of the popular taco chain. Granting historic landmark status to this site would cement the restaurant's legacy and recognize its significance in the city's culinary and cultural history.

The details

The Los Angeles City Council's PLUM Committee voted unanimously to recommend designating the original King Taco location in Cypress Park as a historic landmark. This 1974 restaurant site is where the popular taco chain first opened its doors and began building its loyal customer base across the city. The proposal to grant historic status to the Cypress Park King Taco is now headed to the full Los Angeles City Council for final approval.

  • King Taco first opened its original location in Cypress Park in 1974.
  • The Los Angeles City Council PLUM Committee voted unanimously on April 14, 2026 to recommend designating the original King Taco as a historic landmark.

The players

King Taco

A popular taco restaurant chain with over a dozen locations across Southern California, known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and longstanding presence in the Los Angeles community.

Los Angeles City Council

The legislative body of the City of Los Angeles, responsible for approving the historic landmark designation for King Taco's original Cypress Park location.

Los Angeles City Council Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee

The committee within the Los Angeles City Council that unanimously voted to recommend granting historic landmark status to King Taco's original restaurant site in Cypress Park.

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What’s next

The proposal to designate King Taco's original Cypress Park location as a historic landmark will now advance to the full Los Angeles City Council for final approval.

The takeaway

The potential historic landmark designation for King Taco's original restaurant site in Cypress Park underscores the iconic taco chain's longstanding place in Los Angeles' culinary and cultural landscape. This recognition would solidify King Taco's legacy as a beloved local institution that has served the community for over 50 years.