Long before it became a colorful L.A. favorite, Pablito’s Tacos was just a tiny stand tucked into a Burbank parking lot. Founder Danny Rodriguez started it in 2018 as a side project outside his Peruvian restaurant, an experiment that quickly grew into a local sensation, winning over taco lovers across the Valley and beyond.
Blending the vibrant, street-smart energy of Tijuana tacos with the bold, colorful flavors of Peru, Pablito’s needed an interior that could match its fearless fusion. We brought that energy to life, designing a space as dramatic, lively, and unforgettable as the restaurant’s famous pollo a la brasa tacos.
We wanted the interior to capture the dynamic, buzzying energy of L.A. street culture while giving a nod to warm Peruvian flair. The goal was a space that feels casual, fun, and full of personality—somewhere you could swing by for a quick taco, hang out with friends, or enjoy a meal with family, all while soaking in a little cultural flavor. Bright tiles, rustic woods, and colorful murals inspired by Mexican street art and Peruvian markets set the tone, and we worked from there to create a design that reflects the spirit of Pablito’s.
Each element, from materials to lighting to custom graphics, was meant to echo the restaurant’s energy and playful personality, making the space feel animated, friendly, and unmistakably Pablito’s.
Making the space Instagram-worthy was a top priority. Every corner of Pablito’s Tacos was designed to feel like a snapshot waiting to happen. Bold was the name of the game: Just like the spicy, flavorful dishes on the menu, the interior makes a statement with bright colors, dynamic wall graphics, and textures that hit the moment guests walk in.
We leaned into visual contrast, and Pablito’s signature palette was made for it: bright red, neon yellow, orange, and matte black popped against neutral tiles and wooden accents. The colors work together naturally—red and yellow energize and grab attention, black adds a sleek, grounding touch, orange brings warmth, and subtle whites or grays keep everything balanced and clean.
The undisputed star of this taco restaurant design is the large-scale street-art murals celebrating tacos, Peruvian flavors, and Mexican culture. Shyness has no place here. The colors themselves hint at the spice in the food, while flames, dishes, playful slogans, enthusiastic cooks, and kitchen tools mingle in the murals with ingredients ready to be sacrificed on the altar of lomo saltado tacos or mesquite-grilled meats. Entire walls are designed as selfie backdrops, offering endless photo opportunities.
The rest of the walls are covered in concrete-gray wallpaper with an industrial look, a blank canvas that lets the colorful, graffiti-style murals take center stage. Underfoot, concrete-looking floor tile keeps things sleek and urban, with occasional bursts of terracotta Mexican tiles and patterned accents that help define functional spaces. Black metal touches—powder-coated steel table legs, mesh details, and more—add a bit of street-food grit. This mix of materials creates a layered design with details to discover around every corner.
We planned the seating to offer lots of options while keeping traffic flowing smoothly. The industrial-style tables are simple and neutral, paired with black-and-white chairs with clean lines to keep the space feeling open. Communal high-tops give people a chance to hang out together, while tables by the mural walls put diners right in the action and increase comfort with soft, vinyl-covered red benches. Smaller groups or families can grab a compact booth, a cozy nook, or a single table.
Rustic touches make the space feel warm and inviting. We used reclaimed wood partitions to create little pockets of intimacy and help guide the flow of people. On top of that, arched metal mesh partitions draw the eye up while doubling as a backdrop and support for greenery spilling out of metal planters. This soft, natural touch keeps the industrial vibe from feeling too harsh.
The colors, materials, and textures repeat and alternate throughout this fun taco restaurant design. The red from the murals continues onto the wood-bordered soffits above the service counter, patterned tiles climb the walls, and the exposed ceiling is painted black.
Beyond the natural light that streams in through the large windows, recessed ceiling lights are complemented by simple pendant lights—red and white in an industrial style, with some featuring woven rattan lampshades. The lighting not only helps with Instagram-worthy moments but also defines different seating areas. The service counter sits against a backdrop of white tiles, an easy-to-clean surface that provides visual relief from color, reflects light, and feels fresh.
The oversized logo pops up in all the right places, an appropriate final branding touch for a taco restaurant design that is not afraid to make a statement.
We refreshed the existing logo and gave the hat a playful update that reflects Pablito’s Tacos’ fun personality. We also created several variations to keep the branding flexible across different applications.
We used the logo to create outdoor signage that stays true to the brand and draws customers in, making them smile with its fun, approachable look.
The graphics we designed carry through to other marketing collateral and packaging products, from wrapping paper and bags to to-go boxes, keeping the brand vibe consistent everywhere.
We also extended the brand to apparel, designing graphics for T-shirts that bring Pablito’s Tacos’ personality to life. The designs are bold, fun, and instantly recognizable, giving staff and fans alike a way to connect with the brand beyond the restaurant.
Taco restaurant design: Mindful Design Consulting
All photos: Mindful Design Consulting
If you are thinking to open a new business or are in the process of rebranding and remodeling your existing business, contact us to get a free consultation from Mindful Design Consulting. Click HERE to price your project design.
Also, take a look at the “Branding By Interior” e-book, the only book written on this subject at this time. It brings insight into how you can turn your business into a market-dominating competitor by using human cognitive responses.
See our Small Store Design Extravaganza: Commercial Interior Design and Branding 01 book about branding small businesses from logo design to construction, with colorful images, offering insightful explanations every step of the way.
