I had the beef tongue plate. It was very flavorful and had good texture. They have beer. The service is great. Perfect place to go before you see a comedy show. read more

The positives - Service seemed friendly prices for tacos seem reasonables. Ambiance seemed like an authentic Mexican restaurant. The negatives - I've had better tacos at taco stands with limited kitchens. I had the pastor and carnitas tacos and both were not that good. First and last visit. read more

Food was really good! The location reminded me of being in Mexico and eating at the neighborhood home-restaurant. This might become a local fave for us. I felt right at home. We got the birria tacos and an asada burrito. read more

I had high expectations because of the reviews. I been craving some green enchiladas and there's no good places around me and I was in this area . Unfortunately it was not good , I don't think the rice and beans were good , felt like too much condiments. The service was good read more

Truly a mom and pop type restaurant, with both in the kitchen cooking. Portion good for price. Taste average. Personally I was disappointed that the chili rellano that I ordered was microwaved, then chopped and put into a tortilla which was then microwaved again making the tortilla soggy. Flavor was good. Size of Burrito was good. Sauces were good. I might return if there was a parking spot on the street out in front of the restaurant. Otherwise it's a hassle. read more

El Metate Cafe - Chili Rellano burrito - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Ordered in burritos from here and they were great!! Taqueria style and exactly what we were looking for. The staff were kind and sent us home with lots of extra chips and salsa as well. Great little Mexican spot! read more

Small place = Big flavour Glad we decided on El Metate for supper; everything was fresh and tasty! The tortilla chips were on the thicker side, which I like, making scooping salsa easier. The mild and spicy salsas were both good. Our entrées were delicious: the mole and the wet burrito, both with chicken. The rice and beans, also yum! The staff were friendly and service was quick. I recommend. read more

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It's a 3.5 star rating for me. I visited this spot on a whim. I was walking, enjoying the beautiful weather, heading back to my office and realized I was functioning on a semi empty stomach having only had coffee. I noticed some gentleman sitting outside and I thought, what the heck, I haven't had Mexican in a minute. I ordered an Al Pastor, and a Shrimp taco. I appreciated the fact that they were not served soggy and falling apart . When the gentleman that took my order suggested the shrimp taco I was a little skeptical. Why? Well, it was my first time having a saucy tomato based shrimp taco. Surprisingly enough, it was actually very good. It was seasoned perfectly. The Al Pastor was overcooked, so it kind of threw me off. It is one of those spots that appear to have a lot of regulars. It also looks as if the restaurant has been around for a while. It could use some tidying up, but it wasn't so bad that I was turned off. The menu is vast, so if you visit and you're in a rush, you may want to take the time to see if they have a menu online to review before arriving. There are 67 items on the main menu. I didn't feel like going through everything so I kind of defaulted my order. Based on the fact that there was a pretty consistent flow of customers in my few minutes there, "they must be doing something right." I would say it's worth a visit, and I can see myself trying them again. read more

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Excellent little hole in the wall just a street over from Lake. Had some of the best ceviche I've had in a while. I was alone but they took care of me like I was VIP. I'm only docking a star because they were out of Modelo on draft. read more

El Metate Cafe - Mixed ceviche - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Metate is a Mexican restaurant located at 12 North Mentor Avenue in Pasadena. It is known for family recipes that are full of flavor and are always unique. It is often very busy with regular customers as well as people visiting Pasadena and discovering this cherished establishment. When you first walk in the front door, you are greeted by a staff member eager to help you make your choices among their incredible food. After showing us specials, we were given the extensive printed menu. We asked a number of questions about some of the more popular items. We were given information as to how each item was made and flavored. While we were talking, we could hear the kitchen putting together food items for pickup and delivery. After some discussion we decided to order some food to eat while waiting for our take-home order. It was happy hour so we ordered a Pacifico beer and some taquitos with chips and salsa. We chose a table in an adjacent table-filled room. This room had a great ambiance. The chips and salsa and the taquitos were great. I enjoyed the fresh, warm chips that had great flavor. It was a quiet time of day right before the evening rush, so there were only a few tables occupied. The super burrito and chimichang were filled with flavor and more than one meal. They tasted great and each item was packed with precision and care. The nachos were incredible. Warm, filled with flavor and packed with toppings and cheese. Small intimate outside seating with umbrellas. Parking is difficult but there is a nearby parking structure. read more

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We recently found this local gem - El Metate, a family-owned and operated restaurant that serves homey Mexican food. The ambiance is cozy and staff are welcoming. We really enjoyed the fajitas, seafood soup and Campechana. We got a lengua burrito to-go for my parents and they enjoyed it as well. There is an extensive menu with affordable prices and good portion sizes. Pro tip: Come with friends or family to try more dishes! read more

We went during their happy hour and was pleasantly surprised how much we liked the food, as well how much food they give for the price. I ate that red burrito and my wife ate the Milanese torta. Both were excellent but I have to admit that the torta was slightly better. They also gave us free chips and salsa. The salsa was surprisingly really good. Also, we got a pina colada and a mango margarita for $5 for happy hour. They were both decent but for the price and amount you get, it was tidally worth it. We decided to end with some churros which were also excellent. They are filled with caramel which we didn't expect. Finally service was excellent and the staff was very friendly. We will definitely come back again. read more

Such a friendly staff with yummy food! I got the chicken enchiladas verdes and they were amazing. Beans and rice were tasty too. I'll definitely be back. read more

El Metate Cafe - Chicken enchiladas verdes - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

A true local gem. Authentic, delicious, big portions and extremely reasonable prices. I had two bowls of chips because they were that good, lol. Our waiter was incredibly kind, offering suggestions and checking in on us. The food was DELICIOUS. Love to support local, and I encourage you to do the same at El Metate! I will 200% be back!! read more

I did the catering and it did NOT disappoint. They were so kind and understanding about the time since I wanted it for my college graduation and it was late. The food was phenomenal and they hooked it up with the beans and rice for the sides. I love that they're locally owned. Great place. read more

Hands down best Mexican restaurant in Pasadena especially for the friendly staff and service! Great happy hour to start with chips and salsa and a cold Modelo! read more

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This is one of my favorite restaurants in Pasadena The family who owns it are so kind and always hook it up The meat is good and the vibe is great read more

El Metate has some of the best Mexican food in Pasadena. I come here when I miss my mom's cooking. It is ran by a whole family. The service is warm and welcoming! The ambience is cozy and always tidy. I love this place :) read more

The food is alright, I had better Mexican food, the shrimp Cocktail was lacking in flavor for my taste. I gave 5 stars because of the service, very welcoming people with a smile on their face. The ambiance is alright, nice trees outside and inside it's quiet for a nice conversation. Don't have a parking lot you need to look around. read more

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I got a chili relleno burrito to go it was really good the rice was good the chile relleno was cooked well the burrito just had chile relleno and beans with the rice on the side read more

El Metate Cafe - Half and half chile relleno wet burrito - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I love this spot! Great family vibes here, and they keep you well-stocked on complimentary chips and house made salsa. The chicken salad is really tasty, and you can't go wrong with the tacos. And $5 for a twisted tea, maybe the best price in town! Great spot to hit up before a show at the ice house or a movie at the regency read more

Went back for a breakfast burrito: steak and egg with light rice. It was sooo good. Tortilla was grilled but also still had a good chew on it. I got it to go and they gave me a small bag of chips to go with it (a little stale and needed salt),but a little container of their pico would have been nice. The verde hot sauce was perfect with the burrito and next time I'll get 2 sauces. read more

Great portion, great taste, great price. And great customer service ! Free chips and salsa before Main plate read more

El Metate Cafe - Great nachos, amazing portion, great price, and great customer service - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I have never had a meal here that wasn't fantastic. Food is excellent and the people are so nice! Everything is fresh and home made. Happy hour too!! read more

El Metate Cafe - Still the best salad in the universe: super tostada with shrimp - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

A harsh critic when it comes to Mexican food, but this place blew me away! The food is incredibly authentic -- we ordered three different dishes, and every single one was perfection. The ceviche was fresh and flavorful, the two hard shell tacos with rice and beans were an easy 10/10, and my boyfriend's California burrito? His jaw literally dropped after the first bite. It honestly felt like eating at your abuela's house -- comforting and full of flavor. Service was amazing, too! We came around 6 PM, and it was quiet and cozy -- perfect for a relaxed dinner. Can't recommend this place enough. Definitely my new go-to spot... and luckily, I live just a few blocks away! It was good camera did NOT eat first read more

El Metate Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Ok! Best Mexican food in all of Pasadena! Service friendly, margarita fantastic... and to the chef in the back well done! Food was fresh and hot, flavorful, well portioned and well priced. It's a hole in the wall gem! read more

I came here based off the reviews. Normally don't like to leave bad reviews because restaurants have it hard enough. I've been in the industry myself so I get it but wow this place... Im inspired to leave my feedback. Server who took my order was kind and greeted me then recommended some burritos. I asked him how it was and of course, "it's good, its good portion." The burrito was not. We'll get to that later. I ordered to go and it came out to $16 and I tipped 2 bucks. So $18. Then I proceeded to wait maybe 10 minutes with no one in the restaurant. Not the best but not horrible. I then asked if they had chips, or salsa. The guy say yea and IMMEDIATELY this lady started yelling at him. I didn't understand Spanish like that but it felt hostile. I thought maybe she talks loudly because the kitchen is noisy so I didnt think much. I asked if they had salsa or jalapeños, the server said yes and he was all smiles. So cool, Im thinking I get to enjoy my good portioned good burrito with some salsa and Jalapenos.. AGAIN, the lady started yelling at the guy immediately after he told me yes. I thought okay she just like that. Then I waited another few more minutes, and here comes the lady. I said thank you very much and she basically shooed me away "bye bye bye bye" rudely. I took the bag and left wondering if I did something wrong. She threw 6 stale chips, a sack of jalapeños, 3 small cups of salsa and a sad burrito that was falling apart in the bag. I ate 2 chips on the ride back and that ended up giving me a stomachache. I got in maybe 5 mins after, took 2 bites of the burrito and ran to the restroom. Small portion, bad energy, and food that made me sick for 18$. Never again read more

El Metate Cafe - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

We live so close and can't believe it's our first time here! The staff was friendly and attentive and we really enjoyed our meal! The restaurant is tucked away in a small corner strip mall and what a nice surprise it was! The food was served hot just the way we like it! We had the chicken enchiladas and arroz con pollo. Both were delicious and very authentic! We'll definitely be back! We want to try breakfast next! read more

Wonderful having a beer in a chilled glass! Found El Metate killing some time before having taxes done. Delicious Carne Asada plate at a very reasonable price. The beef was freshly grilled, not flat and dried out like some. Delicious - I'll be back! read more

You order at the counter before you find a seat and your food is brought to your table. Free chips and salsa, beers available on tap, and extensive menu. However you order at the counter so I felt a little pressure standing in that tight space trying to decide. As for the dining area it is quaint but fairly dirty and dingy. Tables were sticky and floors grimy. And I wouldn't even mention the restroom. The food was ok. I suppose a good to-go option if you live in the area. Street parking only but perhaps be a little careful at night due to a few tents in the surrounding area. I ordered the carne asada chimichanga and while it was fried just right the ingredients lacked flavor. I asked for a salsa and it didn't improve the flavor much. Quaint mom & pop vibe. We tipped more than 15% but you don't get much service. read more

El Metate Cafe - Kids couldn't wait to dig into the cheese quesadilla. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I've been coming here for years. Very good food and great service. Dine-in comes with chips and salsa. I usually get the red burrito, but decided to try something different this trip... definitely did not disappoint. read more

El Metate Cafe - Steak Picado Plate - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

One of my favorite Mexican restaurants in Pasadena. I recommend their chili relleno burrito and flan. The only negatives is that their beans are a little on the salty side and the prices are higher than average. read more

Love everything about this place. Great customer service, amazing food, relaxed atmosphere and everything was so reasonably priced.

My daughter and I stopped in for lunch today at 11:15, while on our way to Pasadena's Morton Simon Museum. We're very happy we did! Located just off Colorado Blvd, this warm and welcoming little place had great food. She ordered the El Pastor burrito, and I ordered tacos, both of which came with abundant extras in addition to a basket of chips and two of the most delicious salsas I've had in a long time. One was made with tamarind, which gave it a great sour bite. We were done just before noon, by which time it had filled up. One of my touchstones for restaurants is the cleanliness of the bathroom. All good there! read more

El Metate Cafe - El Metate Burrito, Tacos, and salsas - yum! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

It was my milestone birthday this past October 2023. My dear friend wanted to take me out for lunch, but we didn't get a chance to do so that month so it was pushed to sometime in November 2023. We both love Mexican foods. El Metate was nearby both of us that day. So why not! OMG... BEST Mexican food choice in town!!! They have a good menu of food and drink selections. They also have food specials where you get one food item plus one free drink for one great price. We ordered first at the counter and then chose where we wanted to sit. Or you can choose your seat first and then go order... this may be best in case they are very busy. They brought us our foods when they were ready. I ended up getting the shrimp burrito and watermelon agua frescas. My friend got the chile relleno with the same watermelon drink. We also got complimentary chips and salsa. All I can say is WOW WOW and WOW! Watermelon drink was so refreshing and sweet... so good! The shrimp burrito was huge and tasty. Lots of shrimps at every bite. Rice and beans were delicious. Plate was piping hot, too. Straight from the kitchen grill... that's how I like it! The flavors and taste were amazingly out of this world. They do something special with their sauces. It's not your run of the mill red or green sauce... it's a brown sauce. I can't pin point it. They are quite different from other Mexican restaurants that I've eaten in the past. El Metate may be the best Mexican restaurant I've eaten at so far. I can't wait to come back here for more tasty deliciousness! Staff was superbly wonderful. They are a Mom & Pop restaurant run my Mom, Dad, son and probably more family members. Prices were very reasonable. They also offer catering by the entree ordered though. I don't think they have a dedicated catering menu. Ambiance was the traditional Mexican look and feel with warm and welcoming wall colors. They have good inside dining space and a few covered outside patio tables and chairs. Good enough space to have a small group gathering of 20 people or so. That's it for now until next time. My friend and I are already planning our next visit LOL. Looking forward to trying their other great foods! Come on out and give them a try. See you here!!! Btw, if you can figure out their brown sauce, please let me know. Thank you first! P.S. I will post photos later. I have to get them from my computer since they are no longer on my phone. Thanks for your patience. read more

This was the perfect pit stop at mine and hubs' date night. We were really going to the Ice House but dipped in here for a quick foodie / drinkie "pre-game." I believe this is family owned and service was every bit like being at your friend's moms house for all the attentiveness. I had a taco de birria and it was deelish!! The consommé was savory but not overpoweringly so. Hubs had a chicken soft taco that looked good. Chips and salsa were tasty and beer was cold! read more

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El Metate offers an unforgettable dining experience with a vibrant atmosphere, mouthwatering food, and hearty, perfectly balanced portions. The flan, with its luxuriously creamy texture and rich, irresistible flavor, was absolutely divine--truly a perfect finish to the meal. read more

El Metate Cafe - Flan with wiped cream and cherry in the top!!! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

staff was nice ... clean restaurant... food was good ... jist this specific item machaca con juevos burrito was kind of lacking in egg which is kind of what you want. They make machaca kind of different in different places .. this didnt do it for me. read more

El Metate Cafe - Machaca con Juevo minus the rice and light beans. The egg is undetectable really... I think it blended with the machaca somehow. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Great service, delicious tender asada. Rest of the menu looks so good! Cant wait to come back and try their mariscos read more

El Metate Cafe - Carne asada taco $2.60 - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Great little restaurant. A true treasure. Excellent food and wonderful family as hosts. Highly recommended.