The food was just okay. My enchiladas came out luke warm. We went on a really hot day and there was no air conditioner, just fans. However, the service was great. My friend sent back her margarita, and the quickly fixed it by first letting her taste it a new glass again to make sure it was to her liking before filling it all the way. Based on other reviews, maybe it was just an off day? I'd be willing to give it another chance. read more

The pozole was delicious, I will definitely be coming back for lunch. I work 5 minutes away and I could say this is the best Mexican restaurant in Pasadena. read more

The service was very inviting/welcoming. I had fish burrito and it was amazing!! My friend wished the tacos had a little more sauce on it, but he loved it anyways. I would recommend their house drinks too. read more

Ever since I've started working in the Old Town Pasadena area, I've rarely ventured out to find food for lunch or dinner. I usually end up at Kam Hong in Alhambra (5 times in the past 3 weeks, it's sickening, yet so good) or some other Chinese food in the SGV. Anyways, today, after my stupid ass decided to go back to sleep past my alarm clock, I ended up waking up late and didn't eat breakfast and had some crackers for lunch. I was really craving good Chinese or Korean food for dinner until I started to rummage through my desk and see what my former coworker left for me. I saw a stack of menus consisted of Wahoos and Rubio's, etc, none of them peaked any interest for me. Then I saw a menu for El Metate. Jackpot! I really needed something that's Non-Asian in terms of food. Since it was so close to work, I couldn't wait until I get off work and try it out. After driving there, plenty of parking around the area by the way, I knew what I wanted since I studied the menu for awhile. I ended up getting the El Metate burrito (subbed rice for beans) with carne asada, a lengua sope, which is something I've never had, and a large cup of Horchata. Those that know me knows I'm a big time horchata fiend. As I sat down, I was giving a nice basket of warm chips and some home made salsa. The salsa had a good kick to it and the chips were fresh and good. There is a salsa bar with 4 different salsas to try. I tried another (brownish color) and it was good as well. Then the food started to arrive... First came the lengua sope. As I stated earlier, I've never had a sope before, but after reading one of the Yelpers describe it, I was interested. As she said, it's made of masa (corn meal), fried and stuffed with beans, meat, lettuce, creama (sour cream), lettuce and tomatoes. It made a really nice snack, and it's not bad for $2.50. The main course was my El Metate Burrito w/o beans and rice on the side. The burrito was pretty big and had 5-6 slices of avocado. The carne asada was flavorful and the onions and other fixings in the burritos added to the flavor. I really liked the burrito and halfway through the burrito I was getting pretty stuffed. Since I was too lazy to ask for a box, I ended up just finishing it off with the horchata washing it all down. The horchata was solid, but I'd have to say I like the one I had in Luna Y Sol in Torrance just a bit better, but definitely better than the horchata I had at King Taco. Overall, for less than $13, I had a pretty big meal. It's something that's definitely not helping me lose this "So Cal 20" I gained in the past 2+ years living here. It's too bad I wrecked my knee playing basketball and resort to playing golf as my main sport. Anyways, I know Baja Fresh and Rubio's is in the area of El Metate, but do yourselves a favor and try this place out. Check out the horchata and let me know what you think! *Note* They take plastic. Yay! *Note 2* Plenty of seating and they close at 9pm daily I believe *Note 3* Even though it's shown as they don't deliver, on the menu it states they do if the order is above $20. Just food for thought if you work in the area. *Note 4* Bev Mo's 5cent wine sell is going on right now. Now that's some good stuff. Time to stock up on some fermented grapes biatch! read more

I ordered some Chicken tamales for Christmas and they came out pretty good..I usually have to drive all the way to East LA to get some decent Tamales but these were Authentic Mexican Tamales..Great Food too!! read more

I'm not THAT picky about Mexican food, but this was just not good. All the meat in my steak burrito was laced with bits of gristle and tendon. I finally dissected it right on the plate and ate around the meat (which I essentially paid extra for, since I upgraded from the Veggie Burrito to the Super Burrito, which is like a veggie burrito plus meat). Other than the meat, the rest of the burrito was edible but nothing particular to write home about. I thought I would take a break and refresh my palate with some radish slices from the salsa bar...how can you go wrong with a radish?? I'll tell you how...when you start chewing and suddenly your teeth are grinding like you have sand in your mouth. I tried another and got the same grittiness. I love radishes and I've never experienced this in a radish before. I don't know what was going on there but it creeped me out. Maybe I just picked the wrong day to visit. I was pumped after reading all the other good reviews. And the chips were great, I'll give them that. But I can't remember the last time I had a meal where the textures (gristly meat, gritty radishes) were so unpleasant that I actually lost my appetite. Sorry, El Metate. It's just not meant to be for you and me. read more

Yummy mexican food in Old Pasadena! Theres a lot if places to choose from but choose this one, you wont regret it! Tacos are good and so were the enchiladas! read more

Big burritos and Tostadas near the office. They take credit cards and have nice seating. I will never go to Baja Fresh again. An authentic alternative. read more

3.7 stars. This place is good but not great. Someone compared it to El Patron-- in my opinion El Patron is almost 5 stars. Last time I was here I got the chicken flautas and enchiladas verde (pollo). The flautas were not deep fried-- which was awesome! It was more like a chicken quesadilla. Points off for putting hot food on top of lettuce-- it gets wilty and greasy- doesn't work. Also had a few pieces of gristle in my chicken. But they have a huge expansive menu, it's a cute little place you want to support, and like I said it's pretty good- just not as great as some of the competition. read more

Found a rubber band in my food. Owner says he's sorry and told me the rubber-band must have slipped into my food somehow. He then gave me a free tamale and said he was sorry and that it happens sometimes. I won't be a repeat customer. Health concerns. read more

I'm so sad to be writing this review. My husband and I found this restaurant a few years ago when we first moved to Pasadena and the food and service was great! We moved out of the city for a while and came back last February. We ordered during the beginning of quarantine last year and it was good. However, the experience has gone down. Next time we ordered, they got my order wrong and gave me carne asada instead of chicken, which isn't the end of the world. We just ordered from them and the Jamaica Agua Fresca tasted watered down and like ice that's sat in the freezer for a long time. My rice also tasted and smelled, like the smell of walking around dtla.. if you know what I mean. I threw out the rice and finished my enchiladas. The people are so nice, but I wonder if because of the pandemic and possible slower business, things and food aren't being kept fresh. Also I'm pregnant so knowing that I ate something that could potentially be bad worries me. I don't think we'll come back unfortunately. I really wanted to love this place but this last meal was the deal breaker. read more

This is small hidden little restaurant i came by accident... the service was good friendly staff.. i had the machca and eggs breakfast it was flavorful... a little disappointed that my beans were just warm and not hot.. but i will given a second chance.. BTW they have a happy hour too read more

Wooowwww I had the menudo with hominy and I'm blown away delicious!!!!! If you get directions from maps it's no good I suggest u look at the map look at where you are and take yourself there without navigation! It's a cute small place, kind of hidden if your not paying attention! Literally soooo delicious yummy hands down definately my go to menudo place when I'm in Pasadena!!! GEM!!! read more

El Metate Cafe - Yummy delicious menudo!!! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Nice quaint family owned and run Mexican food restaurant. The people are very friendly and the food is delicious. We ordered the super chicken tostada. My husband did not want sour cream and they gave him extra guacamole in place of the sour cream. We have been here several time and have never been disappointed. read more

El Metate Cafe - Delicious super chicken tostada - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Overall love this restaurant. It looks like it is family-owned and the customer service is always very friendly, nice and efficient. The portions are large and fresh. Sometimes the tables need to be wiped off a couple of times before eating, but the friendly customer service and delicious food more than makes up for it. Going to go back real soon. read more

El Metate is fabulously delicious! Unbelievably every dish is mouth-watering. My favorite is everything on the menu. Their chicken soup spectacular. Big chunks of chicken. If I get sentenced to be executed, I want their chicken soup for my last meal. Damn, I'm getting hungry just typing about it. And their prices are so reasonable. read more

It seems that when I come here my eyes are so much bigger than my stomach! I order about 4 tacos always thinking that I will finish them but never do. They are pretty big and good. The service is good. Once you place your order and sit at a table they bring you some chips and salsa. Very Yummy. I would reccommend this place for good mexican food. read more

so, this area isn't known for authentic mexican food, however, this diamond in a rough is a saving grace for someone like myself who craves it like daily. luckily their menu is extensive and you could eat a different thing every day if you would like. i love their tacos. i mean who doesnt! i have gotten the carne asada and the carnitas. the carne asada is my favorite and will probably be my go to taco here for as long as i can fill my belly with Mexican deliciousness. their beans are yummy. I am pretty picky about beans because my friends mom makes a version that i swear is sent down by the gods. the rice is alright, but by the time i'm done with the rice/tacos i won't touch most of the rice. place gets really busy at lunch, which is when i usually come by here but it's well worth the wait. read more

The food is good, prices reasonable. So nice that it is within walking distance from our home. It will become my local option for Mexican food. Staff were polite and friendly. Dining area wasn't very big, but tables turned frequently. read more

This is my go to spot when I'm in Pasadena. If on a time crunch or hurry this place has great food and service. They have a larger menu than most other Mexican restaurants so there is much more for the picky eaters. It is located next door to the Ice House so if your ever at a show this is a place to stop by for dinner. They also have a great lunch special to pick from. The cooks are the owners everytime I come or bring my family they always greet us with a smile. They been in business for a long time. I wish they were open on Sundays. Either way great food and service. read more

El Metate Cafe - Fajita Salad great lunch. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

The food was just OK nothing that stood out to me flavor wise. I will admit that the salsas are good and tasty but that's about it. The service wasn't that well or polite towards anyone in our group, and it took too long for a simple Mexican dish to come out to our table. read more

Tried today after yelping and was in the area. I ordered the Metate burrito, oops, bland hard to tell what was inside everything looked like slop. Wife had hard shell tacos she said they were gross, jack in the box has better taco shells these were prefab shells. Mom and sister had chile verde burritos, they both said the chile was sweet they didn't eat much, they took them home for my nephew he'll eat anything, called awhile ago said he threw them out worst burrito he's ever eaten. That being said won't be back. read more

We had eaten there a few years ago before they moved and were big fans. However, the memory did not live up to the new reality for either of us. My carnitas was dry and over done. I found everything bland and even the Margarita was disapointing. Nice location with outdoor eating. Good portions. Decent service. But disappointing food. read more

What everyone is seeking - their own wonderful mexican restaurant. Fantastic family operates it. Wonderful salsas - big menu. Home cooking - what it must be like to eat at someone's home in Mexico. Cold beer and maybe the best, biggest bowl of soup ever. Go now! read more

My husband and I felt really sick after eating here. The carnitas were very fatty and the mole didn't have flavor. Sadly, disappointed.

This literally is thee best Mexican food in Pasadena! I've been coming to this restaurant for years and have never been disappointed!

This place is a shit just walking by and ran into it.... two thumbs up and they also have brewskis.....

If you like veggie burritos like I do....This is by far the best one I've had yet. The sauce they use is seasoned perfectly. Very nice sized portions too! My friend and I split a burrito and it was just enough. Customer service was great too! Will definitely return. read more

Great service! really nice staff and great atmosphere. they have really good beverages. the meals are ok. parking is really hard since its on a one way street. so better stragegize your trip. read more

There Asada Burrito is decent, I like their sauces, the green sauce is kinda spicey, my favorite is their watermelon drank! so bomb! I wish I had some right now, The horchata is really good too but I prefer the watermelon, The quesadilla I had was on the greasy side, it was alright. The Al Pastor Taco is decent, not the best Al Pastor but better than others. I'd come back especailly for the watermelon drink so good! read more

The food is not flavorful or a good price. They forgot to add guac to my dishes and when it came out the avocado was hard and there was mostly onion and tomato (versus avocado). read more

This is the second time I have come to this restaurant. The location is convenient - walked from the house to the restaurant to the movie theater. The food is good. I had the chicken fajita salad and my friend had the carne asada burrito. The favor is really good. The lettuce was fresh. The vegetables were cooked but still had the crispness to them. The chicken was moist - not dry. The only thing I don't like is the salsa that they bring to the table with the chips. For me, there was no spice to it and too many onions. I will definately come back again. read more

One of the best tacos I've had in LA. Reminds me of taco truck tacos. And the chips (which they serve to everyone) are delicious and homemade. The price is perfect, especially for a quick lunch or dinner. Definitely want to come back! read more

Ordered the Metate Burrito, Nachos with al pastor, and two carnitas tacos. Everything was mediocre and bland. I didn't really enjoy my meal and I won't be returning. Service was great and prices were cheap. read more

Right next door to the Ice House Comedy and a great place to grab a bite to eat. I ordered the shrimp burrito Anna it was delicious. Food is great. . Hole in the wall, nothing to really look at. read more

I called on El Metate for a catering order earlier this fall, and I could not imagine having a better experience. Ordering was a breeze--the staff was extremely patient and helpful on the phone with quick quotes and flexible menu. Delivery plans were clearly coordinated and executed, and I didn't catch that a guacamole didn't make it with the initial delivery. They did! They called me to let me know and apologize and had it delivered promptly! My guests really enjoyed the quality of the food, and there was plenty of it. Well done, El Metate! Looking forward to next time. read more

Love this place! The grilled fish taco is delicious! I also enjoy the agua frescas and chips and salsa!

I guess this place would be OK for the person who doesn't know about authentic mexican food... I had the Tampicana and the only thing fresh on there was the bell pepper... the beans were from a can you could just tell because they had a funny flavor even my niece who isn't too familiar with authenticity right away said they are from the can... the salsa for chips had refrigerator taste to it.... I just wasn't impressed... they say they have shredded chicken hard tacos but that was a lie... the chicken is grilled and cubed thrown into a hard shell.. does not come with salsa or anything very plain... only thing good are the regular street tacos but I don't think you can go wrong with that... this is the second time I gave them a chance.. unfortunately for me I won't be coming back... so back on my mission for mexican restaurants in pasadena.... read more

This is a wonderful down to earth restaurant with great food at a very reasonable price. I ordered #28 the carnitas plate and so did my friend. We both cleaned our plates. The salsas are delicious - make sure you try the peanut flavored salsa. They have several to choose from. The owners are very nice people & friendly. You can see they take pride in what they do. I'll be back. Oh, by the way, come hungry. The servings are huge! read more

I didn't eat there personally, but my kids and their friends ate there this morning before and during the Rose parade. My daughter and her friend had tacos, they both got such a stomach ache I had to come pick them up and they missed the parade. My stepson is in the restroom as I am typing this review and he is suffering from a very bad case of food poisoning. Personally myself, I am not sure what they were doing with the food this morning but, I will be avoiding this place. read more