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    El Metate

    4.3 (564 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    El Metate Photos

    Business Info

    EL METATE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

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    Recommended Reviews - El Metate

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    Great nachos, amazing portion, great price, and great customer service

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

    super burrito con pollo
    Bryan M.

    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.

    Dave H.

    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!

    Half and half chile relleno wet burrito
    Nicole A.

    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

    Still the best salad in the universe: super tostada with shrimp

    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!!

    Chips & Salsa
    Karina C.

    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.

    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

    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

    Kids couldn't wait to dig into the cheese quesadilla.
    Ming T.

    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.

    Steak Picado Plate
    Jin C.

    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.

    Chicken enchiladas verdes

    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.

    Flan with wiped cream and cherry in the top!!!

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    3 months ago

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

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

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    5 months ago

    This is the best Mexican food you can get in Pasadena. It's our very favorite local eatery, and the family is so friendly!

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    11 months ago

    I really love this place, great service and impeccable food for the price! I'll definitely be coming back

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    7 months ago

    Hands down the best chile relleno burrito around. Definitely the stand out item on their menu.

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    Page 1 of 15

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    Ladies and Gentlemen - Snacks for drinking

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    (245 reviews)

    $$$$

    If you come here expect to spend quite a bit more than you would at a standard cocktail bar, and be…read moreprepared to spend at least a couple hours. We made a later reservation and would have stayed longer but didn't know just how much of an experience it would be. Vibes here are dark and moody, and it would be a great place for a unique date, just maybe not the first one. We got the beef tartare and spicy tuna crispy rice to munch on. The spicy tuna crispy rice was worth it, the beef tartare not so much. Also decided to do the drink omakase because they make the single drink prices so expensive it still feels more worth it to do the omakase so you end up getting that instead. You tell the server what you do and don't like or are looking for in your drinks and the bartenders will make them for you. Some might be already on the menu, some may not. If there is something you really don't like and you tell the servers, they will be kind enough to replace it for you with something you do. Overall they did a good job with making mine but didn't quite hit it for my friend. The omakase is at least 3 drinks, so be prepared to have transportation after, you may be a little drunk Overall would come back or bring other people here just for the unique experience, but it is pricier than just grabbing a cocktail at a normal bar.

    Ladies and Gentlemen was a sultry speakeasy experience for themed cocktails and light bites in a…read morebasement. It wasn't difficult to spot, as there was a sign at the Indiana Colony Market. Just look for the Wanderlust and go towards the back of the building! We were then greeted by the doorman who had a series of questions. After that you are led to the bathroom, which then leads you to the space. Their cocktail names are catchy, due to the names being irreversible binomials. For example, we ordered the Beauty and The Beast cocktail (delicious and pretty drink btw!) and Friends and Neighbors cocktail. Other ones include Day and Night, Born and Raised, and Rise and Shine. They even have an omakase experience if you really wanted to try the bartender picks. For a bite, we ordered a steak tartare. It was a light-handed portion, enough for a small bite between two people if you just want something to eat in between sips. It was decent, however, not filling and I would get food elsewhere. This is a great speakeasy in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, I'd recommend it if you're looking for tasty and innovative drinks! I loved all our drinks, and the service was excellent from beginning to end.

    GRANVILLE - Bar Del Mar rooftop bar with amazing views

    GRANVILLE

    (2.6k reviews)

    $$

    Came in on a Friday evening and sat at a high-top by the bar. We started with the pita and hummus,…read moreand the bread and butter with a side of sea salt. Honestly, I could've skipped the hummus, but the bread and butter was excellent perfectly toasted, soft butter, with a side of sea salt. For entrées, we ordered the vodka pasta and the spicy pasta. The vodka pasta is a must-order super flavorful and definitely the standout. The spicy pasta had a slight Cajun kick, which was good, but I personally preferred the vodka. For drinks, the pineapple margarita was really good. We ended with dessert: the Devil's Advocate flourless chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream and a strawberry shortcake both were delicious and a great way to finish the meal. Overall, it was a great experience. The entire staff was extremely friendly even the busser and food runner checked in to make sure we had everything we needed. Despite the restaurant being busy and fully packed, the service never slipped. Will definitely be back.

    Had such a great time at Granville! It was my first time visiting I came for dinner and sat at the…read morebar. My friend and I were really well taken care of; the bartenders were super friendly, took our order promptly, and checked in on us throughout the night. I ordered the pork chop, which was incredibly flavorful and delicious. The mashed potatoes were nice and creamy, and the spinach had an amazing lemon and garlic flavor so good. The ambiance is also really nice, with low lighting that makes it perfect for any occasion, plus TVs if you want to catch a game.

    Magnolia House

    Magnolia House

    (1.6k reviews)

    $$

    I've heard some good things about this place and from other fellow yelpers friends, it must be…read moreworth it. Had a dinner reservation with some girlfriends celebrating two of their birthdays. The restaurant itself isn't too big but it does a pack a nice punch. Cute patio out front that takes some of the sidewalks and streets. Plenty of heat lamps which helped with the chilly nights. We got seated at one of the tables on the patios which was nice. Didn't really utilize inside area except for the restroom which it's quite cute in there. The rooms were pretty well decorated and executed. Nice bar area too. Like mentioned, we got seated on the patio and the heat lamps were great. Down to the menus, it's quite limited on dishes. Seemed like there were more shared plates versus the entrees. Drinks, it was fairly decent with their cocktails and wine. Service at the beginning was great. The staff were amazing and very friendly. We didn't order right away as we were still waiting for the last one to show. But did start off with some drinks. It didn't take that long for the first round which was nice. Food wise, the shared plate was a mixture of everything. Some of the olives, which is exactly what it is. The Belgian fries, nice thick cut fries with shredded pecorino cheese and a nice aioli sauce. We ended up getting a second order of it. The albacore tuna crudo was a hit which was really tasty. Chili ginger relish, mint and shallot, can't go wrong with that. Lastly the meatballs, tasty and very great for sharing. Entrees, the pan seared sea bass which I loved. Portion is pretty tiny which also seemed like they were a shared plate. Almost tapas styled. Nice chimichurri sauce and a side salad. The chicken Milanese also with a side salad of arugula. Simple dish but quite tasty. One of the salads that was somewhat hyped up by the waitress but it was just a salad. Decent but nothing major to rave about...lol... also the confit oyster mushrooms was major hit. Something that simple but quite tasty. And lastly the pan con tomate, rustic sourdough with tomatoes and burrata. Tasty as well. Overall the meal was good. From there, the second round of drinks did take a long time to arrive and with then plates that we shared, trying to get someone to clear the plates was another thing. Took a long for someone to clear the table before more items came. Even when the entrees came, all the empty starter plates were still there. And if someone did clear the plates, some was still left on the table. Finishing off the night, we did have the dessert which we tried all three. As it was two of our girlfriends birthday, they brought out a little bubbly for us to celebrate with the dessert. That was quite sweet and nice. Honestly opinion with the dessert, they were just ok. Nothing major to rave about. We tried all three on the menu and they were just ok. Overall, the food was great. Service was nice and the staffs were all very friendly. It did take a while for plates to get cleared from the table and second round did take a while, but it was manageable. It was a sweet gesture with the bubbly with the dessert which was greatly appreciated. The place is nice and great for catching up. Menu is limited and portions are quite small. You would have to get a good amount for sharing. Entrees, depending on what you order is small as well. But we enjoyed ourself.

    Service: 5 stars, our server Kiana was outstanding. I troubled her for a glass of ice, she…read morebrought me a glass of ice and filled it with water for me and said I filled it with water for you! She read my mind and knew without me saying. They serve lukewarm water and the a/c was on but was not on ..if u catch my drift. The front hostess was also phenomenal, I had reservation for outdoor seating but since she saw that the sun was like glaring, she asked if I wanted to change to inside. Very obliging and accommodating. Food: 5 stars, surprisingly good, right amount for us. I was full but I can see where other reviewers say portions are small. It's small if u're a heavy eater. But the quality is definitely there. Ambiance: trendy, high energy, casual vibes where u can lounge and have a beer while munching on fries...or u can choose to be poshy and have a glass of wine with a salad and Chilean sea bass. It's flexible to accommodate both as there are different sections. Parking: street metered 1 hour parking. 3 stars, not their fault but 1 hour is simply not enough. It can get super busy and the server can be pulled left and right, so cut them some slack during super busy hours. Will definitely be back. Highly recommended .

    The 1894 - Gets super busy - Friday evening around 530pm

    The 1894

    (72 reviews)

    $$

    If you love books, wine, and that cozy intellectual vibe, 1894 is an absolute must-visit in…read morePasadena. This bar is tucked inside Vroman's Bookstore (already one of the most charming and iconic bookstores in the area) so the entire experience feels like stepping into a warm, literary universe. You can browse for a new book, take in the bookstore's atmosphere, and then walk straight into the bar. Honestly, it's the perfect outing. What makes 1894 truly special is how intentionally it celebrates literature. Everything in the bar pays homage to the bookstore. The drink menu is full of clever, book-inspired names. You'll find cocktails like Pride and PearJudice Pride, Fifty Shades of Earl Grey, and other fun literary twists. Every drink feels like a little wink to readers, writers, and book lovers, and it adds such a unique charm to the experience. The vibe is super quaint and warm, dim lighting, and a creative atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. The wine is on the pricier side ($19-$21 per glass), but the quality delivers. Customer service was excellent. One of the bartenders spent time chatting with us. He pointed out a chalk artwork behind the bar a dramatic portrait he drew himself featuring expressive, literary-style faces, like Edgar Allan Poe, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, etc. It fits perfectly with the creative, bookish aesthetic of the bar. If you're into books, wine, and unique experiences, 1894 is a spot you absolutely can't miss. Perfect for a date, a solo unwind-with-a-book moment, or a fun night with friends who appreciate a good story and a great drink.

    Cute little place inside Vroman's to get a glass of wine and read! I saw that they have live jazz…read moremusic on Thursdays sometimes so I hope to check that out. Good ambiance!

    El Metate - mexican - Updated May 2026

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