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    El Metate Cafe

    4.3 (564 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 8:00 pm
    Updated over 3 months ago

    El Metate Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    EL METATE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - El Metate Cafe

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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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    1 year ago

    El Monte is an absolute gem! Their authentic, family-style Mexican food instantly transports me back to Mexico.

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    1 year ago

    The food was absolutely delicious the food tasted lovely ke my grandma made it!! The service was so great they treated us like guests

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    1 year ago

    Their shrimp cocktails had very big shrimp inside. Their food good and fresh. No fishy smell. Will definitely go back.

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    11 months ago

    this is the best mexican food i've had in all my years of living in LA. staff is incredible and friendly and service is truly 10/10.

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    3 years ago

    Decent food and good service. A reasonable place to eat in downtown Pasadena with a little more than the typical Tex Mex fare.

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    2 years ago

    Great food and service the seafood is on point shrimp tostadas #1 for me check them out

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    Page 2 of 15

    Ask the Community - El Metate Cafe

    Has anyone tried the shrimp soup?

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    4.5(88 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    10 1/4 is a hidden cocktail bar located underneath Freddie's 35er, a popular Dodgers bar. To get…read morehere, not only do you have to go to the back of The 35er and go down the stairs, you ignore the tiki bar in front of you and make an immediately right U-turn. You reach a phone booth, pick up the phone, and wait for someone to buzz you in. This bar is different from the other two bars as it's smaller, more intimate, and focused on craft cocktails. On nights and weekends though, it can still get busy. We ordered a variety of drinks and liked the menta milk punch ($18), last word ($18), and queen's park swizzle ($16). This was my first time here and I would be interested in coming back and also check out the tiki bar too. This is a cool place to go as part of your bar hopping in Old Town Pasadena.

    We went here on a Wednesday night which I can imagine is much quieter than on a weekend…read more I heard about 35er from a coworker but when I saw they have a speakeasy downstairs, we had to check it out. When you enter the 35er, you take the stairs (closer to the back door) and there's a phone booth. Pick up the phone and the bartender will ask how many in your party before letting you in. The space is small. Some reviews mentioned tiki bar and this is not a tiki bar, it's a speakeasy. They have a cocktail menu and a full bar for well/cocktails. Great place for a small group.

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    Ladies and Gentlemen

    4.2(249 reviews)
    1.1 mi
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    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.

    Great ambience! Creative presentation of cocktails…read more A bit pricey- but I look forward to coming back with friends :)

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    The Speakeasy - Christmas decorations!!

    The Speakeasy

    4.1(690 reviews)
    1.1 mi
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    I came to this magical little place with my girl friends to celebrate a birthday. Only the three of…read moreus but we wanted a drink to end the night with a vibe. Boy did we win the jackpot! We came in around 6:30. They had just opened but the atmosphere was ready! Dark and moody with candles on the table, it was the perfect spot to grab a drink and catch up. Jeremy was our bartender and he was fantastic. Super chill and friendly and made us some amazing drinks based on a few preferences. Our "bartenders choice" drinks were amazing, so much so that our "drink to end the night" turned into two drinks and some appetizers. We ordered taquitos and mozzarella sticks. Overall all three of us ladies loved this place! We definitely plan to be back! Let Jeremy make you a drink - you won't regret it. He makes them custom for you and he definitely knows what he is doing. *they do ask for a password which you can request on their website... but I would do that 24-48 hours before you plan to visit. We didn't have that days password and simply asked the front door.

    The Speakeasy is a hidden cocktail bar located in Old Town Pasadena. To get here, look for the "New…read moreYork Deli" sign and you'll likely see a person standing out front. You will need to reach out to the bar via email to get the password, but you can also get a hint from the person at the front. We got our hint and successfully guessed it, gaining entry. The interior has dark lounge lighting with tables throughout. I got the gotham standard manhattan ($16) which was strong and spirit forward. We came right when they opened so it was very empty, but the bartender mentioned it gets really packed and lively on weekends. If I came back and was able to guess the password I'd stop by when it's more energetic for a different vibe.

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    GRANVILLE - Bar Del Mar rooftop bar with amazing views

    GRANVILLE

    4.2(2.6k reviews)
    0.4 mi
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    Locally owned & operated
    Locally sourced ingredients

    This is one of my favorite places in Pasadena for a great spicy margarita! Last time I was there,…read moreArturo H did an amazing job! His recommendations and service were on point!

    We stopped by Granville on our way to an author meet-and-greet at Vroman's Bookstore up the street,…read moreand it did not disappoint. We were seated quickly on the roof, right by the fire as the sun set, which created a warm and relaxed atmosphere perfect for a memorable visit. Sammy, was our server she had the best recommendations and delivered attentive, friendly service that made the experience extra special. We started with cocktails, all fantastic, with the White Lady and Gran Sour standing out as favorites among the group. For starters, the Brussel Sprouts, grilled cheese dippers, and the bread with whipped duck fat butter were all delicious, the bread and butter being especially indulgent. For entrees, the Stroganoff was amazing--comforting and perfectly seasoned, and served in a cute Dutch oven. The pork chop with mango chutney was also outstanding, pairing well with Cajun spices. I'm already planning a return visit to try the miso brown butter chicken and to explore the dessert menu. Overall, Granville offered a superb combination of superb service, strong cocktails, and standout dishes, all enjoyed in a stunning rooftop setting. I'll definitely be back to see Sammy again and to continue exploring the menu.

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    GRANVILLE - Craft cocktails made with precision and love

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    Magnolia House

    Magnolia House

    3.9(1.6k reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    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 .

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    Osa Rooftop - Beet salad with whipped goat cheese - very good - Zinfandel & Swift Relief -

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    3.9(318 reviews)
    0.5 mi

    recently went with my husband for date night and the service was so good! our server took the time…read moreto explain each dish, and constitute odd in on us. the ambience is 10/10. such a beautiful view and the entire restaurant was such a luxe experience. also prices on food was so good for the quality you get. YOU MUST GET THE MEATBALLS FOR AN APPETIZER. JUST TRUST ME AND THANK ME LATER. all in all, an amazing experience and I will forsure be back!

    Stayed at the hotel and ended up eating here during my trip. Honestly, the food was so good we kept…read moreordering more dishes just to try everything on the menu. The burger was great, the tuna tartare was super fresh, the salmon crudo was excellent, and pretty much everything we tried was a hit. You can tell a lot of thought went into both the flavors and presentation. I booked reservations right around 6:30 PM specifically to catch the sunset views from the rooftop, and it was absolutely worth it. The atmosphere up there during golden hour is really nice, especially overlooking Pasadena with a drink and good food. Definitely feels upscale and stylish without trying too hard. Service was friendly and the overall vibe made it easy to relax and enjoy the evening. The only part of the experience that felt a little unusual was the payment process when charging the meal to my hotel room. I was asked to provide ID despite already being a registered guest at the property. I've been staying at Marriott hotels for well over a decade, including higher-end brands and resorts, and this was honestly the first time I've encountered that. I even asked about it and was told it was because sometimes people "forget they aren't guests at the hotel" when trying to charge meals to rooms. The staff member was polite, but the explanation honestly felt a bit odd and made the interaction feel slightly uncomfortable compared to what I'm used to at Marriott properties. That aside, I'd definitely come back. Great rooftop spot for dinner, drinks, sunset views, and a really solid date night atmosphere in Pasadena.

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    The Raymond 1886

    The Raymond 1886

    3.9(2.1k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$
    Happy hour specials
    Romantic vibe

    Man I've been going to the Raymond for years when in town. Don't usually make a reservation, but…read morethe hosts always sit me right away without hesitation. There were three on Friday, lovely, lovely ladies. Came by for the happy hour, the cocktails are always a hit! I love recommending the bar to my friends and family. The food on the HH menu I will say needs some sprucing. Very limited and boring sorry to say. Got a couple bites but they were bland. Perhaps the chefs were distracted and forgot the seasoning, oh well. Loved my drinks though and will try again.

    I went here with my friends for the second time. This time, it was Mother's Day. The valet was very…read moreefficient. Best to come with reservation on special days like this. We shared had a Pinot Noir, recommended by our server which was very good. The charcuterie board enough to fill the gap while we waited for our main dinner. Everyone was please with what we ordered. Our server was there but laid back enough to freely enjoy our time without the pressure of being rushed. This restaurant is so cozy and friendly. There is enough outside sitting and they are open to guests dining with behaved pets. The menu had ample variety to please family guests and offer kids menu. They do have delicately prepared chef's special from steak to salads that can satisfy everyone's palette. We decided to have latte and their dessert special lemon mouse paired with a liqueur, it was so good!

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    The Raymond 1886
    The Raymond 1886
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    The 1894 - Gets super busy - Friday evening around 530pm

    The 1894

    4.5(72 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$

    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!

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    The 1894 - French Pilsner and truffle popcorn

    French Pilsner and truffle popcorn

    The 1894 - 2 drinks trying to get "picked up"  Floral Spritz & Pride & Pearjudice

    2 drinks trying to get "picked up" Floral Spritz & Pride & Pearjudice

    The 1894 - The Warm Brie & Baguette with honey - absolutely fantastic!!

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    The Warm Brie & Baguette with honey - absolutely fantastic!!

    El Metate Cafe - mexican - Updated May 2026

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