I used to come here as a kid and the food is not the same.. the albondigas soup was watery and had no flavor. As well as the salsa which also had no flavor. Please save your money and don't come here. read more

Great spot to join a few friends or family get together. The atmosphere is friendly and detailed interior felt comfortable. I ordered the Machaca and really enjoyed it I order Machaca or Carnitas whenever I go to a new spot. Although it was a good meal I prefer the onion and bell pepper to be sautéed a bit longer. The hostess was friendly and walk ins all come in with a smile and seemed to be regulars 8 outta 10. Only because I am picky about Machaca read more

We have been going to El Patron since they opened years ago...and it pains me to give them a bad review..but it was awful! Firstly the chips and salsa were a disaster...old , cold chips and salsa made from unripened tomatoes and sprinkled with Tagine! What??? The chicken street taco smelled when it arrived at our table- white meat, Grisel and dark parts all strewn on a soggy taco. The carne asada street taco was not much better. When I told the waitress that this was unacceptable she only scoffed at me and said since I had touched the plate I couldn't return it!! That's not the point! Why do I care about $1.75 refund...it's the principle of cooking proper food. Now I understand why there were only three tables on Taco Tuesday! Sorry Maggie but the food was inferior and questionable at best.....so very sad... read more

I visit this restaurant about once a month, sometimes more! The food is delicious!! The seafood is my favorite. The garlic fish is wonderful. The traditional dishes are just as yummy and I love the different salsas they give you. I don't know what it is, but the orange one is my favorite! The people are just as amazing, always nice and friendly and finally the margaritas just make it perfect! There have been many restaurants in this location over the years. I for one am so glad that this one has come to stay! read more

This place must have changed chefs or under new ownership. It use to be a great spot for food, but now is below average when ot comes to the quality of their food. I must say it was very disappointing and don't recommend anymore. It looks like a decent spot to eat Mexican food at, but it's not all that. Try at your own risk. read more

Super frustrated with this place and will no longer support it by giving them my money. The food is pretty good, but they have no consideration for their clientele and for that, they have lost my business. Me and my roommate decided to come here on.a Friday night. Predictably it was busy. There was a waitlist and we were 3rd on it. We waited patiently outside in the cold. While we waited, the list got bigger. As the natural turnover, we watched the 2 groups in front of us get seated. When we were up, we were asked if we would share a large table with another couple. I didn't want to really share a table so I said we would wait. We then proceeded to watch as they sat the 2 couples that came after us. The first time, I was confused who was there first, so it wasn't a big deal. The second time it was blatant. I understand that they want to reward their returning patrons by being buddies, but have some consideration for people that could have grown into return customers. Truly disappointed in this place and will never return again. read more

This place is great! A solid 4 stars (I'm giving 5 to help improve its overall rating). Yes- they aren't great at answering the phone for takeout. It's annoying. But if you dine in service is good and fast. THANKFULLY DINE IN options are available again, outdoors of course. It's a TINY! place. Food: ok it def depends on what you order. Tried the fish taco for the first time and it was LITERALLY the worst fish taco I've ever had in my life. It had no sour cream / sauce!! And the fish was way to deep fried. Do not get it!! Also the crispy chicken tacos are only meh. I love the wet chicken burrito and I'm telling you now- the Shrimp fajitas are THE BEST I'VE EVER HAD BY FAR!!! SHRIMP GARLIC DISH is also the best! They're in a sauce that is ahhhh-mazing. They come w lots of veggies - but interesting ones like carrot, zucchini, mushroom, tomato, celery in addition to the usual pepper & onion. But they also don't skimp on the shrimp. And the flour tortillas that come w it (ask for flour not corn!) are SO chewy and delish. Also the chicken pazole and shrimp caldo soups are PHENOMENAL!! So give this place a try but know that not everything on the menu is stellar. But it's local and I like to support a local place. Plus a few dishes are amazing!! read more

This is the best Mexican food. We often get take out and they are fast and it is beyond delicious. We had enchillada and chile rellenos last night. The rellenos are fresh and the best we have ever had. We also got 2 margaritas to go. Please support this local business. It is so worth it to have them in our community!!! read more

My experience at El Patron was disappointing. I ordered a chili Colorado burrito. It was really a gravy burrito that consisted of a flat, collapsed flour tortilla containing nothing but red sauce and a few shreds of beef. I honestly don't know how it's possible for a person to attempt to roll up a tortilla around a liquid center. My wife had lunch with some of her fellow employees a while later and her report was "meh" as well. Of course, the restaurant seats very few people inside, just a few more outside, so it has the sense of being really packed and busy all the time. I'm certain El Patron will thrive at it's unique location for a long time. read more

Went Tuesday feb 16 my Cousin and I Arrived about 230 in the afternoon. Worst Enchiladas i have ever had. The size of the chicken was like the size of green peas. We asked for more chips and never got them. I asked for Napkins and never got them and had to get up and go inside and ask for them. Then I asked for hot sauce and the Waiter brought it to me and a to go plastic cup.... Normally they would bring it in a small bowl with a spoon. So Basically the waiter after bringing our food never came back to our table. Never Offered refills for drinks or ask if we needed anything. When I mention the poor service to the waiter he told me he was very busy. There was only 3 tables Being occupied and they were all outside. Worst weather I've ever seen. Don't think I will ever go back. And I will be telling my friends of my experience there. Unbelievable!! read more

They're always busy on the weekends so prepare for a line! It's worth the wait though because the atmosphere, food, and service are amazing. The drinks....even better after you order two rounds they throw in a shot of tequila usually which is pretty nice! The coronarita and pina colada are always good. And if you ask for the salsa tray you can get the mango ghost pepper sauce...beware though because if you eat too much of it you'll definitely get the hiccups! The fajita plates are amazing as well as the garlic fish. My boyfriend always gets their Chile rellanos and their crispy tacos and loves them every time. Try the ceviche if your into that as well. It's a very homey place so it's great for dates or a family night too! read more

I always enjoy going there. Excellent service. Most of the time the owner is there. Very nice. Works hard doing whatever is necessary for the customers. My favorite are the stree tacos. Always order three with a margarita. read more

This place is adorable. The decor is perfect - not tacky or cheesy or dated. The tables are clean, the service is always polite and amiable. The couple of times I've been in here, I've come in VERY hungry from hiking in the Angeles. I typically order the tacos, figuring they are the safest bet. But! Today, I went a step further and ordered the chile verde. It is DELICIOUS, tender, perfectly marinated, etc. In fact, everything I've had has been scrumptious -- and with no stomach ache that SOME Mexican restaurants give me. I urge everyone to give this little establishment a try. It'll be worth your while. read more

I love the food so much, Maggie great service with the customers at the restaurant I recommend to go to Maggie restaurant at el Paton

This place used to be great. Our burritos were very bland with little asada and not hot

Food is decent, but why oh WHY does it take over a dozen calls for someone to pick up the phone? I've often taken my business elsewhere after a dozen calls that all go to an answering machine. In a time when takeout is king, there is no excuse for not figuring out takeout order logistics. read more

Don't waste your time eating here !! Not sure how this restaurant received 5 stars . Service was very slow , even though they had 3 waitress for a small restaurant. Took very for them to clean the larger party table . Noticed the main waitress calling the young man from the kitchen to help clean the table . He was reluctant to help, which made our wait longer. My friend and I ordered beef taquitos . We both bit into it and realize that it's chicken !??. My plate had 1 chicken and 2 beef taquitos , and hers was all chicken .Brought it to our waitress attention , she said they ran out of beef and that's why its chicken ! WHY did she not communicate this unless she thought we wouldn't notice ??? Well, we did notice b/c the chicken was bland and smelled funny!!! She should have been honest by letting us know, before serving food to us we didn't want. Wasted her food and our time . She later she admits to telling the cook to substitute the beef for the chicken and takes our order off our bill . First and last time eating here . read more

This is a small place, but it's nice. The service was good, but they can improve a little. I'm not saying it was bad because it wasn't at all, but once they gave us our food, they kinda forgot about us until I asked for the check. The food was OK. I ordered a shrimp cocktail and it was good, but a but heavy on the cilantro and onion. Other than that, it was good. Regardless of all of this, I will be coming back here. read more

El Patron - Michelada!!! Sooo good!!! - Mexican Near Me - Altadena, California

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For a small tiny side of guacamole it's now 7 dollars. They increase it to double the price. I also got the fajita without shrimp. It's not worth it. They seem very greedy when ever I do take out something is missing. 2 months ago when I got home the side of guacamole was missing yesterday it's an over charge of the item plus shrimp missing. I'm done with this place. read more

El Patron - Mexican Near Me - Altadena, California

Extremely disappointed tonight. We've come here before and drove a good distance. There was a long wait, which isn't out of the ordinary, but what was infuriating was being passed up on the waitlist twice. The second time, the server who had asked to confirm our name after seeing us waiting outside for more than half an hour, just looked up at us and then called the table for other folks whom they clearly knew. How are you gonna not offer us beers like you did the other party (the party that we got skipped for even though we put our name down)? Extremely unprofessional. After going in once again to ask about table, I received a very unsure "oh you're next". Needless to say, our appetite was ruined, and we left. read more

My wife and I are being coming here every Monday for breakfast.. Awesome customers service good homemade food.. Reasonable prices... Ask for Silvia.... read more

El Patron - Coffee and Machaca with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Altadena, California

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This place is delicious. The pollo picado is fantastic. I love the red sauce on it. Plus with all the outside seating which I hope they can keep it's a perfect Altadena little restaurant. read more

food was good but so disappointed in the service. There were three of us and when we asked to split the check three ways she said "no" . We asked then if we could have 3 separate checks , a super nasty "no". When asked if one of us could pay in cash and the other two cards so to avoid costing them any more card service fees she became belligerent. Rolling her eyes and being nasty She said "venmo, each other" . My mom is 80 and doesn't venmo and at this point that wasn't the point, when I asked what the issue was she began talking over me saying "i'm telling you this is how you're going to do this..." what does that even mean?! Then she ripped my card out of my my hand and ran it , splitting the bill three ways. its a bummer food was good but I honestly don't need to be berated by anyone over a simple transaction and I doubt you do either, avoid the drama. read more

I had the al pastor here and it's decent. I revisited this place a week later for a al pastor burrito again and received a carne asada burrito in error. Unfortunately I found out once I returned to the office. Avoid the carne asada! NO BUENO!!!! read more

Such a cute little well-kept secret in the city of Atladena. The auga frescas were yummy & the food is delicious. Absolutely loved! Will be going again and again. read more

Ordered takeout from here. Food was good, but nothing like dining in. Hopefully dining opens soon so I could give this place another try!

I love this place!! 5 stars all around. The food, service, and prices. The restaurant is very involved in the community, which is just another reason to love them. Be sure to ask for their extra salsas. read more

8-12-22 ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE! My friend took me to this place because she grew up in Altadena and frequented it, but she hadn't been there for awhile. So, we were having a girl's day out and decided to give it a try. BIG MISTAKE! First off, a Server drops off small bowls of chips and salsa stacked on top of each other, sits it on the table and walks away. The next person takes our drink order. She acted like she couldn't understand English. Go figure. We order the drinks. She drops them off at the table and I noticed something that shouldn't have been in the drink. So I got her attention and she took the drink away, but never apologized for it. A few mins later she returned with a new drink. The next person comes to the table, yep...three different people at this point. I later found out that the third person, Sylvia, is the Manager. She walks up with pad & pen and says " "What do you want to order"? No hello, Hi my name is Sylvia, what can I get for you. NOTHING FRIENDLY or professional. I looked up from the menu and said, so what is your name? That's when she quickly and rudely said, "Sylvia, What do you want?" I said, you know, it's usually professional courteous to speak to the customer, introduce yourself and then ask what they "would like to order". She didn't respond. We ordered the taco and enchilada plate and a bean and cheese burrito. When my friend sliced into the burrito it was super dry inside...the rice and beans had absolutely NO SAUCE, NO MOISTURE. ..JUST DRY. So, that's when I went up to the counter and asked to speak with the Mgr. Sylvia walks up and says, Can I help you? I said, You're the Mgr.? She said yes, how can I help you? I said, That's very surprising. She said, Why? I said, Because you're not nice and you are a reflection of this restaurant and your staff. Again she said, how can I help you? I said the burrito is super dry.  There's not a drop of sauce or anything in it to make it juicy inside. She said, Did she ask for it to be "wet"? I I said, No. She didn't want sauce all over it, but she didn't expect it to be totally dry inside. She walks over to the table to inspect the 2 bitefuls missing from the burrito. I said, Please take that meal off of the check. She just walked away. THIS PLACE WAS A RESTAURANT NIGHTMARE!! And I know you're wondering why we didn't just leave at the start. Because we had been running around all afternoon and we were famished and just wanted to have a good meal. I hope the Owner of this place, Marguerita Cortez, reads this review because she needs to know how SOME OF HER CUSTOMERS are being treated!! Bottom line, there are MUCH BETTER Mexican Restaurants to go to where you will have a courteous staff/Servers and great food... than to SUFFER such horrible treatment that this establishment gave!! Never again!! read more

Wow there is a wait but it was worth it. We ordered carnitas street tacos with the onions and cilantro on the side so they bring the salsa caddy along. There was green salsa that was a little too runny for my taste, red, smoked and habanero cream salsa which I think is the best one. We got the shrimp cocktail as well and it was laden with fat shrimp. Soo good. We shared a table with another couple of female friends and they enjoyed their tacos as well. They gave the thumbs up for the margaritas they were drinking. If you don't mind the wait then you'll find that it's a nice little place to hang out with the girls, or have a quiet date by the booth or even bring the kids to the party- they supply the baby seats. Parking can be a little tricky as it's mostly street parking. All in all it was a good experience that I'd like to repeat some time soon. read more

After a morning hike my fellow yelper and I were starving, so we pulled out our handy dandy yelp app to see what was close by and what did we find? That's right El Patron. This is a very small family restaurant. We were greeted and told to grab a seat anywhere. Our server Maggie was super patient and really nice. She was helpful and provided us with plenty of suggestions. Everything on the menu looked yummy but we decided to go with her suggestions. Each table gets fresh chips and salsa to start. The chips were good but the salsa was missing something, it was kinda bland so we tried to add salt but something was still missing. We ordered the Patron Style Appetizer to start, which comes with taquitos (we got chicken), nachos (we added carne asada), and quesadillas served with sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. This was very large and OMG soooooo good. I definitely recommend this. For the main course I ordered the shrimp wet burrito. This burrito was HUGE filled with plenty of shrimp and covered in sauce and melted cheese. This was also really good. Maggie made sure to refill our drinks and made sure we were happy campers. You definitely get a lot of food for such a cheap price. Parking is easy, pull right up in front of the restaurant or park along the street. I would like to come back and try some of Maggie's other suggestions. read more

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Looks like they upgraded from tables and chairs to booths. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=BR6b-HrjPWEiJGa-81oHjA#iNfPFXSfJneoZmQx6ffM9Q Definitely ask for the hot salsas because the pico de gallo that they bring out with the chips is too plain. Chips are not made here - points lost. The hot salsas are chipotle, arbol and a house blend of something orange (habanero?) mixed with something like crema. It is really good. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=BR6b-HrjPWEiJGa-81oHjA#fQZFEPTAw8n2AJT2b_0Z0g Cute server and she was attentive. Points earned. Lemon instead of lime with the menudo. Bad form. $5.50 for a large bowl. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=BR6b-HrjPWEiJGa-81oHjA#wfPhJOKtxjXk7oKJDcxbUQ Honeycomb tripe is a sign of quality. Modelo Negra ON TAP. Huge points earned. Especially at $3 for a frosted mug. Looking at other tables, this is Am-Mex and should be judged in the not-so-authentic category. read more

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Tried this place for the first time with a big group. The restaurant isn't big but the tables are booth style so that you can seat more people. Everything on the menu is cheap. I tried the asada wet burrito and it was really heavy. The burrito is mostly rice and beans, and my asada beef was on the dry/chewy side. I wouldn't order again. Hubby tried the lengua (tongue) burrito and the tongue was actually really tender and flavorful! I would definitely recommend the tongue. The fresh guacamole was great with the complimentary chips and salsa. The service was also great considering our big party. I would probably try other things on the menu next time. By the time we finished eating and walked out of the restaurant, there was a line of people waiting. Business is good! read more

El Patron - Carne asada wet burrito - Mexican Near Me - Altadena, California

I didn't think it was possible to have a bad Mexican meal, but then I found El Patron. Oh. It was bad. First, we were seated outside directly under a speaker blasting music - and commercials - with the speaker annoyingly crackling on and off at frequent intervals. Not only is this the very first time I've ever had to listen to commercials at a restaurant, when I asked politely for the music to be turned down, I was rudely told no - by our server - who refused to ask the manager. The food was truly atrocious. The tostada salad was limp, soggy lettuce, bland watery vegetables in a burnt tostada shell. The shrimp fajitas were downing in oil and inedible. I'm amazed this place is still open. read more

I'm very surprised by the number of negative reviews. This place is great! A solid 4 stars (I'm giving 5 to help improve its overall rating). Yes- they aren't great at answering the phone for takeout. It's annoying. But if you dine in service is good and fast. It's a cute (TINY!) place. Food: ok it def depends on what you order. Tried the fish taco for the first time and it was LITERALLY the worst fish taco I've ever had in my life. It had no sour cream / sauce!! And the fish was way to deep fried. Do not get it!! Also the crispy chicken tacos are only meh. But my hubs loves the wet chicken burrito and I'm telling you now- the Shrimp fajitas are THE BEST I'VE EVER HAD BY FAR!!! They're in a sauce that is ahhhh-mazing. They come w lots of veggies - but interesting ones like carrot, zucchini, mushroom, tomato, celery in addition to the usual pepper & onion. But they also don't skimp on the shrimp. And the flour tortillas that come w it (ask for flour not corn!) are SO chewy and delish. Also the chicken pazole and shrimp caldo soups are PHENOMENAL!! So give this place a try but know that not everything on the menu is stellar. But it's cute and I like to support a local place. Plus a few dishes are amazing!! read more

What used to be a Wings place that closed down has been newly remolded and opened up as a Mexican restaurant, the people are very friendly and you get that family owned restaurant feeling. After looking over the large menu selection, Hmmm yeah I'll have tacos and my Wife opts for the caldo de res, they offer complimentary chips and house salsa which is horrible, I asked if they have any other salsa and then the waiter brought over a little carrier with four different salsa's, much better! so why try to pass off the crap in the first place? http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=ph_YyDc93CtgLXrvy8poAg while these were all much better than the house salsa, I preferred the bottom two left & right. Tacos - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=CgWRSO92G_4phkb6CALmFA Lengua - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=feMOf0_WC1VOzZpWASP94w The best part of this taco was the green salsa, I love me some tongue but wow this was a big disappointment, way undercooked and just no flavor! 1-Star Carnitas - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=I4xAP49z1zfaPXHHGgNsAw This orange-ish colored salsa was great, the carnitas was nicely cooked and had good flavor. 3.5-Stars Carne Asada - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=8ujRFUJhs1Dv7DGdtRndpQ From the looks of the color it could have been cooked a little longer and used some seasoning because this was flavorless, also had too much fatty pieces and a rather large piece of gristle http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=7XRLsp14TQxEwegiXKSHNQ not a good thing. 2-Stars Al Pastor - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=TQIDgUUKhC0niON1Bf_Czw Finally a good taco, this one had lots of flavor and cooked nicely. 4-Stars Caldo de Res - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/k32x38hyQRz7VNK4X93t2g?select=XhF3-CYxfcgERBFF41NZCA It's a Mexican Beef and Vegetable soup, sounds good?!..................well they served it before it was finished cooking, nothing was ready, meat, corn, potato's, carrots etc were ALL still hard, this should not have even been served and YES it was sent back so unfortunately my wife did not eat!. ZERO yes ZERO-Stars Under-cooking, lacking in seasoning, fat & gristle, seriously how does this place have so many 4&5 Star reviews??? Avg 2-Stars read more

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This restaurant is small ..with sitting area outside not so big but .. nice clean place Our waitress was so nice and also everyone greets you!! We had carnitas plate omg!!! Great flavor and so fresh If you visit Altadena ca.. Please stop by you will not regret!! Not to mention they served 4 different salsas delicious.. read more

El Patron - This picture is from the combination plates All served with beans and rice . - Mexican Near Me - Altadena, California

Talk about finding a hidden gem. We were scouting locations for a job and had no clue where to go for a good lunch in Altadena...then we stumbled upon El Patron. It's the type of family restaurant with incredible food at super-reasonable prices that you rarely come across unless the stars are aligned just so. To those rare reviewers who think this food is just "OK," you might want to travel south of the border (maybe try something a little further South than Tijuana, eh?) and see what REAL mexican food is like. Do not stop at Del Taco in San Diego...that doesn't count. I have a feeling you're used to Americanized Mexican...and this ain't no corporate "mexican-ish" place. It's authentic. I know...who ever thought authentic still existed, especially in Southern California? read more

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I go here frequently and love this place. They are small but terrific. I noticed some folks complained about no flavor. Some of their dishes come out of the kitchen unspicy. I'm sure that is done that way for vanilla-mouth people. There is plenty of savory flavors all over the menu. Just ask for the salsa server if you want to kick up the flavor. They will bring you a little server with 4 different sauces. They make these themselves and the creamy one is amazing. They also do terrific inexpensive street tacos - listed under appetizers. I have friends who live in East LA and trek up here for their El Patron fix. read more

My hubby and I went to this place within a week of its opening, and that probably was a mistake. The salsa was weak, the food fair, the place had not found its rhythm. We went back a month later. Meh. And "darn" We wanted to root for this place. This particular location has seen restaurants come and close. Echo Café, Hot Wings, several others. So, with disappointing food yet again, we thought "well, another one bites the dust" And then, something happened. The food got better. The lines started out the door. People kept dropping by for take out. The place started to look a little better. And we went back too. We went on a Thursday night. There was a line waiting (it is a small place with maybe 10 tables). First big change I noticed, the salsa became real, with fresh chopped tomatoes, cilantro and onion. You can also ask for their 4 hot sauces, or a bottle of their commercial hot sauce. We were seated in about 10 minutes. Someone turned on the world series game. A family came in and took the corner booth. A neighbor stopped by for dinner and said hi. OMG, a neighborhood restaurant and good food? I ordered a margarita and their special that night, a beef Birria, sort of a spicy stewed beef. It was tender and flavorful, accompanied with beans, rice and tortillas. I happily placed some of the birria in my warm tortilla along with that fresh pica de gallo (salsa) and devoured it. My hubby had a seafood burrito. It was made with fake crab aka "krab" but he knew it and still ordered it and still liked it. Not my thing. With the margarita (which was fine) and our meals, we paid only about 30 bucks total. Nice! I brought my brother there two days later for a late lunch. This time the waitress saw us enjoying the salsa and brought us their 4 hot sauces. So now my brother and I were playing with the chips and hot sauces and even adding some of the Tapatio hot sauce, experimenting with the heat and salsa and chips. Our favorites were the classic Tapatio and the chipotle red sauce. But we had fun just trying ALL the hot sauces till our tongues tingled. I got the a la carte chile relleno, fish taco and a soft beef taco. The beef was made with shredded beef. The fish taco was wonderful, made with chunks of lightly fried snapper on cabbage and a tangy sauce you added as you liked. The chili relleno was fine, not the best I have had but fine. The tacos were really good. My brother also had the fish taco and an enchilada. He liked them both. So once again, fine meal, and this time I picked up the tab. Only 18 bucks for both of us. Service was friendly and warm. The Halloween decorations added a warm touch. And I thought, finally, a place to call 'our" local restaurant. I don't need to root for you, you are doing just fine! And we will be coming back. read more

I saw the grand opening signs on this place over a week ago and couldn't help but think of all of the businesses that closed in the building before then, so I went to El Patron really wanting to like it a lot. The first thing I noticed was how nice everything was decorated. The feel was generic Mexican, but it was still real clean and welcoming. We were seated promptly and the overall service was friendly and acceptable. We ordered and our plates arrived fairly quick. I got the asada plate and my friend got the quesadilla. We both thought our food was good and sizable, but nothing too special. So why did I give this place 4 out of 5 starts? It's real simple. When we got our check, I was amazed at the total price. To other comparable Mexican food places, these prices were very low. Although the quality of the food could definitely be better, the price definitely made up for its shortcomings. Just to note, on my second visit to El Patron, I ordered the shrimp burrito which was much much better and still reasonably priced, so I have hope the food only gets better from here. If you're looking for decent Mexican food with really great prices in the upper parts of Altadena, I would definitely recommend you give El Patron a try. read more

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