Tonight I had the chicken enchiladas with red sauce and beans and rice. The service was wonderful and the food was fantastic.

Great food, service and atmosphere. Our sever, Bello, was very attentive and helpful. The Lemon Drop martinis were excellent! We highly recommend this restaurant. read more

Wow! This place is so cute and the food is great! I highly recommend sitting outside. We went for dinner on Saturday, and there was a live band playing outside which, when paired with the papel picado overhead, created the most wonderful atmosphere! I'd give the food an 8/10 for authenticity and taste. Overall, I'll definitely be coming back! read more

A must try if you are in Pasadena. Started with the Watermelon Margherita, a perfect drink, not too strong or watered down. They had a blood Orange Margarita that sounded delicious too. I ordered the 12 combo, which was a chicken enchilada and a chicken tamale, there are various options on this. Meal was spot on perfect I recommend giving it a try you will not regret it! read more

El Portal - The Watermelon Margherita - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Great good and friendly staff. Inside or outside dining. Large rooms available for parties! read more

My hubby wanted to meet my son and I for lunch on his birthday. Who am I to argue with a free meal? I've been to El Portal twice now and I'd have to say I am a fan because the food is always delicious and the service is perfect. I made a reservation for lunch for six people and we had a nice table. When one extra person showed up it was easy to add one more chair. Food: 5/5 Stars I ordered #16 which was two carnitas, rice and beans. The pork was very tender, the corn tortillas were fresh and I liked their rice and beans too. The plate was $11.00 which is reasonable for a sit down restaurant. I didn't order a margarita because I was driving, but I had a sip of my nephew's Cadillac margarita. It was really good. Service: 5/5 Stars Mario was our server and he was great. He pointed out some lunch specials, brought our drinks quickly and anything else we needed. My nephew ordered the chorizo and salmon lunch special and it came out at least five minutes after the rest of the table, so he had to wait while the rest of us started. I can't blame our server for that. Atmosphere: 4/5 Stars I love the hacienda feel of the restaurant and I apologize for not taking photos, but I was with a bunch of business people and I didn't want to look like the crazy, photo taking Yelper that I am. The restaurant is very nice inside with traditional décor and comfortable seating. They have tables on the patio as well. I like the fact that all the tables are not too close to each other, so you can have a little privacy if you need it. Parking: 4/5 Stars You can park in the lot in back for one hour for free. Just get the host to validate your ticket for the attendant. I'm not sure what they charge if you go over an hour. Recommendation: I would definitely go back as the food and service were excellent. read more

El Portal - Carnitas combo - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I'm a fan of this place for one reason and one reason only .... THEIR MARGARITAS!!!! Some of the best margaritas in the area. Such great flavor and at a great price (an entire pitcher for $25) ... and they aren't weak either #score. I also like that there is rarely a wait here. The outside dining area is pleasant on summer evenings, and they sometimes have guitar players (who might sing you a HBD song if you're lucky). Food is decent. I had the fajitas once and a burrito on my second visit. Fajitas were definitely better of the two, but neither were bad. I have to say if you're going just for the food this place isn't "Ah" worthy .... but if you want some ambiance and a nice margarita, give it a shot. Peach is my favorite flavor, followed by strawberry :D Stay Cheerful ;) read more

El Portal - Strawberry margarita - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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It took about 5 minutes to be seated and there was no one else waiting ahead of us. We also had to ask the waiter to refill our water a few times. Aside from that, the entrée I ordered was superb. It was 2 crispy chicken tacos combo that were quite tasty. Inside the crisp tacos were tender strips of shredded chicken with fresh cabbage-like lettuce and diced tomatoes resting atop. To sum it up, this is an exceptional Mexican restaurant to eat lunch at in Pasadena. read more

El Portal - Crispy chicken tacos with rice and beans. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

It's rare that I come across a place that I don't want to share. El Portal has now this distinction. While I can't speak to the food (which looked really good), they have FREE cheese people! At the bar only, from 6pm-close on Friday and Saturday nights -- three, nice wood, cheeseboards are sat onto the bartop, and one just right next to me (how convenient!). The bartenders or fellow patrons pass the platters around as necessary, and seriously, it's a very generous and unique offering. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/W0XgWet5Fb23lbEvI9pTPw?select=cORTdj460RC-Yeanmb5JoQ#cORTdj460RC-Yeanmb5JoQ I chitchatted with several of the servers as they came up to the bar for their orders, and everyone seemed so friendly and kind. Brenda, the bartender, has a million dollar smile and so nice!! I'll definitely return for lunch or dinner. Most of the seating is set outside on the pathway between stores, and feels like you are sitting in an old world alley. Or, as I did a couple of days ago, just spend an hour having a brew, some cheese, and watch the Dodgers beat the Cards in the 10th inning with a Matt Kemp 2-run single. In addition, if you happen to be going to the Pasadena Playhouse, you can park and pay once for your evening plans. The restaurant closes early (930pm), so have an early dinner before the show. read more

El Portal - Free cheese (and grapes, and crackers) at the bar, Friday and Saturday nights, 6pm-close #ElPortalPasadena - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

A wide selection of excellent margaritas, delicious authentic Yucatán specialties, well timed service and pleasant ambiance. Sat outside on their heated patio and listened to low-key live music. Will return. read more

Great food and service!! So accommodating!! We'll be back!! Parking is a little tough, though.

This is such an amazing place to come to. The food is absolutely delicious and everyone is very sweet and helpful! Thank you so much Belo ! You were so sweet and kind and very funny. My cuñada loved her birthday experience. read more

El Portal - #13 - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

El Portal has become our favorite Mexican restaurant! Service has always been friendly and fast, and the food has never disappointed! My favorite item to get here is the Yucatan trio ($16.00). It comes with Cochinita Pibil (oven roasted pork in anchiote spice and lime juice, wrapped in banana leaves, Poc-Chuc (grilled thin slices of pork), and my favorite, Yucatan style chicken tamale. It comes with pickled onion, rice, black bean soup, and flour/corn tortillas. At our last visit, I like the Yucatan tamales so much that I just ordered the Yucatan tamale plate ($14.50). The masa is one of the best tamale masas I've ever had. I think it's perhaps the banana leaves it's steamed in that gives it its yummy and delicious flavor. El Portal is perfect for two or a big group. There's indoor and outdoor seating available, and the outdoor section is pet-friendly. El Portal is a definitely good choice for a birthday get together. The staff enthusiastically sings for the birthday celebrant and takes out the birthday sombrero. There is valet parking available right behind the restaurant on Green Street, but we've never had an issue finding cheaper/ free street parking. read more

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Oh Oh, Mediocre Mexican Food!!! In so many ways, the San Gabriel Valley has evolved into a culinary giant!!! I love exploring and discovering all that it has to offer! It's incredibly diverse, filled with treasures. El Portal I expected, would fit nicely into this land of discovery!! I was mistaken. The two friends who referred me here missed the mark! Despite the references to The Yucatán, there is little authenticity here. First: No part of the meal was horrible. The Horchata tasted homemade and the guacamole was fresh. Service was fine, friendly and fast. I could tell it wouldn't be particularly special when I found the Barbecue Chicken on the menu, made with Jack Daniels BBQ Sauce. It reminded me of Philadelphia menus in the mid 90's where every restaurant had Honey Fried Chicken and Baked Ziti! The "Double" Margarita: they probably shouldn't make this at the bar, where people can see. It's double the mix with huge amount of ice and splash of tequila (actually more of a float!)My wife gave it a big thumbs down! No buzz to be had!!! The Food: my Wife dined on a tamale and enchilada combo, it wasn't horrible, but there was nothing special either. It was a generic plate of rice, beans sauce and cheese. Nothing identifiable without asking. I had the Poc-Chuc (is that Mayan for Gristle Pork?) This is how it was described: Tender thin slices of pork, touch of garlic & grilled. Served with chutney of broiled tomato, onion & cilantro With side of black beans soup & tortillas This on the other hand was horrible!!! Last but not least the Men's Bathroom!! This pretty much killed the experience. Forget the sticky floor... Directly next to the commode was a large open window, within full view of a Graduation Party the restaurant was hosting!!! Unlucky them! Unlucky Me!!! read more

El Portal - Graduation party as seen from the Men's Room!!! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Had dinner here last night with a large group (20) of co-workers. We sat out on the patio, which was beautiful. Service was very good. Drinks were good and reasonably priced. The food was only "okay". Not a lot of flavor and the meats were a little tough. Parking in private lot and on street. Would go back, but probably just for drinks and appetizers. read more

El Portal - Refreshing Sangria. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The atmosphere was unbelievable, so nice It matched the unbelievable Food. A good place to relax, and enjoy good steak fajitas. read more

To the owner: Really, you charged me $18.00 dollars for a 20 oz. draft Modelo! Average food. Sorry, I will not be coming back. And the worst thing is I live in Pasadena and all of us share our restaurant experiences. We like going out but I won't be ripped off from you. Sorry! read more

My family has been coming to El Portal for many years. I've definitely had better Mexican food elsewhere, but the staff is always welcoming and sometimes there's a mariachi band. I haven't been impressed with their traditional fare like enchiladas, chile relleno and tacos, so I usually order something different every time in the hope of finding my go-to dish. I ordered the chicken tostada bowl the last few times. The lettuce and tomatoes are not particularly fresh or exciting, but the fried shell is light and crispy. One of my family members always orders the steak quesadilla, so I might have to give that a try. Parking is one hour free with validation. It gets pricey if you stay longer. I had a long lunch there last week and parking was $10 for parking after validation. read more

I'm a long time customer of El Portal. If you're one person having lunch with a book or twenty rowdies celebrating a birthday, this is a good place to go. I would say the Mexican food is middle-of-the-road. It is consistent and predictable. A place where you can take the folks from Nebraska. Parking is on Green Street or in the lot. They do validate but it's for only one hour and the parking attendants seem to have trouble with the math or figuring out if you've been there an hour or what you owe. I have not tried the Yucatan dishes here but may branch out next time. Dining on the patio is good, They have heaters and/or umbrellas so you can get some Vitamin D if you need it. Inside, in the winter, they have a fireplace. It's great on a rainy day...almost like home. The wait staff is attentive and oblidging. What hasn't been mentioned, Once a year they close this place for a week and scrub everything. I have seen tables on the patio, upside down getting their undersides cleaned. Clean works for me. read more

We've tried twice and there's just nothing but average here. Better to go a few doors west to the next Mexican restaurant, a place that knows flavor and new dishes count! read more

Came with a party of 7 and Bello took care of us. He is awesome, food and drinks were great!! Definitely recommend

Wet nice location lovely ambience food was different and well cooked. Good Mexican Resturant with plenty of authenticity

Service was rushed food is okay. Their selection on tequila Great . Definitely a place to go for salsa chips and a great drink. Wasn't amazed with the food. read more

If you're looking for a great Mexican restaurant with great ambiance, tasty cocktails and excellent food, you need to check this place out. Definitely one of Pasadena's many hidden gems and hole in the wall places for good authentic Mexican and Yucatan cuisine. I've been here a few times and it never seems to disappoint. Everything fresh, good quality and reasonably priced. With it's charming hacienda style appeal, warm casual atmosphere and serene location, it's a perfect dining destination for any occasion including first dates or romantic dinners for two. Inside the setting is cozy and comfortable with plenty of seating in the bar, main dining room and patio. There outdoor courtyard patio is also ideal place for enjoying margaritas or hammering down some good tequilas, especially during their tequila tasting events. My personal favorite is their Conchinita Pibil which is a Yucatan classic pork dish where the meat is marinated in achiote and steamed in banana leaf. A must try dish - the pork is tender, flavorful and so succulent. Another great dish is their Yucatan style tamales stuffed with chicken and epazote topped with tomato sauce. Unique exquisite flavors and satisfyingly good. Other items that are guaranteed to satisfy your hunger are their carne asada burritos and steak tostada salads which are yummy and equally potent. All served fresh and good portions. As for service, staff is always friendly and helpful. During my recent visit to here, my order took a while to arrive which I usually don't have a tolerance for. However, my server made sure that I had plenty of chips and salsa on hand and refilled my drink regularly. Once my order arrived at my table, I quickly forgot about it cause I was to busy enjoying my delicious meal. Good food overall and can't wait to come back. read more

El Portal - Mark this event date on your calendar. Annual Tequila Tasting Event. Who's in? - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

4 stars... Our old joint closed(and they didn't call us first?!?) so we needed a new spot for tequila and corn overdose....just a few steps away we landed here! We stared with a pitcher of the nectar of life that is margaritas...and things began to look rosy all around! The salsa leaves s bit to be desired, but that will help my waistline as I won't consume massive amounts of chips. I ordered the carnitas, a dish by which I judge all south of the border establishments, and this one passed the test! It was served with beans, rice, and guac...all were tasty when shoveled with warm and fresh corn tortillas....My wife ordered a combo and she enjoyed the chicken enchilada and the relleno. Ambiance is "Roosters gone wild" meets bario, and prices are a smudge above expectation... This joint makes the list, and has officially become our go-to Mexican restaurant in the area. read more

El Portal - Carnitas and margaritas!!! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Our Pasadena Playhouse Restaurant Icon is in danger of going out of business according to a radio broadcast with the owner today. Please order take out and pick it up yourself because delivery services cost businesses 70% mark Up. Just wear your mask. Let's save El Portal which is best ever. My husband and I split the Cobil and Florida nephew had beef enchiladas. All take out. Stay Safe AND in business, mes amigos. Please support our friends at El Portal during the Stay At Home. read more

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We hadn't visited in a while and were a bit shocked by the price increases. We like their food and the ambience but, in our opinion, the new prices don't seem in line with quality/portjons/service they provide. Soft drinks are $5-6. $17 for all kids meals. $25+ for combination plates and salads. Usually, a price increase like this would be accompanied by a larger rebrand of the decor and menu but, in our experience, the service, decor, menu, and food are the same as they were 5-8 years ago--the only change is that the portions were smaller. We like their food but the price puts them in a different bracket where they don't match their competitors in that elevated bracket and it felt like we were paying a tourist/playhouse attendee premium for really good but casual Mexican food. Posting this so others can be more aware of what to expect before their next visit and not be surprised like we were. read more

Went during lunch time and order the Camarones a la diabla. It was served with rice and beans which were good enough. The shrimp itself was cooked well and filled with yummy veggies. However I would not consider it "a la diabla". The sauce was not spicy. If anything it was sweet. Thankfully I was able to get a spicy red salsa on the side which turned up the heat level. Overall it was good, but it didn't meet the expectations I had for that particular dish. Ambience was great. Service was fantastic. read more

This restaurant has been a family favorite over the years. The owner is always so welcoming including his employees. The food has been great & the drinks have refreshing. The cochinita pibil Is the plate to order. read more

I have to give El Portal some pandemic props. They really upped the anty with plenty of outdoor seating (heaters too), great service, and even live entertainment to help whisk your Covid blues away. The food itself is nothing too far from your average Mexican American faire, though they do have a menu dedicated to more native Yucatan cuisine. Might I say their margaritas are always off the hook with specialities like blood orange or spicy jalapeno margaritas. If sitting at home has got you down, may I suggest reserving a seat at El Portal, ordering a sizzling fajitas platter and drowning your sorrows in a grande margarita. read more

Had the chicken gumbo soup special today! It was a meal in itself and served hot and delicious! I recommend El portal prevent post Pasadena Playhouse or Landmark Theater which are both nearby. read more

El Portal, I don't care if you're not super authentic. You're number one in my heart. PARKING: Medium sized lot directly south of the restaurant. It fills up pretty quickly on Playhouse nights, but there's some street parking if you're willing to walk. FOOD: -Complimentary chips and salsa: Our chips are always served warm, and the salsa has a nice, subtle kick. We always ask for chip refills! -Shrimp tostada: Granted, I didn't eat the shell because I loaded up on the warm chips, but this is perfect if you're looking for something lighter. I was pleasantly impressed that the shrimp were cooked to perfection with nice grill marks on the outside. -Carne Asada: This dish is basically a huge steak with beans, rice, and salsa. Medium rare means medium rare (thank you!) here, but at least 1/8 of my steak was inedible due to tendon/fat. DRINK: -Blended margaritas: I've tried both the peach and the strawberry Cadillac margarita, and I personally prefer the strawberry. It's heavy on the strawberry flavor - order the grande! SERVICE: My boyfriend and I have always received amazing service here. They're super fast with taking drink orders (gimme my marg and give it to me now!), and the food arrives relatively quickly. Everyone is very friendly and attentive. Our new go-to for taco tuesdays ..or mexican mondays...or thirsty thursdays...you get the picture. read more

El Portal - Grande Cadillac Marg - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Margarita was okay. But I need my $111back :( I wouldn't recommend anybody looking for authentic Mexican food to come eat here. This is bland food for bland people. read more

Charming back alley restaurant we found by accident. Try to get a table outside (they have heaters if if gets cold). Our server was a nice guy and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Honestly, I have no opinion about the food, I thought it was alright but nothing outstanding. read more

This is a really great Mexican restaurant. Very traditional recipes cooked to perfection. They always have some daily chef specialties that are delicious. And they even have them on display to make it easier to decide on what to order. They have indoor and patio seating in a very unique building. I'm hesitant to give them such a good review because I don't want them to get too busy. Just kidding they deserve all the success they can get. read more

Terrible service the waitress was in a bad mood and took our order as fast as possible with out making sure she even had the correct order and when the food was served it was incorrect. Also the tables we were seated on were reserved for a later time and they kept doing everything possible for us to leave even before are food had been served the owner even came up to us and asked if they had taken are order and we answered him and asked for more tortilla chips and his answer was you know you need to leave by this time and disregarded what we had asked for. Food and drinks were ok but not great for the prices and a terrible service to top it off definitely will never go back! read more

Lovely restaurant with delicious food and outstanding service. My husband and I recently ate here, and had such a wonderful time. We have always loved this restaurant over the years, and it seems like it just keeps getting better! Our server, Bello, was so great! He made our lunch feel very special, with his attentive, friendly service, and helped me with my gluten allergy requests. Chips and salsa are incredible. And our fajitas were excellent! Such a fun restaurant, beautiful decor, and with a great customer-oriented vibe. Thanks! Laura & Nathan read more

Was out in Pasadena for a work trip & my boss' boss suggested we go here. What an awesome choice! It was a group of eight of us & we sat outside ... which their outside seating is lovely, by the way! Our waiter was fantastic, immediately brought out the chips & salsa (SO good) & got our drink orders. Everyone made a margarita order (except me) & they were quick on getting those out to the table. I chose the shrimp tacos (no sides) & was very happy with my choice. The tacos were huge & the shrimp were lightly breaded. Everything tasted fantastic! Again, our waiter stole the show by being so attentive, but then again, we weren't a needy group. read more

Great place to spend Cinco de Mayo! They have a mariachi band, traditional dancers, and lots of freebies (mostly beer koozies). The margaritas are freshly made (unlike other area bars that squirt them from a wand). Chips and salsa are good, as is the guac. All of our meals were great. Wish they would have had more seafood options though. The little courtyard outside was a great place to sit. We were right in the middle of all of the celebrations! Fun times! read more

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Went for a late lunch to El Portal. They have a lot of tables outside. We elected to sit inside in the a/c. There are plastic shields between the booths. The service was excellent!! The wait staff and assistant staff were extremely attentive. Food was excellent as usual, no complaints. read more

El Portal - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California