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I've visited Javier's in La Jolla and Newport Beach, with Newport being my usual spot, but Pasadena really stood out! All of my visits have been great, but the service at this location was the best I've experienced at any Javier's. The staff was welcoming, attentive, and made the whole experience feel special. The food was delicious, the drinks were excellent, and the atmosphere had great vibes. Definitely a location I'd recommend and look forward to visiting again! Make sure you make a reservation--this place gets busy!
They were able to accommodate a large party well. However service was poor. The staff did not stop when you tried to call them over, we were often left with empty glasses or needing something for long periods of time. The food was good but nothing spectacular or worth going back for given the service. It was also extremely loud in there like a party vibe which is good if that's what you're looking for. If you're looking to catch up with friends or family, good luck hearing each others.
Service was great!! The food was Meh. I asked for Mole with chicken breast and they said no. For 40 bucks yall had me eat barely anything, it was all bone. A tiny cup of rice!!! White washed Mexican food. I was just in Mexico last week. The drinks are the only good thing at Javier's. Tortillas were store bought. Puke
Definitely make a reservation because this place stays busy. I made a same-day reservation through OpenTable with no issues. From the moment I walked in to the moment I opened my menu, I was reminded three times that there was a two-hour limit for the table. While I had no intention of staying that long, hearing it repeatedly right away gave the experience an unnecessary feeling of being rushed. The interior is gorgeous, though. Creamy neutral tones, tons of greenery, and a beautiful tropical feel that really makes you feel like you've been transported somewhere on vacation. Just be prepared for the volume to match the crowd. When it's busy, it is LOUD. The tables are pretty close together, and I spent most of the meal leaning forward and practically shouting to have a conversation. I could barely hear our server half the time. The food was good overall and I didn't have any major complaints. Portions are a decent size, although rice and beans are ordered separately. I asked for something with a little more heat and was happy to see they offer a habanero sauce--but it comes with a $5 upcharge. The drinks were probably my biggest letdown. A $26 margarita has some pretty high expectations attached to it, and unfortunately, this one didn't quite live up to the price tag. Overall, I enjoyed the food and absolutely loved the atmosphere, but the combination of the table-time reminders, noise level, and underwhelming drinks kept it from being a "must come back immediately" kind of place. Would I come back? Sure. Am I rushing back? Not exactly.
Food 4.5/5! Most items were fantastic! My parents raved about our the lamb chops price and portion $55 for 5 pieces of chops and veggies and potatoes was a steal, they said it themselves. We also got the big Shara le plate of Meats we got asada and carnitas, both were great frill flavors and good portion. Kids enjoyed their kids dishes as well. Desserts also great! The only bad part was our table for 8, we sat near the sun deck and it was definitely warm and not cooled temp. That was the only thing not the greatest. Service 5/5 Ambiance 5/5! Thank you!! Parking we parked across the street in a structure. Short walk!
Finally made it to a bookmarked place I've been wanting to try. What a beautiful location and transformation of the old Il Forniao that used to be here for decades. Javier's has raised the bar ! Starter: Very Good Aguachile del Rey Callo de hacha, camarón, pulpo With green sauce scallops octopus and shrimp Entrees: Both Very Good Cabo Azul Maine lobster enchilada, shrimp taco, poblano chile with shrimp and Dungeness crab Carne Tampiqueña Prime New York cut, enchilada de camarón, taquito, refritos Beautiful presentation on both, loved the "taquito tower" Great service for such a busy restaurant The decor deserves a design award if it doesn't already have one. A bit pricy to be a regular, but perfect for bringing out of town friends and special occasions.
Everything was delicious and the atmosphere was great. The main life hack: come for dinner at 5 PM -- even without a reservation, you'll have a much better chance of getting a table!
Javier's Pasadena is absolutely stunning -- the decor is beautiful, and I love the spacious vibe throughout the restaurant. The service was excellent and everyone was so friendly. The seafood pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, and the seafood tasted incredibly fresh. The salad was fresh, and the dressing was mixed just right. As for the short ribs -- the meat was literally sliding off the bone. An amazing visit all around. Highly recommend!
We went on a Thursday evening for a friend's birthday and upon arrival, everybody was like oh the food does not taste good here it's more for the aesthetic. Once our party was there, we were seated in a very nice private room. The waiter came and took our drink order after we had been seated for 20 to 25 minutes. The drinks took another 20 minutes to get to us and then another 15 minutes later they took our food order. Everything was overpriced. I ordered chicken enchiladas and it was $40 for two enchiladas with no side and the enchiladas taste store-bought. They never came back to ask if we wanted another cocktail, they never came back to check in on how our food was tasting or if anybody needed anything else. It was a very pretty place but the service and the food was absolutely not worth it.
The entree's were delicious. I'm not a lamb eater and is repulsed by the gaminess of it, but I was able to eat the lamb chops tonight, and with pleasure. The waitress was friendly and attentive. The gripe I had was that she was that her actions throughout our dining motioned us to leave as soon as possible. An instance for example, when we're still working on our entrees she already brought out the dessert menu, then happened again when we were working on our dessert she passed by and slipped the bill on the table quietly. The ambiance and environment are definitely insta worthy. Upscale and trendy.
**Correction, the managers name was Oscar This is an edit to my previous review which was originally 5 star and remains.
Wasn't sure if I wanted to try this place coz we weren't impressed with the food at their Vegas location. Glad we gave it a try. Food was excellent, our server was fantastic... and the vibe of the restaurant is phenomenal. I had the lobster enchilada... with big chunks of lobster. Would definitely order it again on my next visit. My friends also enjoyed their orders. They even made special vegetarian sauce for my friend's vegetable enchilada.
I've been to other locations, and unfortunately, this one seemed very disorganized. Our reservation was at 8:30 PM, and we arrived on time but weren't seated until 9:00 PM. The hostess mentioned they were still wrapping up the 8:00 PM reservations, but what's the point of making a reservation if you're not going to be seated anywhere near your scheduled time? The food was also noticeably spicier at this location. I always order the enchiladas at other locations and have never had an issue, but this time I had to send them back because they were too spicy. The drinks were good, but the customer service was disappointing. We were celebrating a bachelorette party, and although we weren't expecting anything special or complimentary, a simple acknowledgment or congratulations would have been a nice gesture, especially since our entire table was decorated for the occasion.The staff didn't acknowledge it at all. Overall, I've had much better experiences at other locations, especially when it comes to service and hospitality. This location just didn't live up to the same standard, and it definitely wasn't my favorite.
Upscale Mexican Dining in Old Pasadena Located inside Smith Alley in Old Pasadena, Javier's offers an upscale Mexican dining experience in a beautiful setting featuring historic architecture. The atmosphere is elegant and inviting, making it a great spot for date night, special occasions, or dinner with friends. What We Tried: *Fish Ceviche - A refreshing seafood starter. Guacamole - Classic appetizer to share. *Javier's Chopped Salad - Fresh greens, avocado, cucumbers, red onions, roasted corn, cheese, baby heirloom tomatoes, and champagne vinaigrette. *Trio de Enchiladas del Mar - Enchiladas filled with shrimp, Dungeness crab, and Maine lobster. *Filete Ladrillo - 16 oz. prime bone-in ribeye served with pasilla asado, refried beans, and crispy smashed potatoes. *Filete Antiguo - 8 oz. prime filet mignon with mashed potatoes, sautéed asparagus, and creamy chipotle sauce. *Enchiladas Poblanas - Chicken enchiladas served with mole sauce. *Wild Mexican White Prawns - Served in a garlic butter sauce. *Salmon Taco & Halibut Taco Everything we tried tasted great and was beautifully plated. The menu offers a nice variety of seafood, traditional Mexican dishes, and premium steaks, making it easy to find something for everyone. Service was excellent throughout our visit and really added to the overall experience. Ambiance & Parking The interior has a lovely atmosphere, with historic architectural details that give the restaurant an elegant feel. It's especially well suited for a romantic date night or a special dinner. Parking is convenient, with plenty of parking structures around Old Pasadena. Javier's also offers its own valet parking service on Colorado Boulevard. Overall Expect to spend around $80-100 per person, making this more of an upscale dining experience than a casual Mexican restaurant. With delicious food, beautiful presentation, a charming atmosphere, and excellent service, Javier's is a great option when you're looking for a special night out in Old Pasadena. read more
Please ask for Victoria. She is beyond amazing. She takes time and explains everything. Most of all, she is beyond kind. The other staff you interact with are great, too. They really do their best to meet every need. The food was great. I was lucky to take a photo because I was starving. Every dish came out to perfection and as described. You definitely feel like you're stepping outside of Pasadena and transported to another place. The music is just the right level to really get you energized. read more
I've been to Javier's on many occasions but my choice is always the Newport location because that drive and view are so worth it. Now I have a location around the corner so I came to check it out. Arrived on a Saturday around 230 p.m. so snagging a table was no issue. Opted for "outside" seating as the AC inside was too cold. This location is just as aesthetically pleasing as the Newport location (but no sunset views). Now for the food...I'm a creature of habit and always order my same items but this time I went for something new - the tablita. You can't go wrong with this option as it has all of your Mexican faves. We opted for the carne asada and the carnitas, which were cooked to perfection and flavorful. The tablita comes with refried beans, Mexican rice, queso freso, tortillas (flour or corn), salsa and pickled jalapeños. This is more than enough food for two people and you will definitely have leftovers. If you're craving a meat dish, I think this choice will satisfy your cravings. Service was great, the waiter kept checking in on us so no complaints there. Parking is very easy as there are parking structures in and around the area. You can also try to snag a meter on the street but parking in a structure is more convenient than driving around looking for parking. I'll definitely be returning when it is more convenient to come to this location than to make the long trek out to Newport. Note that the Newport location will not take ressies unless there are more than two in your party so you may want to see if this is Pasadena's policy as well if it's just two of your dining. read more
16 days ago
I've visited Javier's in La Jolla and Newport Beach, with Newport being my usual spot, but Pasadena really stood out! All of my visits have been great, but the service at this location was the best I've experienced at any Javier's. The staff was welcoming, attentive, and made the whole experience feel special. The food was delicious, the drinks were excellent, and the atmosphere had great vibes. Definitely a location I'd recommend and look forward to visiting again! Make sure you make a reservation--this place gets busy! read more
1 month ago
They were able to accommodate a large party well. However service was poor. The staff did not stop when you tried to call them over, we were often left with empty glasses or needing something for long periods of time. The food was good but nothing spectacular or worth going back for given the service. It was also extremely loud in there like a party vibe which is good if that's what you're looking for. If you're looking to catch up with friends or family, good luck hearing each others. read more
18 hours ago
Service was great!! The food was Meh. I asked for Mole with chicken breast and they said no. For 40 bucks yall had me eat barely anything, it was all bone. A tiny cup of rice!!! White washed Mexican food. I was just in Mexico last week. The drinks are the only good thing at Javier's. Tortillas were store bought. Puke read more
Definitely make a reservation because this place stays busy. I made a same-day reservation through OpenTable with no issues. From the moment I walked in to the moment I opened my menu, I was reminded three times that there was a two-hour limit for the table. While I had no intention of staying that long, hearing it repeatedly right away gave the experience an unnecessary feeling of being rushed. The interior is gorgeous, though. Creamy neutral tones, tons of greenery, and a beautiful tropical feel that really makes you feel like you've been transported somewhere on vacation. Just be prepared for the volume to match the crowd. When it's busy, it is LOUD. The tables are pretty close together, and I spent most of the meal leaning forward and practically shouting to have a conversation. I could barely hear our server half the time. The food was good overall and I didn't have any major complaints. Portions are a decent size, although rice and beans are ordered separately. I asked for something with a little more heat and was happy to see they offer a habanero sauce--but it comes with a $5 upcharge. The drinks were probably my biggest letdown. A $26 margarita has some pretty high expectations attached to it, and unfortunately, this one didn't quite live up to the price tag. Overall, I enjoyed the food and absolutely loved the atmosphere, but the combination of the table-time reminders, noise level, and underwhelming drinks kept it from being a "must come back immediately" kind of place. Would I come back? Sure. Am I rushing back? Not exactly. read more
Food 4.5/5! Most items were fantastic! My parents raved about our the lamb chops price and portion $55 for 5 pieces of chops and veggies and potatoes was a steal, they said it themselves. We also got the big Shara le plate of Meats we got asada and carnitas, both were great frill flavors and good portion. Kids enjoyed their kids dishes as well. Desserts also great! The only bad part was our table for 8, we sat near the sun deck and it was definitely warm and not cooled temp. That was the only thing not the greatest. Service 5/5 Ambiance 5/5! Thank you!! Parking we parked across the street in a structure. Short walk! read more
Finally made it to a bookmarked place I've been wanting to try. What a beautiful location and transformation of the old Il Forniao that used to be here for decades. Javier's has raised the bar ! Starter: Very Good Aguachile del Rey Callo de hacha, camarón, pulpo With green sauce scallops octopus and shrimp Entrees: Both Very Good Cabo Azul Maine lobster enchilada, shrimp taco, poblano chile with shrimp and Dungeness crab Carne Tampiqueña Prime New York cut, enchilada de camarón, taquito, refritos Beautiful presentation on both, loved the "taquito tower" Great service for such a busy restaurant The decor deserves a design award if it doesn't already have one. A bit pricy to be a regular, but perfect for bringing out of town friends and special occasions. read more
1 month ago
Everything was delicious and the atmosphere was great. The main life hack: come for dinner at 5 PM -- even without a reservation, you'll have a much better chance of getting a table! read more
28 days ago
Javier's Pasadena is absolutely stunning -- the decor is beautiful, and I love the spacious vibe throughout the restaurant. The service was excellent and everyone was so friendly. The seafood pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, and the seafood tasted incredibly fresh. The salad was fresh, and the dressing was mixed just right. As for the short ribs -- the meat was literally sliding off the bone. An amazing visit all around. Highly recommend! read more
3 months ago
We went on a Thursday evening for a friend's birthday and upon arrival, everybody was like oh the food does not taste good here it's more for the aesthetic. Once our party was there, we were seated in a very nice private room. The waiter came and took our drink order after we had been seated for 20 to 25 minutes. The drinks took another 20 minutes to get to us and then another 15 minutes later they took our food order. Everything was overpriced. I ordered chicken enchiladas and it was $40 for two enchiladas with no side and the enchiladas taste store-bought. They never came back to ask if we wanted another cocktail, they never came back to check in on how our food was tasting or if anybody needed anything else. It was a very pretty place but the service and the food was absolutely not worth it. read more
1 month ago
The entree's were delicious. I'm not a lamb eater and is repulsed by the gaminess of it, but I was able to eat the lamb chops tonight, and with pleasure. The waitress was friendly and attentive. The gripe I had was that she was that her actions throughout our dining motioned us to leave as soon as possible. An instance for example, when we're still working on our entrees she already brought out the dessert menu, then happened again when we were working on our dessert she passed by and slipped the bill on the table quietly. The ambiance and environment are definitely insta worthy. Upscale and trendy. read more
Wasn't sure if I wanted to try this place coz we weren't impressed with the food at their Vegas location. Glad we gave it a try. Food was excellent, our server was fantastic... and the vibe of the restaurant is phenomenal. I had the lobster enchilada... with big chunks of lobster. Would definitely order it again on my next visit. My friends also enjoyed their orders. They even made special vegetarian sauce for my friend's vegetable enchilada. read more
25 days ago
I've been to other locations, and unfortunately, this one seemed very disorganized. Our reservation was at 8:30 PM, and we arrived on time but weren't seated until 9:00 PM. The hostess mentioned they were still wrapping up the 8:00 PM reservations, but what's the point of making a reservation if you're not going to be seated anywhere near your scheduled time? The food was also noticeably spicier at this location. I always order the enchiladas at other locations and have never had an issue, but this time I had to send them back because they were too spicy. The drinks were good, but the customer service was disappointing. We were celebrating a bachelorette party, and although we weren't expecting anything special or complimentary, a simple acknowledgment or congratulations would have been a nice gesture, especially since our entire table was decorated for the occasion.The staff didn't acknowledge it at all. Overall, I've had much better experiences at other locations, especially when it comes to service and hospitality. This location just didn't live up to the same standard, and it definitely wasn't my favorite. read more
This place is beautiful. It is hard to find because it's in an alley, and you need to park in nearby structures. However, the space itself is huge and very pretty. The food was also delicious and there are options for everyone. We did have to wait a bit, which was annoying. Our reservations were at 7:30. We got seated at 8, and the food came out closer to 9. All in all, we enjoyed ourselves. read more
1 month ago
I always love the vibe here but this time around, the food needed lime and salt on everything (guacamole, ceviche, fajita, etc). Service was good, she was very VERY friendly and outgoing but we had to remind them that we asked for things a few times. I can tell the quality is slightly degrading over time. read more
Friends have been talking about Javier's. Finally got to experience what is all the talk about. Javier's Pasadena is located in a alley of food places. It's tucked away quite nicely. First off staff greeting and interior is really nice. I feel like it's a little get away from the hectic days. We had a group of 7 with reservations. Reservations are highly recommended. Chips n Salsa are great almost addictive. This was probably the highlight of the experience this and the atmosphere within. I'll get right to business. The menu isn't really reaching for anything outside the norm. I went with the aguachile verde which I split and the tomahawk pork chop. The aguachile was great. Not life changing but on point. Great amount too. Pork Chop was just a tad bit overcooked. Well seasoned. Plain n simple. This is a safe bet for a good meal. Veggies tasted good and the potato puree was light and flavorful. I'd say worth the $55. Service was a bit slow but not too bad. We had a large table. The prices are pretty high for what you get but there are some decent meals there. On a side note a friend got a "mariscos quesadilla". I think they had mistakenly got it or misread the option. Not a single person had made an attempt at this quesadilla. No one knows what was in it either. All we knew was that it smelled like the ocean. It was not pleasant at all. I believe we asked for the item to be removed but it wasnt. Avoid this menu item. You've been warned. PS - As a michelada aficionado the ones at Javier's Pasadena are a 2.5 out of 5. Very basic. read more
I came here on a Saturday right when they opened 11:30 am as my friend and I were walking around Pasadena trying to figure out where to eat. My friend was visiting and had never been before, so we decided to give it a go As soon as we walked in, I was completely mesmerized. The decor is absolutely stunning and beautifully done. I've been to the Irvine and Vegas locations, and honestly, I think this one tops both of them. The ambiance, the lighting and big white booths alone makes you want to stay awhile. What made our experience even better was our server, Eber. He was so passionate and knowledgeable about the menu and genuinely kind throughout our meal. We really appreciated the little details, the conversation, and how attentive he was without ever feeling overbearing. My friend ordered the steak picado, where you get to build your own tacos, and I ordered the fish of the day, which happened to be the sea bass. It was a little more buttery than I personally prefer, but I still enjoyed it. It came with seasonal vegetables and mashed potatoes, which made for a really satisfying plate. TBH I always get the trio enchiladas and I'll continue getting that from now on haha. But it's okay to try new things! My friend's steak was cooked perfectly, juicy, flavorful, and incredibly filling. The Mexican rice was yummy!! It was huge portions we were both so full. We also shared the guacamole, enjoyed some wine, and Eber had a cucumber mocktail made for my friend that was really refreshing and delicious. Overall, we had a wonderful experience. Between the beautiful space, great food, and exceptional service, this location really stood out to me. I'll definitely be back. read more
The ambience and the food were amazing. Our server was attentive and friendly. I ordered the trio of enchiladas and it just blew my mind. The whole inside is such a vibe. I'll definitely be coming back the next time I'm in town. read more
First of all the ambiance is very nice , upscale so expect that prices are not your typical Mexican restaurant. We started with guacamole to complement the complimentary chips. I also ordered tamarindo margarita which was good pairing with my chips. For main course , we chose not your typical Mexican food but beef ribs that were very tender. It was a little spicy . We ended with tres leches for dessert. It was our 33rd anniversary month so we were okay to splurge a little . our server was very nice and friendly. read more
We went to Javier's for dinner on a Thursday and it reinforces the saying that Thursdays are Fridays in LA. It was a full house of people drinking and dining. The food was decent but you go here for the atmosphere and vibe. The interior design and furnishings are are awesome. It has a very lounge feel more than a restaurant. Louder music and alot of energy. It's not the spot for a relaxing dining experience, atleast on the weekend. Service was attentive and polite but not a lot of interaction with the staff mostly due to noise and how packed it was. All the mixed drinks were very very good. We went here for a birthday dinner before a fun night out and Javier's is that type of place. Come in for a fun time for drinks and a light bite. It's pretty pricey so drinks and a full meal can add up quick. Guacamole 2/5. Plain run of the mill guacamole. Skip and get it at any other Mexican spot. Trio of enchiladas Del Mar. 5/5. Must try in my opinion. Contents and sauces were great. Carne Tampiquena. Overall 3/5(mostly because the enchilada.) New York steak. 2/5. Way undercooked for the med rare we ordered and too rare for my wife to eat. I thought it was a good cut and could be better if prepared as requested. Chicken taquito 2/5. Good flavor but very dry. Dungeness crab enchilada 5/5, refried beans 4/5. Ceviche Shrimp 5/5. Great starter. read more
19 days ago
I visited the Pasadena location of Javier's on 06/03/2026 at 5pm with a party of two. This is my first visit to this restaurant. I am a bit stunned about the amount of negative reviews. I tend to believe that the more "upscale" a restaurant tends to swing, the more critical you tend to be of the reviews. I don't necessarily think it is fair to judge a place on criteria you wouldn't judge a more economical restaurant on. With that said, I give my experience 5 stars. First off, you enter and the space is just absolutely stunning. The design, aesthetic, beauty, live plants, open windows, the two bars. Everything was amazing and beautiful. When we came early at 5pm, the restaurant was pretty empty; however, by the time we left at 7:15pm, it was pretty darn full, and that should speak volumes for a Wednesday night. Our server for the evening was Ivan. Ivan was very efficient, pleasant, attentive and was around when we needed him to be. They do bring out complimentary chips and salsa. Our table shared an order of the Guacamole. The guacamole was delicious, pure and simple. It was well worth the money spent. Our table also shared the Ensalada De Asada. It was some delicious greens with skirt steak, avocado, cucumber, onions, tomatoes, gorgonzola and an absolutely fabulous honey mustard vinaigrette. For my entree, I had the Enchilada's De Camaron, or shrimp enchiladas. It was so yummy. They were two large enchilada's with a delicious butter sauce, a generous amount of shrimp and cheese with some sour cream or crema on top. So yummy. For dessert, we shared an order of the churros, which was equally delicious. Overall, we had an excellent experience. May I recommend two things that could have been improved upon and one suggestion for the future. #1 - It took several attempts to get silverware for our table. I think this should have already been on the table, or given by the host upon being seated. #2 - Please take care of water refills. Water was not refilled unless we specifically asked. And my one suggestion is to consider a green salsa as well with the complimentary chips and salsa. Overall, this was an excellent visit and I would most certainly visit again in the future. read more
My first time at this location, had a wonderful lunch with my friends. I don't know why there are so many bad reviews cause this place is gorgeous and delicious. Javier's is a very elegant restaurant with great customer service. It's not meant for everyday dining in my opinion unless you are very rich. Yes prices are high but the atmosphere is very elegant, stylish and unique. It transforms your mood immediately. Dining here in this beautiful space is worth every penny specially if you are celebrating a special occasion. So please treat yourself at least once to dine here. We all enjoyed our lunch, we ordered the La Pablita platter that was perfect for us four. We also ordered Camarones Rancheros, a wild shrimp dish that was so flavorful and delicious. The salsa and chips they serve as soon as you sit down is also amazing. For dessert we got a flan and coffee. Fresh and delicious. Customer service was friendly and welcoming. We had a wonderful time. I would love to come back to have dinner with my husband for our anniversary. That's a special occasion and this is the perfect place to celebrate at. read more
5 months ago
Shrimp ceviche 4/5 Chicken and pork taquitos 5/ Seafood enchiladas 5/5 Drinks 5/5 We been to Javier's in Newport plenty of times and we wanted to check out this Pasadena location! Really good ambiance and nice servers. Would come back! read more
This super popular restaurant in old town was mentioned by several people, so we got reservations and took a party of 4. The ambiance was great, lots of well dressed people pre-gaming at the bar or waiting for tables. They have a Beautiful wide opened dining space, very well decorated. I eat a ton of Mexican and usually favor authentic mom and pop places so I was concerned that this was going to be too bougie and not satisfy but it was excellent. Everything had very good flavors and we all agreed we'd like to come back. read more
17 days ago
Very disappointing experience at Javier's. We had a reservation and still waited almost 40 minutes to be seated with very little communication or professionalism from the front desk staff. The hosts appeared extremely young and unprepared to handle the flow of guests or manage reservations properly. Unfortunately, the service did not improve once we were seated. Our server seemed unfamiliar with the menu, could not answer basic questions about the dishes, and overall lacked product knowledge you would expect from a restaurant of this level and price point. The atmosphere is beautiful, but the organization and service quality were far below expectations. For a restaurant with this reputation, the experience felt disorganized and frustrating from start to finish. The only good thing we had that night was the tamarind margarita. We order steak and shrimp tacos and asked the server to show us an item that had the tacos and rice and beans in one order and she had no idea what we were asking for. We need up getting everything separate which ended up being a total waste and nothing tasted decent. read more
I've been to practically every Javier's restaurant, and they never disappoint! The staff, vibe, decor, food, and music are always amazing. I usually order the Mariscos Trio Enchiladas, but I wanted to try something new this time, so I decided to go with the Salmon Salad and OMG it was absolutely delicious! The salmon was cooked to perfection. Definitely adding this to my list of favorites! Can't wait to come back! read more
1 day ago
6 months ago
Beautiful restaurant with a great vibe! We had a reservation and it was extremely crowded, but they seated us once our entire party arrived. The drinks took quite a while, and although our server was friendly, we barely saw her throughout the night. Our appetizers came out and within minutes the entrees arrived right behind them, which made the whole meal feel very rushed. Staff kept trying to clear plates we were still eating from, and the table felt overcrowded and chaotic. Honestly, it turned into a bit of a cluster. We also had to flag down Viviana for the check and again to cash us out. One more thing to note -- they automatically add an 18% gratuity, which was frustrating given the service experience. read more
19 days ago
Thank you Javier's for making me and boyfriend's anniversary feel special. The hostess knew instantly that a middle seating would not suffice and offered to wait for a booth instead. We only waited 7 minutes for a booth. Our waitress and staff were very nice and attentive. The food was delicious. We had the Pollo Chipotle and the Chicken Fajitas. read more
3 months ago
Saw live music was going to be here outdoors 7pm (?) so cane with zero expectations....ordered beer ($10) then another drink ($21) at the Javier's drink bar cart was a nice note out under the Pasadena warm breeze n sky! read more
Went with a group of girlfriends and we had a blast! If you are looking to go someplace and feel like you escaped to the tropics then go here! Felt like I was in Miami. Went on a Monday night and it was still hopping. Luckily, we didn't experience a wait to be seated as mentioned in other reviews. The atmosphere is loud music so if you are looking for quiet this isn't the place. But the high booths made our dinner somewhat secluded and we were able to carry on conversation amongst us. With a large cocktail list and menu there is plenty to get your own party started. We enjoyed Flaca's to drink. We started with yummy Queso Fundido and chips and then very much enjoyed the La Tablita. This was a platter full of the tasty makings of fajitas. We choose shrimp and skirt steak. Both were very good but the shrimp was out of this world amazing in tortillas. The large platter will surely wow when they bring it to the table. In addition to the two meat choices it came with: a side of arroz, refritos, guacamole, salsa fresca, jalapeños, green onions, warm tortillas, queso fresco. We were celebrating a birthday so we got two desserts and they added even more ice cream and presented all three on a platter. It was a fun presentation. Our waiter was the best. He didn't miss a beat! Overall a great night! Public Parking Structure located behind the restaurant. $10 flat rate on a weekday night. read more
3 months ago
Javier's in Pasadena is very well decorated, it's esthetically minimalistic. Looks clean with an open floor plan. The drinks are always beautiful and delicious. We love their salsa and Guacamole. This time we ordered the 3 taco plate and steak picado plate. Food is good, but we keep going back for the drinks. Didn't take a picture of everything but their apps and drinks are more than enough. read more
Javier's is a great place to check out, whether you are celebrating something, or want something on the more upscale level. This is just a fancy Mexican restaurant, more than anything. For this restaurant to be able to accommodate the party of 12 pretty well, I think Daniel did a phenomenal job with his service, making sure that everyone is taken care of, and everything came out on time, and as expected. Even though this restaurant is very big and accommodate a lot of different parties, I think it's pretty good overall. It does follow its reputation pretty well. The drinks were phenomenal. The food options, is very seasonal, so whatever you see on Yelp, may not be there a couple of months later. I ordered the seafood pasta with orange sauce, it was pretty good, but $48 for a pasta dish is crazy, but it is for the ambience of the restaurant. read more
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Ask the Community - Javiers
What about parking what is parking like?
Garage parking, street parking, valet parking available
Do they have a kids menu?
No... honestly, this place isn't kid friendly. The vibe is loud music and grown folk!
Where is there any parking?
There is Valet parking for $25.00, garage, and street parking near by
Gratuity mandatory? If yes, what is it?
They did not include gratuity we were 4 people
Is it worth the price in 2026?
Prices are comparable to other high end establishments. The quality of food and service are there and worth it if such an experience is in your budget.
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24 reviews that are not currently recommended
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