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Best of Pasadena

Bars and Mexican food

A bar that serves authentic Mexican food rather than just using the cuisine as a backdrop for drinking.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Amigo's Restaurant and Cantina image 1
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Spacious interior with a dark Mexican atmosphere and a mural on the back wall sets a warm, comfortable vibe. Bar area offers a loud, fun energy with a jukebox and booths, attracting mostly locals. Strong, flavorful margaritas are a key draw, making it a popular spot for casual dining and drinks.

Waiting for a seat in the bar area is common because it draws a crowd. The space has a jukebox and several booths, making it a fun spot to hang out and enjoy drinks.

Strong margaritas made with real triple sec and lime stand out here. The Carne Asada comes with a tasty cheese enchilada, and the fajitas are notably good. Warm chips and flavorful salsa accompany authentic Mexican dishes.

People are saying

"I thought the Mexican food here was delicious and had good flavor."

"This lunch spot has huge portions; I had leftovers for days."

"The margaritas at this bar are the best and strongest I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Expect limited parking; consider arriving early or using street parking.

3

Lunch specials cost $12.50 and offer generous portions.

02
Cordova Cafe & Bottleshop image 1

Cozy cafe with metal bar-height tables and a dominant bar area creates an inviting, effortlessly cool vibe. Mellow rock and blues music play at a comfortable volume, supporting a peaceful, warm atmosphere inside. Outdoor seating offers a relaxing space with amenities for dogs, though street noise can intrude.

A relaxed beer bar with a strong focus on the bar area dominates the space. Metal bar height tables and chairs fill the interior, offering a casual but not very comfortable spot to hang out.

Breakfast burritos come with a hefty filling and a delicious salsa that has the perfect amount of heat. Options include a solid vegan breakfast burrito and the overall burritos are consistently excellent and flavorful.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be perfect."

"The breakfast burritos here are excellent and packed with filling."

"The bar has a fantastic beer selection and a great happy hour special."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited; expect to find street parking and bring coins.

2

Happy hour is available most days with special deals on food and drinks.

3

The cafe serves breakfast all day, offering a variety of options.

03
ANAYA'S RESTAURANT image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spacious Mexican restaurant offers large family seating and a well-stocked bar with quality cocktails. Live music creates a lively atmosphere, though noise levels can be high. Outdoor patio provides a comfortable al fresco dining experience.

Several Margaritas come carefully handcrafted with top-shelf tequila. The bar offers full glassware and a well-stocked selection including good wine and many drink options.

Combo plates include a taco, cheese enchilada, and chicken tamale. Guacamole is made fresh at the table. Mole features over 30 ingredients with a rich, smoky, and complex flavor. Drinks include cafe de olla and hibiscus agua fresca.

People are saying

"The Mexican food's depth of flavor, especially the chilaquiles, was amazing."

"The salsa here has a slow burn that builds beautifully."

"The food here is excellent, especially the cactus dishes."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers half-price margaritas and drink specials on weekdays.

2

Sunday brunch features a special menu with unique dishes.

3

Parking can be challenging; arrive early to secure a spot.

04
Pez Coastal Kitchen image 1

Modern tropical design creates a beautiful, comfortable space with tasteful decor and plush sofa seating. Atmosphere blends vacation vibes with occasional live jazz, though music choices can feel jarring. Many dishes encourage sharing, supporting conversation in a relaxed setting.

Outstanding service starts the experience with cocktails at the bar while waiting. The bar area is lovely and complements the dining room well.

Dishes offer flavorful profiles, especially the fish tacos. Options include beef machaca, huevos rancheros, salsa negra, sunny eggs, rajas, and queso fresco.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The bar staff offered thoughtful and excellent recommendations."

"You have to try their flavorful Mexican food, especially the fish tacos."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a good table.

2

Dinner for two typically costs around $200, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

The restaurant offers a happy hour menu with discounted small plates.

05
The Mixx image 1
New American restaurant

New American restaurant with a rock and roll vintage vibe and live music performances energizes the space. The venue feels spacious yet crowded during events, with a great sound system and a prominent stage. Guests enjoy dance-friendly atmosphere and a mix of DJ sets and live bands.

Offers a solid selection of beers and pub grub with a casual vibe. Hosts cover band events that add lively entertainment to the bar experience.

Tacos stand out with options like chicken, fish, shrimp, lobster, and Carne asada. The menu also includes guacamole and chips and large taco platters.

People are saying

"I really enjoyed the comedy show; it was very funny."

"I thought the Mexican food, especially the tacos and nachos, was delicious."

"The bartender was so friendly and poured a decent drink."

Good to know

1

Happy hour on Tuesdays features $5 drink prices.

2

Comedy night happens every Wednesday with local comics performing.

3

The venue does not serve free tap water; only bottled water is available for $3.

06
The Raymond 1886 - Modern American Cuisine & Craft Cocktails in Pasadena image 1

Outdoor patio with fireplaces and intimate indoor rooms create a spacious, inviting setting. Atmosphere shifts from romantic and old-world indoors to lively and sometimes noisy on the patio. Known for phenomenal craft cocktails, it draws those seeking a refined yet relaxed dining experience.

Personable bartenders craft many unique cocktails with a cozy and romantic interior that makes the bar feel welcoming and special.

Tacos feature prominently with Short Rib tacos standing out, though opinions on them vary. Grilled cauliflower adds a unique touch to the Mexican food offerings.

People are saying

"I loved the beautifully prepared food, especially the fish, cheese, and meats."

"The cocktails at this bar are fantastic and unique."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the fluffy pancakes."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $10 cocktails, including the popular Medicina Latina.

2

Wine Wednesdays offer special deals on select wines.

3

Valet parking is available for $8, with limited street parking options.

07
Der Wolf image 1
Restaurant

Two-floor German pub-style restaurant with spacious seating, outdoor patio, and a pub-like downstairs bar. Loud music and live DJs create a party atmosphere during events, while game days feature multiple NFL screens. Casual games like beer pong and Jenga add to the relaxed vibe.

German pub setting creates a fun and lively atmosphere. The bar features a generous bartender and serves cool bar-style foods.

Tacos cost $2 and taste super fresh and full of flavor. Options like asada, chicken, and carnitas come with amazing salsa and pair well with chicken wings.

People are saying

"The tacos here are super fresh and flavorful."

"The DJ kept the energy moving with music I wanted to dance to."

"The bar staff genuinely cares about ensuring you have an amazing experience."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Tuesday with no cover charge.

2

Taco Tuesday offers cheap tacos and drink specials.

3

Expect a lively atmosphere during game days and special events.

08
Edwin Mills by Equator image 1
New American restaurant

Dark, religious-themed bar with live jazz music almost nightly creates a cool, vibrant atmosphere. Outdoor seating along a side street offers a unique alley view of the band and passing foot traffic. Drink specials and balanced cocktails complement the lively, late-night vibe.

Offers a good mix of special drinks with a super cool gastropub vibe. Features outdoor seating on a side street and serves bar food with a unique twist.

Short rib tacos feature bite-sized cubes of beef served on a bed of slaw. They offer a rich, meaty flavor that stands out in the Mexican food selection.

People are saying

"The vibe here on Saturdays with live music was exceptional."

"The bar feels like Europe with live music and wine."

"The short rib tacos are delicious Mexican food."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends to avoid long wait times.

2

Happy hour runs daily with drinks starting at $3.

3

Parking is available in a structure two minutes away behind Miniso.

09
Plate 38 Kitchen And Bar image 1
New American restaurant

Converted coffee shop with outdoor tented seating and a full bar featuring big screen TVs creates a casual, lively atmosphere. Patio seating faces street noise and car exhaust, adding an urban edge. The vibe mixes dog-friendly amenities with a quaint, industrial feel and energetic service.

Well stocked with a variety of drinks, the bar features Manny behind the bar who ensures everything runs smoothly. The atmosphere feels amazing and welcoming, with staff adding a personal touch.

Chilaquiles stand out with their bold flavors. Breakfast burritos and grilled fish tacos offer solid options. Small plates include tostadas and a Cuban sandwich, paired with salads and drinks.

People are saying

"The ricotta lemon pancakes were light and incredibly flavored."

"The food here is delicious and worth the wait."

"You have to try their chilaquiles; they're so good."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all night on Mondays, making it a busy time.

2

The happy hour menu offers smaller portions at higher prices.

3

Bring cash to avoid a 4% credit card fee.

10
Osa Rooftop image 1
Restaurant

Rooftop restaurant offers stunning mountain views and a romantic, inviting ambiance with beautiful design and occasional black-and-white movies projected on the wall. The atmosphere stays relaxing and lovely, ideal for date nights or group dinners. A bar and multiple TVs showing different sports add a casual touch to the otherwise elegant setting.

Rooftop setting offers a unique vibe with a professional bartender who knows the cocktail menu well and serves drinks enthusiastically.

Chicken Tacos stand out with rich flavors, paired well with delicious cocktails. Other notable dishes include swordfish, tostones, and meatballs, offering a varied Mexican food experience.

People are saying

"The rooftop views are breathtaking and romantic, especially at sunset."

"The bar staff are so attentive and friendly, it's amazing."

"The Mexican food here has amazing ambiance and stunning rooftop views."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least two weeks in advance on weekends.

2

The event runs from 9 pm to 3 am, but lacks food and drinks.

3

Expect a mandatory 20% gratuity for groups of six or more.

11
El Torito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Spanish-style building offers modern renovations with separate dining areas including sports TVs and banquet space. Atmosphere ranges from loud bar with live mariachi music to more relaxed dining sections. Brunch features unlimited mimosas and live entertainment, creating a festive vibe.

Outstanding hospitality and service come from the bar manager Christopher and the servers. The bar plays good music and offers a lively atmosphere during happy hour.

Unlimited nachos and salsa start the meal, with standout dishes like shrimp and chicken fajitas and tableside guacamole. The menu also features enchiladas, albondiga soup, and bread pudding, all cooked well and flavorful.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was delicious and flavorful."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the sizzling enchiladas."

"The bar staff here makes you feel like family."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 3pm to 9pm in the cantina and bar area.

2

Karaoke night happens every Friday from 5pm to 11pm.

3

The price for brunch is $24 per person, which is considered a bargain.

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