# Lunch spots for Mexican food in Pasadena

> A midday break with a plate of Mexican food is the only way to get through the afternoon.

Source: https://www.atly.com/united-states/california/pasadena/best-lunch-spot-mexican-food

## Places (26)

### 1. Cordova Cafe & Bottleshop

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.

- Address: 199 S Los Robles Ave # 150, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Cordova-Cafe-Bottleshop

### 2. Lee's Hoagie House

Small sandwich shop offers a family atmosphere with a self-serve pickle bar and fresh bread that stands out. The vibe is relaxed and welcoming, with regulars and staff enjoying themselves in a cozy space. Known for unique chicken hoagies and reasonable prices, it feels like a local institution.

- Address: 2269 E Colorado Blvd #101, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Lee's-Hoagie-House

### 3. Amigo's Restaurant and Cantina

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.

- Address: 1076 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Amigo's-Restaurant-and-Cantina

### 4. Tortas Mexico

Small indoor space with homey decor and outside picnic tables creates a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. Family-run vibe brings warmth and authenticity to the experience. Known for large portions and authentic Mexican tortas that stand out.

- Address: 90 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TortasMexico

### 5. Madre Maiz Taqueria

Small Mexican cantina offers intimate indoor tables and ample outdoor seating with umbrellas. Atmosphere feels cozy and casual with good music and friendly staff. Kitchen is visible and efficient, creating an authentic vibe.

- Address: 259 Sierra Madre Villa Ave, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/MadreMaizTaqueria

### 6. Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastro Pub

Live jazz music and cover bands create an intimate atmosphere with great vibes. The space shifts into a small club after dinner, attracting those who enjoy generous portions of BBQ and Mexican dishes. Noise levels can be high, making it lively but sometimes overwhelming for families with children.

- Address: Chamber of Commerce Building, 119 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Hawg-Heaven-BBQ-Gastro-Pub

### 7. Allied Food To Go

Robots deliver orders through small automatic doors in a clean, simple space with an old building vibe. The atmosphere feels cool and new age but somewhat dingy, with people coming and going quickly. Multiple kitchens offer diverse options, making ordering and pickup seamless and contactless.

- Address: 1060 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/AlliedFoodToGo

### 8. California Fish Grill

Fast casual seafood spot with quick service and a clean, modern setting. Atmosphere feels bare and cold, lacking cozy or lively vibes, but outdoor seating includes a dog-friendly patio with heating. Offers healthy, hearty fish portions with fair prices and consistent quality.

- Address: 3809 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/CaliforniaFishGrill11

### 9. The Original Tops

Diner with 1950s nostalgia and 1980s theme offers a friendly, bustling atmosphere with both indoor and outdoor seating. Bold character shines through Route 66 history and a classic soda fountain serving orange whips. Small drive-thru and lively vibe make it a familiar spot for casual meals.

- Address: 3838 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/TheOriginalTops

### 10. Mercado Pasadena

Modern Mexican restaurant offers a heated outdoor patio with pet-friendly seating and powerful fans for comfort. Atmosphere feels inviting and cozy, with a great view and lively energy. Specialty margaritas and flavorful dishes like carnitas and enchiladas stand out.

- Address: 140 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/MercadoPasadena

### 11. Roll Em Up Taquitos - Pasadena

Open concept Mexican restaurant with vibrant patio seating and reggae music sets a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Board games and free books add a playful touch while plenty of parking accommodates various vehicles. Artistic decor and clean grounds create a welcoming environment.

- Address: 36 Sierra Madre Villa Ave unit 102, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Roll-Em-Up-Taquitos---Pasadena

### 12. Yuca's / We Cater!

Small food stand with limited seating focuses on takeout and quick service. Atmosphere feels casual and unassuming, with a short wait and modest portions that often lead to leftovers. Known for classic Mexican dishes, large portions, and minimal sauce servings.

- Address: 1075 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Yuca's-We-Cater!

### 13. Green Street Restaurant

Californian restaurant offers comfortable outdoor patio and a small bar area with ample indoor seating. Atmosphere feels cozy and inviting with jazz music playing softly, creating a relaxed vibe. Menu features large variety appealing to diverse tastes, supporting casual brunch gatherings.

- Address: 146 Shoppers Ln, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/GreenStreetRestaurant

### 14. Fishwives

Small, intimate seafood restaurant with nautical decor and a New England fish house feel. Bright interior and courtyard seating offer a mix of indoor and outdoor dining. Atmosphere tends to be loud and lively, with a friendly vibe.

- Address: 88 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Fishwives

### 15. ANAYA'S 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.

- Address: 630 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ANAYA'S-RESTAURANT

### 16. Margaritas Mexican Restaurant

Mexican restaurant combines colorful traditional decor with a family-style atmosphere that feels like dining at home. A lively mariachi band often plays, enhancing the vibrant cultural vibe. The space splits between a restaurant and cantina, offering distinct dining and social experiences.

- Address: 155 S Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/MargaritasMexicanRestaurant1

### 17. Andy's Coffee Shop

Small, cozy diner with old school vibe and classic Americana charm fills up with a laid-back, family atmosphere. Space feels cramped but welcoming, with booths and a coffee counter creating an authentic, down-to-earth setting.

- Address: 1234 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Andy's-Coffee-Shop

### 18. Plate 38 Kitchen And Bar

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.

- Address: 2361 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Plate38KitchenAndBar

### 19. Wonder Burgers

Old-school hamburger diner with a classic, comforting vibe and massive portions defines the space. The atmosphere stays busy during lunch hours, with many using the drive-thru window. Food is made fresh to order, leading to a longer wait time but satisfying, hearty meals.

- Address: 2584 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/WonderBurgers

### 20. El Torito

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.

- Address: 3333 E Foothill Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91107, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/ElTorito18

### 21. Dena Burgers

Booths feature ornate upholstery with Los Angeles scenes, creating a cute atmosphere inside. The place offers both indoor and outdoor seating along with a drive-through. It serves a mix of classic burgers and authentic Mexican dishes, with a notable spicy green salsa that stands out.

- Address: 445 E Orange Grove Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/DenaBurgers

### 22. Connal's

Old school diner with a retro feel and small indoor seating blends with a few outdoor tables and a walk-up order system. Atmosphere stays friendly and comfortable, often drawing lines for its legendary sandwiches and classic fast food staples.

- Address: 1505 E Washington Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91104, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Connal's

### 23. Lucky Boy Drive-In at Walnut

Old school diner with late 70s atmosphere and classic Pasadena vibe offers massive breakfast burritos and chili cheese fries. Space feels small and cozy with a quiet, unhurried mood even when busy. Outdoor patio provides a solid seating option without shade tarps.

- Address: 531 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91101, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Lucky-Boy-Drive-In-at-Walnut

### 24. Tops

Small, old school burger shop with a mom and pop feel and casual, easygoing atmosphere. Offers both indoor and outdoor seating and serves notable chili cheese fries and breakfast burritos. Feels like a diner sanctuary amid fast food giants.

- Address: 1792 E Walnut St, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/Tops

### 25. King Taco

Fast food Mexican restaurant with a spacious dining area and bright, clean interior. Atmosphere feels nostalgic and inviting despite occasional sketchy moments. Known for affordable prices and authentic flavors in tacos and burritos.

- Address: 45 N Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/KingTaco

### 26. OH LA LA

French-style cafe offers a spacious seating area with beautiful interior design and live jazz music on weekends. Atmosphere feels inviting and relaxing, suitable for working or date nights. Bakery features artisan pastries that compete with top Parisian standards.

- Address: 921 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106, USA
- Atly: https://www.atly.com/location/OHLALA1

## Get this data directly

This page comes from the Atly Places API, which scores close to 2 million places against more
than 1,400 intents — "nice view", "work friendly", "gluten free", "dog friendly" — from what real
reviewers say, with the statements behind every score.

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- **OpenAPI contract:** <https://agentic-api.atly.com/v0/openapi.yaml?src=seo%3Amd%3Acontrol%3A%2Funited-states%2Fcalifornia%2Fpasadena%2Fbest-lunch-spot-mexican-food>
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