Food was good but could use a little more flavor. Would have been a 4 star but service was slow towards the end. Waited awhile to get bill and pay. Also spacing is small for getting around. Would go again just maybe try something different and add salsa. read more

Excellent service, excellent food! The sopes are amazing - the mole, traditional and tasty, and a crazy awesome tequila bar!!! Perfect affordable date night destination that's local. We'll be back for sure!!! read more

Aro Latin - Great food. Great atmosphere. Try this place- you'll like! - Latin American Near Me - South Pasadena, California

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On to the quick review. It was stellar. We had the mole (awesome mole btw) accompanied by tortillas "a mano/ hand made ". We also had the Salvadorian tamale, pork belly sopes, and this medium spicy corn kettle (amazing) dish topped with queso fresco and some type of aioli infused sauce. They all were excellent dishes. The wine and the price point was spot on. Very good wine at (what we had) $6-7 a glass compared to $12-15 a block away or across the street. The food didn't have a chance lol. We're comparing it to Red O by Rick Bayless although I think ARO edges it out a bit. They also have a seafood selection which I'm eager to try. Going to have to test the agua chiles out. They had a projector playing a Cantinflas flix and earlier in the day a Vicente Fernandez movie. Along side they had a Kings hockey playoff game. Interesting concept. The only con I noticed was no liquor license so that means no margaritas but they did have micheladas. I'm not big on the liquor at restaurants. read more

Wow! I just got home from Aro and I have to let people know how good this restaurant is; not only is the atmosphere welcoming, the food makes you never want to leave. We had the pleasure of being served by George, such a nice guy! The look of the restaurant is very contemporary. So now to the food. I ordered esquites for the appetizer, it's corn that is layered with a spicy sauce topped with cheese (queso fresco). One of the best appetizers I've ever had, also very creative and affordable. For the entree I ordered the shrimp enchiladas, they come in a delicious green sauce that makes your mouth water. One of the best enchiladas I've ever had! I then ordered a dessert, the tres leches de coco, wow! Another interesting twist on tres leches cake. I'm so impressed with Aro Latin, I can't wait to go back! read more

Aro Latin - Lunch menu - Latin American Near Me - South Pasadena, California

IMPRESIONANTE. ......the best guacamole I ever had with fresh vegetables and that ARO touch. Very special flavors from Latin America. For sure will be back here at ARO LATIN again. read more

We chose this restaurant for our engagement brunch and it fulfilled in every way. The food was delicious, the deserts were amazing. I love this restaurant and you should also. Amazing Latin food, I will be back regularly. Thank you Aro Latin for making our engagement that much better. read more

One of the best restaurant in South Pasadena and I've been having the very best times here! Great food, awesome cocktails especially the Margaritas and the staff are so friendly making us feel right at home. I took my daughter here this past weekend and she loved it as well. We laughed, ate, drank having the best evening relaxing in all life's madness which made us forget the world outside! 10 out 10 's. I've dined in and ordered take out ! The paella was outstanding as well as the snapper and guacamole!!! I highly recommend this restaurant for all dining needs!! Thank you very much!! Can't wait to return! read more

I just tried Aro this week. It is a mix of a lot of Latin dishes. I tried the Coles de Bruselas, Sopes de Platano, and Aqua Chile. The first two were delicious. I was a little disappointed by the aqua chile because it was not spicy at all (the waiter warned me it was their spiciest dish). It was just okay. The sangria was great though! Aside from the food, I really liked the atmosphere. It is a spacious place and they play Latin pop in the background. Perfect for a mellow night but don't expect a lot for your buck. read more

Came here for New year's day, the restaurant had about 10 people. I went to the bathroom right away, one was clogged, smelly and it seemed they hadn't clean it for a couple of days. The other bathroom was also smelly, and did not have a proper sink it was just the faucet and a container on the floor to collect the water. Needless to say you're shoes got all wet when you wash your hands. We order empanadas they were good, everything else was mideocre at best (beans were cold, quesadilla was horrible and the other plate was not impressive), it was so disappointing to have our first new year's dinner here. Would not recommend it if you want to get out satisfied. The only good thing about this place was the server. He was very polite. read more

My 1st time visit here for h.h. overall comes w/a good impression: 1). Margarita-well blended w/a kick 2). Lamb Taco- this was blowing me away! Tender juicy flavorful lamb chunks was totally awakening my foodie hunger...I could hv it more and more.Thanks to friendly attentive bartender guy who highly recommended this one! 3). Shrimp: The flavor is okay, yet the texture of the shrimp itself is 'superficially' crunchy...kinda chemical. read more

The owner is especially courteous and with superb customer service and explained to us in detail every single dishes. The the dishes are well thought out, beautifully presented, and most important of all taste so good! Highly recommend to give it a try. Some of their dish is on the sour side. read more

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Aro is great new addition to our neighbourhood.we were theee last night and they were buay for tuesday night.we ordered agua fresca and don david melbec.Sangria was fruity and not sweet melbec was very good for the price.we ordsred ceviche ( a bit spicy ) Ahi tuna tiradito ( sweet and little pungent ) excellent.for dinner we had enchiladas and baby back ribs we had side of brussell sprouts.everythung was excellent. Service was vwry attentive and friendly. A great looking restaurant.keeo uo the goos work Aro! read more

Came with family and friends Food was really good and kid friendly Service was good, young staff I get it. Not big on TV and electronic music Maybe some authentic Latin tunes nextime Our third time back still happy South Pasadena support it. read more

A great place of drinks and food. They have great combination of food and drinks. Love their creative dishes with different sauces. read more

Aro Latin - Great bar with tasty food. - Latin American Near Me - South Pasadena, California

Decided to give this place a try with a group of friends. We all left pretty satisfied and very full! Portions are big and everything is very filling. I ordered the shrimp tacos which was okay. I've had much better. We also ordered a medium steak but they brought out a well done, dry piece of steak which was difficult to chew. The street corn however, was absolutely delicious. I'd probably go back just for the corn. I did really like their salsa but don't get why they charge for chips and salsa. I've never been to a Mexican restaurant that charges for chips and salsa. The service at this restaurant was great. All the services were super nice and attentive to our large group. Food came out on time and they would regularly check up on us. Overall experience was good But was a little disappointed with our food. read more

Great service. We are regulars here!! Love to come here with the kids. Food is great and staff is friendly.

Amazing service... The food was unique and everything we ordered tasted amazing. A culinary adventure that your taste buds will thank you for! read more

Excellent food. The homemade pupusas and hot sauces are the goods. Loved the cerviche and Baja fish tacos too. And if you don't try a Mezcal Mule you're a fool! We'll be back. read more

This Yelp review is LONG OVERDUE...But do read, as you will be convinced how amazing ARO Latin is! Long story kinda short, my small construction project management firm had a wonderful event that was hosted at ARO Latin on Wednesday, April 13, 2016. It was in celebration of our 20 years in the CPM industry. I was the event coordinator, at the behest of the President of our firm. We chose ARO Latin because we are a local small business in South Pasadena and are big supporters of "support local". We originally looked into another venue (to no-avail), damn them! But are so thankful that ARO Latin was the place, because they certainly knocked it WAY out...and I am convinced that the other place would never have met the quality, sincerity and professionalism of the ARO staff! I contacted ARO about two months prior to our event, in mid-February 2016. I was immediately in contact with the General Manager, Ivan, who was extremely enthusiastic, professional and eager to meet and discuss details with me. We set up a meeting, where I observed the genuine warmth that the staff had for their guests, as I awaited Ivan's arrival (I was early). Known for their tapas and infused tequila cocktails, it is not just a food and drink venue....It's an experience. Moving on...Ivan and I coordinated the event details for about two weeks. I then was contacted by ARO Latin's Owner, Karan Raina, who said that he would continue coordinating the details for our event. We were expecting 100-200 guests, so it was great to see upper management step in to assist with details and ensure our expectations would be met. That is one of the best things about local small businesses; that you actually have the opportunity to meet and network with these amazing people - that truly know and understand the community and small business circuit! Fast-forward to one-week before the event...Karan, Ivan and I met for lunch to finalize details and staffing expectations. They invited me to meet with them at the venue, so I could envision the space one more time and hash out the final details. During our meeting they went ABOVE and BEYOND, reiterating the details we had already discussed: confirming the entertainment (we had an AMAZING trumpet player who played jazz throughout the night and really set a classy and sophisticated tone); adding some personal "ARO" touches like a "Signature Cocktail" to greet our guests with; and enticing me with an amazing multi-course sampling of some of the hors d'oeuvres we would be offering our guests...and even a sample of some of their signature dishes like...Colifor, Pescado a la Veracruzana, Baja Taco de Camarones, Sopes de Platanos...and if you want to know what these items are???? Well, you have to go visit the menu on their website...and make your way to the restaurant, pronto!!!! Needless to say, I gorged myself that afternoon for two hours...AND THE FOOD & COMPANY WAS FANTASTIC! Fast-forward one more week...party time! Honestly, everything about the pre-event, event and post-event was seamless. And trust me, I know. I was an Operations Manager for a national corporate restaurant venue for several years. The set-up was fabulous; everyone there continuously asked us if they could help, or if we needed anything. They pretty much let us decorate in any way necessary (we bought out the space for the evening), and worked with us on whatever furniture/table arrangement we needed for the "flow" that we envisioned. Once the party started, I never had to ask, "Where are the servers?"...They were amazing. Staffing was perfect, and once the heavy hors d'oeuvres started flowing, they just...kept...coming. And our guests absolutely raved about the food. I can't even count how many times guests said, "Wow! This space is great!", "What a fun event!", "The tapas are wonderful!"...Honestly, we couldn't have been happier! As the jazz continued and our guests mingled in our "come-and-go-mixer-like" setting, Ivan continuously checked-in with me (with Karan always inconspicuously in the background with oversight) to make sure we were pleased....And obviously, we were! During tear-down, the ARO Staff helped with anything we needed....They even made sure we didn't leave without enjoying a moment of rest at the bar, with a discussion of their signature infused tequila cocktails (okay, and maybe a sample...or two, also)...All before sending us off with some leftovers to enjoy later...Which our office did enjoy for lunch the next day! It was truly a fun, delicious, classy, memorable experience...My boss was extremely pleased with everything, and so were all of our guests. The best part? The relationships we now have with this fantastic local business! Everyone, please, go visit ARO Latin...Whether for a cocktail, a meal, or an amazing event space - You will not regret the experience! From the atmosphere, to the service...to the food. You will be right at home at ARO Latin on Mission Street, in South Pasadena! read more

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Stephanie our server was so awesome. She was really friendly to my Parents and myself. The food was delicious and the portions were perfect. They sang me Happy bday (caught me off guard) and brought me out some arroz con leche. It was perfect. I'll def come back here! read more

Ratsssss!!! So disgusting. Went there last night and there was a rat climbing up and down the wall. I saw it three times and I was grossed out. For a 4 star restaurant, it sure didn't look like it. Did not order any food after the appetizer since I saw the rat. I definitely do not recommend this restaurant, unless you want to find a surprise in your food. The waiters were super nice but I'm not sure if it was because of what we saw or they were genuinely nice. NEVER GOING BACK THERE!!! read more

Aro is an attempt at upscale "Latin" food in a family-centric neighborhood. My personal opinion is that while I appreciate the goal of elevating Central and South American cuisine to a new level, this place just comes off as pretentious. Also, in my opinion, the food and the restaurant should reflect the culture of the people it is representing and none of what I experienced at Aro is a reflection of the welcoming and warm cultures of Central and South America. My boyfriend and I went for a late night drink and appetizers on a Friday. We were seated right away and the hostess was very accomodating to our request to move to the bar area since we were not going to eat dinner, but we ended up staying at our table because the bar was full. Our waitress seemed like she was pressing us to order an entree, even though we let her know we were only there for apps and drinks. She kept the experience strictly business with no nonsense. I appreciate her commitment to efficiency, but a little smile wouldn't hurt every now and then. Overall, service was ok. We ordered two micheladas (the special listed outside) with chips, Aro guacamole and the Aro salsas. These items left a lot to be desired. First of all, the micheladas were $12 a piece. I love a good michelada, but this is a very simple beverage, so basically we paid $24 for two beers, some tomato juice and a sprinkle of chile (with no lemon or lime!!). We expected that since the michelada was listed outside as a "special" that it would be a decent price. The Aro guacamole was ok, but didn't seem to have any of the ingredients that were listed on the menu (mango, jicama, habañero, etc.). I think for the amount of guac that we got, the $7 price point is fair. The salsa, however, was lacking. It came as three different salsas on a small tray with enough of each salsa for about two scoops. These salsa's also did not seem to contain the ingredients listed on the menu (walnut & pecan, cucumber & mint??). It would have been nice to have an explanation of the salsas that came out, since we expected them to be fairly exotic. We were not trying to make a meal out of these appetizers, but they did not come with enough chips. Overall, I do not feel that Aro is a family friendly or welcoming neighborhood establishment for South Pasadena. I do feel that Aro could become an asset to my neighborhood with a few changes and adjustments to the menu, price points and attitude of service. read more

I'm so hesitant to write this review, because I have been so excited for Aro to open. I love to support businesses in my town of South Pasadena, and will certainly be back to Aro one day...hopefully with a better end experience. Unfortunately, we visited the restaurant last week (first week of April), and they were still going through the opening/growing pains. With no reservation, we were able to get a table on a Thursday night with no problem. We were greeted by a hostess who sat us immediately. The waiter approached and asked to take our drink orders. I asked a few questions about the wine options, as I had never heard of some of the spanish varieties. He knew very little about the wine, and instead offered tastes before we ordered which was very nice. I appreciated that, but expected more knowledge about the wine list. The wine pour was terrible unfortunately. I don't expect a heavy hand, but a moderate pour would have been appreciated. The restaurant was pretty empty that night, with about 3 tables seated, and less than 4 people at each table. The restaurant however, had 8-9 waiters, bus boys, and other staff, just standing around chatting which made it an awkward experience for us. We were asked by multiple waiters, on multiple occasions if everything was ok, if we needed more water, etc. Normally, I wouldn't have a problem with that, but it just seemed that perhaps they should have had the night off instead of trying to stay busy. The waiters could also use a bit more training and education when waiting on tables. We had one girl interrupt our dinner (and conversation) multiple times by saying "excuse me, are you guys ok??" in a tone that made us wonder if we really were ok! It was just super awkward. The restaurant was also very quiet, with no music playing. Eventually late in the evening, the music was turned on, which helped some. Now for the food....sigh. Again highest hopes. Empanadas were dry and boring. Lentil soup was extremely spicy - so bad that we actually returned it for the chicken tortilla soup. That was much better. We also ordered the pork belly sopes (I forget what they're called on the menu) - those were just ok as well. Lastly we asked for the cauliflower plate, as the table next to us ordered it, and it sounded delicious. The menu description said pesto and mint, which sounded lovely. Unfortunately, i'm not sure why or how, this dish was also extremely spicy. The menu description said nothing about spice. At this point, I was sweating and my taste buds were shot. I'm not someone who can't handle spice either, but both the lentils and cauliflower were way over spiced. Not the best first impression of the restaurant, but like I said, we'll give it another shot in a few months. Sorry, Aro! I hope things improve. read more

For shame, it's listed everywhere I turn (online and in meatspace) that you are open for breakfast at 8 am on the weekends and for brunch starting at 11 am and yet at 11:30 am last Sunday you were still closed! And there is no signage anywhere about your hours. And even worse, your phone number just goes directly to voicemail and not even a recording of what your hours are or where you are located. What is the point of getting the word out if you're not going to keep your word! read more

Tried the Branzino a la Parrilla...absolutely delicious. Would def come back and try other things

I will say that their food is prepared well. My faves are the plantains and any of their grilled vegetables. My husband was very happy with the enchiladas. My only complaint with our meal tonight was their salmon belly soup that they comment about being featured in LA weekly. I won't complain about the taste..it was adequate. However, it was nothing like the description of their soup. There was no tomato base for the broth and no fried jalapeños as described in their menu. Looking at LA weekly's article, they comment about Brussels sprouts, grilled onion, and cilantro (none of which were incorporated in my soup). It was a plain seafood/chicken stock base with some peppers, mushrooms, corn, zucchini, plain onions, and salmon. When I asked the waitress about the tomato base, she asked the chef and said the soup I had is how it's normally prepared. I was honestly confused as to how they can say it was tomato based when clearly it was just a broth (no tomato color at all, just the color of chicken broth) so I just played it off as no big deal. I think I'm more bothered that they'd rather lie than say that they just screwed up a dish or just didn't prepare it the way it was described in their menu and advertised in the magazine. read more

A friend and I had lunch there a few weeks ago. The Irish pub next door where we are planning to dine was packed as it was St. Patrick's Day. Hungry, we decided to dine here. We couldn't really figure out the menu as there is a mish mash of offerings. My friend had chicken enchiladas and I had a burger. The food was very average. But what set this place apart, was the poor service. We constantly had to flag our waiter which was weird as the place was pretty empty. Within 40 minutes, they "ran out" of the beer my friend was drinking so he had to switch to another brand. I wouldn't dine here again. read more

Came here with friends. Service was friendly and quick. Sangria was delicious and surprisingly strong. The appetizers were great, also. I regretted that I had eaten a late lunch and wasn't very hungry, because everything was delicious. Prices were fair. Nice ambiance. I will definitely come back to try more off the menu. read more

This was one of our favorites for a while, but the last two times we have gone in, the quality of the product seems to have declined noticeably. The people are still great, drinks are good, but the actually quality of the food is the issue; the meat in one dish was tough and chewy, the Sauce for our fish dish was simple as usual, but flavorless like the raw products weren't fresh. I hope to see them turn it around as this has been a go to. read more

The place to go for a legit margarita! A good margarita is hard to find around these parts. Went to Aro for happy hour and was pleasantly suprised! read more

We arrived, and after sitting at the table for 10 minutes with multiple servers walking by and every single one of them ignoring us (no eye contact, no glance, no "welcome to ARo") in this half empty restaurant, we left. No food is worth horrendous service. read more

We were the only diners for brunch today and yet we got bad service. The decor is gorgeous and the three of us wanted to love this place. Too bad the owners couldn't be bothered to be there. There was a cocktail menu with yummy selections BUT no bartender!!! They lost out on revenue. A water bottle was brought to the table but not poured for us. Sigh The employees were all laughing in the corner or watching tv. Another sigh . Our food was ok. We had to ask for chips and salsa and something to drink. The brunch menu was not given to us so I asked for it. Pancakes with tamarind syrup sounded great but we got generic syrup in sealed containers. The servers had no clue. They brought some jam instead. Sigh. Pancakes were tasty! Everything else was ok. Short rib omelette was chewy. Chilaquiles were cold. my veggie omelette was good. The salsas were yummy. No wonder the place was empty at 1:30pm on a Sunday. Get it together owners! read more

Aro Latin - Not tamarind syrup. - Latin American Near Me - South Pasadena, California

This is one of my favorite local eateries. I probably come to Aro a couple times a month. It's a Latin fusion restaurant so it's not going to be "hole in the wall" authentic. However, I love that there seems to be a Yucatán influence to the dishes. My favorite go-to dishes are the ceviches, the watermelon ceviche is especially unique. My family seems to gravitate toward the casuelas of pork as well. The margaritas are also excellent! I like bringing family here when we have visitors. The atmosphere is relaxed and the service is fantastic! I highly recommend checking it out! read more

You will need a reservation. I started with the tamale and the red sangria. It was ice cold and the olives still had pits. I sent it back. The sangria was watered down and virtually tasteless. When the tamale came back, it was hot and delicious, but once again I bit down on 2 olive pits. Not pleasant. I ordered the duck. It was tough, overcookedand cold, so I was sending it back when they asked what they could bring me instead. I left it in their hands as long as what they brought me was warm. The chicken mole was tasty and warm. I had the white sangria too which was a little better. The plantains were nothing special. It will be a month or two before I come back. They need to work out the kinks. I will say the staff genuinely cares. They want you to have a good experience. The space is nice. And the menu is interesting. I hope they work out the bugs. When I go out, I want it to be at least as good as my home cooking. read more

Aro Latin - Latin American Near Me - South Pasadena, California

It was a beautiful day for brunch. I had chilaquiles (if it's on the menu, it's happening) #greensauce. The service and food was great, the hubs had the hash. I plan to go back for the papusa specials on Saturdays! read more

I really wanted to like this place, especially because its just down the street, but i was sorely disappointed! Over prized, mediocre food. The saffron rice was dry, reminded me of something straight out of the box. The entrees were like warm, big no no! Probably not going back. read more

People this is NOT a 3.5! It's actually...Great food! Atmosphere is fun... Especially w/ red sangria which is delish! Mole is Mexican grandma style & Salvadorian abuela hooks up the Salvadorian Tamales...we were told by the server his grandma makes them every day! The place is family owned. The family also owns Rahika down the street. Try the Esquites... Yumm. I'm coming back for sho... read more

Had a wonderful experience here today. The appetizers, drinks, main entrees and deserts were fantastic! Very authentic and original flavors! Loved the atmosphere and service. Highly recommend this place! read more

Tried for the first time. Wife ordered Sangria, it was clear & a little too watered down. Got empanadas & pork belly appetizers, which was good. Entrees were paella del mar and 10 oz carne asada steak. The paella was moist with good portions, although I wish there was more seafood in it. The steak was thin and cooked pre-sliced. We asked for it to be cook medium rare and it came well done and was tough to chew and certainly not worth the $29 price tag. For dessert, I ordered plantains, which was decent. So for 2 appetizers, 2 entrees, 1 desert, a soda & Sangria the bill came to $102, which I felt was on the steep side for the quality of the food. The only thing I would recommend is the paella. It is not dry like at many other places. read more

Came in around 5 on Good Friday. We did not eat, it was not busy. Very slow service...terrible sangria! I repeat, TERRIBLE SANGIRA! Must find a new And authentic recipe ASAP. Would maybe come back to try the food, but the staff did not inspire me to try them again. read more