The chef and his team make the most outstanding food! I got to try what resembled a chile rilleno, but it wasn't filled with the usual cheese. This had a complex filling with plantains, ground beef, carrots, onions, etc. It was seriously a party in your mouth. The pomegranate topping was a burst of happiness! The Spanish rice and beans were rock solid. Service by the whole team was amazing! read more

El Portal - Tonight's Special Chile Rilleno! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Food was okay. I had liked it before but it may be the day or the choice we made. Ambiance is BEAUTIFUL. I do want to shout out Brian, he was extremely helpful, kind and generous. Outstanding service. Thanks Brian! read more

After a delightful shopping excursion, Te-See B & I decided we needed a refreshing cocktail to cool off from the heat. Our first choice was closed for a private event, so I suggested El Portal since it was within walking distance. I've been to El Portal several times in the past and always enjoyed it. The restaurant is hidden off the beaten path in a cute brick lined shopping complex called Arcade Lane. The courtyard is so charming we decided to sit out there instead of inside. I typically order the Skinny Margarita, but the Watermelon Margarita caught my attention and Te-See's too, so we both ordered it. It was absolutely delicious! Made with fresh watermelon - it was a nice balance of tart & sweet with bits of fresh watermelon. The chips were hot & fresh and the salsa was tasty. The bartender was very friendly and courteous. He checked on us frequently even though we were sitting outside. *Happy Hour (3 pm - 5 pm) bar area only * Extensive menu featuring Yucatan specialties and vegetarian/vegan options. * 1 hour validated parking (cash only). Entrance on Green St. Or street parking. read more

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This hidden Mexican restaurant has the best freshly squeezed "watermelon" margaritas Eva!!!! So delicious with small chunks of watermelon throughout my drink! The location reminded me of the French Quarters in Woodland Hills. It was a hot afternoon shopping in Pasadena with Nikki B and our first choice was closed for a private event. Nikki suggested we go here and I am glad she did! Our server brought us hot tortilla chips that were nice and crunchy. The fresh salsa had a nice bite without being too hot for this girl. Looking forward to returning for a full meal. -Plenty of free parking in the lot behind the restaurant. -they do have a "happy hour" inside the bar only (Not at the tables) -the margarita chica is a good size for $12 read more

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I have been a long term customer. I am disabled now and come in a wheelchair or rollator. There are only high top tables or high barstools in the bar which is the ONLY seating for the happy hour menu. So because I am disabled, I have to pay double what those who are able to sit on high stools pay. Clear violation of ADA. Also, the restaurant is deserted during Happy Hour and most other times. The regular prices are now higher than upscale restaurants. This place appears to be going down and needs to be cited for this ADA violation. In fact, the majority of their customers are elderly, many disabled so this needless policy does not serve those who actually dine there on a regular basis. Shame on you, El Portal. read more

People are friendly and food is usually good. They can be busy in evenings and for lunch so def be aware of that.

Super weak cocktails, food was whatever, not the best service, expensive for absolutely no reason. Lots of better mexican food out there. Don't waste your time. read more

This is my third time here and it just gets better and better, the service is very good and the food was excellent, and the drinks were great , what more can one ask for... read more

Food had no seasoning! Taquitos had no flavor. Crunch taco also had no flavor. Service was okay. Ambiance was okay.

I have been a long time customer but there are real issues now with El Portal that need to be addressed. Today, Dec. 3rd, I went with a friend during happy hour and was told I had to eat in the bar to receive the reduction of prices. I am handicapped and there was no accessible seating - only high tables and high bar stools. A real turnoff for myself and alll their other handicapped customers who have to pay more for the exact same dishes marked down for those physically able. Please put in some low tables in the bar so that you are ADA compliant. Prices have soared and so has parking. Place had few customers. El Portal needs to return to being ADA compliant, prices need to be equal to the food at comparable businesses and it needs to skip the parking gouging. This place looks like it is going under unless it tries to comply with the law and not gouge its remaining customers. read more

I just want to give a giant tip of the hat to Armando, and Tammy, the Party coordinator at El Portal. Our office party was absolutely awesome in the Maya room. We had Cochinita Pibil, Chicken Picado, Spinach Enchiladas, Mexican salad, rice and beans, and Cadillac margaritas. Food and drinks were excellent, great space, top notch service, and so much fun. Consider this place for your next get together. I rarely review. They even boxed up the leftovers for us to take home and we did! Bravo! read more

Delicious food, exceptional service, great ambiance. Parking is limited. but there is parking in the surrounding area. Great for group events, reserve in advance. read more

Well, these are still crazy times, so we headed as we usually do for comfort, to Pasadena and made sure we had a table just around Dia de los Muertos and Halloween. I knew El Portal would make the entire atmosphere festive, celebrating the elements of these unique holidays. And they did! See my pictures here, which will speak volumes more eloquently than I could. If you read my original review, it still conveys how much I love this place, everything about it but especially the food. Notice the upscale but cultural decor, how spotless it is, the fact that this entire complex (owned by El Portal's owners, I am guessing) reflects the same attention to detail and quality, as well as the vibes to take us right to the Yucatan, whenever we have the longing. Most diners were seated outside on the lovely patio since the weather was ... you guessed it ... Pasadena perfect, yet again: breezy, sunny, 80s, dry and soft. Ooooo. One of my photos didn't resolve well, so just picture an enormous cheese and vegetable burrito draped in a light-as-air green sauce. The best chips, freshest salsa, gigantic beverages and generous portions. And a friendly chat with knowledgeable Morena, our server. Owned by the same family for generations. Never change a thing, El Portal! read more

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Went on a busy Friday Mother's Day. We each had specials and they were great! The owner stopped and said hello and the Mariachis sang for us! We loved the atmosphere and look forward to going back and eating outside. read more

Came here to meet up with old school friends. Chips and salsa was great. Usually when the chips and salsa are good the food is good. Well I guess I'm wrong this time. The carnitas plate I ordered was OK, I've had better. The carne Asada burrito was also OK. Not worth to pay that much. My friend said his carne Asada steak was NOT carne Asada flap meat. It was a steak that was marinated with carne Asada flavors. My friend got the combo one taco and enchilada. He also said it's ok nothing special. My son liked his carne Asada nacho but he is a kid and eats everything. My daughter got the enchiladas with rice and beans. She actually liked her meal. IDK if I will come back here for the food. I'd come back for the chips, salsa and happy hour. But other than that I'm good. read more

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Zero stars if I were being honest. Came in on a Friday 6-7-24 fur lunch with my family. We've been here numerous times. We called before showing up to confirm their happy hour. Upon arrival we requested to be seated anywhere happy hour is honored. Hostess informed us that HH only honored at their bar. We mentioned that we have our 2 children and if they could honor HH anywhere but the bar,but with a negative attitude she abruptly said no. We requested to speak to a manager. An older women who failed to identify herself finally addressed us. Very rude and unprofessional. I had to ask her what her name and title was. She said we can sit at the bar,yes at the bar with our children. We were shocked and dumbfounded. I know we weren't driving a Lamborghini and probably aren't their target customers but show some respect. We left very disrespected and disappointed. You have to do better El Portal. Her name is Zenaida.Very rude and prejudice.We will never support El Portal again. Stay away from this place unless you wanted to be disrespected. read more

Me and my mom were waiting for our play to start at the Pasadena playhouse and we walked across the street here for drinks and dessert while we waited. It was so cute and a beautiful patio, the vibe was really inviting. Our server Shaun was really quick and personable with us, asking us what we were doing with our night and which of the desserts were our favorite. At the end of the night I went to the bathroom and my jacket fell off of my chair, we left and I had completely forgotten it. We ran into him in the parking lot and he had gone across the street to the Pasadena Playhouse to return my sweater. He was on his way back and ran into us. He was so incredibly sweet and the effort was unbelievable, he's definitely a big reason why we'll be coming back. Thanks Shaun! read more

El Portal - From inside, a look at the patio - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

My wife and I ate at El Portal Friday night and this was our first time here. Great reception and we were immediately seated in the outdoor patio. Marciahis were playing and going from table to table for requests. This was a very pleasant surprise. Overall, good food and prices. We also enjoyed different margaritas and they were all delicious. Their staff was attentive, helpful, and friendly. We didn't encounter any problems so we will return for more music and margaritas. read more

This is probably my favorite sit down Mexican restaurant in Pasadena. There are several others good ones that I enjoy, but this place holds a special place in my heart. From the exterior to the interior this place is solid on all fronts. The outdoor breezeway/patio is super cool and the booths under the canopy is where I always prefer to sit. Their service is top notch and their food which I have had plenty of over the years is always delicious and satisfies any Mexican craving you could ever possibly have. My personal favorites are the El Portal Vegetarian Burrito, guacamole and chips and Blood Orange Margarita, but before I was vegetarian or vegan it was pretty much everything on the menu. I've never had a bad meal at this place. This place is great! If you are looking for excellent and authentic Yucatán cuisine in the area this place will not let you down. read more

The food is great. The portions are great, but I just can't see spending $9 for a domestic beer or five dollars for a glass of iced tea

The service is so friendly and the food so yummy. Great patio for when the weather is good-which is almost always!

Good food, good service, nice atmosphere. My friend and l go here when we go to theatre in Pasadena or near by. We usually make it there several times a year. read more

This is a place that my sister and her husband frequent since they live nearby, so my wife and I decided to give it a try since we were going to see a musical at the Pasadena Playhouse, which less than a 5 minute walk away. My wife and I rushed to get to happy hour, which ended at 6pm. You do have to sit at the bar to get the happy hour specials, but it wasn't crowded and we were able to get a table when we arrived at 5:30 pm on a Wednesday night. However, it did appear that a lot of the people at the bar were regulars, so that was a little interesting. Since we were interested in getting some happy hour deals, we each got a the house margarita , which was actually pretty decent, as well as sliders and tacos, which also had happy hour prices. Both food items were very good, but I have to say that I thought the sliders were a little better. Also, it was definitely enough to fill us up. We weren't stuffed, but it was a good amount of food. Also, I have to say that service at the bar was excellent. Not sure if the bartender is always the same person, but he was very friendly and was always available. We'll definitely come back here again when we're in the area. read more

My spouse loves the tamales . And I agree , they are tender and the black beans and rice are good as well . I'm always trying to find something else on the menu to like . I've now failed three times . First time was the shrimp ceveche that is billed as being prepared from large shrimp . The time I had it was bay shrimp . Disappointed number two. Albondigas soup . It came in a shallow shallow salad bowl with few golf ball sized meatballs . The watery broth lukewarm. No add ons such as rice , chile , cilantro , onion that I've come to expect. Today's tragedy came in the form of the classic hard shell chicken taco . It came in a premade shell that completely disintegrated on first bite . As any taco lover will tell you that the meat has to be shredded, place in the shell and the deep fried . It brings out the flavors caramelizing the corn and the meat . A large piece of dark meat fell out of the taco as it disintegrated. Our bill after tip was . a hundred plus . Two glasses of wine ( a healthy pour ) Side of guacamole, tamales ( good ) And an ice tea . Service was xlnt . read more

Been coming here along time and will not return Made reservations in line for 6 They called to make sure I was coming and I had a text too when I arrived couldn't find my reservation Had to wait for people to leave put me in front of fireplace Messed up on several of my friends order tired of begging for someone to refill our water class etc Did not offer anything ( a free dessert would change my mine ) watched people without reservation get a table right away ah maybe because I'm Asian read more

Went here with a large group of 12 on a very busy Cinco de Mayo. The restaurant was accommodating since we originally booked for 11 and had to bump our party by one. Even with a reservation we still waited at least 30 minutes. Once seated and our orders were taken, we received chips and salsa all around quickly. However our dishes came out a while later, and there were a few dishes that were slower to come out so we had to wait. Our drinks though... We came here wanting to get a few rounds of drinks in, but we didn't receive our drinks until after our food arrived and by then, we didn't think it would be worth placing another order and waiting again. I get it, Cinco de Mayo, we expected it to be a bit backed up. The "grande" sized drinks aren't really grande. Essentially a goblet with 2 shots. The rest of the table got a pitcher of blended margarita, that supposedly was fantastic. The food was incredibly mediocre, with the exception of the cochinita pibil. I got the Yucatan trio wanting to try a variety of dishes. Do not get this. lol. I highly recommend only getting the cochinita pibil as its own entree. It is pulled pork and very flavorful. The chicken tamale that was part of the trio... tasted fishy(?). It may be due to how it is prepared as part of this trio but nothing on the menu suggested fishiness. There were 3 people who ordered this trio set and all the tamales tasted like this. The Poc Chuc (thin pork chops) were okay. Flavorful, but dry and chewy, possibly overdone. I personally asked for no beans, but my friends said the bean soup was surprisingly good. The tortillas were fresh and our server was kind enough to order us both corn and flour for the table to share since we wanted a mix. 2 of my friends ordered the lomo saltado. We've had this at Peruvian restaurants and this was not it. DO.NOT.GET.THIS. Not only was this pricey, but the meat was dry and neither friends took more than 5 bites. The mene described it as thinly sliced meat, but these were chunks. Not sure if it was just due to Cinco de Mayo, but there were mariachi that performed about every hour that gave a fantastic vibe. We sat outdoors, luckily it wasn't too chilly out. Overall the atmosphere is great, a bit crowded and confusing having to walk past the tables to get to the hostess for check in. There is a parking lot, but be prepared to fight for a spot at busy times. read more

Consistent and delicious we are never disappointed. I personally love the vibe at El Portal. With the owner greeting me, staff warm & friendly I always have a great experience. One evening when feeling veggie deprived I took a leap of faith and ordered a vegetarian tostada.....it was so delicious!!! It's now my "usual" order. A must try. read more

Ambiance is really nice. Has a couple patio areas. There was an all female mariachi band the night we went. The food was just so so. Mole enchiladas with chicken seemed a little dry. Their beans and rice aren't anything special. Shrimp taco was reported as "ok." Albondigas soup reported as "fine." Unmemorable meal. Seemed like a good place for big groups. Lots of bigger tables laughing and having fun. read more

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I went here for my second time with my girlfriend who lives in Altadena. I ordered the Conchinata Pibil and my girlfriend ordered Tamales. Her food was tasty according to her. I had ordered a delicious dish the first time and I couldn't remember the name but the waitress suggested Conchinata may be the dish. The waiter brought out carnitas and we said "no, not ours" and he returned with the same dish. I was surprised because it "looked dry" and it looked like the wrong order, Carnitas. I decided to give it a try. Terrible. No flavor. I ate it like a fool. I should have sent it back. The waitress wasn't very good. Had to call her over to request another Diet Coke. It was slow but she wasn't attentive. I had to ask a busboy for 2 take home boxes. I had to motion the waitress over to give me the bill. My dish was a rip off for 24.00 bucks. Very small portions of pork, rice and beans. My girlfriend loved her Margarita. Will not return. read more

Food was excellent Had the Cochinita Pibil and Carnitas and Cranberry Margaritas. Thank you Belo for the wonderful service. Much appreciated for the advice on the perfect lunch. read more

El Portal - Frozen and on the rocks - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Update: Management called me and offered a full refund and complimentary dinner, free drinks. The owners were confused on how this could happen and very apologetic on this situation. The way the owner handled this situation and took this very serious and owned the situation. They would take extra precautions to ensure this never happens to one of their customers again. I believe the owner as he took this personal and I accepted his apology and next time I will return with dine in service. The apology goes a long with me especially when you're sincere. I appreciate, you rectifying this matter expeditiously. It truly speaks volume when someone owns their faults and doesn't come up with excuses. Recommendations were made and solutions underway. Thank you El Portal. read more

El Portal - Found Hair in my food 2 of 3 meals. This is truly disappointing. Chicken Avocado Salad & Lomo Saltado talk about hitting the lottery. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I found El Portal with this app and the GPS led me to the far entrance on Colorado Blvd. Please note that there is an entrance to their parking lot in the street south of it which will take you directly to El Portal. This is a review for my first time visit at El Portal and I can't be any more pleased! First of all, the staff was friendly and our server was warm and welcoming. They were also safely protected and I give them major props to be wearing the masks and working the floor on a warm day. Big gratitude and love there. We chose to sit outside and it was all nicely spaced and comfortable. There was ample shade and a nice breeze, flowing in and out of the plaza. Very pleasant atmosphere and ambiance. Now to the food. I wanted to get dishes that they are known for. They serve Mexican, with an emphasis on Yucatan cuisine. I got their sampler plate of conchinita pibil, poc chuc and a tamale, Yucatan-style. I was blown away! the Cochinita pibil practically melts in your mouth. The poc chuc, which is a grilled pork cutlet, is pounded thin, juicy and has a citrusy taste. The Yucatan tamale is more on the moist side, was also very good. The black beans were blended to a creamy texture and the rice was very flavorful. I couldn't have picked a better introductory dish! I can't wait to go back to try the rest of the menu. read more

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The food is very bland. Everything needed salt. Huge disappointment with the Cochinita Pibil. Service- good luck if your waiter is Edith, who never came by to check on us after taking our order but she kept going to all the tables around us. We had to ask the owner for water, a to-go box, and the check. Drinks tasted I ordered the hibiscus margarita and my boyfriend ordered the pineapple margarita didn't taste like anything. Overall I was disappointed read more

I went here for the first time with a friend last Sunday afternoon. The patio seating was great even though it was a hot day we were comfortable. I had a chimichunga and a michalada and both were really good. The chimichunga came with rice, beans and a little bowl of sour cream and another with guacamole. The service was good too. My only complaint is that the prices are a little high read more

A friend and I had tix to see a show at The Pasadena Playhouse (a block away) and grabbed dinner here on a whim. So glad we did! We sat in one of the lovely outdoor booths in the courtyard. I had the Vegetable Burrito which was delicious. The guacamole came with chicharron. The service was attentive and speedy. I will be back! read more

I haven't been here in years. They have their own parking lot, that's a big plus in that area. Got seated right away. The staff is Super friendly. We got our drinks and placed our order. The food was great. I will be back read more

El Portal - Deep fried Ice cream - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Love! The staff is lovely. Food is delicioso! Every time we go, they give us something new to try, like their pumpkin soup.. which was yummy! I live for the bacon-wrapped shrimp! It is seriously the best I've had. Their steaks are tender, the guac is bomb, the drinks are strong, and the portions are ample. We try to go once a month now, it's that good... and of course, it's in Pasadena! read more

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Literally my favorite mexican restaurant in southern california and I grew up in San Diego. The food is always incredible! Love getting the carnitas plate, but everything I have ever had is so good. I recently moved out of state, but made sure to come here while back in town. They have both indoor and outdoor seating, so it's also great when we have our dogs with us! They are super dog-friendly and usually thank us for bringing them. I met the owner last week and he was the sweetest man ever. I thanked him for the all the amazing food I have eaten there over the years and he thanked ME for consuming it. The service and musician playing outside during my last visit were great too! I love you El Portal! Be back soon. read more

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

First of all our waiter Rodolfo is amazing He helped me pick the correct Margarita once I asked him what I was looking for. If you want a nice buzz without all the sugar, the Skinny Grand Cadillac Margarita with light ice and if you are feeling adventurous and hungry I suggest the Yucatan Trio! I'm going to need someone to roll me out if here with a full happy tummy! read more

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My husband and I love coming here on the weekends as they have live music. It's definitely a super popular place that many locals frequent. The food is tasty, the service is fast and the vibe is muy bien! read more