Javiers

Definitely speakeasy vibes. You will need to message ahead of time for the password. There will be…read morea bouncer outside that'll ask for it. Inside is a surprisingly large space. So much seating! I've never seen the venue overcrowded. Large menu so many drinks to try! Great spot whenever I have guests visiting

"The Speakeasy" is located in Old Pasadena. There is a large multi-story parking garage right…read morearound the corner. The place has some intrigue as you need to know a password to gain entry. I was pleasantly surprised when I sent an email to the address on the website and received a reply with the password in a little over thirty minutes. After parking, we didn't have any problems finding the entrance even though it is not marked. Look for the big wood double doors and doorman standing in front. After giving him the password, he opened the doors and we walked in. We were surprised in several ways. The place is way bigger than I would expect for a place named "The Speakeasy". And at 6:30pm on a Sunday, we were the only guests inside. Only one other couple came in during the 30 minutes we were there. I would assume they are a lot busier on Friday and Saturday night. It is dimly lit, and very red inside. The bar is large with many bottles of liquor on display and many seats. The rest of the space is one large area that must have at least 20 tables, and the ceiling is high. It gives off more of a nightclub vibe than a speakeasy vibe. I tried the Naked & Famous cocktail which has two of my favorite spirits (Vida mezcal, aperol, yellow Chartreuse, lime, $18). It was nicely balanced with a good mix of smoke and herbal flavor. She had the Pablo's Poison (Altos reposado tequila, strawberry, lime, jalapeno, elderflower, $17). The jalapeno flavor really stood out with strawberry and elderflower in the background. They have a good cocktail menu with almost twenty cocktails, as well as a food menu with ten items. Walk up to the bar to order your drinks. Jeremy, the manager, and the female bartender whose name who I didn't get were nice. We aren't in Pasadena very often, and while they have a good cocktail menu, I don't know if we would return. We were expecting more.

Tables and pictures at the end of the bar

Christmas decorations!!

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All reds

Bull And Barrel

4.9(17 reviews)

0.5 mi

We found this whiskey bar on Yelp after dinner at OSA, and it ended up being such a great find. The…read moreselection of spirits alone is impressive, but the omakase experience is what really stood out. We gave the bartender a little direction- I wanted something citrus (whiskey), while my partner went aromatic (cognac) and let him take it from there. He absolutely delivered. We completely missed taking pictures of the first round, but definitely didn't make that mistake twice. We came intending to stick to drinks, but the dinner menu definitely caught my attention. I already know I'll be coming back to try it. Such a hidden gem and easily worth the visit, especially if you appreciate a bartender who knows how to build a drink around your preferences rather than just follow a standard cocktail menu.

A very fun (for me fun = great selection of different things to try) and elegant spirits / cocktail…read morebar affiliated or at least (physically) connected to Alexander's steakhouse. The vibe here fit the steakhouse very well. The service and selection here are great. I think there is some membership program here as well, but don't know the details. I was meeting some friends for dinner at the steakhouse, but came a little early so I grabbed a drink here. It was on a weekday so the place wasn't very busy. Fun looking cocktails, but there is such a great selection of spirits, so ended up just getting a sipping rum. Was only early enough to have one drink by myself, but definitely would come back to try different drinks here. Especially if I was gonna eat at the restaurant again.

Sipping on some Foursquare rum

Some of the selection - POV sitting at the bar

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Sitting at the bar

The Blind Donkey

3.9(723 reviews)

Nice dimly lit bar with good cocktails, with decent staff, been going for years, I stopped going…read morethough after the story below... Went here 6 months ago on a weekday around late evening. About an hour in, this dude comes inside with the biggest pit bull I've ever seen. It must have been bred with a horse or something, it weighs a solid 125+ pounds. Guy sits at the bar and the bartenders ogle the dog and usual. The dog lays down on the floor at the corner of the bar, on the way to the restrooms as the guy flirts with the bartenders and has his drink. 10min later this chick walking to the bathroom trips over this black dog lying on the floor and faceplants onto the floor! Lady pops up from embarrassment and dog owner grabs its chain before it has a chance to react. Fricking hilarious, but crisis averted! The guy moves to a table at the middle of the bar with the same dog at his feet. The moron bartenders don't bother to tell him to go outside or anything else. So 5 min later a guy walking buy steps on the dogs leg or tail and the thing jumps up and almost lunges at the guy and starts barking. It was frickin unbelievable how stupid he and the workers here were. Finally one of the guys in the bar says something to the bartender about the dog, and they just wave him off. Wow! Whoever owns this bar is going to get sued to no end based on the actions of the bartenders.

Chill vibes, extensive drink options, very casual in the heart of downtown Pasadena…read more Various parking options nearby in all direction. A great place to start before heading out, stop through during a shopping or restaurant hopping experience, or a fun way to end the night!

Whiskey selections

Triple-fried Fries

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Hatchet job

Osa Rooftop

3.8(397 reviews)

0.7 mi

I was really looking forward to celebrating my birthday at Osa Rooftop, but unfortunately the…read moreexperience started off on a disappointing note. My group arrived after the grace period, which I completely understand is our responsibility. The issue wasn't that our reservation couldn't be honored--it was how the situation was handled. We had difficulty finding parking, which caused the delay, and I tried reaching the restaurant by both phone and message to let them know. Unfortunately, I was only able to reach an AI system, so there was no way to speak with someone directly. When we arrived, I politely explained what had happened to the hostess, but instead of showing any understanding, she was dismissive and hostile. She repeatedly said she was busy and told us our only options were a high-top table or seats at the bar. One of the people in our party was pregnant, yet no effort was made to accommodate her or consider that a bar seat or high chair wasn't appropriate. Thankfully, our server was incredibly kind and immediately found my pregnant friend a more comfortable chair, which we truly appreciated. However, what made the situation even more frustrating was that an empty standard table sat directly in front of us for over an hour. It remained available the entire time, yet no one ever offered to move us or even checked whether we would like to switch. The service from our server was excellent and the food was great, but the lack of empathy and hospitality from the hostess really overshadowed what was supposed to be a special birthday celebration. I understand restaurants have policies, but kindness, communication, and basic customer service go a long way. A little compassion and willingness to accommodate would have made all the difference.

Going during sunset is totally worth it! View was great as well as service! Only thing is I wish…read morethere were more food items! But food was great!

Beet salad with whipped goat cheese - very good - Zinfandel & Swift Relief -

Tostones

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Bar at the Osa Rooftop

10 1/4 Pasadena

4.4(92 reviews)

Locally owned & operated

Family-owned & operated

10 1/4 is a hidden cocktail bar located underneath Freddie's 35er, a popular Dodgers bar. To get…read morehere, not only do you have to go to the back of The 35er and go down the stairs, you ignore the tiki bar in front of you and make an immediately right U-turn. You reach a phone booth, pick up the phone, and wait for someone to buzz you in. This bar is different from the other two bars as it's smaller, more intimate, and focused on craft cocktails. On nights and weekends though, it can still get busy. We ordered a variety of drinks and liked the menta milk punch ($18), last word ($18), and queen's park swizzle ($16). This was my first time here and I would be interested in coming back and also check out the tiki bar too. This is a cool place to go as part of your bar hopping in Old Town Pasadena.

Hidden beneath the 35er bar is a place that feels like it's waiting to be discovered. The entrance…read morealone sets the scene--you slip downstairs through a "secret" passage hidden inside a phone booth, and suddenly the familiar bar upstairs feels a world away. Down below, the atmosphere shifts completely: darker, intimate, mysterious, and just theatrical enough to feel like you've stumbled onto something you weren't necessarily supposed to find. Unfortunately, the secret was clearly out. The place was absolutely packed, and we couldn't secure a table. So our investigation ended prematurely--but like any good mystery, it left us wanting more. We'll absolutely return next time and see where the rabbit hole leads.

10 ¼ Old Fashioned. Drinks 10/8/2025

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The Cellar - A Wine Library

4.5(616 reviews)

this place was sooooo cool! came here on a girls night out. went down the elevator and was greeted…read morewith the magic door of barrels opening for us. we were seated by the playing piano which was a little loud so we asked our host if we could move and they accompanied us to the other side of the cellar right away. we of course got the charcuterie board, which was actually amazing and really exceeded my expectations. there was a lot of variety in the fruits, both fresh and dried, that accompanied the meats and cheeses quite nicely. i later learned that the cheeses on the boards changes weekly so it's never the same thing twice, which is nice. later, we got the baked brie with strawberries which was also delicious for wine, our waitress was very happy to answer our questions and helping us pick a glass that we liked. i absolutely fell in love with the saracco moscato, if you like a fruity, sweet white wine i highly recommend that! it was a delightful evening!

Years ago, my husband took me out for a date night in Pasadena and we ended up at a super loud bar…read more It was lit, but absolutely not the date-night vibe we were in the mood for. He frantically started searching Yelp for somewhere else nearby, and that's how we stumbled upon this place. Now it's become one of our favorites. It's a speakeasy with a really cool entrance that I won't spoil, a relaxed atmosphere, piano tunes, a great wine selection, and charcuterie that's perfect for sharing. It's one of those places where you can actually sit, talk, have a glass of wine, and enjoy the night. Such a great spot to chill, chat, and vibe and still one of our favorite date-night finds in Pasadena. Great for groups too.

The coolest atmosphere.

Entrance

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Bordeaux

The 1894

4.5(74 reviews)

0.9 mi

Tucked inside Vromans you'll find 1894, a small bar serving wine, flights, selection of cocktails…read moreand nibblers. We enjoyed beer, wine and a charcuterie (from Agnes Cheesery). The service was top notch attentive, friendly, and courteous. A relaxing and chill environment surrounded by books.

If you love books, wine, and that cozy intellectual vibe, 1894 is an absolute must-visit in…read morePasadena. This bar is tucked inside Vroman's Bookstore (already one of the most charming and iconic bookstores in the area) so the entire experience feels like stepping into a warm, literary universe. You can browse for a new book, take in the bookstore's atmosphere, and then walk straight into the bar. Honestly, it's the perfect outing. What makes 1894 truly special is how intentionally it celebrates literature. Everything in the bar pays homage to the bookstore. The drink menu is full of clever, book-inspired names. You'll find cocktails like Pride and PearJudice Pride, Fifty Shades of Earl Grey, and other fun literary twists. Every drink feels like a little wink to readers, writers, and book lovers, and it adds such a unique charm to the experience. The vibe is super quaint and warm, dim lighting, and a creative atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. The wine is on the pricier side ($19-$21 per glass), but the quality delivers. Customer service was excellent. One of the bartenders spent time chatting with us. He pointed out a chalk artwork behind the bar a dramatic portrait he drew himself featuring expressive, literary-style faces, like Edgar Allan Poe, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, etc. It fits perfectly with the creative, bookish aesthetic of the bar. If you're into books, wine, and unique experiences, 1894 is a spot you absolutely can't miss. Perfect for a date, a solo unwind-with-a-book moment, or a fun night with friends who appreciate a good story and a great drink.

French Pilsner and truffle popcorn

2 drinks trying to get "picked up" Floral Spritz & Pride & Pearjudice

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The Warm Brie & Baguette with honey - absolutely fantastic!!

Ladies and Gentlemen

4.2(264 reviews)

•$$$$

If you love speakeasies and classy bars, then this is the spot for you! The bar is located near the…read morerestrooms where Wanderlust creamery is. Once you walk in, the vibe instantly transforms into a sexy and luxurious space with dim lighting, cushioned seats, and interesting artwork hanging on the wall. They have quite a few drinks on their menu. I like how the menu highlights the flavors of each cocktail so it makes it easier to find a drink that will suite your tastes. We ordered the beauty and the beast and friends and neighbors drink. Both cocktails tasted very light and delicious. On top of that, the beauty and the beast drink comes in a cute rose shaped glass which matches the name perfectly! The servers were very attentive and would check in on us periodically. They also give you some chips that you can munch on while enjoying your drink. This spot is perfect for a date or girls night out! I definitely want to come back and try their other drinks!

"Hidden entrance." Make your way past the doors to Wanderlust Creamery and other food stalls, and…read morewalk all the way to the back. Go downstairs, whether by stairs or elevator... where there are multiple bathrooms. And ask the nearest person how to get to Ladies and Gentlemen, to be let in. Fun, and whimsical, and definitely a space with a theme. First and more importantly, the cocktails and the food is definitely quality. And they will charge you quality pricing for the luxuriousness of it all. Seating, tables, candles, ambiance. I mean, the walls lined up with crafted skulls ain't gonna pay for itself. The staff is friendly, and helpful. And classy. The places oozes class. A great place to chat and catch up with friends. Where the ambient noise isn't so loud that you really need to raise your voice to talk. As a single person who came with a book to read and study... it's dim lighting so I had to make use of candlelight. This really is meant to be more of a social spot. I came in on a weekday to catch the Suntory promotion, which came with some nice collectibles to pair with your highball. I feel like every cocktail I've had here so far has a great sense of balance and technique. I'll probably come back and try their omakase course of cocktails at some point. Is it "kami no glass?" (The Glass of God) - I haven't found one that has touched my soul to that extent, but they do have an extensive list to explore. The food menu consists of luxurious bites from burrata, crudo, bone marrow, oysters, and the like. Gourmet pairings for your expensive tastes.

Hot honey pepperoni pizza, really good!

Beauty and the beast

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Interior

Madeline Bar

4.0(4 reviews)

1.3 mi

We had a tea reservation for 3:15, we got there on time and we're our food came promptly. Our…read moreserver. Her name was Taylor. She was wonderful and food and tea were all very good.

walked in after a Christmas party & the owner was behind the bar, she was out of control yelling at…read morethe customers & refused to serve my friend! It's too bad because we live in the neighborhood & have been great patrons. People should not treat people the way she treated her customers!

Madeline Bar

Madeline Bar Seatings

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Fireplace Room

35er Bar

3.3(519 reviews)

•$

Came here with my friends after lunch and this plave has ac. This is just a bar, dont expect any…read morefood because its just a plave to drink. I thought the prices were really cheap for the shots. I think it was $12 but i dont remember since there was a tab and multiple shots and beer were charged. Place is really clean and they have tvs to watch games. Park at the parking structure. Its probably $1 and hour or something. i really admire all the signed jerseys and collectibles then have. They had soo much it even went onto the ceiling.

The bar itself was fun and had a good atmosphere, but I'm leaving this review because my group was…read moredisappointed with how security handled a situation during our visit. A friend in our group felt uncomfortable and was harassed after an interaction with another guest, and we personally felt our concerns were not taken seriously when reported. I hope management works on improving guest safety and response to concerns in the future. Women visiting should stay aware of their surroundings and go with trusted friends.

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Tiki Bar

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23 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

Edgar A.

18 days ago

I had an absolutely terrible experience at Javier's in Pasadena, and based on everything that happened, I will never return. The poor service started almost immediately. Our meals arrived, and we had to ask our waitress twice just to bring us plates so we could actually eat. That should be a basic part of serving a table, yet we were left sitting there having to repeatedly ask for something that should have been automatic. Unfortunately, the experience got much worse after we left. That night, I became sick and experienced what I believe was food poisoning after eating at the restaurant. I understand that food-related illness can be difficult to definitively trace to a particular meal, but given the timing, it was extremely concerning and upsetting. I did the right thing and reached out to management to explain what happened and give them an opportunity to address my concerns. What was perhaps just as disappointing as the original experience was the way management handled my complaint. Instead of showing genuine concern, empathy, or taking the situation seriously, I found their response extremely unapologetic and completely unaccommodating. When a customer has a terrible dining experience and then reaches out directly, the least you expect is for management to listen, acknowledge the concern, and make some effort to show that they value their customers. Unfortunately, that was not my experience at Javier's. Bad service can happen, but how a restaurant responds when something goes wrong says a lot about the establishment. In my experience, Javier's failed on both fronts--the service during our visit and the way management handled the aftermath. I would strongly encourage people to think twice before spending their money here. There are plenty of other restaurants where you can receive better service and, more importantly, feel like your concerns actually matter. I personally will be taking my business elsewhere. read more

Isabella G.

9 months ago

I dined at Javier's with a party of seven. Our reservation time itself was fine, but I would not recommend this restaurant for a large group. We were seated in what felt like the busiest area in the entire restaurant right next to the bar and near the entrance. The noise level was overwhelming. Between the bar traffic and constant foot traffic, it was so loud that our table couldn't even hear one another, which made conversation impossible and resulted in us eating mostly in silence. Additionally, guests waiting for overbooked reservations were standing around our table, talking and crowding our space. This felt uncomfortable and disrespectful, as they were essentially hovering while we were trying to dine. Our order was messed up, which we understood given how loud the environment was. We didn't blame our server, as it was clear they were struggling to hear us. However, when the issue was brought to the manager's attention, our concerns weren't handled respectfully, particularly when we explained that we no longer wanted the incorrect items. It's worth noting that the food itself was good. Overall, this experience was not enjoyable. While Javier's may be better suited for smaller parties, I would not recommend it for large groups due to the seating, noise level, and how the situation was handled. read more

Desiree R.

9 months ago

As a longtime guest and admirer of your Los Angeles and Orange County locations, I was eager to visit your new Pasadena restaurant. However, I am writing to share some disappointment regarding our experience, as the evening felt quite chaotic and did not meet the high standards I have come to expect from Javier's. There were several aspects of our visit that I hope you will find helpful to address: Reception: The welcome was not as personable or friendly as expected, and the staff was unwilling to seat us while half our party was present. Seating and Environment: We were seated in a booth near the front entrance where the noise level was so high we could not hear one another speak. Additionally, we were distracted throughout the meal by water dripping from the overhead plants. Service Pace: It took an exceptionally long time for a server to take our initial orders or to return to the table for water refills. Culinary Expectations: For a high-end dining establishment of your caliber, we were surprised and disappointed that homemade tortillas were not served. I truly value the Javier's brand and hope these insights assist you in refining the service at this new location. I look forward to seeing the Pasadena site reach the same level of excellence as your other restaurants. Desiree R. read more

Russ L.

9 months ago

Made reservations three weeks prior for Christmas day. We arrived five minutes early. Hostess said, 'we are running a little behind, go have a drink at bar.' I asked how long do we have to wait, she replied, 'forty five minutes to an hour or so'... I said we have a reservation, the hostess said 'yes', and laughed!! Besides the unfriendliness, bad attitude and carelessness of the hostess, or lack of regard for our reservation. It sounded like we were in a bad nightclub with awful loud music! We left immediately! And have no intention at all of returning. It gets better. I called the restaurant the day after. Asked to speak to a manager, took ten minutes to wait. Oscar came on the line, I told him what I wrote above. His first reply was, 'I wasn't here yesterday, so I don't know what happened.' Seriously?! No apologies, no concern, he could have cared less. I said basically that to him what I wrote above. He then asked what time, and found my reservation, then he said, 'your reservation was at 3:30? It shouldn't have been that busy'. On Christmas day?!?! I asked for his manager, still no apologies. He hung up on me. I hope they continue to be this awful. Cause they won't last long in Pasadena. They don't deserve to be here. read more

Rubi S.

Elite 26

138

474

4 months ago

I recently dined at Javier's, and it definitely delivered on the high-end Mexican dining experience it's known for. The ambiance truly matches the price tag--very bougie, stylish, and inviting. From the moment you walk in, it feels like an upscale night out. The clientele also adds to that elevated vibe, making it feel like a place for a special occasion or a dressed-up evening. The service was good overall, though I do think there's a bit of room for improvement in terms of attentiveness and consistency. Nothing bad, just not quite at the level you might expect for the price point. As for the food, it was definitely delicious and well-presented. That said, considering the portion sizes and cost, I can honestly say I've had better Mexican food for less elsewhere. You're not just paying for the food here--you're paying for the full experience. I'm really glad I had the chance to try it, as it's a great spot to experience at least once. However, I don't see myself returning anytime soon unless I'm specifically in the mood for another upscale Mexican dining experience. read more

Angelina S.

8 months ago

I was extremely disappointed with my experience at Javier's on December 19 due to a major billing error that was handled very poorly. Our server charged our card three times the correct amount, which is not a small mistake. What made the situation worse was how it was addressed afterward. The manager did not take the time to properly communicate with us or even ask for permission before attempting to charge the corrected amount to a different card. There was no courtesy check-in, no clear explanation, and no sense of urgency or accountability for such a significant error. Being overcharged by that amount is stressful and unacceptable, especially at a restaurant of this caliber. This was not a minor inconvenience--it was a serious financial mistake that should have been handled with transparency, professionalism, and respect for the guest. I left very upset, not just because of the billing error, but because of how casually it was treated. I expect much better customer service and management oversight from an establishment like Javier's. read more

Victoria M.

Elite 26

5 months ago

If you're looking for Mexican food with an elevated twist, Javier's Pasadena absolutely delivers. From the moment you walk in, the chic and trendy aesthetic sets the tone, dim lighting, stylish décor, and a lively yet upscale vibe that feels both welcoming and refined. The food is just as impressive as the ambiance. Every dish feels thoughtfully prepared with bold flavors and high-quality ingredients. The menu offers a great balance of classic Mexican favorites with a more modern, elevated presentation. What really makes this place stand out is the atmosphere, it's perfect for dates, birthdays, even work parties. Whether you're celebrating something special or just want a night out that feels a little more polished, Javier's hits the mark. Service was attentive and friendly without being overbearing, which added to the overall experience. Definitely a go-to spot in Pasadena when you want great food in a beautiful setting. Shoutout to Alex for keeping up with our large group today! read more

Arpine A.

5 months ago

I honestly hate writing reviews like this, but this experience was just too frustrating to ignore. We made a reservation for 9:00 PM and didn't get seated until 10:00 PM, an entire hour later with barely any communication or apology. What's the point of a reservation if it's not respected? The food, unfortunately, didn't make up for the wait. It was underwhelming at best bland and poorly prepared. After waiting that long, you expect something at least decent, but it just fell flat. What really made everything worse was the service. The staff seemed disorganized and inattentive, and when we tried to address the delay, the manager was incredibly rude and dismissive. Instead of acknowledging the issue or trying to make things right, she brushed us off like it didn't matter and gave very bad attitude. Overall, the whole experience felt unprofessional and disappointing from start to finish. Definitely not somewhere I'd return to or recommend. Stick to the Newport location. read more

Maria J.

Elite 24

101

176

30 days ago

I recently visited Javier's in Pasadena for the first time, and overall I have to say I wasn't that impressed. The restaurant itself is beautiful and has a nice atmosphere, but I found it a bit overpriced for the overall experience. I'll admit I may be a little biased because this location used to be Il Fornaio, which I went to frequently and really loved. I'm probably still a little sad to see it gone and replaced, so that may have colored my expectations going in. That said, putting the nostalgia aside, Javier's just didn't quite live up to the hype for me on this first visit. The service was fine -- no complaints, but also nothing to write home about. For the prices, I was expecting the food, service, and overall experience to stand out more than they did. It wasn't bad by any means, but I left feeling somewhat underwhelmed. Maybe I'll give it another try down the road, but based on my first visit, I'm not in a rush to go back. read more

Maritza M.

6 months ago

I'm extremely disappointed with my experience at Javier's. We had an 8:00 PM reservation and were told upon arrival that we would need to wait which already defeats the purpose of having a reservation. What's worse, we ended up waiting 90 minutes past our reservation time. There was no real apology, no effort to accommodate us, and very poor communication throughout. We were simply told, "We have no table available and there are other people waiting from reservations before you." That's not acceptable when you manage reservations it shows a lack of organization and operational control. On top of that, the space was extremely loud and uncomfortable while we were stuck waiting with no clear updates. Overall, this experience reflected terrible communication and poor operations. I would not recommend making a reservation here if they can't honor it. The food is not worth the chaos at all. It's overpriced and underwhelming. read more

Roger F.

8 months ago

Dining at Javier's is an experience that perfectly blends luxury with tradition. From the moment you walk in, the restaurant's warm lighting, elegant décor, and lively energy set the tone for an elevated take on classic Mexican cuisine. The atmosphere feels sophisticated yet welcoming, making it ideal for special occasions or an unforgettable night out. The service at Javier's is attentive and professional. Servers are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to offer recommendations, whether you're choosing a signature dish or exploring the tequila and cocktail selection. Despite the restaurant's popularity and bustling environment, service remains smooth and well-paced throughout the meal . Overall, Javier's delivers a memorable upscale dining experience that lives up to its reputation. read more

Zeph P.

5 months ago

Had a really disappointing experience at Javier's Pasadena, especially considering we spent around $2,000 for a birthday lunch. I ordered my steak medium rare, and it came out completely overcooked and dry. When I brought it up to the server, I was told there was "no second option," which was honestly shocking for a restaurant at this level. There was no effort to fix the issue, no offer to remake it, and no manager came by to address the situation. To make matters worse, they still charged a cake-cutting fee and made no attempt to remove or adjust anything on the bill despite the poor service and food quality. For a place that presents itself as upscale, the lack of basic customer care and accountability was unacceptable. Definitely not worth the price or the experience. read more

S W.

9 months ago

This establishment is quite disorganized. We had made a reservation and arrived punctually. The host informed us that we would need to wait for 20 minutes due to delays, without offering any apology. Ultimately, we ended up waiting for nearly an hour. When we finally sat down and ordered cocktails, it took a considerable amount of time for our drinks to arrive and for someone to take our food order. Eventually, our food was served, and I requested some hot sauce. The server provided me with a small saucer of hot sauce but did not inform me that there would be a $5 charge for it until I reviewed my bill. The food was acceptable, but nothing particularly impressive. Overall, this restaurant offers overpriced Mexican cuisine. read more

Malu M.

4 months ago

My experience at Javier's Pasadena was very disappointing. From the beginning, the manager and some of the staff were rude, aggressive, and unprofessional. Instead of offering solutions or showing empathy, their attitude made the situation uncomfortable and unpleasant. There was poor customer service management, which is unacceptable for a restaurant of this level. In addition, the prices are quite high for the quality of service we received. It definitely is not worth the cost if customers are not treated with respect. I would not recommend this place if you are looking for a pleasant experience; there are many other restaurants where customers are treated with dignity and care. The manager Name's Carlos,Maite/Mayte. read more

Sarah L.

7 months ago

I had a really disappointing experience! I arrived on time for my reservation, but was told there would be a 45-minute wait because they were too busy. There was no apology and very little effort to provide good customer service or communicate clearly. Unfortunately, the wait ended up being closer to 1.5 hours, which was extremely frustrating -- especially after making a reservation. Once seated, the food was just average and didn't make up for the experience. Overall, the service felt disorganized, management seemed sloppy, and the lack of communication made the whole experience frustrating. I won't be returning. read more

Monica K.

2 months ago

Absolutely amazing! From the moment we walked in, we were welcomed with warm, friendly service. The food was fresh, authentic, and full of incredible flavor. Every dish was beautifully prepared, and you can tell they take pride in their recipes. The portions were generous, the atmosphere was inviting, and everything exceeded our expectations. If you're looking for delicious, authentic Mexican food and outstanding customer service, this is the place to go. We will definitely be coming back and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience! read more

Brittnia M.

8 months ago

Disappointing experience due to poor communication. We were told by the host to find seating at the bar, only to be turned away by the bartender who said the seats were reserved. It became clear the bar should not have been reserved at that time. The inconsistency between staff made the situation awkward and frustrating, and we were left standing without guidance or an alternative option. The food may be good, but the lack of coordination and hospitality really took away from the experience. read more

Mohammed Z.

5 months ago

This is my go to spot for dates and special events. They serve good food, service can be slow during busy times, you just need to know what times to come in. The staff is friendly and the environment is okay, a bit loud sometimes but it's restaurant. Prices can be a bit high but again the food is worth it. Give this place a try. read more

Remi K.

665

3 months ago

Tried this place when it first opened up. Not impressed. We reserved a private room and was told they didnt get the prefix menu and didnt print the message in time. The waiter also misquoted a price on a tequila after we ordered it. We didnt find out until after and the manager said we had to pay it. Terrible customer service. read more

Parmesan A.

268

5 months ago

Mayte, the manager, lacks customer service skills and would benefit from proper training in hospitality and communication. If you're looking for a professional and positive experience, this may not be the best place to visit while she is here. read more

Javiers - newmexican - Updated September 2026

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Mercado - Pasadena

4.1

(1.1k reviews)

My wife and I went out for our anniversary tonight since we got someone to watch the kids. We…read morechose this place in Pasadena where my wife has gone before and thought I would really like it. Food review will be in the pictures. We shared two large plates and one appetizer. Overall, really good. The service was great. Omar, our server, was really informative about the food and the portions. Glen(assuming owner/manager), came over to talk to us and wished us a happy anniversary. We gave him our history about how my wife and I met at work and how we used to work down street many years ago. So it was nice to come back to the area. The interior decor and mood was perfect. Not to crowded on a Tuesday but still enough people.

Very disappointing experience at this location. Three moms met for lunch with a newborn, my…read more5-month-old, and a 4-year-old. I had been raving to my friends about the food and amazing service at the Manhattan Beach location, so I was excited for them to try it. We were initially told our best option was outside, despite it being nearly 100 degrees. When I asked to sit inside, the manager focused more on the obstacles than finding a solution. We were eventually offered two separate tables, which we accepted just so we could stay. Our server was slow and not particularly friendly, and the service overall was mediocre. The food was delicious, but unfortunately the experience and hospitality were nowhere near what I've experienced in Manhattan Beach. Very disappointing, especially after recommending it so highly.

Maestro Restaurant

4.2

(787 reviews)

Friday night my friend and I met at Maestro Restaurant and went for the DineLA menu. Being my…read morefirst time here I was very very impressed. First, all the staff is so attentive I feel like they can read our minds and they're bringing something or they ask if we need what we just thought of. Amazing and keeping our waters glass full at all times major plus! The first course was the Bone Marrow Esquite. It's been years since I last tried bone marrow and I was worried but everything paired perfectly. This was my favorite part of the meal. The corn mixed with the bone marrow on top of the tamale sweet corn....wow! All the flavors complemented eachother so well. I wish I could recreate this amazing dish at home!!! For the second course I went with the Arrachera - the skirt steak with the Poblano rice. Absolutely flavorful. Just a bit hard to chew for me and I felt like I was swallowing giant portions. I'm not saying there was anything wrong with the way it was cooked, but I did struggle with the meat tearing. For dessert I went with the Guava cheesecake. Absolutely decadent and the perfect small portion to end the meal. To drink I had the Maestro Margarita with hibiscus and it was absolutely refreshing. Wonderful vibes, good conversation, and delicious food! I can't wait to come back and try more dishes!

The vibe and the location of Maestro is classic old town Pasadena, a bit of old with a modern…read moreinterior. The staff are friendly and offer helpful suggestions on your selections and the place is clean and cute for a date night dinner. My husband and I tried out Maestro for a date night. We went for a few of their menu items including the bone marrow esquite, enchiladas verde, and cochinita pibil. The food itself was okay, not special and didn't have a new or surprising twist, and not incredibly authentic either. Out of our dishes we shared, the bone marrow esquite appetizer was actually the standout. It had excellent flavor and seasoning though the tamal was dry inside, the sauces aided in the flavor and texture. They have an extensive drinks menu and an alleyway patio that seems to be popular. Overall it might be good for the drinks, the vibe is something you might find anywhere in Pasadena, the food is just okay, and the parking is paid in nearby structures on busy Union so be prepared.

Kulturas

4.3

(328 reviews)

First time at this place and everything was a 10/10!! The food, hospitality, and decor is…read moreeverything!! Definitely made my trip to Pasadena WORTH IT!!

The food is super yummy and the soft serve margs are totally worth it! We got the flight to try all…read morethe flavors. Fun chatting environment and the staff were friendly:)

Osa Rooftop

3.8

(397 reviews)

Going during sunset is totally worth it! View was great as well as service! Only thing is I wish…read morethere were more food items! But food was great!

Malbec Argentinean Cuisine

4.1

(2.3k reviews)

DineLA started tonight and did we make the perfect selection to kick off the two weeks!…read more Service was 5-star! Gilberto was excellent...offering suggestions and explaining options as we were first time patrons of Malbec! So on to the food! Course 1: both the Cebiche Aji Amarillo albacore tuna and yucca chips and the Vieras Gratinadas scallop crab were beautifully presented. Tuna was packed with flavor and great texture layers. Scallop was more delicate and mild flavors. Second course: the out of this world Ojo de Bife Al Malbec rib eye ... would 100% order again and the excellent as well Pollo à la Granja. Sauces on both dishes were super star! Argentinian cuisine obviously treats us to incredible culinary herbs and spices (fresh dill on the scallops and rosemary on the chicken) Third course: dessert for days! Crepe De Durzano .. light crepes and gelato... and the too die for Pastelito de Membrillo. Fruity summary crispy tart like dessert with gelato and fresh berries! Lovely wine pairings suggested by Gilberto made it all a 5-star experience! We will be back!

Overall, it has a great laid-back environment with an open kitchen concept where you can see the…read morechefs preparing your meal. You can see that they cook the steaks on a grill, perhaps with wood chips, because it has that woody flavor when you bite into your steak. Overall, they've prepared the steak well, so it's not too well done and cooked to perfection at medium-rare. I'm kind of at a crossroads with the skirt steak for the price. I would expect better quality meat, but I can't complain overall about the taste of the skirt steak. I would have expected it to be better prepared and tenderized; it still had a bit of chewiness. I think you have to be an expert in how to prepare skirt steak so that it's not so tough. The ribeye was thick and juicy, so I can't complain about it, with a nice, warm, woody taste. I know it seems a bit weird coming to a steakhouse to try some of the fish, but I can't complain too much about the fish. It was coated in some sauce that made it delicious with a mix of vegetables to balance out the meal. The grilled octopus was prepared to perfection, as it remained juicy and not too tough, with a great taste in how they grilled it.

Arroyo Chop House

4.2

(2k reviews)

•$$$$

Made reservations with a few friends at this restaurant. It was an amazing experience. Food was…read moredelicious, ambiance is elevated and service was spectacular. I'm definitely not a novice to fine dining, so I can hands down say Arroyo provides a superior and supreme experience. For starters: they provide bread and butter , which you can choose from 2 different types: sourdough or garlic . We chose both , definitely freshly made. Only issue is that they gave 2 slightly small bowls of butter for x4 people. I personally believe that each person should be initially served with their own butter bowl if the portion of butter is small, but that's just me . Not a slight against the chop house, because of course, a person can just ask for their own. The waiters were very attentive , as much as they could be , because for a Wednesday night, it was really busy. -The drinks: Wonderful! Tasty and decent with the alcohol. I tried the Hugo Spritz and Tangerine Sour. One of my friends in attendance had Straw and Berry. The Hugo spritz is light and refreshing, very soft alcoholic drink. The Tangerine sour , was nice! It was potent! A little more sour than I would have liked, but I'm still not complaining. This is a good drink if you don't mind citrus. For the straw and berry , very cute and definitely has both sweet and the potency available at its advantage. -For Parking its mainly valet only .$8 not too bad . There may be street parking available but it is limited and timed. -For appetizers we chose the oysters and bbq shrimp. I'm not a big fan of oysters but they were very tasty nonetheless , when the extras are added (lemon, sauce) . The bbq shrimp ?? You gotta try it ! If you don't have any allergies. Very delicious. -For entree , I had filet mignon wagyu steak. My first time having and definitely recommend. The meat was so tender , juicy and damn near melted in your mouth straight delici-gasm. As a few sides we all chose , green beans , and garlic potatoes. -During our dining, we had to have a slight change in accommodations mid reservation to accommodate an extra diner, and the staff were more than happy to accommodate us. They helped move all food and drinks to the new table. Excellent customer service ! -The chocolate souflee with vanilla ice cream was recommended to us by our waiter, it was a wonderful dessert to finish off the meal. Served warm, was Delicious! Definitely would recommend. Had a great experience.

We were really looking forward to trying Arroyo Chop House, as we've been searching for a nice…read moresteakhouse that we could frequent regularly. The restaurant is beautiful inside, and the service from the moment we arrived was excellent. The staff was welcoming, attentive, and professional throughout our dinner. We started with the bread, which was fresh and hot. For an appetizer, we ordered the ahi tartare. It was okay, but unfortunately, it seemed to have more avocado than tuna. For dinner, my wife ordered the petite filet and I ordered the ribeye. Both steaks were cooked perfectly to the temperatures we requested, but unfortunately, they lacked flavor. At this price point, we expected the steaks to be the highlight of the meal, and they simply weren't. The Brussels sprouts, however, were delicious. Our waitress noticed we weren't completely satisfied and asked about our meal. After we explained our concerns, she offered to have my ribeye remade. I appreciated the offer but declined because I didn't want my wife to have to wait while another steak was prepared. They did provide us with a dessert for the inconvenience, which was a thoughtful gesture. Overall, the service was great, but the food was disappointing. For the price, we expected a much better dining experience. Unfortunately, our first impression wasn't a good one, and we don't see ourselves returning.

Casa Córdoba

4.1

(1.3k reviews)

TOO GOOD. FR. FR. Best way to celebrate my father's birthday. I got to try new Spanish tings I…read moredidn't know about. - @eatingwithricardo

After not seeing each other for weeks upon weeks due to conflicts and being out of town, we decided…read morea date night was needed. We had been to this small quaint and beautiful little restaurant in Montrose before and wanted to try it again. We loved their little Spanish style courtyard, the tapas, paellas, and the setting felt so good for little date night after being away for so long. Unfortunately things did not go as planned. We made reservations for 7:15pm and were hardly even greeted by the hostess that seemed she'd rather be elsewhere then to welcome us to Casa Cordoba. Problem was though even after setting the reservation time and arriving exactly at 7:15pm we weren't seated for 15min even though we saw our table being cleaned and set and just sit there unoccupied for over 15min. So we waited. When we finally sat down...our server didn't come by for another 10-15min. But we were patient and we waited. Alvin finally came -- brought us water and opened the wine we brought. A special one for this type of occasion (corkage fee was $30). We ordered the paella with squid ink and seafood since it takes up to 45min to prepare and sat down to enjoy the wine and take in the setting. That night they had live music -- a guy on an acoustic guitar playing some cool songs, from Maroon 5 to Backstreet Boys on a 12 string...at least it was live. It was pleasant. The server didn't attend to us much and just had an air about him. Idk -- they may have been super busy but wasn't sure. Finally the paella came. It was...good. Not plentifully. 7-8mussels, a quarter of an octopus tentacles, and a couple of calamari. If you're thinking that much it and rice then you're right. It was mainly rice. No vegetables accompanying it but that's the dish. That was $57 for the small version. I've made paella before. It takes time and it's a production -- but at least at home I can make one for half that price for 8 people. Maybe that's why we don't go out so often bc it ends sometimes like this. We expect a nice meal, a welcoming host or hostess, a server who enjoys the food and atmosphere and makes us feel at home, and food that we could never prepare at home. It's suppose to be an experience that you are happy to pay for. This wasn't. We were disappointed and just felt like wanting to leave. The last straw was when I signed the check on a toast machine and asked for the printed copy. The server, Alvin just left the toast machine with us and left -- attending to others and leaving us with this machine. All I wanted at the end was a thank you for dining with us and the printed copy. We had to flag another server for that copy. He eventually came, with disdain written all over and just handed me the copy, as if I had taken his time to get my the receipt which I asked. That pretty much did it. I asked to speak with the manager and was told--"oh sure. I can get him--he's the chef, give me a minute." I was floored!! No wonder!!! The chef. The back of house manager is also the front of house manager!! That says a lot. You're front of house and your guests are not being taken care of? What kind of restaurant is this? With these prices? Regardless that was it. We left -- had some great ice cream and spoke about the whole experience all the way back home. Great date night eh? Not returning.

Pinocchio's Pizza

4.0

(1.8k reviews)

1/2 We stopped by…read morePinocchio's Pizza in Pasadena for lunch and tried their lunch specials. It's a good option if you're looking for an affordable and filling Italian lunch. The lunch specials range from $8.99 to $14.99 and are available 7 days a week from 11 AM to 4 PM, which is a nice bonus. Options include soup and salad with garlic bread, pasta with your choice of sauce, or a 10" pizza with one topping, plus a side and a soft drink. We went with the lunch pasta special. The portion was a good size, and having soup or salad and garlic bread included makes the price feel reasonable. The restaurant has a casual, neighborhood feel with plenty of seating. Overall, a solid place for a reasonably priced lunch, especially if you're in the Pasadena area. Rating: 4.5/5

You know, I've been eating at Pinocchio's for a minute! We had my dad's memorable celebration here…read morein 2016. The servers and food have always been good. Today? It was nasty and the servers had the most unfriendly, attitudinal demeanor... I started to pull owner Armen , over to ask him what the hell is with your staff? yet opted to go to yelp. When I walked in, I sat at bar as I was ordering a small pizza to go. Mind you the place was pretty empty. I sit at bar, 2 servers at the bar, never acknowledged me, never looked up looked right through me... I waited yet got nothing- so I finally lean over and tell one of em " when you decide to look up I need to place a to go order". Fast fwd- I ordered a pizza. It took way too long for the place to be empty . Maybe many to go orders? It didn't make sense..., had to ask was I forgotten? When pizza came, I get home ( which is 6 min) it was cold and crunchy- over cooked . A frozen pizza from the store would taste better. The server added to my annoyance by her unfriendly demeanor- didn't catch her name as again/ initially I was never acknowledge. That was like pulling teeth. Armen needs to groom and school his servers better- they're all young and lack inter personal skills... guess it's time I start eating pizza elsewhere!

Dos Besos

4.5

(421 reviews)