Another Latin food review. Another mom and pop spot. Another low-priced alternative to fast food. In another corporate American mini mall otherwise devoid of soul. My friends love Subway's "eat fresh" foot-long meal deal. Who am I to tell them that they have it all wrong? I always take note of the parking lots shared with Subway's sandwich dispensing spots in the event that the parking is shared with a place that I am not allergic to. (gluten intolerant) This is how I found Picante. Begrudgingly appeasing my engineer by taking him to Subway to pick up lunch. I took a picture of my take out food next to his Subway sandwich. Whose looks better? I am being sarcastic with that question. Say Subway and steam will come out of my ears three stooges -style. In a lot that sells groceries, shoes, wigs, linens, Chinese fast food and Subway's sandwiches, find Picante. Fast food casual, surprisingly homey, the from-scratch wholesome nature of the meals to be had here are totally unexpected. Push open the glass door, admire a beautiful wall mural on your left and enough sienna-wood tables to seat about thirty people. There will be a special of the day handwritten on a sign as well as a menu on the wall of standard Mexican fare. Prices are between $5 and $8 for a large meal on average. Service will be granted you with a smile. The lack of wait staff will allow you to tip at your discretion. What makes this place different? The cast iron kettle charring chillies and tomatoes for fresh salsa. The napales ( cactus) on the grill, and the vegetables being sliced and diced for salads or vegetarian specials. 'Eat fresh' actually means something here besides sandwich assembly friends. I tried the special of the day: pork ribs simmered with napales and green chillies. It came with beans, rice and corn tortillas. I loaded up my bag with the salsa bar's offerings of limes, veggies and several kinds of homemade salsa. The ribs were very lean and fall of the bone-tender. The green cactus was warm, flavorful and comforting. The beans were slow cooked and soft. The rice was a little typical. My meal was very good, substantial. affordable, and a little spicy. Spicy is my favorite thing by the way. Subway does not do spicy very well I'm guessing. Insanely, my engineer did not regret choosing Subway over Picante even after seeing how much more love went into making my from -scratch slow-cooked meal! Some people do not know what good is! Maybe you know what good is. Maybe you like slow-simmered, cast iron kettle-cooked, made from-scratch meals served to you with a smile and sold to you for a ridiculously low sum. If you do, you might want to give this place a try.:-) read more

See all

came here for breakfast, I had the chilaquiles verdes which were so good but did not come with an egg so I was a little disappointed. overall the food was great service fast considering one lady ran the whole operation. would eat again. read more

Picante - Chilaquiles verdes - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Came in today to get lunch with a friend I ordered a carne asada burrito and my friend ordered a carne asada torta. Place was welcoming and staff members are very friendly Service was fast and received our order in a flash. Torta was really fresh, meat had seasoning and flavor wasn't bland or over whelming. The burrito was a 9/10 very fresh ingredients and not to over whelming. Only wished they gave a bigger portion of chips rather than a tiny bag with only 6 chips in it. If u live in Pasadena would highly recommend this place. read more

I was looking for a good Mexican restaurant near work, and I think I found it! The service was great, and the food fresh too. Loved this place and will be back. read more

Picante - Carne asada Tacos - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Absolutely delicious meat in the Carne asada burrito! We've also have their caldo de res and also really good. They give you chips and salsa with your meals. Proportions are good for the price and meals are prepared quickly. Definitely a go to spot! read more

I was robbed! Charged extra for extra carne asada and was specifically clear about beans, cheese and carne asada only and got a 95% rice burrito. ( And not good rice, gross rice with veggie all in it). I waited there for a the order and it was sweltering hot in there, not even so much as a fan. Lesson learned... read more

Picante - I asked for bean, cheese and carne asada only and got mostly rice after paying extra for extra carne asada! - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I love this spot! The ladies who work here are phenomenal. I take all my friends here for some delicious Mexican burritos! Next time I'm coming for their other items. read more

This is, hands down, the best Mexican spot in the 'hood. Dishes have subtlety and flavor that you can't find in many other places. The albondigas are one of my favorite. Rich broth chock full of veggies and meatballs. Very satisfying for a cold and rainy day. read more

The food was so amazing and they made our family feel welcomed! Gracias por el delicioso comida!

I've had this place bookmarked for quite awhile but happened to get lost amongst the 300+ Bookmarks, why did I bookmark this place in the first place? Yelper "Mary B" and let me quote Mary!... "Another Mom and Pop spot. Another low-priced alternative to fast food. In another corporate American mini mall otherwise devoid of soul" "In a lot that sells groceries, shoes, wigs, linens, Chinese fast food and Subway's "eat fresh" sandwiches, find Picante. Fast food casual, surprisingly homey, the from-scratch wholesome nature of the meals to be had here are totally unexpected. Thank You "Mary B" you make it sound so good! For those of you who don't roll like Pancho, "Always has CASH in pocket" Yelp has this place as accepting Credit Cards, it's CASH ONLY......... I always love to try little places like this, you'll generally find good food that resembles home-style cooking, feeling like a Pig I ordered a bunch of food... Tacos ($1.39) - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/SbVVnBtNtj0hVajlLaxSbQ?select=H5d4pRpRDRtFvZ9Brr29RQ#Ap-O9jX1f-Uz8L40J5GydQ Carne Asada - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/SbVVnBtNtj0hVajlLaxSbQ?select=H5d4pRpRDRtFvZ9Brr29RQ#aFH76BNZVf9gKt8-kFJV4Q Nicely cooked with good flavor, average tortillas, street style taco should have been ($1.00 - $1.25) 4-Stars Al Pastor - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/SbVVnBtNtj0hVajlLaxSbQ?select=H5d4pRpRDRtFvZ9Brr29RQ#qXFRpYnheW_Jk5w-SY4Z4Q NO Trompo here, pig was tasty, slightly above average nothing great! 3.5-Stars Carnitas - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/SbVVnBtNtj0hVajlLaxSbQ?select=H5d4pRpRDRtFvZ9Brr29RQ#D3MkhKczd2KcEt3renLrsA Nicely cooked, little crispy pieces + soft and juicy pieces = Mmmm & 4-Stars They do have a nice little salsa bar.... "SPECIAL" Not sure how often they change or if they even do, since I'm visiting 17 months after Mary and Specials are pretty much the same. Costillitas de Puerco con Nopales en Salsa VERDE - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/SbVVnBtNtj0hVajlLaxSbQ?select=H5d4pRpRDRtFvZ9Brr29RQ#T2vyHuJhpG3QthIRuJfTCA Little pork ribs with meat that just falls off the bone, strips of nopales (cactus) slow cooked in salsa VERDE http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/SbVVnBtNtj0hVajlLaxSbQ?select=H5d4pRpRDRtFvZ9Brr29RQ#tEl6HvcUFgrexF5RMHzRzg with sides of rice, beans, corn tortillas and a tiny salad, beans were not bad, rice I didn't bother, I loved the pork ribs, BUT...... The salsa verde was odd, flavor just seemed a little off but the texture http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/SbVVnBtNtj0hVajlLaxSbQ?select=H5d4pRpRDRtFvZ9Brr29RQ#6pAkrwcDCVFCs05DLAI9YQ is more like a puree or very thin paste, NO seeds at all, maybe out of a box or can? I'm not really sure just didn't like the taste of the salsa verde only!, all else was pretty good. 3-Stars AVG: 3.625 - Stars read more

See all

OMG! This hole in the wall, strip-mall Mexican restaurant has got the buena comida that Mijares and all the other watered down, gringo-centric fake Mexican restaurants in Pasadena can't hold a candle to. The vegetarian burrito is the best I've had anywhere in Pasadena! Or anywhere else, actually. Yes, it just might be the best vege burrito I've ever had. My non-vegetarian friends, both mexicans, guatemalans, and others too, really like this place, so it's not just me, and not just for vegetarians. Service is fast and friendly, food is consistently delicious, and I love the rustic mural! Parking is always available, but a bit congested. The dining room is an upgrade from the usual strip mall spartan, its ok for lunch for a small group, but still not really ready for prime time - not suitable for a date, or a family dinner. We usually get take-out. And if you want dinner, don't delay. Picante closes early. In fact, the one improvement I would suggest is to extend the hours! How about staying open til 9PM? Thanks Picante, we love you! read more

What a hidden gem! I got the carnitas combo and it was absolutely delicious. Flavorful pork pieces (a lot of them) served with rice and beans, plus fresh tortilla and salsa. Their salsa does carry some heat so proceed with caution. read more

Picante - Carnitas combo - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

Was looking for a good burrito today on this rainy cold day and landed here from the yelp and urban spoon reviews. I have driven by this place several times and decided to stop to try it out since it was full. This is a great hole in the wall! I had the carne asada burrito and you can't go wrong with it. Lots of homemade salsas. You can tell the restaurant was full of regulars which is a great indicator. Everything that everyone was eating in the restaurant looked great and authentic. Definitely worth bookmarking and trying! The soups people were eating (Albondigas and Camarones) looked full of ingredients and smelt great! The carne asada was perfectly seasoned and tender with the hint of lemon and generous. I am sure the taco plate for around $5.50 must be just as good with its side or rice and beans. Although the space is tiny I had to eat in the car which was well worth it. The burrito for a little under $7 is enough for two as well. Service was very friendly as well like a family hole in the wall restaurant should feel like. Very welcoming! I want to go back and try the camarones! I can see why this place get so many 5 star ratings. It rocks!!! read more

What a great local restaurant! Just moved to the area and was looking for a place just like this. Service was so wonderful and friendly, and the food was delicious. I ordered the combo plate of rice and beans, with two enchiladas in the green sauce. (One cheese, one shredded beef.) absolutely tasty-rice and beans were cooked perfectly and the sauce was a flavorful with just the right amount of heat. (Think medium spice/level.) I also got a carnitas street taco, and the meat was juicy. Between the lovely service and tasty food I'm looking forward to going back soon! read more

Full disclosure- i've only had their chicken burrito. Its my favorite chicken burrito. Its chicken breast cooked "a la plancha" (grilled on a metal plate). Amazing!!! I highly suggest asking it as a "wet" burrito. Grab some rabanos and some red and green salsa. , open up the burrito and just throw all in there. *** if you wisely decide to get the wet burrito make sure to get a fork and a knife, it's necessary read more

OK, there is only one place I love my carnitas from that have it the way I like it and that's at Ciro's in East LA. I must say that Picante was close but not spot on with their carnitas. I like mine moist and juicy....I've usually had them hard and dry. Picante had a couple of dry spots; however, much better than other places that I've tried. I'm willing to try this place again and see if it's consistent! I have to admit their wait staff was very nice and personable! Will go back again! read more

Visited this place to try something new. Turns out it's more than your average hole-in-the-wall, but still with a mom pop feel. Knowing that it's located in a Food4Less strip mall, you really can't miss it. Service here is order at the counter, find a table, then they'll bring your your food on ceramic plates. After finishing my meal, I had no clue what to do with my plate, so I sat there a bit and observed 2 older ladies (locals I gathered). Yep, they just left it all there and so did I. That's your pro-tip if you get nothing else outta this review. -=-Bean and cheese burrito-=- So I'm vegetarian for a little bit longer for this Lenten season. I've really started a craze into these bean and cheese burritos and have been sampling them here and there. When the burrito came, it was a fairly large sized boring burrito on your ceramic plate. When the cashier asked me if I wanted it as a wet burrito I should have taken that offer. The way that this burrito was constructed there was no picking it up, so you would have to knife and fork it anyway. I also really wished there would have been more cheese inside, but oh well, there's a salsa bar at least. read more

Picante - Bean & Cheese burrito. $4 - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I got the huevos rancheros and an asada taco around 10am. It was delicious and was made quick. I really like how they have free chips, a lot of places charge for that and there self serve salsas were great too. Will be back when I'm in the area :) read more

Great carne asada burrito. Mexican music, food made by Mexican people who know exactly what they're doing. Don't be fooled by the locale. If you want a quick no nonsense beefy burrito, try picante. read more

Right how I wanted, I ordered something completely out if menu, and they did a great job, very nice man took my order with patient and they made me a yummy egg sandwich :) cash only read more

Picante - My yummy egg burrito - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

I love coming here. The staff are so nice and helpful. The food is so yummy. Shredded chicken burrito! read more

This place is a real gem. They are always so accommodating. I have tried the burritos-very good because the rice and beans are great. My favorite was the Caldo De Camaron. It was perfect. Shrimps were not over cooked,broth was flavorful with the perfect amount of spice. The salsa SO GOOD!!!! read more

Now, THIS is what I'm looking for in a Mom-and-Pop strip mall Mexican joint! I just realized I'd been Yelp-slagging a lot of Mexican places without giving a shout-out to the places I'm comparing them to. Picante has got all the right stuff! You want a veggie burrito? This is the best veggie burrito I've ever had. They will make it with actual veg (including broccoli! less than $5), or you can just have the basic bean+cheese (less than $4). Guac and sour cream come standard on both (in addition to lettuce/rice/salsa, of course.) Unbelievable flavor and freshness. The chile relleno plate is giant (3 chiles!), cheap ($6 with beans, rice, chips & salad) and satisfying. Great salsa bar -- pile it on. The only drawbacks: The room is okay -- wooden tables -- but dark and a little dodgy, so consider getting your food to go. And the parking lot at this strip mall is poorly designed, hard to navigate. But the food -- OMG. Worth it worth it worth it! read more

I really liked the customer service. They were really patient and marked everything "no rice" "no onions" etc. My mom loves the place. I didn't like it at all and won't be back. 0 stars for the food and 5 stars for the great service. So they get 3. read more

Very homely atmosphere inside(maybe because of the art painting).I got the beef taco, my daughter had the carne asada fries. I was going to go for the fried tilapia plate but realized I had to save my stomach for something else. read more

Picante - If I'm in the area again, I'll definitely go back. - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

HOW IS THIS PLACE a 4 1/2 ?! Yelp is supposed to used for valid, decent tips. I will tell you mine. Came here. Service was a bit rude. Food was slightly below average, kinda like the service as well. read more

This place is low on ambiance but high on flavor. I had 1 asada, pastor and carnitas taco and they were all good. So were the green/red salsas. I'm coming again to try a burrito and torta read more

An unassuming location in a strip mall of sorts, but WOW! The chorizo breakfast burrito was really really good. I also tried the carne asada burrito and it was great. Burritos are very large, very saucy (we ordered them "wet'), and taste delicious. And this place was CHEAP too! Plus virtually no wait. I am definitely a fan and will need to make my way back out here soon. read more

This place is good! The fam an I have been here numerous times since we discovered it 3 months ago. Best bean and cheese burritos in the area. Large and seasoned perfectly. It's amazing how many Mexican restaurants manage to mess up something as basic as beans (refried or not). I often order chilaquiles which are also good. They can be ordered with red or green sauce. The tortilla chips in the chilaquiles are toasty yet soft. And they use queso fresco on top which is a plus! They don't add egg to the chilaquiles like my mom used to make them though I'm sure they'll add it if you ask. Wasn't a big fan of the carnitas burrito only because they add rice in the burrito which is a no no for me, though the meat was seasoned well. Overall, all of the flavors in the various dishes I tried (not all individually reviewed here) were authentic and delicious. This is a definite go-to place for me. Pros: Authentic, delicious flavors; inexpensive meal; best mexican I have had in pasadena; nice people behind the counter Cons: rice in the burritos; not quite like mom's cooking - but she is one hell of a cook! read more

I had the Talipia with Rice and Beans the last three times I've been here, it's that good....

This is a relatively undiscovered gem of the Pasadena/Altadena area. I used to eat here every week without fail because their meat is incredibly good. The menu is pretty standard, but the taste is anything but. Last I was there, it was still cash only. read more

Been to this small Mexican place a few times and have never been disappointed! It's manned by what appears to be husband and wife and is pretty small, with a pretty basic menu. However, the food is freshly prepared and tastes great. I am a huge fan of chorizo and egg burritos, and they make the best I've ever had. Beans, rice, eggs, cheese, and chorizo...perfect! About to try some delicious looking taquitos. UPDATE: Taquitos were great, perfect crispy, plenty of guacamole, and the best part: fresh cotija!!! read more

Good reliable and inexpensive. The chili relleno burrito is really a treat and done right! read more

Picante - Mexican Near Me - Pasadena, California

The food was really good, and I am excited to go back. I got the chilaquiles with green sauce. They were decent. My friends all got other stuff and my mouth was watering. I took bites of their food and was blown away. When I go back I know I will switch up my order. What I also liked about this place was the prices were really cheap. You get a really good meal without breaking the bank. This is a wonderful little mom and pop like mexican restaurant, that won't break the bank. Don't let the weird outside fool you, this place is a gem. read more

Great food. Will come back. The parking lot is big but its still difficult to park due to the other businesses. The place is on the more economically challenged area of Pasadena so be prepared. read more

This place is cash only!! The couple who worked there were sweet and helpful. You definitely get the mom & pop vibe. I had the green pork burrito. Pork was super dry. It was a good size. But I needed lots of salsa to eat it. Comes with a handful of chips. My friend had the nachos with chicken. Even the small size was large. I thought the guacamole was a little off, perhaps too much lime? Otherwise the nachos were fine. read more

Small place with big delicious food! Got the food to go, Chile Verde ribs. Tacos are really good. Very nice people! Thank you

Was entirely disappointed at the carne asada plate. Let me start off by saying I used to come here as a child with my parents and the food was great. I want to think that maybe there are new owners and they're trying preserve this taste but the carne asada quality was horrible, the meat is clearly not the same. The quality was so bad it was a weird red color. I want to add the rice and beans were the only good from my dish. read more

The food was SO GOOD (I got the steak burrito) and they couldn't have been nicer. I have food allergies, and the gentlemen who took our order was so kind and accommodating. He ran out to his truck in the parking lot to take a picture of the type of oil they used, just to make sure it would be okay for me to eat. (Truly above and beyond!) And he was so careful to make sure there were no allergens in or near my food. Thank you for the amazing food and for being so kind to me. I highly recommend Picante! read more

Best Mexican restaurant in town! Always come here for the torta de asada. Highly recommended!!!