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Anayas
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Anayas
7.7
The newest outpost from the established Anaya family brings traditional Mexican flavors to Colorado Boulevard. Happy hour features discounted margaritas and appetizers in a festive, modern setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Chicken Fajitas, Shrimp Ceviche Tostada
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.4
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Newest location from established Mexican restaurant family
Who should go: Groups looking for festive happy hour atmosphere
When to visit: Friday happy hour for lively crowd
What to order: Fish tacos, ceviche tostada, house margarita
Insider tip: Patio seating available for Colorado Boulevard people-watching
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant, street parking on Colorado Blvd usually available
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, shorts and flip-flops totally fine
Noise level: Lively during happy hour - expect animated conversations but you can still hear your group
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday without reservation
Weekday lunch: No wait, seat yourself on patio during lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - vegetable fajitas, cheese enchiladas, multiple appetizers
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetable fajitas, ask about beans preparation
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, most proteins naturally GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones - the happy hour buzz creates a fun, low-pressure vibe but can be loud for intimate conversation
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weeknights, but Friday happy hour fills up fast - arrive before 5:30pm or expect a wait
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - kids menu available, high chairs, and the festive atmosphere keeps children entertained. Best before 7pm when it gets more bar-focused
Best For
Better for: Larger groups and happy hour deals compared to pricier Pasadena Mexican spots - more space and better drink specials
Skip if: You want authentic street tacos or quiet ambiance - head to a taqueria or upscale Mexican instead
Anayas
8.4
Contemporary Mexican restaurant from the three Anaya brothers (Jose Manuel, Gerardo, and Juan Carlos), each bringing 20+ years of culinary experience to elevated dishes and craft cocktails. The industrial-chic space features live music weekends, an extensive tequila and mezcal selection, and signature plates like slow-cooked barbacoa paired with creative cocktails in a vibrant atmosphere that bridges traditional flavors with modern presentation.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa, Don Lupe Fried Quesadilla, Chicken Flautas
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Three-brother culinary partnership bringing restaurant-caliber execution to authentic family recipes with craft cocktail program
Who should go: Date night diners and cocktail enthusiasts seeking elevated Mexican
When to visit: Happy hour Monday-Thursday or weekend evenings for live music
What to order: Barbacoa tacos, salmon with pineapple-mango sauce, classic margaritas
Insider tip: Weekend reservations recommended; weekday happy hour offers $7 margaritas
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Playhouse Village lot parking available, street parking on Colorado Blvd and surrounding streets (metered until 8pm weekdays, free evenings/weekends)
Dress code: Smart casual - jeans with nice tops work, but guests tend to dress up for date nights
Noise level: Moderate to lively - conversation-friendly weekdays, energetic with live music weekends
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 7pm, live music draws crowds
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, typically seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including vegetable enchiladas, mushroom quesadillas, and customizable plates
Vegan options: Limited - 3-4 options with modifications (ask for dairy-free preparations on select dishes)
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas available, staff knowledgeable about cross-contamination, several naturally GF entrees
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent first date spot - upscale enough to impress without being stuffy, noise level allows conversation, and shared plates encourage interaction. Skip weekends if you want quieter ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes on weekdays, arrive before 7pm or try the bar seating. Weekends are riskier - reservations strongly recommended Friday-Saturday or plan for 30-45 min bar wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and older kids - the vibe skews adult-oriented with cocktail culture and live music. Families come for early weekday dinners (5-6pm) but this isn't a traditional family-style Mexican spot.
Best For
Better for: Elevated date nights with craft cocktails, impressive tequila/mezcal selection, and live music atmosphere - more sophisticated than typical Mexican chains while maintaining authentic flavors
Skip if: You want budget-friendly portions, need a quiet business dinner venue, or prefer traditional cantina vibes over contemporary presentation