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El Portal Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
El Portal Restaurant
8.2
This Playhouse District favorite charms with Yucatan specialties like cochinita pibil alongside classic Mexican fare, all served in a cozy brick courtyard perfect for pre-theater dining. The covered patio and rotating gallery-quality art create an inviting atmosphere for leisurely family meals.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil, Spinach Shrimp Enchiladas, Yucatan Tamales
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Yucatan and Mayan specialties rarely found elsewhere
Who should go: Theater-goers and patio dining enthusiasts
When to visit: Pre-show dinner or weekend mariachi nights
What to order: Poc-chuc, cochinita pibil, bread pudding
Insider tip: Live mariachi on Friday and Sunday nights
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking can be challenging, especially on theater nights - arrive 15 min early or use nearby parking structures ($8-15)
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - anything from nice jeans to business attire fits the upscale-casual vibe
Noise level: Moderate - patio is conversation-friendly except during mariachi performances
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, especially on mariachi nights
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, quick seating for business lunch crowd
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including vegetable fajitas, cheese enchiladas, and bean dishes
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetarian dishes, ask server about lard-free beans
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortilla options available, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - the romantic brick courtyard with twinkling lights and gallery art creates intimate atmosphere without being too formal. Skip mariachi nights if you want easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches yes, but make reservations for dinner, especially Thursday-Saturday when theater crowd arrives. Bar seating often available for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - family-friendly with kids menu and patient staff. The outdoor patio gives kids more space, and the colorful art keeps them engaged. Best before 7pm to avoid theater rush.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Yucatan dishes you won't find at typical Mexican restaurants, plus the charming patio ambiance beats any indoor-only competitor
Skip if: You want quick tacos or Tex-Mex - this is sit-down dining with regional specialties that take time to prepare properly
El Portal Restaurant
8.6
Family-run since 1988, this Pasadena institution serves traditional Mexican burritos with hand-pressed tortillas and slow-cooked meats that have maintained loyal following for decades. The carne asada burrito features marinated grilled steak, fresh pico de gallo, and creamy guacamole in generous portions. The dining room carries authentic touches with folk art and a warm family atmosphere that makes regulars feel at home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne Asada Burrito, Chile Verde Burrito, Carnitas Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Authentic family recipes served with hand-pressed tortillas since 1988
Who should go: Those seeking traditional Mexican food with generational recipes
When to visit: Weekday lunch for quieter service and fresh tortillas
What to order: Carne asada burrito, fresh chips with salsa trio
Insider tip: The red salsa is significantly spicier than it looks
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on side streets usually available, metered until 8pm. Small lot behind building fits 8-10 cars.
Dress code: Casual - jeans and t-shirt perfectly fine, this is a neighborhood spot
Noise level: Moderate - family-friendly atmosphere with conversations audible, can hear tablemates easily
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical, they don't take reservations so arrive early
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated immediately
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - bean and cheese burritos, veggie fajitas, cheese enchiladas available
Vegan options: Limited - can modify bean burritos without cheese/sour cream, fresh salsas are vegan
Gluten-free options: Limited - corn tortillas available for tacos but cross-contamination possible in kitchen
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners. The family atmosphere is relaxed and affordable, but lighting is bright and ambiance is more functional than intimate. Great if you want low-pressure conversation over solid food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - they don't take reservations at all. Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) you'll be seated immediately. Weekend dinners expect 15-25 minutes, but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly. High chairs available, relaxed atmosphere where kids fit right in, and they're accommodating with simple orders. Many regulars are multi-generational families.
El Portal Restaurant
8.0
Established family-owned restaurant specializing in Yucatan and Mayan cuisine alongside traditional Mexican favorites, operating for over 25 years with owner Abel at the helm. The cozy interior features a wood-burning fireplace, rotating gallery art, and full bar, while the secluded brick courtyard patio provides peaceful outdoor dining perfect for sipping from their extensive tequila selection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cochinita Pibil (Yucatan-style pork), Poc-Chuc (grilled achiote pork), Chile Relleno
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Rare Yucatan and Mayan specialties distinguish this from typical SoCal Mexican restaurants
Who should go: Diners seeking regional Mexican specialties in comfortable setting
When to visit: Lunch on the courtyard patio or dinner by the fireplace
What to order: Cochinita pibil, poc-chuc, any Yucatan specials, chicken quesadilla
Insider tip: The covered brick patio between Colorado and Green offers quiet refuge
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Blvd and surrounding streets, typically easier to find than Old Pasadena. Small lot behind building accessible from Green Street. Meters enforced until 8pm weekdays.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and nice top work perfectly. Locals come straight from work or dressed down on weekends.
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - the brick courtyard patio is especially peaceful, fireplace dining room has soft conversation buzz. Easy to hear across the table.
Weekend wait: 20-30 minutes without reservation Friday/Saturday 7-8pm. Patio fills first. Call ahead recommended.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cheese enchiladas, veggie fajitas, quesadillas, plus sides like black beans and rice. Staff accommodating with modifications.
Vegan options: Limited - can do veggie fajitas without dairy, rice and beans. Not their strength but they'll work with you.
Gluten-free options: Corn tortillas available for most dishes, naturally GF options like grilled fish and chicken. Ask about cross-contamination if celiac.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the courtyard patio is romantic without being stuffy, lighting is flattering, noise level allows conversation, and the 25+ year track record means consistent quality. Not a gamble. Request patio seating when booking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6:30pm), yes. Weekend prime time (7-9pm), risky - call 30 minutes ahead at minimum. The bar seats are first-come and full menu available.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu available, relaxed atmosphere, families are regulars. The courtyard patio is ideal for wiggly kids. Crayons provided. Best for ages 5+ who can sit through a meal.
How does the Yucatan food compare to regular Mexican? More citrus-forward and herb-driven. Cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork) and poc-chuc (grilled pork) taste nothing like typical SoCal Mexican. If you only know tacos and enchiladas, this expands your palate.
Is it loud enough for a business lunch? Yes - it's a popular business lunch spot. Quiet enough for deal discussions, professional atmosphere, efficient service. Request a corner table for extra privacy. Many Pasadena professionals are regulars.
What's the tequila selection like? Extensive - 50+ options ranging from mixing to sipping añejos. Staff knowledgeable. Good for tequila education or just a quality margarita. The patio + tequila flight combo is a local move.
Best For
Better for: Regional Mexican authenticity over Tex-Mex, peaceful patio dining vs. loud bar scenes, consistent neighborhood gem over hyped new openings. Choose this when you want Yucatan specialties you can't find elsewhere or a reliable date spot without Old Pasadena chaos.
Skip if: You want trendy Instagram aesthetics, craft cocktail program, or modern Mexican fusion. Also skip if you're craving Tex-Mex style (heavy cheese, big portions). This is traditional and understated - go to Tocaya or Guerrilla Tacos for contemporary vibe.