Best Mexican Restaurants in Pasadena
11 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
El Portal Restaurant
Yucatan and Mayan specialties rarely found elsewhere
Notable Picks
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
What Makes it Special: Yucatan and Mayan specialties rarely found elsewhere
8
Chef Jose Acevedo brings Wolfgang Puck training to elevated Mexican fare, with a mole that skews sweet and tableside guacamole that regulars swear by. The happy hour crowd packs the patio for carnitas nachos and margaritas at reasonable prices—skip it at dinner if you're watching the bill. Works well for groups who want a polished Lake Avenue spot with strong drink service and manageable noise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guacamole, Chef Jose's Flan, Enchiladas de Pollo en Mole Oaxaqueño
What Makes it Special: Chef Jose Acevedo's signature carnitas recipe passed down through generations, with hand-made tortillas and hand-squeezed cocktail juices
8
A liquor-store-counter operation running an 18-year-old lamb barbacoa program using a family recipe from Mexico City—birria, menudo, and consomé built around slow-cooked lamb rather than the beef you find elsewhere. Weekend mornings draw early risers who know the drill: cash only, limited seating, and tortillas that could use an upgrade, but the lamb work carries the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa, Consomé, Menudo
What Makes it Special: Unassuming liquor store front concealing a weekend barbacoa operation with devoted local following
#4
HomeState
8
Austin-transplant Tex-Mex built on house-made flour tortillas that won KCRW's Best Tortilla in Southern California tournament and 12-hour slow-smoked brisket—the breakfast tacos and loaded queso are the core draw. The counter-service format and colorful patio with string lights keep it family-friendly and low-key, though weekend brunch gets loud and the small parking lot fills fast. Taco prices run higher than street-level spots for portions that don't always match, but the tortilla quality and brisket technique justify the trade-off for most regulars.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Tacos, Brisket Tacos, Frito Pie
What Makes it Special: Austin-style Texas comfort food built around flour tortillas made from scratch and slow-smoked brisket, transplanted to Pasadena
Worthy Picks
#5
King Taco
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
A 50-year LA institution that built its name on spit-roasted al pastor carved to order and handmade tamales—the kind of no-frills counter-service operation where the food does all the talking and the prices stay low enough to feed the whole family without thinking twice. It runs on volume and muscle memory, which means the core menu hits reliably, but don't expect anything beyond fluorescent lights and plastic trays.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tamales, Sopes, Al Pastor
What Makes it Special: LA's iconic taco chain built its reputation on spit-roasted al pastor and handmade tamales served fast and cheap since 1974
7.8
Fast-casual Mexican chain offering customizable tacos, burritos, and bowls with fresh ingredients. Known for their generous portions and build-your-own approach that appeals to diverse dietary preferences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pollo Asado Tacos, California Burrito, Nachos Supreme
What Makes it Special: Customizable tacos with fresh toppings bar
7.8
A high-volume Pasadena taco truck that has built its reputation on straightforward street tacos executed consistently enough to sustain a loyal late-night crowd. The window-serve setup and back-lot parking work best for quick pickups or standing around with asada fries after hours. Budget-friendly pricing and a focused menu make it a reliable default for regulars who know what they want.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Al Pastor, Asada Fries
What Makes it Special: Longtime Pasadena taco truck serving high-volume street tacos with a loyal late-night following
#8
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
What Makes it Special: Newest location from established Mexican restaurant family
7.7
A family-owned Mexican breakfast cafe on Colorado Blvd where the kitchen runs a tight rotation of egg-and-chorizo plates and oversized breakfast burritos, all served with cinnamon-laced coffee. The patio fills up on weekend mornings with a repeat Pasadena crowd that treats it like a standing reservation—compact and loud inside, but that energy is part of the draw for a spot built around hearty morning plates, not lingering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Breakfast Burrito, Chorizo & Eggs, Mexican Scramble
What Makes it Special: Family-owned Mexican breakfast cafe on Colorado Blvd where the coffee comes with cinnamon and weekend brunch draws a loyal Pasadena crowd to the patio
#10
The Mixx
7.6
Located in the Arts District, this contemporary American bar features a dedicated Taco Program with $3 tacos during their all-day Tuesday-Thursday happy hours. The venue combines New American cuisine with live entertainment, offering craft cocktails and upscale bar food at competitive prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy Hour Street Tacos, Pastrami Burger, Craft Cocktail Tacos
What Makes it Special: $3 tacos during all-day happy hour Tuesday-Thursday
7.5
Founded in 1985, this traditional Mexican-American restaurant offers old-school comfort in a family-friendly setting with private parking and catering services. The grande burritos and chile verde sauce showcase classic preparations that have satisfied local families for nearly four decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grande Burrito, Chile Verde Sauce, Carne Asada
What Makes it Special: Three locations serving families since 1985