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Mercado - Pasadena
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Mercado - Pasadena
8.4
This upscale Mexican concept founded by Jesse Gomez delivers elevated street tacos during happy hour featuring handmade tortillas and premium proteins. The trendy Lake Avenue location draws professionals with its Dos Gringas al pastor tacos and $9 margaritas from 5-7pm weekdays.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dos Gringas Al Pastor Tacos, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Carnitas Nachos
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Chef Jose Acevedo's contemporary Mexican with barrel-select tequilas
Who should go: Professionals seeking upscale happy hour tacos
When to visit: Monday-Thursday 5-7pm for best deals
What to order: Dos Gringas, ahi tuna tacos, Flor de Jamaica
Insider tip: Bar seating unlocks extra happy hour perks
Mercado - Pasadena
8.4
Upscale Mexican cuisine from Chef Jose Acevedo features handmade tortillas and an extensive tequila selection. The happy hour draws crowds with discounted craft margaritas and sharable plates like carnitas nachos and shrimp jicama tacos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Nachos, Dos Gringas Al Pastor Tacos, Mushroom Choriqueso
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Contemporary Mexican with 70+ tequilas and refined happy hour menu
Who should go: Professionals seeking upscale Mexican happy hour
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 4-6pm for best deals
What to order: Dos Gringas tacos, Flor de Jamaica cocktail, guacamole
Insider tip: Bar seating fills fast during happy hour, arrive by 4:30pm
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $15, limited street parking fills by 5pm on weekdays
Dress code: Smart casual to business casual, jeans with nice top works
Noise level: Lively during happy hour - conversation requires slight raising voice
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, bar seating sometimes available
Weekday lunch: No wait, quick seating typically available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including chile relleno, veggie enchiladas
Vegan options: Limited - can modify guacamole tostada, veggie fajitas without cheese
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortilla options, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - upscale atmosphere impresses without being stuffy, tequila flights are fun conversation starters, and sharing plates create natural interaction
Can I get a table without a reservation? Difficult during happy hour (4-6pm) and weekend dinners. Best bet is bar seating or arriving right at 4pm on weekdays. Always book ahead for groups over 4
Is it kid-friendly? Better for ages 10+ during dinner service. No kids menu but willing to do simple quesadillas. Happy hour crowds make it less suitable for young children
Best For
Better for: Tequila education and elevated Mexican compared to typical cantinas, superior happy hour deals versus other upscale Mexican spots in South Lake
Skip if: Want authentic street tacos under $3 each, need quick casual dining, or seeking family-friendly Mexican with mariachi and kids activities
Mercado - Pasadena
8.4
Upscale contemporary Mexican from the Cocinas y Calaveras group, featuring elevated traditional dishes with locally-sourced ingredients until 10pm on weekends. The sophisticated space includes an indoor fireplace and patio seating perfect for craft margaritas during extended happy hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Corn Tamales, Queso Fundido, Citrus-Marinated Ceviche
Scores:
Value: 7.3
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Chef Jose Acevedo's elevated Mexican with craft cocktails
Who should go: Date nights and business dinners seeking quality
When to visit: Weekday happy hour 4-6:30pm for deals
What to order: Queso fundido, green corn tamales, house margaritas
Insider tip: Commons parking structure offers $2/20min with daily max $15
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Commons parking structure $2/20min with $15 daily max, street parking competitive after 5pm
Dress code: Smart casual to business attire, elevated crowd especially at dinner
Noise level: Moderate - lively bar scene but conversation-friendly dining room
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, book ahead for prime times
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including enchiladas, quesadillas, sides
Vegan options: Limited - can modify vegetarian dishes, ask server
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortilla options, staff knowledgeable about modifications
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect - upscale but not stuffy, fireplace creates ambiance, patio offers intimacy, craft cocktails provide conversation starters
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and happy hour usually ok, weekend dinner risky - try the bar for walk-ins or arrive before 6pm
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate elevated food, not ideal for toddlers given the business crowd and sophisticated atmosphere
Best For
Better for: Business entertaining and dates wanting elevated Mexican beyond typical tacos, superior cocktail program and ambiance vs casual spots
Skip if: You want cheap late-night tacos or family-style casual dining - try El Taquito Mexicano or Lucky Boy instead
Mercado - Pasadena
8.6
Upscale Mexican from restaurateur Jesse Gomez and chef Jose Acevedo (Cocinas y Calaveras group), offering elevated regional cuisine with handmade tortillas and hand-squeezed margaritas. The modern space features three patios, booth seating, and a sophisticated bar showcasing 70+ tequilas and mezcals, while the kitchen delivers refined takes on classics like dos gringas (al pastor tacos) and pumpkin seed-crusted scallops.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dos Gringas (al pastor flour tortilla tacos), Tableside Guacamole, Chef Jose's Carnitas
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Multi-generational family recipes executed with fine-dining technique and ingredients in a contemporary setting
Who should go: Special occasion diners wanting upscale Mexican with craft cocktails
When to visit: Happy hour for value or dinner reservations for patio seating
What to order: Dos gringas, tableside guacamole, carnitas nachos, Pasadena Rose margarita
Insider tip: Public lot parking available behind restaurant; patio seating books fast
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Public parking lot directly behind restaurant on Green Street, also metered street parking on S Lake Avenue (free after 6pm weekdays, all day Sunday)
Dress code: Upscale casual - dark jeans and button-downs work, but most guests lean dressier for the sophisticated atmosphere
Noise level: Moderate inside, quieter on patios - can hold conversation without raising voice
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday; patio tables book out days in advance
Weekday lunch: 15-25 min wait typical, bar seating usually available
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including vegetable-forward small plates, mushroom tacos, and cheese-based dishes beyond standard rice and beans
Vegan options: Limited but elevated - 3-4 options including grilled vegetables and specially prepared plant-based plates (ask server for modifications)
Gluten-free options: Yes - corn tortillas made in-house daily, most proteins and vegetables naturally GF, kitchen accommodates with advance notice
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - the patio ambiance creates romantic energy without being stuffy, shareable plates encourage interaction, and the $15-20 entree range won't strain the wallet while still impressing. Request patio seating when booking.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) you'll likely get seated within 20-30 minutes. Friday-Saturday after 7pm is a gamble - expect 60+ min waits. Bar seating is first-come and lets you order full menu.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who appreciate elevated food - no kids menu, sophisticated atmosphere. Families with younger children should consider earlier dinner times (5-6pm) when energy is calmer. High chairs available.
How does happy hour work? Monday-Friday 3-6pm with discounted margaritas ($8-10), select small plates, and bar bites. Sit at the bar for best access - patio happy hour seating is limited and goes fast.
What's the tequila/mezcal selection like? Serious collection - 70+ bottles spanning blanco to añejo, with knowledgeable bartenders who can guide tastings. Flights available if you want to explore without committing to full pours.
Best For
Better for: Upscale Mexican that balances refinement with authenticity - beats chain tex-mex on quality and Old Town Pasadena spots on cocktail program and ingredient sourcing. The patio atmosphere and craft cocktails outshine most LA Mexican spots at this price point.
Skip if: You want quick casual Mexican or value portions - this is priced for the refinement and ambiance. For authentic street-style tacos or budget-friendly plates, hit East LA or El Huarache Azteca instead. Also skip if you need guaranteed walk-in seating on weekends.