Recommended dishes: Tacos, Chips and Salsa, Molcajete El Metate
Monica M.
This was the perfect pit stop at mine and hubs' date night. We were really going to the Ice House but dipped in here for a quick foodie / drinkie "pre-game." I believe this is family owned and service was every bit like being at your friend's moms house for all the attentiveness. I had a taco de birria and it was deelish!! The consommé was savory but not overpoweringly so. Hubs had a chicken soft taco that looked good. Chips and salsa were tasty and beer was cold!
Andrea D.
Did an early Friday night dinner here and the food was delicious! I had the enchilada plate and did not leave a single bite on the plate. The salsa/chile they used for the enchiladas was so delicious and authentic (my Mexican grandma was with me and mentioned this a few times!). The chips and salsa they provided were also good and the salsa had that perfect kick to it! The service was excellent. The man that served us checked in on us multiple times which was nice. For an early Friday evening it wasn't busy. I took food to go and as we left even those in the kitchen said bye as we left. This will definitely be the go to spot for a nice Mexican meal!
Jackie B.
A hidden gem in Pasadena. A family run restaurant, serves traditional Mexican dishes with flavorful meats & sauces. When i crave for Mexican food, i will always come to El Metate!
Dave H.
Always one of the best in Pasadena for fresh Mexican food at reasonable prices! Tacos, chille rellenos, enchiladas, seafood, burritos and much more!
Linh Y.
It was my milestone birthday this past October 2023. My dear friend wanted to take me out for lunch, but we didn't get a chance to do so that month so it was pushed to sometime in November 2023. We both love Mexican foods. El Metate was nearby both of us that day. So why not! OMG... BEST Mexican food choice in town!!! They have a good menu of food and drink selections. They also have food specials where you get one food item plus one free drink for one great price. We ordered first at the counter and then chose where we wanted to sit. Or you can choose your seat first and then go order... this may be best in case they are very busy. They brought us our foods when they were ready. I ended up getting the shrimp burrito and watermelon agua frescas. My friend got the chile relleno with the same watermelon drink. We also got complimentary chips and salsa. All I can say is WOW WOW and WOW! Watermelon drink was so refreshing and sweet... so good! The shrimp burrito was huge and tasty. Lots of shrimps at every bite. Rice and beans were delicious. Plate was piping hot, too. Straight from the kitchen grill... that's how I like it! The flavors and taste were amazingly out of this world. They do something special with their sauces. It's not your run of the mill red or green sauce... it's a brown sauce. I can't pin point it. They are quite different from other Mexican restaurants that I've eaten in the past. El Metate may be the best Mexican restaurant I've eaten at so far. I can't wait to come back here for more tasty deliciousness! Staff was superbly wonderful. They are a Mom & Pop restaurant run my Mom, Dad, son and probably more family members. Prices were very reasonable. They also offer catering by the entree ordered though. I don't think they have a dedicated catering menu. Ambiance was the traditional Mexican look and feel with warm and welcoming wall colors. They have good inside dining space and a few covered outside patio tables and chairs. Good enough space to have a small group gathering of 20 people or so. That's it for now until next time. My friend and I are already planning our next visit LOL. Looking forward to trying their other great foods! Come on out and give them a try. See you here!!! Btw, if you can figure out their brown sauce, please let me know. Thank you first! P.S. I will post photos later. I have to get them from my computer since they are no longer on my phone. Thanks for your patience.
Mary Kay H.
Friendly staff Clean restaurant Good chips and salsa (salsa was a little different, but that's cool) Great tacos! Will be back for a burrito
Luis Garcia
The food is delicious and the customer service is top tier. The salsas do a great job at complementing the chips and platters. Although I’d say I’ve had better molcajete than this place, it’s still really delicious. The owners and the son are amazing! Definitely check it out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Molcajete El Metate
Gabby Master
Hands down the best Mexican food. I can't recommend this place more. I'm lucky enough to have visited over the years. Will be returning every time we come to Pasadena.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Super Burrito
Mauricio Hernandez
Great food, good taste unexpensive and people very
El Metate is my go-to Mexican restaurant in Pasadena. It’s been a staple since 2016, and the family who runs it is extremely kind to everyone who comes through. Their salsas are so fresh and have a kick!For vegetarians, I suggest getting the flautas with grilled veggies or potato. The margaritas are delicious and strong, and Happy Hour is 4-6 daily. I recommend the blended mango margarita!
Marvin Luna
Chips were crunchy and salsa had a nice kick to it.Combo plate was a great deal. Shredded beef enchilada was tasty and chile relleno was tasty.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Enchiladas
Terrell Hightower
Great place for lunch dinner or family
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Enchiladas
Sug Daniels
Was staying at the Hotel Pasadenawith my partner and tired from traveling. This place is right across the street walking distance. The food was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Felt like soul food. Big tasty icey pina colada. The staff was friendly and the cook came and served us the civeche!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Anne
The food was delicious and the customer service was amazing. The mango drink and carne asada was delicious! This restaurant is run by the kindest people. Highly recommend!
Best mexican food in Pasadena.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Tacos, Chips and Salsa, Molcajete El Metate
This was the perfect pit stop at mine and hubs' date night. We were really going to the Ice House but dipped in here for a quick foodie / drinkie "pre-game." I believe this is family owned and service was every bit like being at your friend's moms house for all the attentiveness. I had a taco de birria and it was deelish!! The consommé was savory but not overpoweringly so. Hubs had a chicken soft taco that looked good. Chips and salsa were tasty and beer was cold!
Did an early Friday night dinner here and the food was delicious! I had the enchilada plate and did not leave a single bite on the plate. The salsa/chile they used for the enchiladas was so delicious and authentic (my Mexican grandma was with me and mentioned this a few times!). The chips and salsa they provided were also good and the salsa had that perfect kick to it! The service was excellent. The man that served us checked in on us multiple times which was nice. For an early Friday evening it wasn't busy. I took food to go and as we left even those in the kitchen said bye as we left. This will definitely be the go to spot for a nice Mexican meal!
A hidden gem in Pasadena. A family run restaurant, serves traditional Mexican dishes with flavorful meats & sauces. When i crave for Mexican food, i will always come to El Metate!
Always one of the best in Pasadena for fresh Mexican food at reasonable prices! Tacos, chille rellenos, enchiladas, seafood, burritos and much more!
It was my milestone birthday this past October 2023. My dear friend wanted to take me out for lunch, but we didn't get a chance to do so that month so it was pushed to sometime in November 2023. We both love Mexican foods. El Metate was nearby both of us that day. So why not! OMG... BEST Mexican food choice in town!!! They have a good menu of food and drink selections. They also have food specials where you get one food item plus one free drink for one great price. We ordered first at the counter and then chose where we wanted to sit. Or you can choose your seat first and then go order... this may be best in case they are very busy. They brought us our foods when they were ready. I ended up getting the shrimp burrito and watermelon agua frescas. My friend got the chile relleno with the same watermelon drink. We also got complimentary chips and salsa. All I can say is WOW WOW and WOW! Watermelon drink was so refreshing and sweet... so good! The shrimp burrito was huge and tasty. Lots of shrimps at every bite. Rice and beans were delicious. Plate was piping hot, too. Straight from the kitchen grill... that's how I like it! The flavors and taste were amazingly out of this world. They do something special with their sauces. It's not your run of the mill red or green sauce... it's a brown sauce. I can't pin point it. They are quite different from other Mexican restaurants that I've eaten in the past. El Metate may be the best Mexican restaurant I've eaten at so far. I can't wait to come back here for more tasty deliciousness! Staff was superbly wonderful. They are a Mom & Pop restaurant run my Mom, Dad, son and probably more family members. Prices were very reasonable. They also offer catering by the entree ordered though. I don't think they have a dedicated catering menu. Ambiance was the traditional Mexican look and feel with warm and welcoming wall colors. They have good inside dining space and a few covered outside patio tables and chairs. Good enough space to have a small group gathering of 20 people or so. That's it for now until next time. My friend and I are already planning our next visit LOL. Looking forward to trying their other great foods! Come on out and give them a try. See you here!!! Btw, if you can figure out their brown sauce, please let me know. Thank you first! P.S. I will post photos later. I have to get them from my computer since they are no longer on my phone. Thanks for your patience.
Friendly staff Clean restaurant Good chips and salsa (salsa was a little different, but that's cool) Great tacos! Will be back for a burrito
The food is delicious and the customer service is top tier. The salsas do a great job at complementing the chips and platters. Although I’d say I’ve had better molcajete than this place, it’s still really delicious. The owners and the son are amazing! Definitely check it out.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Molcajete El Metate
Hands down the best Mexican food. I can't recommend this place more. I'm lucky enough to have visited over the years. Will be returning every time we come to Pasadena.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Super Burrito
Great food, good taste unexpensive and people very
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Caldo De Pollo
Restaurantji Recommends
El Metate is my go-to Mexican restaurant in Pasadena. It’s been a staple since 2016, and the family who runs it is extremely kind to everyone who comes through. Their salsas are so fresh and have a kick!For vegetarians, I suggest getting the flautas with grilled veggies or potato. The margaritas are delicious and strong, and Happy Hour is 4-6 daily. I recommend the blended mango margarita!
Chips were crunchy and salsa had a nice kick to it.Combo plate was a great deal. Shredded beef enchilada was tasty and chile relleno was tasty.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Chips and Salsa, Enchiladas
Great place for lunch dinner or family
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Enchiladas
Was staying at the Hotel Pasadenawith my partner and tired from traveling. This place is right across the street walking distance. The food was perfectly seasoned and cooked. Felt like soul food. Big tasty icey pina colada. The staff was friendly and the cook came and served us the civeche!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food was delicious and the customer service was amazing. The mango drink and carne asada was delicious! This restaurant is run by the kindest people. Highly recommend!