Mercado Pasadena

Mexican restaurant · Downtown

4

@eater

"Mercado owner Jesse Gomez has a soft spot for Pasadena. In fact, he thinks highly of his new Lake Avenue restaurant space in particular, given that it was for years a Crocodile Cafe, and Gomez himself — who grew up nearby — used to work for the owners. Now the place is all his, and he’s putting it to good use. Gomez has once again teamed up with chef/partner Jose Acevedo for this latest outlet of Mercado. The pair have holdings from 4th Street in Santa Monica to West Third Street to Hollywood to Studio City to Downtown, but are moving the Mercado business even further east today to join the growing Mexican food movement in Pasadena. That means everything from choriqueso to start to tortas and tacos to full carne asada plates and beyond, all with a more upscale California aesthetic and backed by lots of booze. The opening lunch, dinner, and happy hour menus are below. As for the Janel Wright-designed space, look for tall booths, ample bar seating, and a big, wide patio right up front. This Lake Avenue location offers a lot of foot traffic and views to the street, so expect a lively atmosphere come summertime nights. Artist Carlo Nieto III painted the shapeless interior mural, while Orange County’s David Palmer handled the detail work on the bullet pieces near the bar and in the dining room. Mercado opens this week, keeping weekday lunch (11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and daily dinner (4 p.m. to 10 p.m.) hours. Happy hour runs every day from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m." - Farley Elliott

Mercado Captures a Modern Mexican Moment in Pasadena - Eater LA

140 S Lake Ave #101, Pasadena, CA 91101 Get directions

cocinasycalaveras.com
@cocinasycalaveras

4 Postcards

Reserve
See full details

More Places For You

Chaaste Family Market

Grocery store · Mid Central

Chaaste Family Market is a cozy, family-run spot in Pasadena serving authentic Filipino fare, like crispy turon and hearty adobo, all made with love.

11 Postcards

Amara Cafe & Restaurant

Venezuelan restaurant · Downtown

Nestled in Pasadena, Amara Chocolate & Coffee is a cozy gem where you can indulge in Venezuelan delights like rich churros and decadent sipping chocolates.

4 Postcards

Lucky Boy

Hamburger restaurant · Pasadena

Lucky Boy is a Pasadena institution where you can scarf down mammoth breakfast burritos and charbroiled burgers in a classic diner vibe—perfect for satisfying those late-night cravings or post-game hunger.

9 Postcards

Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery

Traditional American restaurant · Downtown

Nestled in a former stable, Agnes in Pasadena blends Midwestern nostalgia with gourmet flair, serving up inventive comfort food and a delightful cheesery.

33 Postcards

mandarin coffee stand

Cafe · South

Nestled in the Burlington Arcade, Mandarin Coffee is a charming cafe with outdoor seating serving up stellar international brews and unique Asian-inspired drinks.

4 Postcards

Roma Market

Italian grocery store · West Central

Roma Market is a cozy Italian grocery in Pasadena famed for its legendary $6 sandwich packed with quality cured meats and provolone on crusty, fresh-baked bread.

16 Postcards

Paper Rice

Vietnamese restaurant · Downtown

PAPER RICE reinvents Vietnamese cuisine with customizable spring rolls and fresh bowls, offering a quick, satisfying bite in a cozy Pasadena spot.

3 Postcards

Stumptown Coffee Roasters

Coffee shop · Pasadena

Stumptown Coffee Roasters in Pasadena is a cozy and charming spot serving house-roasted coffee with a delightful Coraline twist, perfect for a casual cup or some creative Instagram snaps.

0 Postcards

Matsuri Restaurant

Japanese restaurant · West Central

Nestled in Pasadena, Matsuri is a cozy, family-owned gem serving up authentic sushi alongside hearty bento boxes and comforting noodles in a welcoming atmosphere.

1 Postcard

Union Restaurant

Italian restaurant · Downtown

Union is a charming gastropub in Pasadena serving rich Italian-inspired dishes in cozy surroundings, where handmade pastas and bold flavors make each visit memorable.

22 Postcards