Darren C.
Yelp
While heading to a new-to-me movie theater in Pasadena, I figured I'd grab a bite somewhere nearby--no plan, just vibes. That's when I spotted Anaya's Mexican Restaurant. What drew me in? A sandwich board sign out front advertising lunch specials. It worked.
I walked in around 11:40 a.m., only to find out that the lunch specials don't start until noon. No problem--I grabbed a seat, munched on complimentary chips and green salsa, and passed the time on my phone. The chips were fresh, and the salsa had a nice tangy kick--simple but satisfying.
With a little time to spare, I decided to try their signature margarita. Good move. It was strong, well-balanced, and definitely not one of those overly sweet pre-mix types. A proper margarita.
Once noon hit, I went with the chicken enchiladas with red sauce, skipping the refried beans in favor of just rice. (I'm not a refried bean person, and that's okay.) The rice was perfectly cooked--fluffy, with every grain holding its own--and the enchiladas were generously stuffed with shredded chicken.
One note of caution: the red sauce is delicious, but messy. If you're like me and didn't think to ask for an extra napkin, you might leave with a souvenir or two--in my case, a few red stains. One napkin for the lap, one for the fingers next time.
Bottom line:
Anaya's is a solid neighborhood find--great lunch spot with strong margaritas, flavorful enchiladas, and a welcoming, relaxed vibe. Just keep an eye on the clock if you're after a lunch deal and maybe wear a dark shirt if you're going for the red sauce.