El Portal Restaurant

Visited El Portal Restaurant in Pasadena, and it turned out to be a solid spot for Mexican food. We had a table of seven, and I was impressed with how generous they were with the chips and salsa. Honestly, I filled up on them a little too much — probably more a reflection of my own lack of self-control than anything else. The salsa was fresh, flavorful, and hard to stop eating. They also had live music, which created a lively atmosphere. It was great to see locals dancing and enjoying themselves, even if the music style wasn’t exactly my personal favorite. We sat outside on the patio, and while the entertainment might not have been my taste, it definitely added to the restaurant’s vibrant energy. When it comes to the food, the enchiladas were a standout, packed with flavor and served with rice and beans that were just right. I paired my meal with a Modelo, which hit the spot perfectly. Overall, good food, lively vibes, and a place I’d definitely recommend if you’re in Pasadena and craving authentic Mexican flavors.

Restaurant was truly charming, it’s set in an out of the way alley, has parking available. There is inside & outside seating, decor is very nice. The food on the other hand was not charming nor was it delicious. The presentation on the plates was deceiving, I was so excited about it. All Mexican restaurants have rice & beans, that should not be a problem… but theirs was! Rice had no flavor, beans were heaped with way too much cheese. My Steak picado had a tomato sauce taste, no spices to add any excitement. All in all, 2 dinners orders, 1 guacamole & 2 ice teas = $96.00. Not returning this year.

This place had a lot of potential. Great atmosphere, perfect location (right across from Pasadena Playhouse), and a diverse menu of foods from Mexico and the Yucatán. The food was just a little bland, and the margaritas tasted like juice. Nice staff tho, and it is a visually appealing location in a nice area.

I've been going to El Portal for many years and used to love the dishes they served. A few weeks ago, I went on a Sunday. The "special" sounded appealing which was seafood with angel hair pasta and a lobster sauce. I was really disappointed since the pasta was reheated or way over cooked. It broke off on your fork just lifting it to your mouth. The lobster sauce was not good or enjoyable either. A mariachi group came inside the restaurant to play and sing songs. The violin player has a very squeaky violin and he must be has to be tone deaf. They sang as a group and, frankly, I would have paid them not to! Years ago El Portal had some pretty good singers and musicians. Lately though, it seems they prefer this older group that can't sing and don't play well together. I think I'm going to branch out to other restaurants since it seems they are not maintaining the qualify of food or entertainment that they used to.

The New York Steak was cooked to perfection, and the food was very tasty. The restaurant offers an ample menu, and everyone in our 12 people party tried something different. We all had compliments towards the food, the restaurant and the service. Even the owner passed by our table to ask if we found everything alright. I will recommend this place and definitely return to this cozy, beautiful and gem of a restaurant.

El Portal has long been a go-to spot for authentic and flavorful Mexican cuisine. Their outdoor seating and refreshing margaritas create a delightful ambiance. It's rare to find a dish that disappoints. However, our recent visit was a departure from the usual high standards. While the atmosphere remained charming, the food fell short of our expectations. We hope this was an isolated incident and that El Portal will soon return to its former glory.

We had a family gathering in the back room at El Porto, and the service was terrible. It took over 30 minutes just for someone to take my drink order. For a big party, they only had one server working in the back, which makes no sense and left everyone waiting far too long. When I paid for my beverages, they never brought back my change — about $10 — and I shouldn’t have to ask for money that’s mine. The food itself was just okay, nothing special, and definitely could be better. Between the poor service, missing change, and disappointing food, this was an awful experience. I will not be coming back, and I won’t be recommending El Porto to anyone.

Loved this Mexican restaurant 🌮🌯 The food was amazing as well as the atmosphere! We went to dinner and got a table for 7 people on the outside patio. The food was super fast to arrive and it was delicious 😋 I would definitely recommend this place if you are looking for a cool vibe and some amazing food

Happy hour is until 6 which is a win in my books. I noticed some places are only until 5 these days not even 5:30.. 11$ happy hour drinks (margaritas and Paloma's are strong) and 11$ for 2 large beef flautas. You can add a side of beans for 5$. The bar can get packed and busy, so be prepared to be patient especially if the one bartender is making drinks for the entire restaurant. My main squeeze got a chicken fajita burrito (which he said was better than the carne asada one, surprisingly) -- definitely check this place out and get an outside table if you come with a group. The patio is nice

The burritos.... They don't make them correctly. Bit into one and got a full mouth of guacamole and sour cream, no beans no meat. The rest of the burrito had the beans and meat but no sour cream and no guacamole. Can you guys remember how we eat burritos?

Pretty solid spot. The ambiance is very nice and their outdoor patio is *the* best on a beautiful sunny day. Food was tasty- we had 2 of their burritos (carne asada and pork). Solid 7/10. I had a mango margarita which was very yummy but definitely on the weaker side in terms of alcohol. Service was quick.

This is a solid Mexican restaurant with Veracruz Mexico influence in some of their dishes. Everything is super tasty and large portions. Service is quick and friendly. Loved that they have a fun trio playing music on Sunday dinner service. Parking is free in the lot.

It's a fairly nice restaurant in terms of atmosphere. The service is great--the waiters are very sweet and attentive. However, a word of caution: I got the worst stomachache after eating here. Not sure what caused it, but I usually don't have this problem. Tortilla Soup (complimentary from the waiter due to me picking no beans in my taco) - Very well-seasoned and flavorful. It had tortilla strips, cheese, and guacamole in it. 2 Carne Asada Soft Tacos ($23) - Pretty good, though I'm not sure they were completely worth the price. They do come with a generous serving of rice, but these definitely weren't the best tacos I've had. I probably wouldn't come back here any time soon.

The other reviewers are totally correct with overpriced. What usually costs $50 check for two people and similar restaurants in the area was over $100. It tastes good, but not worth that bill. I think what's worse is over time as the prices have gone up the quality and portions have gone down. I know it's a well liked restaurant in the area but for the food and the service it's not worth the money.

The pumpkin soup was hands down one of the best! A must try when available on their seasonal fall menu. Topped with infused olive oil and pepita seeds. Sooooo good! I would definitely go back just for a bowl. Chile relleno had that melty cheese spilling out with each fork full. Chicken taco for Ray and a enchilada for the mama. A la carte or in a meal. Service was great, food was substantial but the star was the pumpkin soup. After packaging up our left overs chips and salsa was our dessert of choice. Plenty to choose from on their traditional menu offerings. A beautiful venue for a small intimate dinner or for larger group gatherings. The ambiance on their patio is divine for an evening out. It's a courtyard right in front of their restaurant surrounded by little cute shops. They do have mariachi's performing table by table so it does get a little harder to have conversations. If you're into it, it'll be enjoyable. Heaters kept us nice and toasty. Free parking for dine in customers! The attendant will assist you. What an enjoyable first visit to celebrate our "cousinsgiving"

Preface- Thanks to my Yelp friends, I've been lucky in finding great eateries and establishments in the Pasadena area. And this luck did not stop here! El Portal located on Colorado Blvd. in the center of Pasadena town. it's in a strip mall or strip office building. You will have to walk into the courtyard to find it. Indoor dining and patio dining available. In the winters they fire up their heaters and lamps in the patio. Food decent. Service decent. Ambiance decent and I consider it to be as authentic as one can be in the area you are at to luck out and find a Yucatan eatery. Guacamole made fresh to order. The carne asada was seasoned well and I had it served as a taco. Mariachi band on site and table roam. Price reasonable. Go there or be square!

The restaurant has a parking lot but it may be full if it's busy. This is a great spot for group gatherings. There's comfortable outdoor seating, and the staff are very nice. You get complimentary tortilla chips for your table. The food is decently priced as you get a large portion of food. There's a lot on the menu that I would go back to try.

Short Review: Really great Yucatán/Mexican restaurant with excellent tasting food, a nice indoor/outdoor option, and very friendly service - including a serenading Mariachi band. You should try it! Long Review: Not every Mexican restaurant is the same - and El Portal is proof of that. You can tell how good a place is by the number of regulars that frequent it, and that is definitely El Portal. The first smart thing they did was make the entrance off of Green Street instead of Colorado. It would just get lost on that busy street, but by having the entrance face a much less busy and prettier, tree-lined street you automatically feel welcomed in. There is plenty of ample parking in front too - a nice bonus. When you walk up, you have a generous outdoor seating area that is surrounded by several small boutiques and other shops, so you're sitting amongst an arcade of shops. It's super cute! And yes, there are outdoor heaters. You're welcomed in with friendly smiles and the service is just great. They are very attentive and the choice of food and drink is phenomenal. Case in point: there is a very high end sipping tequila called Dame Mas. Not many Mexican restaurants have it, as it's very expensive (usually $20-$40 per glass) but when I asked the bartender if they had, he pulled it right out and poured me a glass. I ordered my usual favorite at any Mexican restaurant- the enchiladas- and they were really, very good. A little better than most places, so I was thrilled. I highly recommend this spot. It's great for catching up with friends, or a group, or just date night.

Great for large or small groups. Food and drinks were delicious during happy hour and you got more choices in the regular menu as well. Our service was attentive and we got our request and refills as needed. Private parking but scan the QR code inside the restaurant to register your car.

Salad anyone? This is a perfect place for a party. I met up with two of my besties! No husb this time. There's a space outside if you'd like to invitee a large party. At night with the lights out, it's perfect. The food was tasty, I had a salad, my friend had a salmon dish and the birthday girl had a combo. We got sat quickly which was nice. We were brought water and chips immediately! There is a parking lot for this restaurant, in Pasadena that's a big plus! My friend got a yummy desert for her birthday, not sure what it was, but it tasted good. I'm coming again, either with the husb or a big party, heck even a small party, I must try their other dishes. Restroom is also clean, but tight space. But overall, it's with a taste of Yucatán!

I love El Portal and have been happily dining here for over 20 years. Last Saturday I went with a group of friends. I ordered, for the first time, their chile relleno. I also ordered a Modelo especial. The server asked to I wanted the larger beer schooner not the pint. I said yes. Their pints are $9, which is the going rate in Pasadena. The chile relleno plate was absolutely delicious and I cleaned the plate. While the group of friends of mine were talking our server asked if we would want more drinks. We said yes. All of us asked for separate bills which our server happily did. When I got my bill I was taken back on how much my bill was. $19 for my chile relleno, which I had no problem with, but with my so called large beer schooners it came to $56. That meant the schooners were $18.50 each. Not worth it. It did not look like there was a noticeable amount, ounce wise, more then the 16 ounce pint. This being said I will only order the pint beer glass from now on. Two pints would have been $18.

The outdoor patio was absolutely what we needed at the end of a busy week! We came on a Friday and they had live music, it was wonderful. The food was okay(not bad) but I think you come here for the ambiance rather than the food. Service was good, everyone very helpful.

Not too too bad, a little soso in the flavors and unfortunately very understaffed but the staff is kind and friendly. Love the vibes and decor though.

I highly recommend the mole enchiladas they were some of the best enchiladas I've had at a restaurant. The service was fast. The drink were very good. I would recommend the diablito de pina. It was so refreshing and definitely a drink you can share. The outdoor space is so nice and nicely shaded

The food here was just okay in my opinion, not the greatest Mexican food. I got the Yucatan Trio and it was decent. The dishes weren't too salty and the meat was moist which was good. I wasn't the biggest fan of the tamale though, it was a bit slimy. I also found a small hair in my rice. The prices are also pretty high for Mexican food and the quality of what we had didn't justify the price. The service was great though. The servers were nice and attentive. The vibes inside and outside were nice as well. There was a musician playing outside. The bathroom wasn't the cleanest though, the floors were pretty greasy.

Lots of seating inside and out. We parked on the street but I think there's a parking lot too. Service was attentive and prompt. We shared a Yucatán sampler which was good for 2 not so hungry people. Everything was delicious esp the black bean soup. We got the Cadillac margarita. The large size which was good for two people as well.....Though I've had better margaritas. Solid dependable food is what I'd call this place.

Pointless. I should have known when I saw that the "Mayan" salad featured gorgonzola cheese. You know, blue cheese, for which the Mayan's are famous. Much like how the Swedes are famous for their pizza. But weird inauthenticity aside, the food is boring. The shrimp gazpacho sounds nice, but it is basically the same taste as the free salsa that comes with the chips... and some shrimp. It isn't bad. It's just pointless. If I was starving would I happily eat it? Sure. Would I ever actually want it? No. Omalete was salted to the point of inedibility. But even it it wasn't saltier than the dead sea, it was boring. The grilled shrimp tostada salad was a bit better, as the shrimp was well seasoned and cooked nicely. But other than the shrimp being good, it was nothing better than a tostada from El Pollo Loco. Perhaps less. It was small, and insubstantial. And well over $20. Service is great. Atmosphere is mellow. Decor is well dated, but whatever, it is comfortable. There are weird posters about human trafficking all on the way to and in the bathrooms.... just kind of strange. I mean, if I was working in the area, and someone was BUYING lunch and wanted to go here, I would go. And I would not order the gazpacho. Or any egg product. If that helps. But I would not take anyone here. Anyone you take here is going to think less of you, I am pretty sure. And you will spend like $80 on lunch for two after tax and tip, and at $40 I would not be happy with it. You know? It isn't terrible, but it is just pointless.

This place was great and after 10 years it is still wonderful. Great food and great chef. Highly recommended.

Great spot to take a date or a group of friends! The food is great and the staff are really friendly and attentive. I recommend eating outside, they have heaters outside with lots of available seating. And the lights outside are a vibe. The Braised Pork was my absolute favorite. The pork just melted in my mouth and the veggies and the polenta was so good together.

Attended another one of PCC (my local JC, Pasadena City College, CA)., sponsored community events this year through my Windows10 Professor who apparently holds connections with City of Pasadena,'s Mayor, Mr. Victor Gordo. Well....that was some humble Mayor: he sent himself as an extra bartender for 'El Porto,' on Mexican Independence Day/2024. As you can see from my shared pics below, I even got to meet and greet the Mayor for a group photo shoot in 1 of my PCC tops. Seriously can't beat this. This is the first time I've met Any local City Mayor. Nice meeting you, Mr. Victor Gordo. It was seriously Our pleasure to have you join us for our Spanish Windows10 class dinner celebration. What an honor!!!!

The food was delicious, the service was top notch & the vibes/ambiance was really good. Definitely coming back. A must try.

Cinco de Mayo always reminds me of this place. It was on that day, at this classic spot, I had one of the best dates in my life. The food was delicious, the margaritas got us talking, as two artists, the strange paintings and decor gave us lots to reflect on in our playful state of mind. It surely was a portal straight to great food, strong drinks, and beautiful memories. Can't wait to come back!

4 stars As far as Mexican restaurants go, this one is clean, comfortable, & stylish. They have both indoor & outdoor seating with outdoors having plenty of shade & plants. My mom & I ordered the chicken enchilada plate($21?) & the chicken fajita burrito ($25). The food tasted amazing. Our favorite had to be the enchiladas because the sauce was just that good! The chicken fajita burrito was good & we liked how lean the grilled chicken was. Also, before we ordered, the servers brought out chips & salsa. The salsa was tasty, but my mom thought the salsa was too spicy for her. The servers were attentive & polite. They brought my dog a water bowl, which was really nice of them! As other parties started coming in, the place got really busy & getting the check became a challenge for us. But that was resolved when I decided to pay at the front. Overall, had a wonderful experience & will likely be back with mom & dog.

Came to celebrate Cinco De Mayo! We were able to make a reservation since it would likely be busy on the holiday. We were seated fairly quickly and had our order taken in a few minutes. We first ordered the sampler to try a bit of everything, which was delicious. The house-made salsa and chips were another great addition. For a main course, I went for the Chicken Tamale and Taco Combo. Pretty big portions if you're not someone with a big appetite. It might be wise to go light on the appetizer or split a plate with someone! We were expecting a mariachi performance that was listed for that night, but unfortunately, they never came out! Huge bummer, but we were still able to have a good time! Overall was a great experience and I would love to come back. Great food and drinks for any occasion. I'll definitely be back when I'm craving for a spicy marg!

Best Mexican restaurant!! They have such a cute patio. Heather so no matter how cold it is you are warm. Waiters are so nice. They have mobile pay so once you get your check you can scan and pay. As a Previous server I can tell you this help so much the Customer as the staff. Food is amazing. they have live music as well its perfect place for a date.

Came here on a Friday night and they were able to seat us outside. There were heaters all around so you don't feel the 55 degrees. They also had a live walking band going around playing music, so that was very neat! They served us with complimentary salsa and chips and let us have refills! I love using the crispy chips to scoop up my food. The BF and I each ordered an entree. The food came out fairly quickly too considering how busy they were. The chili relleno tasted really fresh. Would definitely try this place again!

I grew up eating Yucatecan cuisine and this place reminds me of my childhood. Don't be afraid of trying the Yucatecan specials they are delicious. I've tried all of them and they all get a 5-star rating. The black beans and black bean soup that come with the dinners are so so good! This restaurant has been around for many years and I hope people continue to come and enjoy some of their Yucatecan Mexican food.

I was with three others for dinner and the service was friendly and fast. I ordered the grilled chicken and avocado salad and it was very fresh and tasty. I wish I could say the same about my Dulce Vida Cadillac margarita. It tasted like lemonade with absolutely no hint of tequila. A friend I was with felt the same about his sangria, no hint of wine. Overall, no one was blown away by their food or drinks, so we won't be back any time soon.

This place is like stepping through a "portal" into Mexico. That establishment was beautiful, owners interior design is The food was delicious and will definitely be coming back. Well deserved 5 Stars.

I went here for the first time with a friend last Sunday afternoon. The patio seating was great even though it was a hot day we were comfortable. I had a chimichunga and a michalada and both were really good. The chimichunga came with rice, beans and a little bowl of sour cream and another with guacamole. The service was good too. My only complaint is that the prices are a little high

Delicious food, great atmosphere. They have live music. A bit pricey but when the food is good I don't mind. Service was a little slow considering they were closing soon but really nothing to complain about

We had a big party and wanted to find dinner close to The Blinn House for a meeting. El Portal fit the bill. It might not be easy to find. But you can get to the restaurant from Colorado or Green. It's in an Arcade. I had the shrimp & spinach enchiladas. They were delish! Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals. It was kinda expensive. $32 for one person with tax & tip.

Went on a busy Friday Mother's Day. We each had specials and they were great! The owner stopped and said hello and the Mariachis sang for us! We loved the atmosphere and look forward to going back and eating outside.

Came here to celebrate my birthday with my family. There were 8 of us and everyone enjoyed their meal and had a great time. Server was kind, helpful and funny. She constantly came to our table to refill our drinks. I had the mole enchiladas, it was really good. I don't really like enchiladas but the mole enchiladas caught my attention. It did not disappoint. The place is really nice indoors and outdoors. Everyone was super friendly, I would come back. Maybe on a summer night and enjoy a meal out on the patio. There's plenty of parking in front of the restaurant as well as street parking. As far as prices, it leans on the pricier side but to me, it's worth it. The surrounding area is really nice as well.

Had lunch here with a friend last week. Very impressed. 1. I had a delicious, generously sized, and not typical chicken salad. (Ensalada Maya.) 2. Service was prompt and friendly. 3. Unusually excellent patio seating (quiet, not on major street, well shaded, very comfortable seats, etc.). 4. Prices are not cheap, but reasonable for the great value. Complementary chips and salsa, too. Can't always count on this in Mexican restaurants today. I will go to El Portal again and again.

A few weeks back some co-workers of mine and I were celebrating a couple birthdays. We originally had wanted to eat at Nine & Nine Kitchen (Thai), but somehow they were closed for lunch. Hmmm? Anyway, we went over to Janejira Bistro (Thai), but they couldn't accommodate 10 people at the time and there was some wait. Hence, we headed over here to El Portal (Mexican) which I have never eaten at until now. Perfect! Another opportunity to do a Yelp review LOL. We were seated at their outside patio dining which had a really nice ambiance and setup. Love the colorful umbrellas! Luckily, weather wasn't too warm, but it wasn't too cool either. We made it through LOL. Anyway, I ordered the Seafood Fajitas that came out on a sizzling plate with rice and beans plus guacamole and salsa along with 3 flour tortillas. Shrimps (my favorite) were of decent size (could be bigger though LOL), now filet fish was huge (the way I like it), and big scallops weren't too shabby... overall good flavors and taste! Grilled veggies were tasty, too. Rice was light and fluffy. Beans were light and smooth. Great combination! Only gripe is the price... isn't it always LOL... a whopping $27.00! It's all good. Staff was pleasant and attentive. Service was good. I didn't get a chance to check out the inside so I'll have to make another visit just to see the inside LOL. You know I would! I hear this place looks really romantic in the evening. Maybe I'll bring a date next time LOL. Thank you El Portal!

They validate for the adjacent lot but you can try to park on the street: Free on Sundays and 1hr otherwise. Good selection of Mexican favorites! We came for brunch. I got chilaquiles and the diabolita drink (pineapple Jarritos). Very filling.

Came here for the fajitas...and the Chips ! Mama Mia!!! Don't do what I did ... walk in at 8:27pm on a Tuesday... they close in 3 min! My bad But still .. we sat and ordered the fajitas... Morena did right by us and STILL came and refilled all our drinks... Madre de Dios... Damn that Fajita was excelente...no... better....has I ever tried ... The Chips and Salsa are next level... Ay DIOS MÍO

I just want to give a giant tip of the hat to Armando, and Tammy, the Party coordinator at El Portal. Our office party was absolutely awesome in the Maya room. We had Cochinita Pibil, Chicken Picado, Spinach Enchiladas, Mexican salad, rice and beans, and Cadillac margaritas. Food and drinks were excellent, great space, top notch service, and so much fun. Consider this place for your next get together. I rarely review. They even boxed up the leftovers for us to take home and we did! Bravo!

Good food, good service, nice atmosphere. My friend and l go here when we go to theatre in Pasadena or near by. We usually make it there several times a year.

A friend and I had tix to see a show at The Pasadena Playhouse (a block away) and grabbed dinner here on a whim. So glad we did! We sat in one of the lovely outdoor booths in the courtyard. I had the Vegetable Burrito which was delicious. The guacamole came with chicharron. The service was attentive and speedy. I will be back!

Delicious food, exceptional service, great ambiance. Parking is limited. but there is parking in the surrounding area. Great for group events, reserve in advance.

This is by far my favorite Mexican restaurant in SGV! I've been coming here for the past 15+ years and have always had a great experience each time. I'm so glad to see that they keep expanding their area over the years too! They have a great outside patio that is great for large parties and their service is always great no matter how big or small your party size is. They also have a live band on the weekends as an extra treat! They have a parking lot but I'm not sure when they have valet service is there and when it's free parking. If they have valet service, you can still find free 1 hour street parking pretty easily around the block. Their specialty dishes are their Yucatán dishes. The mole sauce is so delicious! I also really enjoy any of their combination dishes. Never been disappointed with any item I've tried! My kids also love their rice. Their blended margaritas are my favorite drinks, either strawberry or mango is very yummy.

Me and my mom were waiting for our play to start at the Pasadena playhouse and we walked across the street here for drinks and dessert while we waited. It was so cute and a beautiful patio, the vibe was really inviting. Our server Shaun was really quick and personable with us, asking us what we were doing with our night and which of the desserts were our favorite. At the end of the night I went to the bathroom and my jacket fell off of my chair, we left and I had completely forgotten it. We ran into him in the parking lot and he had gone across the street to the Pasadena Playhouse to return my sweater. He was on his way back and ran into us. He was so incredibly sweet and the effort was unbelievable, he's definitely a big reason why we'll be coming back. Thanks Shaun!

The service is so friendly and the food so yummy. Great patio for when the weather is good-which is almost always!

Zero stars if I were being honest. Came in on a Friday 6-7-24 fur lunch with my family. We've been here numerous times. We called before showing up to confirm their happy hour. Upon arrival we requested to be seated anywhere happy hour is honored. Hostess informed us that HH only honored at their bar. We mentioned that we have our 2 children and if they could honor HH anywhere but the bar,but with a negative attitude she abruptly said no. We requested to speak to a manager. An older women who failed to identify herself finally addressed us. Very rude and unprofessional. I had to ask her what her name and title was. She said we can sit at the bar,yes at the bar with our children. We were shocked and dumbfounded. I know we weren't driving a Lamborghini and probably aren't their target customers but show some respect. We left very disrespected and disappointed. You have to do better El Portal. Her name is Zenaida.Very rude and prejudice.We will never support El Portal again. Stay away from this place unless you wanted to be disrespected.

The chef and his team make the most outstanding food! I got to try what resembled a chile rilleno, but it wasn't filled with the usual cheese. This had a complex filling with plantains, ground beef, carrots, onions, etc. It was seriously a party in your mouth. The pomegranate topping was a burst of happiness! The Spanish rice and beans were rock solid. Service by the whole team was amazing!