La Fiesta Grande Mexican Restaurant

It's a shame, they have a great location and the service was amazing, but i got 5 shrimp with my fajitas and my girlfriend 4 and it was 25 bucks each. On top of that all the food lacked flavor and it's Mexican so I don't know how that's possible. Everything was bland from the beginning starting with the guacamole. Place has a lot of potential with new chefs and not charging 20 plus a plate and filling it with beans and rice. I do not recommend, I honestly can't say one good thing about the eating experience, but the workers were very nice and attentive. The shrimp also tasted fishy usually implying old frozen shrimp. Very disappointed and we spent over 100 and tipped the servers good of course, it's not their fault. Owners please save this place. Will not be back.

It's not as good as it used to be. The margaritas were mainly mix. The chicken fajita tostasda tasted different. Prices were higher.

Had a beautiful breakfast here. It’s fresh and delicious! Their coffee is strong and just right. Restaurant is sparklingly clean too.

Everything we’ve tried is great. Definitely a solid Mexican spot, at least when it comes to a sit down restaurant. We’ve come to this restaurant when it used to be on Mission in South Pasadena. Glad to see it’s still in the area. Love the chips and salsa while we wait for our food. Great environment for dining.

We were greeted at the door, which is very nice. Got to sit wherever we’d like it wasn’t too busy until after we arrived. There was a lot of people that came in. The atmosphere is very live. Good music not too loud. You still can have a conversation. The food was delicious except one thing The chili oregano didn’t have a chili. It had nothing but egg in it and cheese so that was a really big disappointment. The shredded beef enchilada had a lot of meat. The tostada had a lot of meat. It was very filling. The beans were delicious. The rice wasn’t overcooked so that was a plus chips and salsa. We’re good!

I use to go to the Pasadena location for over 15 years and also the South Pasadena location for many many years also. I was so glad when they opened this location. Always the best food. I see the waiters from the Pasadena location working. I have never had to call and complain about anything till tonight. It was really busy like usual and it was a Friday night so we got the order to go. I was ordering a Burrito I confirmed it was a wet burrito because my mom loves her burrito the be wet and lots of sauce. So they said it was a wet burrito and I said ok she likes it very saucey. When we got home there was a little line of the three different sauces on the burrito. The container wasn’t filled with the sauces. So I called to left them know the disappointment and they said if someone wants lots of sauce they need to tell them but there wasn’t much sauce at all and basically that was all she said I had to ask her what are we going to do? She said I could bring it back and they would remake it. I live in Orange County so that wasn’t possible. So she said to bring the burrito back tomorrow and they would replace it. Why does my mother have to suffer and not eat for them to replace her burrito? A weeks burrito has sauce all on top of the burrito and then there’s so much sauce it will pool at the bottom of container. I have pictures there was a dribble of sauce in it. I’m floored that they want me to bring the burrito back before they will replace it. Very disappointing that they asked me to do that

Authentic Mexican food flavor, that brought me back to my childhood in Mexico city. I could taste the fresh ingredients and the presentation was excellent. The ambiance is so nice and the music enhances the whole experience. Thoroughly recommended.

La Fiesta Grande: A Timeless Gem for Authentic Mexican Cuisine La Fiesta Grande has been a staple in Pasadena for over 40 years, and its legacy continues to shine at its new location off Glenarm and Marengo. I have fond memories of taking my wife here when we were dating, and I’m thrilled to report that the food remains just as incredible as it was back then. Their chicken fajitas are hands-down some of the best I’ve ever tasted, full of authentic flavor that feels like it was crafted in someone’s home kitchen. Unlike chain restaurants such as El Torito or Acapulco, La Fiesta Grande stands out with its authentic, non-Americanized dishes. Dining here is like being transported to the heart of Mexico. The menu offers a wide variety of options, and everyone I dined with raved about their meals—from the hearty menudo to the grande burrito and a perfectly cooked steak dish. Every bite was delicious, showcasing the care and tradition behind their recipes. The customer service was equally impressive. We were warmly greeted at the door, and though the restaurant wasn’t crowded during our visit, the experience was welcoming and relaxed. Their new location might be a little tricky to find—it’s nestled behind the gas station near Glenarm and Arroyo Parkway—but it’s well worth the effort to seek it out. La Fiesta Grande continues to be one of the best Mexican restaurants in Pasadena. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to this hidden gem, you won’t be disappointed. I’m so glad they’ve reopened and will definitely be returning again and again.

Loved their location in South Pasadena. Love this one just as much, such nice people work here, we recognize some faces. The food is excellent and fresh. I even have to rave about how good their Iced tea is!! It's a cute festive dining room with nice murals on the walls and tables and booths. We are so glad to finally get here! P.S. Thanks for the employee that found my wallet at our table and caught us outside to return it. I'm so sorry I don't recall his name at the moment. I will find out as I'm sure we are due for a visit.

Your friendly neighborhood Mexican restaurant. Strategically located a block away from downtown Pasadena, good service tasty food and decent selection for everyone. Big portion and everything was tasty and freshly made. Loves their salsa too

Great service and food. The parking is easy to deal with. Parking is usually a real pain with Mexican places but this place is super easy. Outstanding service as we had 3 servers refilling drinks and serving food and chips nonstop. The food is really good. It's fresh and perfectly cooked. The food was served super fast. I don't have a single complaint. This is one of the best Mexican places I have been to in years. I don't think you can go wrong going here.

Amazing place, originally tried their South Pasadena location, but this place has the same flavors just a bigger venue. The service was amazing and the server remembered us from the last location. Their tea is fresh and very tasty without adding sweetener. Today we tried their mole, green chicken enchiladas and carne asada burrito. They all tasted amazing and big enough to share. Had to take home three half portions of every plate for later. Their Chile rellenos are also tasty available a la carte but will get one next time. The plaza parking has good parking but more availability on weekends since the other businesses are closed on weekends. Loved their Mexican decor and music playing, not too loud and traditional songs.

Quick service from nice server! We all love Mexican food! Nice environment, close to homes in Madison Hts.!

As you enter, you are immediately greeted by a friendly hostess and if you're lucky seated at a table quite fast. It was quite crowded so you know it's amazing. They had so many food choices as well as offered drinks/sides. I wanted something different so I got the La Fiesta Special. I must say if you are unsure, this should be your go to order. The guac is so fresh and everything on the plate just compliments one another. I will say the ambiance is so inviting and we even sang someone happy birthday. If you are ever in Pasadena , this place is a much visit

Friendly service and delicious food every time. I finally found a place with molé so good it takes me back to Mexico. This place is going to be my new favorite spot for Mexican food.

We love La Fiesta Grande that we eat there on Tuesdays on a weekly basis. The food is authentic Mexican. The service is excellent. We enjoy the chile relleno item and the menudo soup. The food tastes like my Mom's cooking. The walls are painted with lovely birds, flowers and animals. We highly recommend this restaurant. They are closed on Mondays.

I've been a customer of this establishment on Colorado Blvd for a very long time until they closed up. I recently had the chance to revisit this establishment at their new location in Pasadena. We got there an hour before closing and the staff to us right away and assured us there is no rush. All the flavors I remember from the 90s still taste like it was yesterday. My go to is the La Fiesta Special. I usually do not order enchiladas but I always do here. It's a mix of chicken and chorizo that gives it a unique taste that is excellent. My wife always gets the steak plate and it still very delicious and cooked to your liking. I highly recommend this mexican restaurant to anyone that wants above average Mexican cuisine. Chips n salsa are tasty and definitely try their margaritas. They pack a punch! Don't forget to say hi to the bartender Charlie.

They used to have a taco bar that was pretty good and I wish they would bring that back. Parking can be tight here, this is a small plaza with a lot of businesses sharing the space (laundry, thai restaurant, salon, etc).

Really good standard Mexican fare. We've been about 10 times and everything so far has been 8 on a scale of 10 or better. Nice friendly and fast service too.

This would not be my first choice for Mexican food. We met here as a group to see one of my favorite friends from Hawaii. The food & drinks were a 3/5. Service was good and the staff was very friendly. Nothing on the menu blew my doors off. They have plenty of parking in the lot if you get there early. It's not huge inside so you may have to wait outside for a table even with a reservation. Would I go back..probably not:(

I would frequently drive by La Fiesta Grande when it was at the old location on Mission. I told myself, "One day I'll check it out." They moved to a new spot, and I stopped by opening week but there was a line, so I went elsewhere. A few days ago, I finally had a chance to give it a try because I was invited to join a group of friends for dinner. La Fiesta Grande is a family owned & operated establishment that has been in Pasadena since 1974. It's a favorite among the locals. Our darling server brought us chips & salsa to enjoy while we browsed the menu. The chips were warm, and the salsa was mild. I prefer spicier but it had a good flavor. I'm sure if I had asked, he would have brought me something hotter. Thankfully, the margaritas are made from scratch so I was able to enjoy one. I ordered a Skinny Margarita. It was on the tart side, which is how I prefer it. I tried a sip of the Classic Margarita and it was a tad sweeter and also good. The Mango Margarita was tasty too. I shared the La Fiesta Platter with my darling hermanas. Loaded with nachos, quesadilla, beef taquitos, guacamole, and sour cream there was plenty to share. One friend ordered the Shrimp Enchiladas, which came with rice & beans. Another friend ordered the two-item combo (taco & enchilada) combo - also served with rice & beans. The portions were generous and the prices here are reasonable. We had a wonderful visit, and everyone seemed to enjoy their meal. The staff were all friendly, accommodating, and made us feel welcomed. *Shared parking lot or street parking. *Closed on Monday

Mexican cuisine in Pasadena, California... Last month, my friends and I tried to have dinner together on Cinco de Mayo, but the reservation we had wasn't honored because it was a busy day. We ended up having pizza. To make up for the disappointment, we planned to meet on June 23, 2023 at a different restaurant which was highly recommended by our friends, Jun and Aaron. La Fiesta Grande is the end unit in a shopping center with free shared parking. The interior is pleasantly decorated and has a convenient restroom and great air conditioning! I had called to make reservations, but none are accepted. I arrived an hour before our meeting time of 6:30pm to give the staff time to arrange 14 seats together. We were informed that when half of our party arrived, we could be seated. It worked out well, because some people arrived early, some had to cancel, and some were tardy due to traffic. We were seated promptly and enjoyed complimentary chips and salsa while we perused the menu. Jean and I ordered the Shrimp Enchiladas with tomatillo sauce on the side in case it was spicy. Our competent, helpful, friendly, efficient waiter, Adolfo, reassured us that it wasn't spicy, but gave us a bowl of sauce for us to try. He was right. It had a tad bit of a kick, but was tolerable! Our meal came with rice and beans which filled us up! The sliced avocados made a beautiful presentation while the flavored sour cream gave the dish some luscious texture! I'm so glad that we did this make up date! It felt like we came together again and made my Cinco de Mayo dream come true... On my dad's Heavenly birthday! Thanks to everyone for this happy experience!

My family group was so organized and prepared! Great restaurant on a Friday night with a long line, they got us in for another great delicious dinner. The bottomless warm chips and salsa were soothing to start us off before the meal. I had the Red Snapper, which was one of the nest I ever had! The special topping Pico de Gallo of tomato, chiles, onions, green olives, capers and cilantro. There was a line but they sat us down quickly and service was excellent with Adolfo leading the way. All the chips, Tacos, rice, beans were great! Plenty of parking just off the end of the Pasadena Freeway on Glenarm.

06/23/2023 A small group gathering to celebrate Cinco de Mayo? Even though it's 23 de Juno. Serving Desayuno all day which is what I like and would have ordered until I saw Molé. Definitely something I would try on any menu and glad I was able to pick something quick. I should have asked for all dark meat because chicken breast to me is dry. Dark meat is tastier and moist plus more nutrients. Service is excellent, while waiting outside, one of the guys came and offered margaritas. I'm driving so it was a Mexican coke for me. It could get packed and our small group didn't help others who were waiting. We were loud chatters but glad nobody complained. I would come back here for good old fashioned Mexican food.

Consistently Great food. I force myself to try different dishes; have yet to be disappointed. Several soups always offered that other restaurants don't make. Always friendly service. In strip mall & other parking close by.

My husband and I have been going to La Fiesta since they were on Colorado, then when they moved to Mission, we continued to be loyal patrons. The food and service are always good, not a bad thing to say about the service but sadly it will be a LONG time before we go back to this establishment. As mentioned in previous comments, for years we would get the "Taco Bar" at $20 each... and it included rice, beans salsa tortillas and cups of beef And chicken... it was all you can eat and worth it, however last night we ordered a bowl of menudo and a carne asada plate with 2 Cokes and my bill was almost $100.00. That is ridiculous. I realize that costs have gone up and you pay lots in rent to be in Pasadena, but the food offered is NOT gourmet and price gouging is not a way to maintain loyal customers. I am so sad, and this is a good place to eat... but sorry guys... you're no longer affordable. I

My Husband and I went for an early dinner Sunday. We are trying to eat on the healthier side. I ordered the ceviche on special and my Husband ordered the Albondigas soup. We know it out of season but it should be fresh still. Husband came home and was very sick. Vomiting profusely. I think the soup must have been spoiled. We will never go back there.

OVERALL EXPERIENCE: My 3-star rating is based on customer service and cleanliness (see SERVICE for additional comments). Food is great though!!! AMBIANCE: Casual. Noise level is average. There's a table near the walkway to the restroom, and OH BOY! every time someone opens the bathroom door, you can smell it (whatever deodorizer they use). Not very pleasant while you're eating. DRESS CODE: Casual ORDERED: I've come here plenty of times, even when they were at their old location in South Pas. Food has always been great! - Margaritas are amazing! - endless chips and salsa! - guac is always a must order! - I usually order the Enchilada de Mole (sOoOo good!) - not listed on their menu, but I've ordered Flautas - Combos are good as well! SERVICE: Our waitress was great and friendly! I didn't catch her name though. To the manager... I noticed a solo diner. After he left, the busboy (the older gentleman), cleaned the table BUT LEFT THE EXTRA SETTING ON THE TABLE for the next patron(s), which I don't think is very sanitary. PRICE: ~ $20pp PARKING: small private lot, shared with other businesses Food: 5/5 stars Service: 2/5 stars (due to cleanliness and smell from the restroom coming down the hallway) Venue: 4/5 stars

I love this place. I've been coming here since i was a kid, before they were on Colorado st, they're known for their famous enchiladas. If you're looking for authentic Mexican food this is the place. Their margaritas are also great!

My sister told me about this place and it's new ownership within the last few months. I really love the food and customer service. The hostess was nice and though it was a little wait, they asked if we wanted anything to drink or their classic margaritas which were very delicious. I ordered the classic size Cadillac margarita and my sister ordered the classes frozen peach margarita. They have two sizes classic and grande, but classic is good enough if you don't want too much to drink. For my food I ordered the chicken tostada and omg it was so good and very fresh. The guacamole and salsa was very good inside. Also, the salsa is so good and has some spice to it. I was addicted and couldn't stop eating. I will definitely come back again, my mom had the nachos and I tried some and the cheese and beans on it was so fresh and flavorful. The parking is a bit busy honestly because of this gem! the place was a good vibe on a Saturday night.

This is what's left of my huge chicken taco with a side of sour cream, a Mexican coke along with salsa and chips. I hopey plate speaks for itself lol next time I'll take a pic before I eat. The food is always served fresh amd hot and quickly.

I am so happy that La fiesta grande has opened back up! I have been coming to this restaurant for soo long since they were at their old location. My favorite meal to order is the shredded beef ranchera enchiladas they are sooo tasty. A few other favorites of mine would be the albondigas soup , gigante burrito , arroz con pollo ! The chips and salsa are always fresh and very addicting to eat. The service is always great and it's nice to see familiar faces from the old location. Their instagram account has pictures of the food and also the menu , I definitely recommend checking this spot out.

This is one of the better Mexican restaurants in or around Pasadena. It's nice to see they are doing so much better here than in South Pas their old home. It's just good old fashioned Mexican food like we all grew up with, however not everyone restaurant can achieve that.

They were open earlier than posted, which was wonderful because we were hungry. Nice, clean and great service. The coffee was great too.

We came on a Thursday and had the pork chop and tostada and margaritas - all delicious. Excellent friendly service.

Yum yum yum. I don't eat meat, including chicken, except here. After hearing my husband rave and I do mean rave about the chicken tacos, I ate one. And he was RIGHT! Delicious. Fresh and consistently good.

There were times I came 2x in a week. But Im here at least 2x a month. The staff is so friendly and funny (Hi Charlie!). Its such a welcoming environment. I love the food. Rice and beans are delicious! The rice is so fluffy! Makes me think of my families food. I havent had anything I didnt like!

I live in the area and La Fiesta Grande has a very mediocre rep but I thought i'd try for myself. The staff is really nice and helpful. But like many other reviews mentioned, the food is BLAND and not interesting. Of the things we had nothing stood out. The biggest offender was the chicken enchiladas. Neither the red sauce nor the chicken filing were worth remembering. Sad because I was ready to make this my neighborhood go to.

I finally found a tasty Mexican restaurant again. Good tasting food and awesome salsas.

I missed this restaurant so much since it left Mission Street in South Pasadena about three years ago. Now eight months into their new location, the restaurant is larger and brighter, with a lot of new customers frequenting this family style restaurant. The food tastes authentic Mexican style cooking and the service can't be beat. Because I now have long hair, the waiter thought it was two women, instead of husband and wife. We had a laugh, and I tipped the waiter a little more for the great service. By the way, they have delicious horchata, which is my wife's favorite Mexican refreshment. Now that we know it's here, we're be having more Mexican food for dinner!

We have not been to La Fiesta Grande since it closed a few years ago. We finally decided to visit. We felt the old Fiesta Grande experience, since we were regulars at the South Pas location. As soon as we came in, we felt the welcoming vibe of the old Fiesta Grande. We got seated immediately and were brought a bowl of chips, yum! We used to get the taco bar, but taco bar is no more :(. The husb got the gigante burrito with chicken, he thought it was delicious. I got the carnitas plate, they were yummy, very tasty. I loved the guacamole, there weren't many tomatoes on it, that's a plus for those of us that have acid reflux. The husb also got a margarita which was great. The only issue that I can forsee is parking as the shopping center where the restaurant is located is small. Other than that, it felt like the old La Fiesta Grande, there were lots of people, which tells you something about the food and the feeling of comfort. The husb and I will be back Fiesta Grande!

Excellent food, fast, service! Great ambiance, very authentic! The wait staff are very pleasant and friendly!

Favorite Mexican restaurant !!! Great service, friendly and AMAZING food and drinks. I go here all the time with family

The food shouldn't be this good. If you look at the photos, they seem like the food would be boring/basic. Nothing could be farther from the truth. I enjoyed the asada burrito with salsa added on top. The rice is light, delicate, and accompanies the refried beans exquisitely. The guacamole is on point, and the burrito itself is mind blowing. I'm going to repeat myself... the food should not be this good. It's like stock photos of dry destitute standard Mexican food were showered with unicorn tears while seeing a double rainbow. Thank you La Fiesta Grande. Thank you.

We walked in and were immediately greeted and escorted to an available table. The dining room was clean and nicely decorated throughout. Te menu has a vast variety of items to choose from, along with "create your own" combinations. Be aware the portions are huge, so maybe consider a 2 item combination versus 3. The staff is very attentive and have a loyal regular customer base. The regulars were greeted with warm hugs and handshakes. Plus, the staff knew exactly what they wanted without even asking. I must say their hard shell tacos are a must have item. And the chips are salsa just compliment your meal.

Family owned and operated restaurant that has a loyal local fan base. Warm welcome, ambiance, delicious food, bottomless basket of chips & salsa and an establishment you enjoy sharing with your friends & family. Extremely generous portions and they offer Mexican sodas in glass bottles....Coke with pure cane sugar! And their Margaritas are tang on good! Ordered Chicken enchiladas with Verde sauce and chorizo&eggs which were not greasy and full of flavor! La Fiesta is our groups first eatery choice when we are in their area. Parking is easy but they don't take reservations so if you elect to go at peak time, expect a wait!

Found another great small business that I would like to return to! Have passed by the previous location many times on Mission St in South Pasadena but have never stopped in. This is their most recent location on Glenarm/Marengo, right across from Blair HS. In a small plaza with a couple other restaurants and other service-oriented establishments. Parking is easily accessible but could be tight during peak hours. Nice, sizable menu. Complimentary chips and salsa! I went for the two-items combo (hard shell chicken taco + enchilada). I also enjoyed a cup of albondigas soup that hit the spot. Prices were fair and service top-notch! Everyone, from the host to the server to the bus person exhibited friendliness and an outgoing attitude. There are many house specials on the menu that I'm looking forward to trying next time. Please support this small business that has a great neighborhood following!

Sadly, the last few times I've been here the food is extremely bland. In the past, this was my go-to Mexican restaurant locally. Service remains friendly and good and the location kept the South Pasadena ambience that I loved. But it's ultimately about the food and that hasn't lived up to my past expectations of late.

The location is in a strip mall very popular place and street parking is available.it is tastefully decorated with Mexican art/folk art. Food: best mole I ever had here in the USA. I'm going back to try the other items. The drinks are delicious. Famous for there margarita's drinks. In the mood for a snack, the guacamole, chips and a margarita are the perfect trio.

Absolutely love this place! It feels like you are eating in your Grandmas kitchen, because it is family run and operated. I can not say enough good things about La Fiesta, the food, the service and the employees.

Old school Mexican American food in nice ambiance. We had the beef taco and beef enchilada combo plate and cocido with order of quac, Crispy taco was ok 3/5; enchilada was a little bland 2/5; rice and beans ok. Covido 3/5 ok. Guac a little weak 2/5. La Fiesta Medio? Service was minimal and slow. I wanted to try the new location after having gone to the So Pas restaurant and would return to try other items when Im in the mood for 3 star food. Not as good as Ernie Jr's.

Their food was really delicious but I really didn't like their service (T~T) My friend and I decided to eat here because she was craving Mexican food and they had really good reviews. We were seated very fast and had a little time to look at the menus-though it started to go south from there. I don't recommend getting the passion fruit iced tea-it had absolutely no flavor. Also they don't seem to do water refills. The staff were really pushy in the sense where they must've asked 2+ times if we were "sure" we didn't want to order any drinks, and asked us an additional 2+ times if we were "sure" we didn't want to order anything else (we each got the enchilada special and that's a lot of food!) it felt like they were constantly pushing for us to order more *sighs* After we paid the bill and were getting ready to leave they kept hovering by our table, and looking at us, then looking at each other and whispering to one another in Spanish *cries* I was trying to put on my jacket as fast as possible-I'm not quite sure why, but it felt like they were trying to get us out of there as quickly as possible. I honestly don't think I'm gonna go back anytime soon.

This place opened up four months ago in Pasadena. I finally tried it and the food was delicious. The food is very authentic and has great flavor. They have a variety of food to choose from and alcohol drinks. The margaritas are very good. Everybody that works their is kind, and professional. The place has a nice ambiance. It's small inside and the have lots of parking. Best Mexican food I have had in awhile at a restaurant. Will definitely be going back.

Have been Very disappointed. In So Pas it was my favorite place. Not any more. I hope in time they'll get better. The quality of taste, the salsa used to be the best.

I came on a Friday night and it was pretty busy - only waited about 10 minutes though. It was cool since you can order your drink to enjoy as you wait. Also the parking in this lot is terrible, always packed and busy I'd recommend just finding street parking people leaving when you get there is pretty rare. I thought overall the food was good but didn't have a wow factor for me . I got the nachos and a chimichanga to share - both were good. I liked the nachoes way more since it came with so much. Also plus is they give you free chips! For drinks I got the mango and original, loved the mango way more . Very homely ambiance and loved how a lot of the customers seemed like regulars. Overall good place

The new location has just opened under new owner, Camarina Carillo, daughter of previous owner Catalina and Erasmo Delgado, and it is fabulous! The same recipes prepared by head chef David Carillo, consistently yummy margaritas, and family friendly atmosphere. We ate there three days in a row, because we missed our fav Mexican restaurant so much! They closed during Covid, moved to Glen Arm, right where the 110 turns into Arroyo Parkway, and somehow got the great team of servers to return! This is truly a Pasadena restaurant, owned and operated by the same family for over 20 years. The carne asada and mole are two of our favs, but we love the macho nachos as a starter. Charlie and Jaime still at the helm of the margaritas, and they are EXACTLY like the old restaurant's special recipe!

Menudo here is the best as well is the service and other items on their menu. Prices are right as well. Highly recommend.