About
El Portal Restaurant is a Mexican restaurant located in Pasadena, California. It offers diners an experience combining Mexican flavors with a touch of Southern California style. The menu features a wide variety of dishes from traditional Mexican favorites to unique items created by the restaurant's chefs. The staff provide attentive and friendly service, making it a great spot for a casual dinner with friends or a special occasion. Diners enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant with its large outdoor space, colorful decor, and famous margarita bar.
Restaurant Features
Facilities & Amenities
Restroom
Bar- Wifi Available
Kid Friendly
Kid Menu
Kid High Chair
Veg Friendly
Alcohol
Happy Hour
Wheelchair Access
Parking
- Free Parking Lot
- Paid Parking Lot
Accepted Payments
- Credit Card
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
Must Try Dishes
At El Portal Restaurant in Pasadena, California, you must try their signature dish, the Chile Relleno stuffed with cheese and smothered in a flavorful red sauce. The succulent Carne Asada, marinated to perfection and served with homemade salsa, is another must-try option. For seafood lovers, the Camarones a la Diabla, featuring juicy shrimp simmered in a fiery chipotle sauce, is an absolute delight. Additionally, their Pollo en Mole Poblano, tender chicken smothered in a rich and velvety mole sauce, provides a truly authentic Mexican culinary experience. Finally, wrap up your meal with the decadent Tres Leches Cake, a moist sponge cake drenched in three types of milk and topped with fluffy whipped cream.
Ratings for El Portal Restaurant
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- Overall Rating
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Reviews for El Portal Restaurant
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Atphomshere is the only thing going for this restaurant. Outdoor patio is cute and inviting. However, food is so mediocre. Seasoning to me tasted like frozen food defrosted. Ceviche was minced way too much. I can barely taste the shrimp. Let's talk about the service. The food came out pretty fast... probably because it was pre-made and defrosted. The check took FOREVER to come. Server either went on break without saying anything, or she just simply forgot. We eventually went to the front to pay for our check.
Excellent black bean soup, which I repeatedly had to ask for The other dishes were tasteless, seafood fajita Waiter gave my cousin a free dessert to substitute lack of avocado/guacamole. Had to get up to ask for bill, a box Great watermelon marg Out of state guests were extremely Disappointed I took them for the atmosphere knowing food was ok but not great.
My favorite Mexican restaurant in all of Los Angeles with fabulous Yucatan cuisine and weekend strolling musician serenades. Conveniently located in the walkable Pasadena Playhouse District for theater fun and people watching and strolling over to nearby Vromans Bookstore.
Photos
Business Hours
| Sunday: | 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Monday: | Closed |
| Tuesday: | 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday: | 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Thursday: | 11:00 AM - 8:30 PM |
| Friday: | 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM |
| Saturday: | 11:00 AM - 9:30 PM |