El Metate - Pasadena

This is a wonderful family run and truly authentic Mexican restaurant where I eat at least a couple times a month. In my opinion, it's easily the best one locally, and certainly the best for the price and style: the kind of hidden but amazing place Anthony Bourdain, in his day, could've and should've brought to light. Don't miss out on it and for all you who are already in the know, show your support for this hard working mom, pop, and sons.

The burritos are good and the price is reasonable. You can easily park on the street. I would recommend El Metate Burrito if u like cheese.

Very good food, off the radar a little. Really glad I saw the good reviews or I may not have found this place. It's just a 50 yards off of Colorado Blvd, but you would never notice it as you drive by. I had a taco de pescado, and a tostada de cameron. It was under $10 with tax and tip. Taco was excellent. Grilled, not fried. Tostada was good. Tasty shrimp but not as much as I would have liked. Tortillas were excellent. Salsa was great, and chips were good. Service was okay. I'll be back again, but there are a few other Mexican restaurants I like better.

Wanted to find some quick (non fast food) Mexican food to grab for the usual weekly lunch with the gf. Food was fresh tasty here so happy I ended chose this place. ITEM 'S ORDERED: Burrito Vegeteriano Chili Relleno Cheese Enchilada (w/ rice beans) TASTE: Burrito Vegeteriano is the usual bean cheese burrito but with added lettuce tomato. I enjoyed this very much, it was fresh, nice size, well flavored (not too salty) worked well with the red sauce. They gave an option of wet or dry burrito, I chose dry. These are a little more 'runny ' of a bean than whole so the burrito didn 't hold together as much as other ones I 've had. Chili Relleno Cheese Enchilada (w/ rice beans) was a well made combo plate. This was listed as one of the specials. Chili Relleno was executed well does not come off hot, but does get gradually hotter (in a nice way) as you continue to eat. The Cheese Enchilada is just as it sounds, decent as well. They give you complimentary chips salsa which is always a win. Chips were good (not overl salty) I 'm pretty sure they make them fresh. Salsa had adequate seasoning but was not really hot. SERVICE, LOCATION PARKING: The cashier who is also the one who brought us the food as very friendly. Much appreciated especially since it was kinda a lunch rush she was working hard. They are located basically at the corner of Mentor Ave Colorado. I quickly found parking right in front there were several other spots around as well. Quite sure they don 't have a parking lot. Also, be careful since this is a one way street, going toward Colorado. I 'm very much open to coming here again. All the food was good also, prices were very fair.

Mexican Approved! Great food at a Great price! Great service! Can't get better than that! We paid 5.50 for a generously stacked tostada de Ceviche de pescado, 5.50 for a tostada de ceviche de camaron, and Only FIVE DOLLARS for a deliciously prepared Michelada! For being a hot summer day, this refreshing meal was an Oasis!! It was very forgiving on my wallet and my stomach. This was my second time here in June! ALSO only $24 for a Molcajete dish which is a great price compared to other local restraunts: (i.e:Cabreras $28 Molcajete) this Molcajete included: nopales, chorizo, asada, chicken, cheese, shrimp, rice and Beans!!!! What!?!!