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  4. Pasadena / San Gabriel
  5. Pasadena

El Portal Restaurant

4.4
4.4
169 Reviews
$30 and under
Mexican
Offers authentic Mayan and Mexican dishes along with weekend live entertainment.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


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Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 10:30 am–3:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (626) 795-8553
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    El Portal is ready to serve you at your home or private site, we offer full catering or just delivery. Please contact us with any more questions.
  • Neighbourhood
    Pasadena
  • Parking Details
    Private Lot
  • Entertainment
    Mariachi"s on Friday and Sunday night Romantic guitarist and singer on Saturday
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine

What 169 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.4
4.4 based on all time ratings
  • 4.3Food
  • 4.4Service
  • 4.3Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

169 Reviews
  1. LindaP

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 22, 2018

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Had a great time. Staff is very accommodating drinks are great food is always perfect.

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  2. BrittH

    Treasure Coast

    24 reviews

    4.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    We had a lovely dinner for eight on the outside patio. Food was tasty, drinks were good, service was very good also. We were looking for some good Mexican food and that is what we got!

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  3. NickyD

    Los Angeles

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on February 26, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Consistently good. Lively environment. A little pricey for basic mexican food.

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  4. Karen

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on February 23, 2018

    overall4food3service4ambience3
    I had the trio. Loved all but the tamale. Good service.

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  5. Lovelyfoodlover

    Greater Boston

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friendly atmosphere Food came out (too) quickly Would go back

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  6. MatthewW

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on February 17, 2018

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    1st impression excellent! Loved the outdoors seating, live marachi singers, service and awesome tasting food.

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  7. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    El Portal is a fantastic restaurant.

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  8. LarryL

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on February 14, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    El Portal is a great Mexican and Aztec restaurant. Margaritas are good and it's close to the Pasadena Playhouse. Management and wait staff are friendly and service is great. Highly recommend.

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  9. LisaD

    Los Angeles

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on February 9, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Family friendly, outdoor dining, and great food are just a few of the highlights.

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  10. CarmenO

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on February 8, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was very nice My son and me loved it very much. The people there very friendly. I would go back

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  11. Joy5

    Chicago

    27 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    27 reviews

    Dined on February 6, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience3
    I celebrated my 55th birthday here with my hubby, daughter and very best friends! El Portal made it special. I got to wear a sombrero and enjoyed my free dessert. Although I didn’t have margaritas, those who did claimed it was really good! We will come back here on our next visit.

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  12. Bubbles

    Los Angeles

    42 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    42 reviews

    Dined on January 31, 2018

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    We stopped here for a pre theater dinner. It was wonderful as usual. Friendly and attentive staff. Feels like family to me, and I love my family!

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  13. EMMANUELG

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Friendly and fast service. They were great with the kids too!

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  14. HerbW

    Los Angeles

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 28, 2018

    overall4food2service5ambience5
    Not really good or tasty food, I ordered machaca & it was pretty tasteless, I left feeling that I paid for something that it wasn't good & of it, I didn't finish it & I was still hungry afterwards. Won't go back.

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  15. Sylvie

    Los Angeles

    76 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    76 reviews

    Dined on January 27, 2018

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Waiter kept pushing specials, not appreciated. Had to tell him three times that I wanted Carnitas , not chicken. Ordered flour tortillas, he brought corn way before meal was brought. Had to take back. When I got the flour was surprised at the bad quality, should have been fresh, handmade. Instead, they were small, tasteless (supermarket quality) and burnt around the edges. Cadillac Margarita was ok, not handcrafted, usual mix used. May go back but not at all inpressed

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  16. ElizabethC

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We love El Portal. They specialize in Yucatecan food but have all the usual Mexican specialties. We very much enjoyed our dinners last Friday night. Service excellent. I thought it was too cold for a margarita so enjoyed the Spanish wine - much better wine than most Mexican restaurants serve. This was excellent. We took some home so had another meal the following day for lunch.

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  17. pasadenasb

    Los Angeles

    19 reviews

    4.0

    19 reviews

    Dined on January 20, 2018

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I LOVE this restaurant. One of my favorites. The service is fantastic, the food is so delicious. I think it would be almost impossible to be in a bad mood at this restaurant. The ambience is that upbeat.

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  18. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    3.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on January 13, 2018

    overall3food5service4ambience4
    Love this place, but not thrilled about the “complimentary “ postcard photo and then the up selling of framed photographs. Music is nice too, but not the expected tipping. If they want these treats to add to the ambiance, just increase the prices and include it gratuitously.

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  19. Calursus

    Orange County

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great little place for some Mexican good. Service was prompt and the ambiance nice. Definitely will be back!

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  20. SusanJ

    Los Angeles

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2018

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a great time. Some of us had not seen each other in years.

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  21. Pickle

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The emphasis is on Yucatan cuisine, although the menu is complete in offering everything you would expect of a Southern California Mexican restaurant. I particularly like the cochinita pibil.

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  22. JohnC

    San Francisco

    36 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    36 reviews

    Dined on December 29, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great dinner with my 92 year old father inlaw. Service, food and drinks were all fantastic. Outside seating was perfect with the gas heaters, very accessible for a walker. Thank you

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    14 reviews

    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Birthday for great friend. Excellent service always! Good food and company! Love this place

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  24. BillH

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had made a reservation for a busy Friday night, and when we arrived the table was waiting for us. We were going to the Pasadena Playhouse, so appreciated not having to wait at all. The food was exceptional!

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  25. TomD

    Los Angeles

    95 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    95 reviews

    Dined on December 15, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food and drinks were top notch and reasonably priced. Had table ready on time. Will definitely go again.

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  26. CheriseC

    Los Angeles

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2017

    overall3food1service3ambience5
    I’ve been to El Portal several time and love the food service and atmosphere. Unfortunately this visit was not up to par. Two of us got sick this time so I cannot give a satisfactory rating on this visit!

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  27. KMCIIII

    Washington DC

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Lovely Spanish restaurant in Pasadena. Great Margaritas and interesting food.

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  28. RobertC

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 1, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, nice ambiance, better margaritas very good service! This Pasadena restauarant is one of my favorite Mexican eateries!

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  29. Kookiemom

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on November 28, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Edgar is wonderful. Sitting at the bar we had excellent service and the food was delicious.

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  30. NeibaurM

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2017

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Wonderful homey place.

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  31. AnthonyD

    Los Angeles

    49 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on November 24, 2017

    overall2food3service2ambience3
    Restaurant served flat draft beer and weak overpriced margaritas. Though food is tasty and well prepared, the prices exceed those of other comparable Mexican restaurants. In addition, we have dined there twice in the past several months and not received credit on Open Table for our visits.

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  32. OpenTable Diner

    Las Vegas

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 11, 2017

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Ambiance was nice, food was good

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  33. Lane

    Orange County

    23 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    23 reviews

    Dined on November 5, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We really enjoyed it. Went to a event at Civic Center, it was a short walk through a nice neighborhood, and fun to be in Pasadena..

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  34. Kittylitter

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on October 31, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We've been eating at El Portal for years and really enjoy the food and ambiance, plus it's very convenient when going to the Pasadena Playhouse. Their flavor pallet is milder than the hotter Baja spices in most SoCal Mexican restaurants. I love them both and having the additional variety is nice.

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  35. AnthonyD

    Los Angeles

    49 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on October 21, 2017

    overall3food4service3ambience3
    Food was excellent and flavorful; however, margaritas were watery and grossly overpriced at $13 a pop. Service was adequate.

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  36. MarcG

    Los Angeles

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on October 20, 2017

    overall5food4service4ambience4
    We go about twice a month so it’s one of our regular spots. Casual, good food, good service, good drinks, and run by really nice people. It’s like going to see family at this point

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  37. Veryvenice

    Los Angeles

    12 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2017

    overall3food2service4ambience5
    The food was not flavorful. Even the salsa was beyond mild.

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  38. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 7, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    The food was some of the best Mexican food I have had in the Los Angeles area. Also, reasonable and very close to the Pasedena Playhouse.

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  39. MartinTanner

    Los Angeles

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on September 24, 2017

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    First time here and we sat outside; nice patio for outdoor seating. Good service and food, some live music (but not loud). Loved it.

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  40. DebraC

    Orange County

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on September 17, 2017

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wonderful time! Our server Morena was outstanding. The other staff members were helpful and friendly. Food was delicious.

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FAQs

El Portal Restaurant does offer delivery in partnership with Chow Now and Postmates. El Portal Restaurant also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (626) 795-8553.

El Portal Restaurant is rated 4.4 stars by 169 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.


Is this your restaurant?
Claim this listing

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for El Portal Restaurant

695 E Green St, Pasadena, CA 91101

Additional information

  • Neighbourhood
    Pasadena
  • Hours of Operation
    Lunch Mon–Sat 10:30 am–3:00 pm Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Mon 3:00 pm–9:00 pm Tue–Sun 3:00 pm–10:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Mexican
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Private Lot
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Entertainment
    Mariachi"s on Friday and Sunday night Romantic guitarist and singer on Saturday
  • Additional
    Banquet, Bar Dining, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Entertainment, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wine
  • Phone number
    (626) 795-8553
  • Catering
    El Portal is ready to serve you at your home or private site, we offer full catering or just delivery. Please contact us with any more questions.
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