Maestro
Mexican · Pasadena · $$
4.5(537)
Mexican · Pasadena, CA · $$
Mercado is an ode to the flavors restaurateur Jesse Gomez and executive chef Jose Acevedo grew up with. It’s simple and honest food, filled with memories—think simple grilled elote, tamales made with fresh masa, chile relleno with mushroom-chorizo, and carnitas from chef Jose’s decades-old family recipe. Also on the menu: an excellent tequila list with over 70 varieties.
“The Mercado is one of those rare Pasadena spots that gets everything right the moment you sit down. The staff isn’t just friendly—they’re deeply knowledgeable about the menu, the ingredients, and the best way to pair each dish with their cocktails. You feel taken care of in a way that’s confident, not scripted. The menu itself is fantastic: bold flavors, beautifully executed dishes, and portions that feel generous without being overwhelming. The drinks are legitimately strong—not the watered‑down versions you get at so many places—and crafted with real intention. The atmosphere is gorgeous, warm, and stylish without trying too hard. It’s the kind of room that makes you want to stay for one more drink just to enjoy the vibe a little longer. Is it inexpensive? No. Is it worth every dollar? Absolutely. The Mercado delivers the kind of dining experience where the quality, service, and ambiance justify the price, and then some. If you’re looking for a place in Pasadena that feels elevated but still welcoming, The Mercado should be at the top of your list.”
“Great spot for happy hour! The drink specials are definitely worth checking out, and the food didn’t disappoint either. Everything we tried was really solid—fresh, flavorful, and well-prepared. The vibe is lively but still comfortable, making it a great place to unwind or meet up with friends. I’ll definitely be coming back to try more from the menu.”
“Had dinner here on a Sunday evening. Service was great. Our server was very attentive and very nice. Food was very good and tasty as well.”
“Every single time we come here, we’re impressed. The food, the service, the drinks, the vibe. Highly recommend the corn tortillas they make in house, and the melty carnitas… *drool*. We got the platter for 2 and the moramor mocktail tonight. So good.”
“My mom and I had such a wonderful experience at Mercado! The food was absolutely incredible — the fish tacos and steak tacos were both so flavorful and perfectly cooked. Our waitress, Kyle, was amazing — warm, attentive, and so friendly. We even got to meet Glenn, the owner, who was just as kind and welcoming. Everyone there made us feel so comfortable — it was truly a breath of fresh air. We can’t wait to come back! Just a few pics, I wish I took more!!”
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