Mijares in Pasadena

[NinoHB714]

I just found out I'm going to a holiday lunch at Mijares. What's the scoop on it? Should I be excited or dreading it?

[Will Owen]

I see comments positive and negative about the margs. Here's the skinny: the original on Pasadena Avenue has real honest margaritas made with real live tequila, as the Lord intended, and they are quite good. The location on Washington has those fake wine-based things. Can't speak for the food on Washington - as soon as we found out about the margs we were OUT of there.

We went to the PasAve location with the in-laws - Pops used to eat there as a boy, and found it still exactly to his liking. That pretty much says it all...if you like old-fashioned GringoMex, you'll love Mijares. I kinda do...

[WildSwede]

I actually find that I prefer going to "little Mijares" over the one on Pasadena. Not sure why, but that is where I tend to head to more often. FWIW, much better margaritas at La Fiesta Grande on Colorado/El Molino than at Mijares.

[chompiras]

Great hang out spot. I agree with the food, but if you have to compare to El Cholo and El Torito, then you're not comparing to TRUE mexican food. You can't compare any of those places to a real Mexican woman's cooking. But for a party and to have fun with co-workers, it's a good place.

[chefthisguy]

there are far worse places to eat in this city...the margaritas are great, they have a variety of tequilas and the manager there is one of the most energetic and sweetest guys you'll meet...the food is okay but hey it's not expenive. Drink and be merry! I command you

[eartha]

I've been to Mijares for a holiday party and they do keep the drinks flowing. Food is so-so but if you want to chat and drink, their patio is pleasant and conducive to convivial drink and nibble food.

[cobalt]

I agree. Order the fajitas and a cadillac margarita. Neither sucks.

[slacker]

Mijares is a Pasadena hangout and favorite. The food is okay, not so horrible as so many would make it out to be.

[Reeter1]

Me too. They have a beautiful outdoor patio (hopefully heated this time of year), good margueritas and standard Mexican-AMERICAN fare. Us locals don't come here for the food. We come to hang out in the patio on a warm summer's evening, drink margueritas, eat guacamole and chips and maybe something that can't be screwed-up -- like a quesadilla.

If you want "real" Mexican food, then go to a real Mexican restaurant. But a Holiday Lunch? Is that like an office party? Hell, just go to drink.

[WildSwede]

Agreed. I like their Chef's Special and the Arroz con Pollo. Also, their tortilla soup is good. They have really good salsa (some of the best table salsa I have had at a Mexican restaurant). Also, their Green Goddess dressing is great on their tacos and chips (ask for a side of it). Also, as mentioned before, their margaritas and guac are good. Get their deep fried ice cream if you get the chance - they add honey to it. Really good.

[Hungry4Good]

Bad bad bad idea, sorry.

[pgarey]

I would choose El Cholo over Mijares ... much better margaritas and very good carnitas.

[amandine]

i've been so underimpressed by el cholo too... the one in boyle heights was better than the one in pas but still...

[slacker]

The place is a lot of fun. The food--nothing to write about. So go and have fun.

[calabasas_trafalgar]

Is it the one on Washington? The food is nothing special, and its a real mess!

[NinoHB714]

145 Palmetto Dr, Pasadena, CA 91105

It was either that or El Cholo in Pasadena...

[mc michael]

Just order margaritas.

[amandine]

Dreading. I'd rather go to El Torito! If you prefer quantity over quality, though, you probably would be pleased... but I doubt that since you're here on this site!