El Portal in Pasadean and Yahaira Cafe in Pasadena

[kevin]

any good and what to get at these places if it is? also, am i mistaken or are the two joint above related in some way?

[condiment]

Yahaira is a lunch counter owned, I think, by a member of the family that runs El Portal. It specializes in pretty good Mexican egg dishes for breakfast and unconventional tortas for lunch. If you happen to be going to a matinee at the Laemmle complex across the street, it is a decent place for lunch.

[WildSwede]

Yes, I think it is the sons (or nephews) of the owners of El Portal that run Yahaira. It is not my favorite Mexican in Pasadena, but for Yucatecan food in the area it is good. Whenever I go, I always get the Conchinita Pibil. Once they had a gazpacho as a special that was very good. Some people think they have the best margaritas, but I don't think so. Never been to Yahaira's, but people I know really like it.

[katkoupai]

I tried El Portal. I ordered the Conchinita Pibil (Yucantan-style shredded pork), because I read about here on Chowhound and the server also recommended it to me. I liked their chips and salsa. The horchata that I ordered to drink tasted like the mix-and-stir powder variety, but it was sweet, with lots of cinnamon, so it was ok. The meal itself was good. The black beans tasted like they were cooked from scratch, as opposed to the canned variety. It was a lot of food, and the service was good. They validate parking for 90 minutes in the adjacent lot accessible via Green Street, between El Molino and Oak Knoll. I would go back.

Also, a note on the table said they will be serving Fosselman's ice cream soon.

I haven't tried Yahaira's yet, but inside the menu at El Portal, it said the owner of Yahaira's is the son of the owner of El Portal, just as WildSwede mentioned above.

[ciaobella]

I like El Portal, good place for food and drinks with a group of friends. However, last time I ate a Yahaira's my shrimp salad tasted fishy - pretty sure they use frozen seafood.

[notmartha]

I liked their chicken enchiladas in mole sauce. I thought the food was quite decent there. Had the Yucatan trio combo for V-day and didn't like that dish as much.

[ktla97]

I don't think Yahaira Cafe is Japanese. Yes, they are the same owner. I like El Portal. I am not a big fan of Mexican food in particular but when the craving hits, El Portal is my destination. Big portion and their Chile Verde is pretty good. Was there on the Eve, we had tamales, chicken salad, tacos, and Chile Verde - no leftovers regardless of the portion sizes. :)

[Kitchen Queen]

Been to El Portal several times and was never impressed however, many in the community love it. Always wins the PW surveys. Not sure about the relationship w. the Japanese place. Maybe give El Portal a try?