Company dinner (steak or Mexican/Latin) around DTLA/Pasadena on a budget

[lileor]

I've been tasked to make arrangements for a company dinner for 11 on a Wednesday in or around downtown or Pasadena. Has to be steak or Mexican/Latin and our budget is $50 pp (food only) before tax and tip. It doesn't need to be formal or upscale, but not too loud so that we can hold a conversation.

Here's what I've come up with so far. Would appreciate your input or suggestions!

Mo-Chica
Yxta Cocina Mexicana
La Serenata de Garibaldi

Dal Rae
Taylor's
Porto Alegre Churrascaria (this is my back-up if nothing else pans out in my budget)

[GroovinGourmet]

Serenata fan here. Unlike anything anyone will be able to get anywhere else.

[Sam D.]

Taylor's can be done at $50 pp if you limit the bar drinks and don't go for any extravagant apps or desserts. Dal Rae, however, will most likely exceed your budget. I'm not familiar with Malbec yet.

[Servorg]

I love the Dal Rae but does it even begin to remotely qualify as "around DTLA/Pasadena" (without even considering the "budget" part of the request.)

[ipsedixit]

Malbec.
http://www.malbeccuisine.com/default_...

[crystaw]

+1 on Malbec-steak AND Latin! It is also very within your budget.

For DTLA, you might want to check out Rivera

[lileor]

I did look at Rivera's menu and it seemed out of our price range, but I'll call and see if they offer any prix fixe menus for larger parties.

[lileor]

Thanks for the Malbec mention. I've been there before and really enjoyed it. Totally slipped my mind.

[rickym13]

from 3 choices of steak...i like dal rae