Paseo Cantina

Message from Paseo Cantina

Mariachi trumpets entertain Pasadena locals enjoying strong margaritas and traditional Mexican fare at this upscale cantina.
  • Fresh produce- nothing canned
  • Live Mariachi & Folklorico
  • Extensive Margarita Menu

This restaurant offers REAL Mexican traditional-made entrees and appetizers, as well as true mexican specialty drinks (such as the Tecate-mixed "Michillada"). Come and enjoy the ambiance of fine dining, with a homemade touch, as you listen to a live Mariachi Band and watch the exotic Folklorico Dancers showcase their talents. This restaurant is a treat for anyone looking for a true cultural experience! We will be offering a 5 course meal, with Champagne & dessert for couples on February 14th, including your choice of: Filet Mignon, Grilled Shrimp apettizer w/raspberry and tequila sauce, Potato Leak soup, baby mixed greens w/strawberry vinagrette dressing, Camaron Tequila, Filet Mignon, or Chicken Breast w/cream of mushroom sauce and Julian vegetables. There will be a special live show so please come on by and see us to make your occasion special!

Editorial and merchant content by Citysearch

Marker Paseo Cantina

(626) 683-3100

260 E Colorado Blvd Ste 203 Pasadena, CA 91101
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Editorial Description by Citysearch
In Short
This colorful spot is all about fiesta time: Bright floral arrangements fill the room and Frida Kahlo-inspired paintings--for sale by local artists--hang against mauve walls. Servers outfitted in bright indigenous dresses swish by, bringing warm flour tortillas to each table, while Mexican folk dancers strut to the sounds of the Mariachi band that blares from the small stage. The menu is unpresumptuous, focusing on Mexican basics and margaritas. For the adventurous palate, there are regional specialties like Puerto Nuevo-style shrimp and Veracruz-style fish.

Hits: Along with the standard chips and salsa, each table gets free quesadilla bites to start off the meal. The margarita selection is pretty impressive.

Misses: The service at the bar can be very slow, especially if you are trying to order food. The waitstaff and hostess don't ask if you need validation, so remember to get it before you've knocked back a couple of drinks.

8 Reviews of Paseo Cantina in Pasadena

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The Best  5 Star Rating - World class

By Raymond N. | insider Insider | Rank: 12,678

Paseo Cantina is one of Pasadena's top Mexican Restaurants. Making the atmosphere all that much better is the live Maricahi Bands that play there. We recommend Paseo Cantina to everyone!

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Not the best, nor the worst...  3 Star Rating - Satisfactory

By Tammy W.

We were rather non-plussed with Paseo Cantina. The food was good, but rather expensive. The service was okay, though my dinner-mate had an empty water glass for most of his meal. I do have to admit with some of the other reviewers, that the drinks were rather watered down, and for the price, not the best...

We might go back, but have no strong desire to...

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Paseo Cantiina  4 Star Rating - Very good

By lisa h. | insider_expert Insider Expert | Rank: 4,601

When I worked in Pasadena my coworkers and I would always make a point to stop at Paseo Cantina. The food was great, always hot and fresh. Never a long wait and the service was good too.

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Latest reviews by Citysearch:

Everything in One Mexican Restaurant ... 5 Star Rating - World class

By Jessmercedes

I've been to this restaurant several times and will continue coming back (smile) excellent food, service and drinks! Any time I have guests that come into town ...its a must to have dinner or brunch there - Wonderful experience from the entertainment (Mariachis are outstanding! Exceptional! Treat overall) food, service and Margaritas are divine ...Finally a Mexican restaurant in Pasadena that offers it all!

Posted 02/22/09

The Worst 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

By VelaLuka

I took my family on Sunday and couldn't be more disappointed. The food was horrible. The chile rellenos were raw the beans were cold like they were scooped out of the can and the rice was white salty and mushy. I grew up in a traditional Mexican neighborhood and worked in Mexico City for 5 years so trust me this was insulting. The Mariachi band was outstanding but the volume was in the 200 decible range so the server has to ask for you order several times. If this place is hoping to attract Latinos it won't last. I am at a loss for words to tell you how bad this place was. Never again.

Posted 02/16/09

i think their kitchen is a microwave... 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

By diGitAL9

Only because i have to give it one star... it doesn't even deserve that. This place was expensive, and the food was horrible.... I didn't finish my dish. And they got our order wrong so my sister in law didn't even get her food till we were all done. Everyone at our table was unhappy with their meal, and we ended up visiting the Hat right after for some chili fries... Stay away from this restaurant, your better off with canned beans.

Pros: the colors
Cons: everything else.
Posted 12/10/08

Avoid at all costs 1 Star Rating - Unsatisfactory

By Beliebt

Mediocre food and SOME OF THE WORST SERVICE I have ever experienced. AND they billed my credit card for an extra $50 that was not on my receipt. [It was business travel, so I kept the receipt.] Very dodgy. Avoid at all costs.

Cons: Fake billing. Terrible service.
Posted 10/14/08

Avoid the watered down Tequila!!!! 2 Star Rating - Wouldn't recommend

By chepito

I recently went to the Paseo Cantina on Friday. I brought along my girlfriend, who is very Fine, and her sister. We all went there with the intention of having a great time, drinking and hearing the live mariachi band. The band was fantastic and the food was descent. My only complaint is that all three of us had 5 shots of tequila (Patron) within a two hour period, and none of us even had a slight buzz. On any other day 2 shots of tequila would have me on the floor drunk out of my mind. But for some reason these "watered" down shots of tequila didn't have any effect on me. So my advice to anybody that wants to have a great time with a good buzz, is to just order beer. Believe me! or else all you'll be drinking is some expensive water in a shot glass.

Posted 10/04/08