El Metate – Mexican
El Metate hums with the vibrant energy of a coastal Mexican cantina, where the sharp, bright scent of fresh lime and chilies sets the stage for a refreshing seafood feast. Guests dive into chilled goblets of shrimp cocktail and crisp, piled-high tostadas that celebrate the bold, zesty flavors of the Pacific, creating a lively atmosphere perfect for sharing savory appetizers and sun-drenched memories.
12 North Mentor Avenue, Pasadena CA 91106-1745 https://elmetate-cafe.com/Rating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, keto, low-carb, nut-free, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-fat, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, atkins, dash-sodium-reduced, gerd, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, carnivore, low-fodmap, renal, tlc, volumetrics, zone, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, sesame-free, soy-free
Diet fit at El Metate
Dairy-Free at El Metate
El Metate in Pasadena has 16 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chicken Soup, Beans and Rice. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at El Metate
El Metate in Pasadena has 11 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chicken Soup, Shrimp Soup and Guacamole. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at El Metate
El Metate in Pasadena has 25 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beans, Rice and Shrimp Soup. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at El Metate
El Metate in Pasadena has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Shrimp Cocktail, Shrimp Tostada and Veggie Burrito. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Keto at El Metate
El Metate in Pasadena has 2 keto-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chicken Soup and Beef Soup. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Carb at El Metate
El Metate in Pasadena has 4 low-carb-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chicken Soup, Shrimp Soup and Beef Soup. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Nut-Free at El Metate
El Metate in Pasadena has 2 nut-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chicken Soup and Beef Soup. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at El Metate
El Metate in Pasadena has 9 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Beans, Rice and Salsa & Chips. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
How tags work: Dish-level menu analysis by Chefi's rule-based diet engine with AI assistance; nutrition values are estimated from ingredients unless marked verified. Allergen and certification claims are never inferred.
What to order at El Metate
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Tostada | 107.5 g | 68.9 g |
| Nachos with Shrimp | 62.8 g | 65.8 g |
| Tortilla Soup with Cheese, Avocado & Chicken | 56 g | 59.5 g |
| Shrimp Tostada | 21.9 g | 54.5 g |
| Chile Verde Plate | 78.2 g | 53.3 g |
| Super Burrito | 81.5 g | 44.1 g |
| Fish Tostada | 44.4 g | 44 g |
| Regular Burrito | 61.5 g | 36.4 g |
| Carnitas Plate | 31.1 g | 36.3 g |
| Campechanas | 49.1 g | 30.3 g |
| Red Burrito (Beef) | 61.2 g | 29.4 g |
| Fish Taco Plate | 53.7 g | 25.4 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its well-seasoned dishes and generous portions, guests consistently praise the friendly and knowledgeable service that makes for a memorable dining experience. Reviewers highlight the pleasant environment as a standout feature, noting that the warm atmosphere and attentive staff create a welcoming space they are eager to revisit.
Menu
Appetizers
- Shrimp Cocktail - $14.55: Shrimp in cocktail sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Fat, GERD-Friendly Available at: dinner, lunch
- Aguachiles - $16.63: Shrimp in house green salsa, cooked in lime juice, served with onions, avocado, cucumber, and tomato Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Alkaline, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Campechanas - $15.59: Shredded fish, Shrimp, Octopus & Abalone Cocktail Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Tostada - $7.8 Dietary tags: High-Protein Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fish Tostada - $7.8 Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mixed Tostada - $10.39: Served with Fish and Shrimp Available at: dinner, lunch
- Muro's Appetizer - $13.51 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Nachos with Meat - $12.47: Choice of meat Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Nachos with Shrimp - $14.55 Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Soups
- Shrimp Soup - $15.59 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Seven Seas Soup - $16.63 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fish Soup - $15.59 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, AIP, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tortilla Soup (Veggie) - $11.43 Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol Available at: dinner, lunch
- Tortilla Soup with Cheese, Avocado & Chicken - $13.51 Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Meatball Soup - $12.47 Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beef Soup - $14.55 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Low-Sodium, Atkins, South-Beach, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chicken Soup - $12.47 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, Low-Fodmap, Carnivore, TLC, AIP, Renal, Slow-Carb, Lectin-Free, Soy Free, Sesame Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pozole - $14.55 Available at: dinner, lunch
- Menudo - $14.55 Available at: breakfast, brunch, dinner, lunch
- Fish and Shrimp Soup - $16.63 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Burritos
- Veggie Burrito - $9.35: Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese and Ranchera Sauce Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Green Burrito (Pork) - $12.47: Rice, Beans, Grilled Onions, Cheese, Green Salsa, Pork Available at: dinner, lunch
- Red Burrito (Beef) - $12.47: Rice, Beans, Cheese, Red Salsa, Onions and Bell Peppers Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Super Burrito - $13.51: Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, choice of meat, ranchera sauce and Guacamole Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Regular Burrito - $12.47: Rice, Beans, Onions, Cilantro, Cheese and any Salsa Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Eggs with Mexican Sausage Burrito - $11.43: Rice, Beans, Cheese, Onions and Cilantro Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber, Volumetrics Available at: breakfast, brunch
- Bean & Cheese Burrito - $8.31: Beans, Cheese & Salsa Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chile Relleno Burrito - $11.43: Large Pasilla Pepper, Rice, Beans, Onions, Cilantro, Cheese & Salsa Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- El Metate Burrito - $13.51: Rice, Whole Beans, Cheese, Meat, Bell Peppers, Onion, Salsa Ranchera & Avocado Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Shrimp Burrito - $15.59: Rice, Beans, Cheese, Salsa Fresca with Avocado or Chipotle Salsa with Bell Peppers and Onions Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Steak & Egg Burrito - $13.51: Rice, Beans, Onions, Cilantro and Cheese Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC Available at: breakfast, brunch
- California Burrito - $13.51: Sour Cream, Cheese, French Fries, Salsa Fresca, Any Meat, Avocado or Guacamole Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chimichanga - $13.51: Rice, Beans, Any Meat, Onions, Cilantro, Cheese, Sour Cream and Guacamole Dietary tags: Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Mexican Specialties
- Regular Tostada - $12.47: Beans, choice of meat, Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cheese, Sour Cream & Guacamole Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carne Asada Plate - $15.59: Rice, Beans, Salad, Guacamole, Grilled Onions and Tortillas Dietary tags: Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fajitas Plate (Chicken or Asada) - $15.59: Rice, Beans, Salad and Tortillas Dietary tags: Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carnitas Plate - $15.59: Rice, Beans, Salad, Guacamole and Tortillas Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chile Verde Plate - $15.59: Rice, Beans, Salad and Tortillas Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
Tacos
- Soft Tacos Plate (2 Tacos) - $11.43: Served with Rice, Beans and Salad Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Hard Tacos Plate (2 Tacos) - $12.47: Served with Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese and Salad Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Fish Taco Plate - $14.55: Rice, Beans, Salad, Cabbage, Cilantro, Onion and Tomato Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Soft Taco A La Carte - $2.6: Onions and Cilantro Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Rice - $4.94 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Volumetrics, TLC, Renal, Macrobiotic Available at: dinner, lunch
- Beans - $4.94 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Zone, Volumetrics, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
- Guacamole - $7.27 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salsa & Chips - $7.27 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Cactus Salad - $4.15 Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Desserts
- Churros - $3.12 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Flan - $7.27 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, TLC
- Fried Ice Cream - $7.27 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
Beverages
- Fountain Soda Regular - $3.17: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Nestea, Orange, Lemonade Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Low-Fat, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, TLC
- Aguas Frescas Regular - $3.17 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Domestic Beer Bottle - $4.16 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based
- Draft Beer - $7.27
- Regular Margarita - $8.31: Mango, Fresca, Lime, Peach
- Glass of Wine - $5.2: White Zinfandel, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot
Frequently Asked Questions about El Metate
- What is the restaurant's atmosphere and style?
- El Metate offers a lively, coastal Mexican cantina atmosphere with a warm, welcoming environment and friendly, knowledgeable service.
- What is this restaurant's overall rating?
- El Metate has an average rating of 4.0/5 based on customer feedback and reviews.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- El Metate is currently operational, with its website and menu information available for customers to access.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- This coastal Mexican cantina is special for its well-seasoned seafood dishes, generous portions, and friendly service in a pleasant environment.
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- The restaurant accommodates mixed diets with diverse options including keto Menudo, vegan rice, pescatarian shrimp tostadas, and gluten-free flan.
- Which dishes work for multiple diets at once (e.g., keto + gluten-free)?
- Menudo works for multiple diets simultaneously, including keto, gluten-free, dairy-free, high-protein, low-carb, and diabetic-friendly options.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- The menu supports diverse diets including keto, gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, paleo, and heart-healthy options across various Mexican dishes.
- What are the main concerns mentioned in customer reviews?
- Customer reviews do not mention any specific concerns, instead focusing on well-seasoned dishes, generous portions, and friendly, knowledgeable service.
- What type of diner would most enjoy this restaurant?
- Diners seeking budget-friendly, authentic Mexican seafood and generous portions in a lively, welcoming atmosphere would most enjoy this restaurant.
- What should first-time visitors know about this restaurant?
- Visitors can expect budget-friendly Mexican seafood, generous portions, and attentive service in a lively, welcoming cantina atmosphere.
- Is El Metate dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. El Metate has 16 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Chicken Soup, Beans and Rice.
- What can I eat at El Metate on a dairy-free diet?
- Chicken Soup, Beans and Rice carry the dairy-free tag, out of 16 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does El Metate have vegan options?
- Yes. 9 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Beans and Rice.
- Is El Metate gluten-free?
- 11 dishes are tagged gluten-free on the current menu. Chefi never infers allergen tags from a dish name alone, but a tag is not a certification — confirm preparation with the restaurant if you have celiac disease or a severe sensitivity.
- What is the highest-protein dish at El Metate?
- Regular Tostada, at roughly 68.9g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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