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: high-protein, nut-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, low-carb, gluten-free, vegan, keto, pescatarian, plant-based, sugar-free, mediterranean, diabetic, low-fat, heart-healthy, whole30, paleo, high-fiber, atkins, south-beach, clean-eating, low-cholesterol, gerd, anti-inflammatory, weight-watchers, volumetrics, low-fodmap, tlc, renal, detox, alkaline, raw-food, mayo-clinic, macrobiotic, slow-carb, candida, pegan, lectin-free
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, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Low-Fat, Atkins, South-Beach
- Aguachiles - $16.63: Shrimp in house green salsa, cooked in lime juice, served with onions, avocado, cucumber, and tomato Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Raw-Food, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Mayo-Clinic, Candida
- Campechanas - $15.59: Shredded fish, Shrimp, Octopus & Abalone Cocktail Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Atkins, South-Beach, Candida
- Shrimp Tostada - $7.8 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Fish Tostada - $7.8 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Mixed Tostada - $10.39: Served with Fish and Shrimp Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Muro's Appetizer - $13.51
- Nachos with Meat - $12.47: Choice of meat Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free
- Nachos with Shrimp - $14.55 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
Soups
- Shrimp Soup - $15.59 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Volumetrics
- Seven Seas Soup - $16.63 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Volumetrics
- Fish Soup - $15.59 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
- Tortilla Soup (Veggie) - $11.43 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Volumetrics
- Tortilla Soup with Cheese, Avocado & Chicken - $13.51 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Volumetrics
- Meatball Soup - $12.47 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Volumetrics
- Beef Soup - $14.55 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Volumetrics
- Chicken Soup - $12.47 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Volumetrics
- Pozole - $14.55 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Volumetrics
- Menudo - $14.55 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Diabetic, Sugar-Free, Atkins, Volumetrics, Candida
- Fish and Shrimp Soup - $16.63 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, Volumetrics, Mayo-Clinic
Burritos
- Veggie Burrito - $9.35: Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese and Ranchera Sauce Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Green Burrito (Pork) - $12.47: Rice, Beans, Grilled Onions, Cheese, Green Salsa, Pork Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Red Burrito (Beef) - $12.47: Rice, Beans, Cheese, Red Salsa, Onions and Bell Peppers Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, High-Fiber
- Super Burrito - $13.51: Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese, choice of meat, ranchera sauce and Guacamole Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Regular Burrito - $12.47: Rice, Beans, Onions, Cilantro, Cheese and any Salsa Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Eggs with Mexican Sausage Burrito - $11.43: Rice, Beans, Cheese, Onions and Cilantro Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Bean & Cheese Burrito - $8.31: Beans, Cheese & Salsa Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Chile Relleno Burrito - $11.43: Large Pasilla Pepper, Rice, Beans, Onions, Cilantro, Cheese & Salsa Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- El Metate Burrito - $13.51: Rice, Whole Beans, Cheese, Meat, Bell Peppers, Onion, Salsa Ranchera & Avocado Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Shrimp Burrito - $15.59: Rice, Beans, Cheese, Salsa Fresca with Avocado or Chipotle Salsa with Bell Peppers and Onions Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Steak & Egg Burrito - $13.51: Rice, Beans, Onions, Cilantro and Cheese Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- California Burrito - $13.51: Sour Cream, Cheese, French Fries, Salsa Fresca, Any Meat, Avocado or Guacamole Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free
- Chimichanga - $13.51: Rice, Beans, Any Meat, Onions, Cilantro, Cheese, Sour Cream and Guacamole Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
Mexican Specialties
- Regular Tostada - $12.47: Beans, choice of meat, Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cheese, Sour Cream & Guacamole Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Carne Asada Plate - $15.59: Rice, Beans, Salad, Guacamole, Grilled Onions and Tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Fajitas Plate (Chicken or Asada) - $15.59: Rice, Beans, Salad and Tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Carnitas Plate - $15.59: Rice, Beans, Salad, Guacamole and Tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Chile Verde Plate - $15.59: Rice, Beans, Salad and Tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
Tacos
- Soft Tacos Plate (2 Tacos) - $11.43: Served with Rice, Beans and Salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Hard Tacos Plate (2 Tacos) - $12.47: Served with Rice, Beans, Lettuce, Tomato, Cheese and Salad Dietary tags: High-Protein, Nut-Free, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Fish Taco Plate - $14.55: Rice, Beans, Salad, Cabbage, Cilantro, Onion and Tomato Dietary tags: High-Protein, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Sugar-Free, High-Fiber
- Soft Taco A La Carte - $2.6: Onions and Cilantro Dietary tags: Nut-Free
Sides
- Rice - $4.94 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Clean-Eating, Low-Cholesterol, GERD-Friendly, Low-Fodmap, TLC, Renal, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic
- Beans - $4.94 Dietary tags: High-Protein, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb
- Guacamole - $7.27 Dietary tags: Keto, Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Raw-Food, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan, Candida
- Salsa & Chips - $7.27 Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Sugar-Free, Low-Cholesterol
- Cactus Salad - $4.15 Dietary tags: Low-Carb, Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Diabetic, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Fat, Sugar-Free, Anti-Inflammatory, Atkins, South-Beach, Weight-Watchers, Clean-Eating, High-Fiber, Low-Cholesterol, Volumetrics, TLC, Detox, Alkaline, Mayo-Clinic, Slow-Carb, Pegan
Desserts
- Churros - $3.12 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Nut-Free, Pescatarian
- Flan - $7.27 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Pescatarian, Lectin-Free
- Fried Ice Cream - $7.27 Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian
Beverages
- Fountain Soda Regular - $3.17: Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, Nestea, Orange, Lemonade
- Aguas Frescas Regular - $3.17
- Domestic Beer Bottle - $4.16
- 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.