Mercado – Mexican
Mercado pulses with a vibrant, social energy, where the air is perfumed by smoky mushroom choriqueso and the bright, citrusy zing of fresh ceviche verde. Guests gather over artfully plated jícama shrimp tacos and tender pulpo al pastor, discovering a sophisticated celebration of Mexican flavors that balances rustic comfort with modern, coastal elegance.
140 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena CA 91101-2628 https://cocinasycalaveras.com/mercado-psRating: 4/5 (1 reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price range: $$
Dietary options: dairy-free, gluten-free, halal, high-protein, vegan, vegetarian, heart-healthy, low-sodium, mediterranean, paleo, pescatarian, plant-based, whole30, anti-inflammatory, dash-sodium-reduced, high-fiber, low-cholesterol, south-beach, aip, alkaline, raw-food, renal, tlc, volumetrics, lectin-free, macrobiotic, slow-carb, soy-free
Diet fit at Mercado
Dairy-Free at Mercado
Mercado in Pasadena has 4 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, Pescado del Día and Ceviche Verde. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Gluten-Free at Mercado
Mercado in Pasadena has 3 gluten-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, Pescado del Día and Ceviche Verde. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Halal at Mercado
Mercado in Pasadena has 13 halal-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, Jícama Shrimp Tacos and Pescado del Día. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
High-Protein at Mercado
Mercado in Pasadena has 3 high-protein-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Carnitas Nachos, Carnitas and Camarones al Ajillo. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegan at Mercado
Mercado in Pasadena has 5 vegan-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, Alessandro Coffee and Mercado Margarita. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Vegetarian at Mercado
Mercado in Pasadena has 9 vegetarian-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, Mexican Kale Salad and Calabacitas. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Heart-Healthy at Mercado
Mercado in Pasadena has 2 heart-healthy-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Calabacitas and Chile Piquín Black Beans. Tags come from dish-level menu analysis and update when the menu changes.
Low-Sodium at Mercado
Mercado in Pasadena has 9 low-sodium-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, Mexican Kale Salad and Taquitos de Papa. 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 Mercado
| Dish | Net carbs | Protein |
|---|---|---|
| Enchiladas de Pollo en Mole Oaxaqueño | 31.1 g | 67.4 g |
| Carnitas Nachos | 23.1 g | 52.6 g |
| Deep Sea Scallops | 32.9 g | 36 g |
| Mexican Burger | 13.5 g | 30.5 g |
| Elote | 43.6 g | 30.5 g |
| Salmón a la Parrilla | 21 g | 27 g |
| Camarones al Ajillo | 10.6 g | 24.1 g |
| Carnitas | 0 g | 18.9 g |
| Chile Relleno | 22 g | 12 g |
| Mexican Coke | 16.8 g | 11.9 g |
| Chef Jose’s Featured Dessert | 2.2 g | 11.7 g |
| Guacamole | 37.7 g | 11.2 g |
Nutrition values are estimated from ingredients.
Currently open
Hours
- Monday - Sunday
- 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
- Tuesday - Thursday
- 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
- Friday - Saturday
- 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
What diners are saying
Celebrated for its intimate setting and professional service, guests consistently praise the perfectly crispy pizzas and the attentive staff who provide regular check-ins throughout the meal. Reviewers highlight the warm ambiance as a standout feature, noting that the combination of high-quality food and a welcoming atmosphere makes for a highly recommended dining experience.
Menu
Appetizers
- Guacamole - $16: hass avocado, serranos, cilantro, tomatoes, red onions, Yxta salsa brava, spicy pepitas, fresh chips Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mushroom Choriqueso - $16: melted cotija, parmesan, oaxaca cheese, white wine, mushroom-chorizo, poblanos, fresh chips Available at: dinner, lunch
- Taquitos de Papa - $13: queso fresco mashed potatoes, slaw, crema fresca, queso cotija, salsa verde, pico de gallo, tortilla Dietary tags: Low-Sodium, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Jícama Shrimp Tacos - $19: panko-crusted shrimp, jícama tortilla, chile de árbol aioli, mexican slaw, pickled red onions, micro-cilantro Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carnitas Nachos - $19: mushroom choriqueso, chile piquín black beans, carnitas, guacamole, tomatoes, onions, cilantro Dietary tags: High-Protein, High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Ceviche Verde - $24: citrus-marinated white fish and shrimp, persian cucumbers, onions, tomatoes, avocado, serrano-cilantro sauce, tostaditas Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, High-Fiber, Raw-Food, Alkaline, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
- Deep Sea Scallops - $28: pepita crust, salsa de cuatro chiles, grilled asparagus, potato pancake Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pulpo al Pastor - $23: spanish octopus, pastor marinade, grilled pineapple, grilled onions, cauliflower, lime aioli, crispy cilantro Available at: dinner, lunch
Salads
- Caesar Salad - $16: romaine, cherry tomatoes, avocado, cotija, cotija-pesto breadcrumbs, caesar dressing Dietary tags: Halal, Pescatarian, Anti-Inflammatory Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mexican Kale Salad - $16: kale, arugula, queso fresco, candied pepitas, pears, dried strawberries, cotija-pesto bread crumbs, agave-lime vinaigrette Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium Available at: dinner, lunch
Main Courses
- Carnitas - $35: Chef Jose's slow-cooked natural pork, guacamole, Yxta salsa brava, pico de gallo, cauliflower al pastor, cilantro, tortillas Dietary tags: High-Protein, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, TLC, Renal Available at: dinner, lunch
- Carne Asada - $39: marinated skirt steak, guacamole, salsa macha, cebollita, calabacitas, queso fresco mashed potatoes, tortillas Available at: dinner, lunch
- Enchiladas de Pollo en Mole Oaxaqueño - $24: Mary's hand-pulled chicken, oaxacan mole, queso fresco, crema fresca, red onions, sesame seeds, mexican rice, chile piquín black beans Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Salmón a la Parrilla - $33: grilled scottish salmon, cilantro pesto, roasted red pepper sauce, cilantro lime rice, grilled vegetables Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Camarones al Ajillo - $32: jumbo sweet shrimp, chile de árbol garlic butter, cilantro lime rice, ciabatta Dietary tags: High-Protein, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium, DASH Sodium-Reduced, High-Fiber, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chile Relleno - $21: traditional batter, panela, oaxaca cheese, queso fresco, cotija, salsa ranchera, mexican rice, roasted potatoes, tortillas Available at: dinner, lunch
- Mexican Burger - $23: ground chuck and ribeye, Nueske bacon, pepper jack, arugula, onion compote, poblano mayo, house salad or french fries Dietary tags: High-Fiber Available at: dinner, lunch
- Pescado del Día: today's fresh catch Dietary tags: Halal, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Anti-Inflammatory, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free, Soy Free Available at: dinner, lunch
Sides
- Calabacitas - $10: mexican-style zucchini, onions, tomatoes, grilled sweet corn Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Volumetrics, TLC Available at: dinner, lunch
- Elote - $12: grilled sweet corn, caramelized onions, chile piquín butter, queso cotija Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Halal, Pescatarian Available at: dinner, lunch
- Lela’s Mexican Rice - $6: traditional mexican rice Available at: dinner, lunch
- Chile Piquín Black Beans - $6: black beans with chile piquín Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Dairy-Free, Mediterranean, Pescatarian, Heart-Healthy, Plant-Based, Low-Sodium, Anti-Inflammatory, South-Beach, DASH Sodium-Reduced, Low-Cholesterol, TLC, Alkaline, Renal, Macrobiotic, Slow-Carb Available at: dinner, lunch
Beverages
- Mercado Margarita - $15: La Vieja Taberna blanco, triple sec, fresh sour Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Plant-Based, Lectin-Free
- Mexican Coke - $6: bottled soda
- Agua Fresca - $6: Jamaica Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
- Alessandro Coffee - $4: freshly brewed coffee Dietary tags: Vegan, Vegetarian, Halal, Whole30, Pescatarian, Paleo, Plant-Based, Alkaline, AIP, Macrobiotic, Lectin-Free
Desserts
- Chef Jose’s Flan - $13: with rompope (contains alcohol) Dietary tags: Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Low-Sodium
- Chef Jose’s Featured Dessert - $12: seasonal selection Dietary tags: Halal, Low-Sodium, Renal
Frequently Asked Questions about Mercado
- Does this restaurant have good options for group dining with mixed dietary needs?
- Mercado accommodates mixed dietary needs with vegan, gluten-free, and high-protein options like calabacitas, pulpo al pastor, and chile piquín black beans.
- What makes this restaurant unique or special?
- Mercado is unique for its intimate setting, professional service, and sophisticated Mexican flavors like jícama shrimp tacos and pulpo al pastor.
- How does this restaurant compare to others in the same cuisine type?
- Mercado stands out among Mexican restaurants for its sophisticated coastal flavors, professional service, and extensive range of health-conscious dietary options.
- Is this restaurant good value for money?
- Mercado offers good value with a 4.0/5 rating, moderate ($$) pricing, and high-quality food that guests highly recommend.
- Does this restaurant have a website or online ordering?
- Mercado has a website available at https://cocinasycalaveras.com/mercado-ps, though the provided data does not specify online ordering capabilities.
- Is this restaurant good for casual dining or more upscale?
- Mercado offers a more upscale, sophisticated dining experience with an intimate setting, professional service, and artfully plated Mexican cuisine.
- What's the best way to experience this restaurant?
- Enjoy the intimate setting and professional service while sharing crispy pizzas and high-quality Mexican dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Is this restaurant currently open and operational?
- The provided data does not include current hours of operation or status to confirm if the restaurant is currently open.
- What type of cuisine does this restaurant specialize in?
- Mercado specializes in sophisticated Mexican cuisine, featuring traditional flavors like carnitas, carne asada, and modern coastal dishes like pulpo al pastor.
- Which diets does this restaurant support based on its menu?
- The restaurant supports numerous diets including vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy-free, keto-friendly low-carb, pescatarian, and heart-healthy options across its menu.
- Is Mercado dairy-free-friendly?
- Yes. Mercado has 4 dairy-free-tagged dishes on its current menu, including Guacamole, Pescado del Día and Ceviche Verde.
- What can I eat at Mercado on a dairy-free diet?
- Guacamole, Pescado del Día and Ceviche Verde carry the dairy-free tag, out of 4 tagged dishes on the current menu. Every dish's diet tags are listed in the menu.
- Does Mercado have vegan options?
- Yes. 5 dishes are tagged vegan on the current menu, including Guacamole and Alessandro Coffee.
- Is Mercado gluten-free?
- 3 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 Mercado?
- Enchiladas de Pollo en Mole Oaxaqueño, at roughly 67.4g of protein (estimated from ingredients).
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