El Portal Restaurant

With elements of an old south-of-the border hacienda -- brick walls, prominent fireplace, charming outdoor courtyard and walls adorned with authentic Mexican art--this establishment has been one of Pasadena's most beloved Mexican restaurants for years. Its Glendale location has also won over an enthusiastic and loyal clientele.

The menu here is diverse, recognizing Mexico's distinctive regional cuisines, from the mole of Oaxaca to the seafood of Veracruz to the unique Mayan-influenced cuisine of the Yucatan Peninsula. Noteworthy dishes include a wide variety of enchiladas, tostadas and burritos, as well as huachinango, camarones a la Veracruzana, and fajitas.

Yucatecan dishes such as cochinita pibil are deftly prepared at these neighborhood eateries that are consistently satisfying. One of the area's best selections of rare and premium tequilas is also available (tastings are scheduled), further bolstering El Portal's status as a perennial local favorite.