Seemor
Mercado Pasadena
140 S Lake Ave #101, Pasadena, CA 91101
· Mexican restaurant
· 4.5/5 Google (735 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Modern Mexican with standout cocktails and a strong happy hour; tasty mains and tacos, but pricing and occasional service inconsistencies divide opinions.
Restaurant Summary
Mercado Pasadena brings a polished South Lake energy with a cocktail-first vibe and a heated patio that regulars love. Servers often feel warm and attentive, and guests call out guacamole, ceviches, and filet tacos as easy wins. One diner summed it up: "The room looks great, but we sat outside when the inside smelled like cleaner." Expect a lively scene and busy peak hours with the occasional wait. The cooking leans modern Mexican with creative touches rather than strict traditionalism. Think jicama shrimp tacos, tuna ceviche with morita-soy, octopus al pastor, and a rich chicken mole. Happy hour is a standout for value, while the regular menu reads premium for the category. Most plates deliver bright, layered flavors, though a few guests found seasoning too spicy or salty at times. Families can make this work thanks to familiar options like tacos, burritos, and a burger, but watch spice levels. There is no explicit kids menu noted, and portions are not oversized. Patio seating helps with stroller space, and happy hour snacks can be a safer bet for younger palates.
At a Glance
- Lively modern Mexican with standout cocktails and happy hour
- Strong tacos, ceviches, and reliable guacamole with warm chips
- Pricing feels high with a 3% surcharge and paid extras
- Chemical odor reported inside at times; sit on patio when possible
- Service can swing from exemplary to rushed depending on staff and crowd
What Sets It Apart
- strong_happy_hour
- creative_taco_program
- cocktail_focus
What People Love
- Craveable filet and fish tacos
- Vibrant ceviche negro as a table starter
- Warm, anticipatory service from standout servers
- Heated patio that softens the lively vibe
- Watermelon-basil and mezcal margaritas
Points of Concern
- Pricing and surcharge add up; extras like sauces and pico are charged
- Occasional chemical smell inside; several guests choose patio to avoid it
- Service inconsistency: some stellar, some rushed or error-prone
- Parking fees nearby with limited validation; plan ahead
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-66 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Build a shareable start: Guacamole ($16) plus Ceviche Negro ($25)
- Pair Tacos de Filete ($22) with a mezcal margarita; add ajillo shrimp to steak for surf-and-turf feel
- For veg diners: Coliflor al Pastor tacos ($22) or Calabacitas ($10)
Perfect For
- Cocktail-forward date night on South Lake
- Happy hour grazing with friends
- Pre- or post-Huntington Museum bites
- Small group dinners with reservations
Location Insights
Area: Upscale shopping and dining corridor attracting professionals, shoppers, and date-night crowds.
Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked, and well-lit with steady evening foot traffic.
Nearby: Near boutiques, offices, and parking structures; multiple competing restaurants and bars on South Lake.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–21:00
Tuesday11:30–21:30
Wednesday11:30–21:30
Thursday11:30–21:30
Friday11:30–22:00
Saturday11:30–22:00
Sunday11:30–21:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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