Fonda Doña Julia
548 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena
(626) 589-5104
Recent Reviews
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Parking: While working Eaton Fire, decided to try this place out. Doña Julia and staff were very friendly, and food was HOT and spicy, just like home.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Huevos Con Jamon
I’ve been on the hunt for good menudo ever since Taco King on Gladstone St. in Azusa permanently closed. While Taco King has other branches, none seem to match the quality of menudo from that now-closed location.
Recently, after a visit to the post office in Pasadena, I suddenly craved menudo. A quick Yelp search led me to a nearby family-style Mexican restaurant, conveniently located across the road from Vallarta Supermarket—what I consider the best Mexican grocery store in Southern California.
When I arrived, it indeed felt like a family-run operation. The cashier doubled as the chef, and while her English was limited, my Spanish is still a work in progress, so communication was a bit challenging. Unfortunately, they only serve menudo on weekends, so I settled for two carne asada tacos and a fried chicken combo plate.
The tacos arrived first and were, at best, average. The corn tortillas were hot and soft, served with onion, cilantro, and cooked beef. However, the beef wasn’t well-marinated, leaving the overall flavor light and unremarkable. Acceptable, but not memorable.
The fried chicken combo was a letdown. It came with rice and fries, but the chicken itself was over-fried. The exterior was crispy but hard and dry, while the interior meat lacked juiciness and flavor. The batter wasn’t handled well, as much of it fell off. A simple coating of cornstarch could have made a significant difference.
The fries were forgettable, and the rice, though moist, was overly wet and devoid of flavor. Overall, the plate felt rushed and lacked care—a sad dish on what was otherwise a beautiful California autumn day.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 2
Service: 3
Pretty simple hole in the wall restaurant. Good food, affordable prices and a welcoming staff.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very authentic
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
We were hungry looking for some home Mexican cooking and this is the place to go. The tacos and quesadillas are delicious, the salsas are spicy!!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Asada Y Al Pastor Tacos
Came for vacation to the area and it was one of the best tacos and burritos I ever tried I'm going back again next time
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Asada Y Al Pastor Tacos
Poblano food..they charge $1.50 fee for each transaction debit cards
Atmosphere: 1
Food: 3
Service: 2
Excellent food.
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 5
Service: 2
The Chorizo breakfast burrito was great, but the salsa was out of this world amazing. Perfect heat level.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
It is the first time we have come to eat and I hope to return, we ordered mole poblano, chopped with cesina and some ribs in green sauce and everything was
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Costillas de Puerco
Restaurantji Recommends
Hole in the wall with delicious fish tacos, $1.50 taco Tuesday/Thursday can’t be beat!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Wow the best in delicious sauces the food I recommend this place is super wow I am a taster and I loved the
Food: 5
Service: 5
Standard Mexican food place, traditional doña behind the counter. I got a chorizo burrito, it came out to $11.24..
Parking: On the street of you can find it
Kid-friendliness: Nothing specific
Atmosphere: 3
Food: 3
Service: 4
The Menudo by far has been the best I have ever had, I'm always looking for good Menudo throughout the San Gabriel Valley, and so far, it's the best hands down.The steak picado is also delicious with a generous amount of servings.
Parking: Parking is very limited since those pasadena streets are pretty narrow
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Menudo and Mole De Polo
Very good food0
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
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