My friends and I had a great experience dining here! Our waitress was over the top kind and was so helpful. We didn't know it was taco Tuesday but she let us know and we all got tacos ($3 each and they were SO GOOD, such a steal!). Ambience was great, food and drinks were great, overall wonderful experience.
Nancy Gordon
Really like this place. The margaritas are fantastic and the tocas with homemade tortilla are delightful. Nice atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
R Newman
The food is amazing and all the workers are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend you try their food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Brian Mitchell
Honestly, I haven’t always enjoyed Aro as much as I did during the delightful two hours I spent at the bar one recent Thursday. Good timing on my part, I was present for the last half of happy hour (M-F, 4-6) and the first half of the Latin-flavored entertainment (Th only, 6-8). (Another Thursday-only attraction, South Pasadena’s popular farmers market takes place just down the block.) I started with a well-balanced HH Margarita, tasting distinctly of tequila and just enough triple sec. Then I went for a couple of HH appetizers, a decent cheese quesadilla and the exceptional oregano shrimp (without the usual chili flakes—wimp that I am). The quesadilla came in handy for sopping up the precious seasoned butter from the plump, tender shrimp. I asked the friendly bartender—I think his name was Tevin—about a lavender-hued drink he had made—an Aviation Cocktail: gin, Luxardo cherry liqueur, Crème de Violette, and lemon juice. Mine (see photo) was exquisite, the perfect airborne accompaniment to the Brazilian vocalist and combo I was listening to. This bar and adjacent dining room had never seemed so lively. Even the tables outside in the shade were filled.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Kristofer Raycraft
Well, this is a hidden gem. I say hidden because it was just there as I was walking down the street. I got the empanadas and the Oro de Aro with Mezcal. Oh, and the guacamole was on point! Maybe it's time i move back to LA just to be closer to this place.
Stephanie Kozofsky
Delicious food, great environment with live music, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Juan Pablo Cortes
I love this place. Food, service and atmosphere is amazing. I love the background music.
We had salmon that had the most delicious asparagus sauce. Wish we lived in the area and could go more often.
Sam Lee
We had such a great time at Aro Latin! Our server was so friendly and took great care of us. We ordered a few small bites and they were all so tasty! My favorite was the sweet potato ceviche. The ceviche was really juicy and bright and paired great with the crispy sweet potato chips. Perfect for a summer day! The papas rellenas was a little salty but still very good. There is plenty of street parking in the neighborhood (just go up or down a block) and a few seats outdoors where you can sit with your dog. Will definitely come again!
On your website the happy hours say 4-6 no specific days Came in today Sunday and the server said no Only Mon- fri It's on Instagram Please Then don't have a website or sync/update your info We left
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 2
NICK MENNELL
Tonight was our first visit to Aro Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena, and I'm still thinking about the meal! This place is truly a culinary standout that elevates Mexican cuisine to an art form.
We started with the crudito appetizer - a beautiful arrangement of fresh seafood with citrus accents and just the right amount of heat. The presentation was Instagram-worthy, and the flavors were bright and perfectly balanced.
For our main courses, we explored their taco selection and were absolutely blown away. The fish tacos featured perfectly flaky white fish with a light crisp exterior, topped with a vibrant slaw that added wonderful texture. The shrimp tacos were equally impressive - plump, perfectly cooked shrimp with a delicate seasoning that let the natural sweetness shine through. But the true revelation was the lamb tacos - tender, flavorful meat with a complex marinade that had hints of traditional Mexican spices but with a unique twist I haven't encountered elsewhere.
The star of the evening, however, was undoubtedly the salmon platter. The fish was cooked to absolute perfection - crispy skin with moist, medium-rare flesh that melted in my mouth. It was served with a complex mole sauce that complemented rather than overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the salmon. The accompanying sides were thoughtfully prepared and worked harmoniously with the main protein.
Yes, Aro is a bit pricey compared to other Mexican restaurants in the area, but the quality of ingredients, skillful preparation, and attentive service absolutely justify the cost. This isn't your average taqueria - it's elevated Mexican cuisine that respects tradition while embracing innovation.
The ambiance struck the perfect balance between elegant and comfortable, and the staff were knowledgeable about both the food and the impressive selection of mezcals and tequilas.
Aro has immediately earned a spot on my list of favorite restaurants in Pasadena. Already planning our next visit to explore more of their menu!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Jyoti Sharma-Varma
This place is absolutely amazing! We ordered a variety of dishes, and every single one was unique, super flavorful, and incredibly tasty. I highly recommend this spot to all the foodies out there. The bar was very nice too, and I loved the warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a family-owned business, and the owner, along with his wife, personally came over to greet us and chat for a bit, which made us feel truly special. They made sure we had everything we needed. The service was absolutely top-notch, and my husband and I had a beautiful time. We’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Salsa Aro, Mole Poblano Con Pollo, Ceviche, Costillitas, Chilaquiles, Baja Tacos De Camaron, Tres Leches Cake
Eryck Sergyo España López (Don España)
Great food and atmosphere. Also great customer service they were always attentive and very polite. Will be back again.
A loud restaurant with young people cheering for their friend, a young musician whose music is overwhelming loud. The food is yummy. Everyone at our table was able to yell some comments at everyone else. It was hard to be heard,
My friends and I had a great experience dining here! Our waitress was over the top kind and was so helpful. We didn't know it was taco Tuesday but she let us know and we all got tacos ($3 each and they were SO GOOD, such a steal!). Ambience was great, food and drinks were great, overall wonderful experience.
Really like this place. The margaritas are fantastic and the tocas with homemade tortilla are delightful. Nice atmosphere
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
The food is amazing and all the workers are friendly and helpful. I highly recommend you try their food.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Honestly, I haven’t always enjoyed Aro as much as I did during the delightful two hours I spent at the bar one recent Thursday. Good timing on my part, I was present for the last half of happy hour (M-F, 4-6) and the first half of the Latin-flavored entertainment (Th only, 6-8). (Another Thursday-only attraction, South Pasadena’s popular farmers market takes place just down the block.)
I started with a well-balanced HH Margarita, tasting distinctly of tequila and just enough triple sec. Then I went for a couple of HH appetizers, a decent cheese quesadilla and the exceptional oregano shrimp (without the usual chili flakes—wimp that I am). The quesadilla came in handy for sopping up the precious seasoned butter from the plump, tender shrimp.
I asked the friendly bartender—I think his name was Tevin—about a lavender-hued drink he had made—an Aviation Cocktail: gin, Luxardo cherry liqueur, Crème de Violette, and lemon juice. Mine (see photo) was exquisite, the perfect airborne accompaniment to the Brazilian vocalist and combo I was listening to. This bar and adjacent dining room had never seemed so lively. Even the tables outside in the shade were filled.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Well, this is a hidden gem. I say hidden because it was just there as I was walking down the street. I got the empanadas and the Oro de Aro with Mezcal. Oh, and the guacamole was on point! Maybe it's time i move back to LA just to be closer to this place.
Delicious food, great environment with live music, plenty of indoor and outdoor seating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love this place. Food, service and atmosphere is amazing. I love the background music.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Salsa Aro, Birria - Slow Roasted Lamb, Mole Chips
Great healthy dishes and relaxed atmosphere
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
We had salmon that had the most delicious asparagus sauce. Wish we lived in the area and could go more often.
We had such a great time at Aro Latin! Our server was so friendly and took great care of us. We ordered a few small bites and they were all so tasty! My favorite was the sweet potato ceviche. The ceviche was really juicy and bright and paired great with the crispy sweet potato chips. Perfect for a summer day! The papas rellenas was a little salty but still very good. There is plenty of street parking in the neighborhood (just go up or down a block) and a few seats outdoors where you can sit with your dog. Will definitely come again!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Restaurantji Recommends
On your website the happy hours say 4-6 no specific days
Came in today Sunday and the server said no
Only Mon- fri
It's on Instagram
Please
Then don't have a website or sync/update your info
We left
Atmosphere: 5
Service: 2
Tonight was our first visit to Aro Mexican Restaurant in Pasadena, and I'm still thinking about the meal! This place is truly a culinary standout that elevates Mexican cuisine to an art form.
We started with the crudito appetizer - a beautiful arrangement of fresh seafood with citrus accents and just the right amount of heat. The presentation was Instagram-worthy, and the flavors were bright and perfectly balanced.
For our main courses, we explored their taco selection and were absolutely blown away. The fish tacos featured perfectly flaky white fish with a light crisp exterior, topped with a vibrant slaw that added wonderful texture. The shrimp tacos were equally impressive - plump, perfectly cooked shrimp with a delicate seasoning that let the natural sweetness shine through. But the true revelation was the lamb tacos - tender, flavorful meat with a complex marinade that had hints of traditional Mexican spices but with a unique twist I haven't encountered elsewhere.
The star of the evening, however, was undoubtedly the salmon platter. The fish was cooked to absolute perfection - crispy skin with moist, medium-rare flesh that melted in my mouth. It was served with a complex mole sauce that complemented rather than overwhelmed the delicate flavor of the salmon. The accompanying sides were thoughtfully prepared and worked harmoniously with the main protein.
Yes, Aro is a bit pricey compared to other Mexican restaurants in the area, but the quality of ingredients, skillful preparation, and attentive service absolutely justify the cost. This isn't your average taqueria - it's elevated Mexican cuisine that respects tradition while embracing innovation.
The ambiance struck the perfect balance between elegant and comfortable, and the staff were knowledgeable about both the food and the impressive selection of mezcals and tequilas.
Aro has immediately earned a spot on my list of favorite restaurants in Pasadena. Already planning our next visit to explore more of their menu!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
This place is absolutely amazing! We ordered a variety of dishes, and every single one was unique, super flavorful, and incredibly tasty. I highly recommend this spot to all the foodies out there.
The bar was very nice too, and I loved the warm, welcoming atmosphere. It’s a family-owned business, and the owner, along with his wife, personally came over to greet us and chat for a bit, which made us feel truly special. They made sure we had everything we needed.
The service was absolutely top-notch, and my husband and I had a beautiful time. We’ll definitely be back!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Guacamole and Salsa Aro, Mole Poblano Con Pollo, Ceviche, Costillitas, Chilaquiles, Baja Tacos De Camaron, Tres Leches Cake
Great food and atmosphere. Also great customer service they were always attentive and very polite. Will be back again.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Birria, Cochinita Pibil Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos
A loud restaurant with young people cheering for their friend, a young musician whose music is overwhelming loud. The food is yummy. Everyone at our table was able to yell some comments at everyone else. It was hard to be heard,
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