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ZipPicks Awards
Best Tacos in Pasadena
Master Critic Review
Mendez Restaurant
8.0
A liquor-store-counter operation running an 18-year-old lamb barbacoa program using a family recipe from Mexico City—birria, menudo, and consomé built around slow-cooked lamb rather than the beef you find elsewhere. Weekend mornings draw early risers who know the drill: cash only, limited seating, and tortillas that could use an upgrade, but the lamb work carries the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Barbacoa, Consomé, Menudo
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Unassuming liquor store front concealing a weekend barbacoa operation with devoted local following
Who should go: Early risers chasing authentic weekend Mexican breakfast
When to visit: Weekend mornings before the barbacoa sells out
What to order: Start with barbacoa tacos, get the consomé on the side for dipping, add menudo if you need hangover recovery
Insider tip: The barbacoa sells out early on weekends—arrive before 10am
Logistics & Planning
Dress code: Come as you are—counter service inside a liquor store with a few tables
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait—fast counter service, typical visit under 15 minutes
Dietary Options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? No - this is a tiny counter-service spot tucked inside a liquor store with just 2-3 tables and a few chairs. The setting is ultra-casual with a counter and small kitchen visible. While the food is exceptional (their lamb barbacoa is legendary), the atmosphere prioritizes authenticity over romance. Better suited for adventurous food lovers on a casual daytime hangout than an intimate evening date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - this is primarily a walk-up counter-service spot. However, seating is extremely limited (only 2-3 small tables), so many customers order to-go. On weekends, lines can snake out the liquor store's front door due to high demand. Weekday mornings are your best bet for grabbing one of the few available seats. Cash only.
Is it kid-friendly? Moderately - the casual counter-service format and daytime-only hours (closes by 4pm) work well for families with kids. No high chairs confirmed, and the very limited seating makes dining in with small children challenging. The informal atmosphere is forgiving of noise, but most families opt for takeout given the minimal seating. Call ahead to confirm kid accommodations.
Is it good for groups? No - with only 2-3 small tables total inside a liquor store corner, this spot cannot accommodate groups larger than 4 people comfortably. There's no private dining or large table options. For groups, order takeout and find a nearby park. This is designed for solo diners, couples, or very small parties seeking exceptional barbacoa.
Is there outdoor seating? Limited - some reports mention a covered patio area, but the primary seating is the small indoor space inside the liquor store. The outdoor option appears minimal. Call ahead to confirm current patio availability, as this detail is not consistently reported.
Best For
Better for: Lamb barbacoa purists seeking Mexico City-style birria in an authentic hole-in-the-wall setting—cash only, closes by 4pm
Skip if: You want a sit-down restaurant experience or are averse to lamb's gamey flavor
Hours
Monday8am - 4pm
Tuesday8am - 4pm
Wednesday8am - 4pm
Thursday8am - 4pm
Friday7am - 4pm
Saturday7am - 4pm
Sunday7am - 4pm