La Fiesta Grande
From South Pas Wiki
La Fiesta Grande is one of our regular hangouts. It is good, but don't expect very authentic Mexican food. It is more authentic than most of its local competitors, but still, it is mostly Americanized Mexican food.
The chips are just okay, but the salsa is not dependable (nice and spicy one visit, plain as water the next). They don't have pico de gallo, which would be a nice addition. They do have pico de gallo. Look at a menu. Their guacamole is quite good, but it is whipped into a smooth paste, and could stand to be a bit chunkier.
If you're interested in tacos, skip the all-you-can-eat Taco Bar; it's obscene and is actually not a good value. Go for the plates or ala carte choices instead, though you will probably be stuck with Americanized hard shell tacos with lettuce and cheese, an abomination if there ever was one.
The burritos are okay. They come nice and large, though some are just too loaded with rice and bean filler to be of any real value. Stick with the all-meat burritos and you'll be set.
The fish dishes are the best, but sadly are not as good as Senor Fish does down the street.
Some items can be overpriced, but you can find the occasional bargain, such as the Carnitas Tostada at $9.95, loaded with so much crispy and delicious Carnitas that you'll swear the meal is actually underpriced (though you'd be wrong).
My favorite dish, Carne Tampiquenas, is only an occasional treat at $14.95, but it is a tasty and excellent choice, laden with onions and chiles.
Pass on the flan, it's better elsewhere.
If you want passable Mexican food with an American twist without leaving city limits, La Fiesta Grande is your kind of place. Just watch your choices and you'll do okay.
For more authentic Mexican, try the cheaper and better Los Tacos in Pasadena at Fair Oaks and California, or King Taco in Old Town Pasadena, just a block off the Gold Line station at Central Park.
But for really excellent Mexican, pile into the car and head up the 210 into Montrose for the vastly superior La Cabanita.
[edit] Address
La Fiesta Grande
1107 Mission Street
South Pasadena, CA 91030
(626) 441-6217
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