THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Paseo Cantina

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Paseo Cantina Restaurant Review:

An elaborate Mexican eatery in Pasadena’s Paseo Colorado complex, Paseo Cantina showcases live mariachi and folklorico performances. The sprawling place---formerly home to the short-lived Pasadena edition of Border Grill---has walls with murals, serape-like curtains and linen-clad tables illuminated by candles. For quieter meals, consider the patio, where you can lazily watch shoppers passing by. The best way to eat at Paseo Cantina is to stick to the simple fare. Enchiladas and tacos are perfectly respectable, and shareable items---like queso fundido with mushrooms or the guacamole prepared tableside---are great ways to begin an evening here. The ceviche is also refreshing and well prepared. Some of the more complex dishes are less reliable. The house specialty mixed-meat molcajete (a rustic bowl filled with chorizo, chicken, beef, nopales and panela cheese) is fine but for strips of beef that may be unnervingly leathery. Only the robust, fiery sauce is able to salvage the experience.