"Another favorite is their scallop burrito that I usually get."
(in 7 reviews)
"The fish tacos Ensenada-style are to die for."
(in 7 reviews)
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Senor Fish
Rating Details »
- Price Range:
-
$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Good for:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- None
50 reviews for Senor Fish
Review Highlights
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I think most people will say the fish tacos are the best thing to order here. I would have to agree. The fish tacos are great. You will not go wrong if you order any of their seafood breaded tacos. They are good size tacos and it's decently priced. I also like the sopes since I love guacamole. There are also a lot of choices of salsa. Great place to have a quick lunch.
The parking lot is a bit small so it may be hard to find parking.
Since moving to Pasadena less than a week ago, my husband and I have been here twice. We're fans.
LOVE the scallop burrito and the fish tacos. Fried fish and fresh veggies at the same time. Yum.
At first glance this place doesn't look like a great place to eat. Strip mall, not much parking, weird decor (see Francisco A.'s review 6/12/09), and just an overall second guess feeling. But once you have the food those thoughts are of your mind. Fish tacos, scallop tacos, shrimp tacos, even potato tacos are all good here. The food is fresh, delivered to your table quickly, and they have a steady stream of regulars. A great place for lunch or early dinner since I don't think they stay open very late.
Try one of the daily specials and add the chips and salsa (Squeeze 2 pieces of lime and sprinkle some salt over the chips.....perfect)
I can't believe it was empty. I've been to about 3 locations so far...and they are ALL GREAT! I ate "light" tonight, and I was still stuffed on two wonderful fish tacos. Their beans are great too. Another favorite is their scallop burrito that I usually get. All 100% awesome!
We like to come to this location over the one on Main St even though it's a bit further away because we're less likely to run into any co-workers. Hahaha. But I've never had any problems here. Parking is in a small lot. You order and pay at the counter. The sit down at one of the 10 tables they have. I guess they recently bought the property next to them and knocked down the wall. That side looks completely undeveloped. The floor is still concrete and they still have to bars over the windows. They just put a few tables over there. And then they deliver your food to your table if you get it to eat in. I got the scallop burrito ($6.95) this time. As my friend said - it was as big as my head. It was pretty ginourmous and so messy to eat. I didn't have the patience to use a fork and knife so I just picked it up and dug in. The scallops are fried but plentiful and huge inside the burrito. Also there were pinto beans, rice and pico salsa inside. I didn't even finish - left 3 or 4 more bites on my plate. In the past I've had their chicken burrito and the fish tacos. The tacos are equally delicious. They have the meal for less than 10 bucks - that includes 2 tacos, rice, beans and a drink. The salsa bar is pretty big too - 4 different kinds, beets, limes, and the white creamy sauce they put on the tacos. Then you clean up after yourselves. The end.
Had a scallop taco and Ensenada fish taco (aka guacamole fish taco). The different textures are what makes it so good - fried batter, tender seafood, buttery guacamole, and crunchy cabbage with salsa and corn tortillas make for quite a combo. The flavors mainly consist of whatever salsas you choose.
Note: If you need more flavor and less texture, the carne asada tacos are will please you more.
Hadn't been there in a long time, but a friend who lives close by suggested we walk there. The potato tacos were the bomb. The orange salsa on them makes them bomber. However, it is currently being remodeled so the inside of the restaurant doesn't look so hot, but if you're not there to chill it's not a problem.
I remember going to this place after one of my friends kept bugging me to go. You walk in and it's not lit very well. The tile on the floor is suspect, the walls are different colors and I remember thinking I didn't want to eat here. However, the place was pretty full so I stayed and asked the lady at the counter for a recommendation since I had never been here before.
I'm glad I asked for a recommendation because I've been a fan every since. They have the specials on a board next to the cashier. I usually get some combination of the tacos. My favorites include the fish, shrimp, and scallops tacos. The portions are huge two tacos are usually enough to fill me up. I once had a carne asada taco here and I didn't like it at all. But isn't that like going to steak place and ordering the fish. Also, try the crema, it looks like watery sour cream drizzle some on your food and it adds another layer of flavor.
Don't judge a book by its cover and stick with the fish or seafood and you'll have a good dinning experience.
I've been coming here for over 10 years. My favorites include: 1) shrimp burrito 2) scallop burrito 3) fish burrito 4) fish tacos. I don't know what it is about this place, but the food is very good. To top it off, I love their salsa and cannot resist getting a extra side of chips and salsa. They have daily specials including swordfish, tacos, etc. Unfortunately, the prices have gone up quite a bit from what I remember and the food portions have gone smaller, but still a good place to eat, hang out and enjoy some good burritos.
Most of you know about my rule that if a particular restaurant has a specific food item in it's name, then that's what they're known for and that's what I'm gonna get. Lawry's the Prime Rib, *insert name* Steakhouse, Zankou Chicken, uh... Olive Garden (yet they don't have anything that features olives), and so on.....
And surprisingly enough, as many years as this place has been here, I have NEVER come to Senor Fish. I know... I know.... I practically grew up in this area but I have NEVER been to Senor Fish.
This place is in a small strip mall across from a Trader Joes. Why am I mentioning Trader Joes? Well, because I feel like it *suck it* but I really don't know....
Walking in, it almost looks like they started remodeling and redecorating the space but never finished. The floor obviously looks like there used to be tile, but they never did anything to cover it up or put in new flooring. And the walls. They look like they're freshly painted but there is nothing hanging on the walls. No pictures, no trinkets of any kind, no abstract pseudo porn, flowers, sconces (sp?), or anything. Just bare....
I ordered the fish burrito. Pretty good size for $6.50. Doesn't come with anything, but for the size, you don't need any sides. Very good battered fish with beans, veggies, and sauce. I liked it and would definitely get it again.
A couple of my friends got the fish tacos and they said those were good. Definitely plan on trying those next time.
Yes, that's right, you heard it from me kids... There'll be a next time.
No refills on the Orange Bang machine.
The food is great here! The deep fried fish tacos are awesome and the scallop burrito is the best! If your in the area you must stop by.
This is another case where I feel compelled to write a review. Wahoo's better? really, I guess we won't be going to lunch together. La Estrella's good for the fish tacos but I like this better for everything else.
Secondly, why go to a place with fish in the name and order vegetarian? I don't understand some of you but hey we're all different.
I'm not a fan of fish tacos but these are pretty good, what's really good however are the fried plates and burritos. I really like the fried shrimp and scallops. They give an insane amount of food for the money.
Okay, the decor is terrible and they've even tried to make it better but to no avail. It's just lacking. I agree it would be nice if it had a better ambience but the food is good. I eat here quite often, about once a month and it's always solid to excellent.
Food - A
Ambience - D
Service - C
Value - A
Back in Texas, I had only heard of fish tacos from that Nickelodeon cartoon, Rocket Power. The idea of a fish taco just wasn't appealing to me. Fried breaded fish placed into a shell or a tortilla. Carb and Cholesterol heaven. I can feel my arteries clogging now and I think I detect a faint smell of fish breath. Tasty.
So when my boss insisted we go to Senor Fish for lunch yesterday and have ourselves some fish tacos, I was less than enthused. In fact I was seriously reluctant. I thought I would just order something from a more familiar taste family such as chicken or beef.
She insisted on the Fish Tacos, so begrudgingly, I obliged.
WOW!! They were delicious! The crisp and flaky fish wasn't "wangy" and the little corn tortilla tacos were piled high with all of my favorites! Sour cream, FRESH guacamole, and lettuce and tomatoes. There was also a salsa bar with delicious sauces to accompany my tasty little tacos.
The price was good and the food was awesome. So yeah, I'm a new fan of the fish taco.
The restaurant itself needed a little work. The bathroom in the back room had no lighting in it and from the glow of my cell phone, it seemed that it hadn't been cleaned or the trash hadn't been changed in a month. Also, the tables were dirty, and I don't favor wiping down my own table before I sit down to a meal.
OH! And there are signs posted all over the soda machines that refills aren't free. I feel that if I patronize your establishment and spend ten bucks on lunch, that it wouldn't kill you to let me refill my Coke.
Over all, though, the food was great and that's what really matters in my book.
I live one block away from this place, and have been to this place quite a lot. The taste of the food served in this place varies a lot. For example, I went there for burritos in two consecutive days, both for lunch, both the same kind of burrito. The first day, the burrito was really flavorful. The second day, the burrito was very bland and tasteless. I wonder whether they have two chefs? Or the ingredients in the burrito in my second lunch were left-overs from the previous day? Another interesting observation is that they give you a good portion of food if you dine in. But if you take out, the portion is tiny. Maybe their take-out box is too small to fit any normal size food?
***4 Stars***. I would give it 5 Stars since that's how good the food was but, for the ambiance of the place and the dinning experience itself (excluding the food), the food was a bit expensve.
I ordered the Shrimp burrito, which was nice...and the others had Taco Combos, which were pretty good as well. I like that Senor Fish strives for a less greasy approach to Mexican food.
Many that came in this restaurant did take-out orders, not many dine-in customers. The time it takes to receive your food is very fast. I will revisit again!
I posted photos for all to see!
This is my favorite fish taco place! The service is friendly and the portions are huge! I love that the batter isn't too bready -- it's really light and almost reminiscent of tempura. The chunks of meat are large, almost like nuggets of fish and shrimp. My favorites are the Fish Taco Ensenada Style (comes with avocado on top) and the Shrimp Taco. The tacos are huge. I can hardly pick them up. Two or three will fill you up.
During the recent rainy cold spell, they were offering Chicken Tortilla Soup, and that was divine. It was different from the tomato-based tortilla soups at other places. This one was mainly chicken stock and veggies with a lot of tender chunks of chicken breast. It tasted like something your grandmother would make when you're sick. So comforting!
Today I tried their breakfast for the first time. There were two of us and we each ordered a different dish, but soon realized upon receiving our food that we easily could've just shared one dish. We ordered the french toast and the seafood omelet. They were both delicious and very satisfying -- this is probably also my new favorite breakfast place.
shhh, don't tell Giorgio, but I went to Senor Fish without him. We've been planning on trying it, hoping it would replace our beloved El Pescador since we moved. I had been running errands and was about to hit TJs, and realized, just as Senor Fish came up on my right, that I was famished.
I stepped up to the counter and ordered a shrimp taco, and a scallop taco...and..a fish burrito, ya know, just to round it out -yeah I know, oink.
Oh -about $13 for the smorgasbord.
The ambiance totally stinks. It looks like it's actually in Mexico -after a hurricane or something. There is no decor to speak of. I hit the bathroom to wash my grubby paws....eeewwwww. It was filthy! Oh well, I thought -there's soap in the dispenser, and that's what's important! There's also an "A" in the window, and there's no way this place got its As like I did -with its charms. I pumped the dispenser: one pump, 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 -blop. A drop of pink industrial soap. 55 more pumps, and I got another drop. Being that I was very hungry, I reassured myself that the kitchen staff was surely just as diligent as me in cleanliness. There WAS the "A" in the window (quiver).
I trotted over to TJs, put the thought out of my mind, and when I returned my order was sitting on the counter -about 10 minutes.
I fully intended to take my order home, sit down and eat like a lady, but I had to have a peak and a taste. The tacos were a hodgepodge of fried nuggets and cabbage/tomato mixture on 2 tortillas. I tasted one of the little fried nuggets, having no idea what it was. It turned out to be the most divine scallops I have had in months. It was moist and succulent, surrounded by a very crispy and light, almost tempura like, batter. Yum. I badly wanted another one as I sat at the red light, but it was a little too salty, and I knew intuitively that it needed the 2 tortillas and cabbage to round it out, so I scooped up the whole mess and devoured it within the span of a block. I did the same with the shrimp taco. They were both just wonderful. The tortillas were fluffy and fresh. The seafood was tender and perfect, the cabbage was crispy. So simple, and so good. When I got home, I took a couple bites of the burrito out of curiosity. I liked it significantly less, maybe because I was no longer hungry, but also I think I prefer not to bury seafood. Its too delicate to be surrounded by rice and beans. However, the rice was nicely spiced, the beans were whole pintos, and when I was able to push all that aside, the fish was nice and flaky and fresh tasting in the same lovely batter, albeit soggy batter, since it was in a burrito.
I don't think I would enjoy having a meal here, but I am looking forward to another occasion to need a quick bite to go. I really hope they get their act together with the bathroom, and maybe even put in some booths and throw a mural on the wall or something.
Nice menu and options. Ate here once while in town. I had veggie tacos with lunch special #2. You can order a salad instead of beans/rice if you want - so that is nice. The guacamole was awesome and the tacos were ok. For some reason the veggies tasted like fishy. I did like the veggies but wish there was no fishy flavor to them.
A friend had fish tacos and loved 'em, another friend eats here a lot and often gets the fish tacos. This visit my second friend had the potato taco which is really like mashed potato and cheese in fried tortilla - she loved it. So everyone was happy. I hear the soup is good here.
I'd try again and get something else. Was fresh and prices seemed fair.
Despite not being a good looking restaurant (unlike the cute Eagle Rock location), the food here is still amazing. Went here last night with my GF and we ordered the charbroiled swordfish. For $11 you get a nice portion of swordfish with rice, beans and salad. I only go for that or the fried fish tacos. I've had the carne asada which was decent but come on, this is Senor Asada. It's Senor Fish.
They've also expanded the restaurant but it never seems like the new expansion side is never open. With a little facelife on the inside this could be the perfect little fish taco joint.
This is what Papalote in San Francisco should taste like, but doesn't. Essentially they have the same kind of appeal, fresh(er) Mexican food, while highlighting seafood, at reasonable prices. Senor Fish's specials are good and consistent, like two tacos, rice, beans, and a drink for around 7-8 dollars. You can mix and match the tacos as well, which is nice when you want a little variety.
This location totally surpasses the one on Main St. in Alhambra, CA. I can't tell you why, but it just tastes a lot better. Different cooking techniques, perhaps. And I'm not sure why people are hating on the aesthetics of the restaurant, it's pretty clean, is spacious, and has a certain charm to it like that of Olvera Street in Downtown L.A. So c'mon people, suck it up!
Really enjoyed this place - cheap, tasty food. The pork carnitas was a flavorful little bundle of joy. Ensanada style fish taco (battered) was packed with guacamole, mayo, and some kind of slaw I think. This was alright, but didn't care much for the flavorless battered fish, and would've enjoyed it grilled better. The ceviche tostada was fresh, simple, and delish. I would definitely come back any day. Too bad I live in Boston with our sad-ass selection of Mexican restaurants
This Senor Fish is crackin! they open late until 9PM and they serve heaps of food on top of their tacos. I like the Ensenada fish tacos and shrimp tacos (battered, lightly fried). Some locations are not as good, but this one always gets my mouth salivating. Two tacos are enough for me, and if i'm extra hungry, i'll get the ceviche tostada - YUMMY!
Senor Fish you are tasty and delicious but you could use some cleaning up. The fish tacos are good and worth a drive over to South Pass if you're in the area. The prices are good and portions large.
Hey, while you're there, walk across the street to visit the first ever Trader Joes and see where it all started.
Senor Fish is full of potential but short on execution. Service is kind of a mess and the ambiance could be so great but just isn't quite. Regardless of that, however, we keep coming back for one reason - the food. Between the fish tacos, scallop burritos, and chicken quesadilla, we have yet to have anything bad. The seafood always tastes fresh and free of any fishiness and they've got a nice selection of salsas at the salsa bar. They finally started serving booze, too, if you're so inclined.
Anyhow, do yourself a favor and eat here. It's not the cheapest and be prepared to marvel at what could be in terms of the ambiance and service but you'll definitely enjoy the food.
Two locations = both close to home and work. Driven by way to many times, and never tried it out. Which I'm really shocked...because when I finally did go in to try out, I was kicking my own ass for taking "WAY" to long.
I mean I love burritos, and I love big and cheap
They have burritos in ALL different sorts of meats: Shrimp, scallops, beef, chicken, and even vegetarian. And these burritos are MASSIVELY GIGANTIC. For under $8 bucks... I can buy 1 burrito = 2 meals. And for under $10 bucks, add a large horchata, and I got myself one hell of a meal.
This place is like Mexican Heaven.
needed to get food and hit Trader Joe's and ended up @ Senor Fish. Parking lot was full (6 pm), but I was able to easily find a spot on the side street. Senor Fish was not busy. I walked right in and ordered. Fish Taco + Carnitas Burrito under $10. The taco was really tasty, but too messy. I could not pick it up and ended up eating it with a fork. A few bites into the burrito and I was satisfied. The burrito was very hardy. I packed 1/2 to bring home. Seems like a great place to grab a bite to eat, that will not break your budget . I'm sure I will find myself there again.
I'm a huge fan of the Senor Fish in Eagle Rock. I found myself in South Pasadena today and was pleasantly surprised to come across this Senor Fish. Unfortunately, it wasn't up to par. The scallop taco, which is amazing at the E. Rock Senor Fish, was deep fried to oblivion. The fish ceviche was pretty good, I guess. On the whole, my food certainly wasn't bad, but I was expecting more.
Senor Fish just rocks Latino and Mex food. Nobody comes to visit me without a visit to Sr.s. I go to the Eagle Rock location. Its vintage Mexico, and ambiant. Fish Tacos rock my world. Clean good, and amazing salsas. Hot and real hot.
Love this place
The Ensenada fish tacos here are my favorite fish tacos ever. They are light, creamy, full of avocadoes, and huge. Second favorite are the potato tacos, and I normally don't even like fried foods. Crispy. I appreciate that they venture out by having all sorts of daily fish entrees, but when it comes down to it, fish tacos are what they do best. This location is miles better than the Alhambra one.
AMAZING fish tacos - I think they have a sampler thing on their menu - should definitely try it.. Variety of salsas...
It's nice having this South Pas. location closer to home - but, I still think that the (original?) one in Eagle Rock with some outside seating has a better feel to it...
One in the Senor Fish empire.
The fish tacos Ensenada-style are to die for. Crispy fried mahi mahi served up in a corn torilla with finely shredded cabbage and gaucamole. Add some crema and salsa verde from the condiment station and you have a great lunch. (The grilled fish taco are equally good.)
Also worth trying is the shrimp burrito. This one's a belly-buster but worth it. Crispy fried (almost tempura-like) shrimp, beans (I like the whole pinto variety), rice, cabbage, pico de gallo.
Muey bueno about sums it up! Good, hot and filling. How Mexican food is supposed to taste. Sadly, no refill on Horchata...so, Senor Fish looses one star!
I agree with Joie P. Yes this place can look like a dive and I'm glad it does. I don't come here because I want to eat at a place like Subway, I come here because the food is great. Great Mexican food is made all over this town, but the best is made in family kitchens or little places like Senor Fish that might as well be someone's kitchen. Sometimes the best food is in the worst looking places. Still, Senor Fish never looked as nasty as some people here are saying. Go and get the Veggie Burrito, the Callodehacha Burrito, or fish tacos and enjoy.
This is perfect for a quickie. Your appearance and smell won't stop you from having a good time.
I love the potato tacos. Crispy on the outside with soft, warm, vegetarian potato mash on the inside. They serve them sideways with cabbage and pico de gallo. The service is always friendly, and the orders come out fast.
went there once, NEVER again. the beans were gray, not grayish brown or even a warm gray. grab a box of crayons and look inside. see that gray crayon? imagine that in your burrito.
every time i drive by this place, i barf just a little.
The first time I ever had a fish taco was in Ensenada. I had been chasing that elusive dragon ever since until I found Senor Fish. They have hands-down the best Ensenada-style fish tacos north of the border. Anytime I want to go back to Ensenada for an afternoon, I come here.
Reading the other reviews, I understand the mixed feelings about Senor Fish. I have picked up food from the So Pas location for years.
The food is ok for what it is.
Here is the answer for management about mixed reviews:
the restaurant looks like is operating in the third world.
"B" rating by city (minus one star)
Filty glass windows in the front of So Pas location. You could not see Trader Joe's across the street if you wanted to (minus one star)
Tables with crumbs on it (minus one star)
My message to management:
Americans, especially old guys, do not want to visit the third world to eat lunch or dinner. We are in a slowing economy and your restaurant is going to be crossed off the list of places to go to by many unless you get with it. Los Tacos (Cal & Fair Oaks) is where I rather go, so change my mind!!
I remember the little take out place in Highland Park when you started. Change my mind!
I rate Senor Fish not a good experience.
yeah. this place is quite depressing. kinda makes me wanna drown myself in one of the bowls of salsa at the mini bar.
.......but stick a shrimp & scallop burrito in me piehole, and i'm alive with pleasure!
i woke up monday night after a nice, satisfying nap and looked forward to my voyage down to a far off land called "south pasadena". it took me an entire 8 minutes to arrive at my destination and boy was i hungry by then. a roadtrip can do that to ya, ya know? minus a star for the long, deplorable drive and the lack of feng shui in this joint.
there was no line, and no one between the cashier and myself. normally my eyes would be in a panic - darting all over the menu for something that was a safe bet, but lucky for me i had checked previous reviews of this location before my trip. so without even a glance at the menu, i laid my tastebuds and stomach on the line and ordered the shrimp and scallop burrito with confidence. who am i to doubt the yelpers?
not only was it the greatest shrimp & scallop burrito i have ever had the pleasure of devouring, but the chips and salsa they came with were warm, crisp, and fresh. just how chips and salsa should be.
yes, another successful outing which resulted in many yummy noises and grunts of satisfied eating, thanks to my fellow yelpers.
South Pas isn't exactly swimming in cheap and tasty take out eateries (and trust me, you wouldn't want to eat in), so it's clear why Senor Fish is an institution. Rubio's, Wahoo's and BajaFresh might be cheaper, and sure, you can't beat their $1 fish taco specials, but none of them has Sr Fish's singular scallop burrito. I'm taking off a star each for the decor and the ambience, though. I don't have a problem with cheap tables and chairs, but it's seemingly designed to discourage people from hanging out. There's no art to speak of, and the salsa bar is hard to maneuver around. Also, the reception is pretty chilly, from the staff to other people waiting for their food. South Pas natives aren't exactly the friendliest people, but it's almost as though I'm committing a criminal act when I pack two containers of extra salsa.
