Ix Tapa Cantina

Had lunch at the Sorriso pop up kitchen at Ixtapa cantina, in Pasadena. While visually the food was beautiful, flavors were just average, not exceptional.We had the Valencia paella and the Margherita flat bread. Both beautiful to look at but fell short on seasonings. Just a little tweak will go a long way. Great effort.

There are 3 servers, 1 bartender, and a host. The place is empty. They moved from their old location ("Bar Celona") and was directed here according to the address on the old place. Unfortunately, the paella (Valenciana) wasn't good. The rice was instant rice (I'm a chef) and the whole dish was under seasoned and was oily as hell. Had to drain it on one of my plates. I don't mind oil/fats, but it shouldn't be almost a soup. Regarding how slow amd ovwr staffed they were, I tried to get my server's attention because I needed more drinks, but I went and got it myself from the bartender (I might as well sat at the bar). I still tipped the guy 15% (I calculated it) since I'm also in the same business but it was not deserved. Will not come back to this place EVER again, in this is fixed otherwise. Such a disappointment. Please contact me.

Came here last night for dinner and the mariachi show. Our server was super sweet and accommodating, our margaritas and other drinks were super tasty, and the mariachi band was very talented! Our food was pretty decent too - chips, salsa and guac were really good and the rest of our dishes were just okay. Down sides were the fact that all the tables and chairs are foldable....I get from a practicality stand point that this makes a lot of sense, but the chairs weren't super sturdy or comfortable for a meal and a show. Also, as soon as the band is finished (which is after only like an hour or so) you have to move out of the way so they can convert the whole space into a club. Once the dancing began, it was SOOOO unbelievably hot in there. We wanted to stay and dance but just got too uncomfortable. All in all, decent for drinks and chips.

A very odd place. We were seated and given menus. The menu was very limited, and very different than what we found on line. When the waiter came, we asked if there was more to the menu, he told us it was merichachi night (it was only 7:30) and therefore they has a limited menu. There were very few people in there. We left, since we wanted things in the full menu.