Chiquita Bonita

The inspiration

Chiquita Bonita is a family-owned Mexican restaurant on East Colorado Boulevard that has stayed true to itself, year after year, with recipes that have not been modernized into something unrecognizable¹ . The Instagram account describes it as serving Pasadena since 1982, and the kitchen's whole idea is honest, straight-up Mexican comfort food¹ .

Who's behind it

Pasadena Now reported in 2020 that the restaurant had already served the Pasadena community for more than 37 years² .

What to order

• Chilaquiles: a breakfast favorite diners customize, with options like shredded chicken .
• Huevos rancheros: listed among the dishes diners keep coming back to .

What people are saying

Listings and guides alike describe a casual, family-run spot with generous portions and traditional cooking in a cozy, quaint setting .

Why you should try it

If you are staying nearby, this is the kind of dependable neighborhood Mexican kitchen you want within walking distance, turning out breakfast and hearty plates from morning through early evening² . Dills calls it a neighborhood constant on Colorado Boulevard, and if you see Tavo Serrano's truck out front, you know he is inside holding it all together¹ .