Romantic atmosphere, scrumptious food, friendly servers, but just a little pricey (minus one star.) We ordered the Empanadas for appetizers, Vaca Frita, Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera for entrees. They were all very delicious. The Vaca Frita was a little bit on the dry side but we knew that before we ordered (shredded meat.) The Arroz con Pollo a la Chorrera was just, yumm. You have to give a little time for it to slow-cook, but it's worth the wait! The dimly-lit rooms were perfect for a romantic dinner or just enjoying good times with friends (in our case.) We lingered in the restaurant and chatted on, the waiters never hurried us. Yes, a note on the waiters-they are all extremely professional and friendly.

Lovely romantic atmosphere for couples, (I can see a proposal happening there) or a smooth, gathering place for a close gaggle of gals, but in the bar area. Food is fan-fuckingtastic, authentic PR flavors. Very pricey, so save your ducketts. Dress up, you'll feel better suited in the de'cor. The building is In a weird spot, going to the entrance is kinda alley-like. You think your'e not going to the right place. A must do if you love PR food, and J-Lo. You can see her touches everywhere.

FABULOUS food! There was nothing on my plate that I didn't love. I can't wait to go again!

There are people who feel Jennifer Lopez is a superficial, overhyped entity and her restaurant will be no different from her celebrity image. Well listen up, haters. You will be happily surprised by your experience at Madre's. Especially when you find yourself wanting to come back not just for the ambience, but for the FOOD. Located in Pasadena, Madre's provides a getaway from the typical, douchey Hollywood scene. The atmosphere offers an "old world" meets shabby chic elegance complete with musicians serenading you tableside with music from their cello and guitars. And what about the food?! The presentation makes you want to whip out your camera and photograph every angle of your meal. But the enjoyment is not merely superficial. Although pricey, portions are huge and tasty. You will want to finish every last bite of the Cuban/Puerto Rican cuisine they serve here. They are a bit leisurely with the service but why rush an evening of romance and elegance? I've been here three times and turned up zero JLo sightings. Madre's doesn't need the celebrity endorsement. It stands up well on its own.

Wow. This place is a little oasis in the LA area, but I guess it is Pasadena? When I heard Jennifer Lopez I thought 'naff', but I was pleasantly surprised by the quiet cul de sac street, colonial style decor, and really familiar service. After a long perusal at the menu I ordered the fillet of fish (halibut) which was lovely. My friend ordered the breaded shrimp which weren't so special, but well done. I was tempted to get the lamb or pork - i bet those would be amazing. The dessert selection was brought out to us and had versions of dishes never seen before - that's always nice: rice pudding, rum trifle, creme caramel...ummm We also had wine from the extensive list. A little pricey, but we had a good Sonoma red. The only downside was the music was a little loud during dinner. Oh, and the young couple next to me - the guy sat on his phone much of the dinner whilst his 'bird' waited patiently like that was normal conduct. Umm. And can I say, the cheesy 'take a pic for free' is way too like being at a fun fair for this restaurant, esp when they ask you for $15 for a framed version. It's embarassing to say no, but I did it ;) "May be next time". Overall, a great place and I'd go again. Definately a nice place for a date.

I'm torn. I love that Jennifer Lopez opened up this restaurant that serves up some tasty Cuban/Puerto Rican food. I hate that she married some losery-looking dude like Marc Anthony. C'mon! Did you see him in "Big Night" or "Man on Fire?" Whatever. It makes me almost as angry as the whole Michael Douglas/Catherine Zeta-Jones disaster (he's ruined her, and she's forever tainted...*sigh* what a waste...) Okay, back on track. Madres was surprisingly good. I only went because my wife read somewhere that J-Lo owned it...and because I was hoping to get a glimpse of J-Lo if she happened to stop by. She didn't. Oh well, at least the meal was good. Their beans were cooked well and had good flavor. The meat I ordered was tasty and well-seasoned. I actually enjoyed it. The food didn't blow me away, but I would definitely go back if I was ever in the Pasadena area. I'd actually put it just behind Versailles in terms of taste. I will rarely travel so far for a place I've never been to, but I love my wife and felt like a bit of adventure. Parking wasn't so good, but where is it good in Pasadena? The restaurant itself is interesting. It reminded me of being in someone's early model home. The inside is very white and somewhat tastefully decorated. It wasn't my particular style, but it was done tastefully. The staff wore matching white outfits...they made me feel like I was in Miami. Service was good. We ended up going for lunch, so our wait was not bad at all. Heck, if you're hoping to see J-Lo, don't bother stopping by. But if you're foodie (like myself), you should try this place at least once. Don't let J-Lo's bad relationship decisions sway you on this one...