This no-frills counter-serve gem specializes in fresh fried fish and soulful Jamaican dishes, earning rave reviews for its flavorful menu and reasonable prices.
"It’s all in the name at Pasadena Fish Market, a tiny seafood joint a few blocks north of Old Town Pasadena. In addition to fresh seafood sold by the pound, you can order excellent Jamaican dishes here over the deli counter. This place is best known for tender, garlicky oxtails, which slip right off the bone, and spicy jerk chicken. But they also serve tons of fried fish specials and soul food side dishes, like yams, fresh mac and cheese, and crispy fried okra. Keep it in mind for takeout the next time you’re on your way to a show at the Rose Bowl." - brant cox, sylvio martins, andrew ryce
"It’s all in the name at Pasadena Fish Market, a tiny seafood joint a few blocks north of Old Town Pasadena. In addition to fresh seafood sold by the pound, you can order excellent Jamaican dishes here over the deli counter. This place is best known for tender, garlicky oxtails, which slip right off the bone, and spicy jerk chicken. But they also serve tons of fried fish specials and soul food side dishes, like yams, fresh mac and cheese, and crispy fried okra. Keep it in mind for takeout the next time you’re on your way to a show at the Rose Bowl." - brant cox, garrett snyder, sylvio martins
"Though it may be tempting to stick to fried red snapper at this fish-fry spot, do not sleep on the market’s Jamaican goat curry, stewed oxtails, beef-stuffed patties, and caramelized plantains. Or better yet, just plan for a feast by ordering a little bit of everything, including the deep-fried catfish, freshly shucked oysters, and sweet potato pie for dessert. Regulars know to call ahead because the wait can be long at this decades-old dining destination." - Mona Holmes, Matthew Kang, Nicole Adlman
"Though it may be tempting to stick to fried red snapper at this fish-fry spot, do not sleep on the market’s Jamaican goat curry, stewed oxtails, beef-stuffed patties, and caramelized plantains. Or better yet, just plan for a feast by ordering a little bit of everything, including the deep-fried catfish and freshly shucked oysters. Regulars know to call ahead because the wait can be long at this decades-old dining destination." - Mona Holmes
" Pasadena Fish Market doesn't just serve fresh seafood from its fully-stocked deli counter. They've also got an excellent variety of Jamaican dishes, including some notably succulent jerk chicken. Each enormous piece has crispy, smoky skin with moist dark meat. If you’re looking for a jerk marinade with a little more heat, you'll love that the chicken here is slathered in a punchy, vinegar-forward sauce that'll make you sweat. Ask for extra sauce on the side to pour over your rice and peas, plantains, and collard greens." - Brant Cox, Nikko Duren
