They had me at “Chorizo.”
El Portal, one of Pasadena’s favorite Pasadena institutions, and known for its Yucatán flavors and friendly vibe, is putting a bold, meaty twist on tradition for Cheeseburger Week.
It’s the Zacatecas Burger—a mouthwatering, spice-kissed creation inspired by a street burger Manager Armando Ramirez once had in Mexico.
As Ramirez recalled, sitting in the restaurant patio Tuesday, “Years ago, I visited my wife’s hometown in Zacatecas, and I remember this little burger stand run by a guy named Don Simon,” Ramirez recalls, lighting up at the memory.
“It was different. It had ground pork, beef, chorizo, and a touch of dried California chili. I had to know what made it so special.”
Fast forward to Pasadena’s annual Cheeseburger Week, a celebration of the city’s claim to cheeseburger fame, and Ramirez saw his chance to bring a version of that burger to El Portal’s menu. But he wasn’t interested in just recreating it—he wanted to reinvent it.
“I kept the ground pork, beef, and chorizo blend but added a slice of ham, American cheese, and a slather of Chipotle mayo,” he says with a grin. “And this year, we switched to a brioche bun. It’s better than ever.”
And it sits next to a mound of yummy french fries that don’t even need ketchup.
El Portal’s burger experiments aren’t new—Ramirez once served a spicy burger based on his grandmother’s recipe at their partner eatery, Yahaira’s Café. But the Zacatecas Burger is its own beast. It’s smoky, savory, and just the right amount of indulgent.
“The brioche bun really brings it together,” he says. “Before, we used a telera roll, which is more traditional for Mexican sandwiches. But this just works.”
Pasadena’s Cheeseburger Week, sponsored by the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, gives local burger spots a chance to showcase their own takes on the Pasadena classic. For Ramirez, it’s an opportunity to blend heritage with innovation—something El Portal has done successfully for years.
“It’s got a little bit of everything,” he says. “A little heat, a little sweetness, a lot of flavor. And it’s a great excuse to enjoy a burger with a margarita.”
With its bold mix of meats and flavors, the Zacatecas Burger is denser and more chewy than traditional beef burgers, and each bite is flavorful and intense.
Pasadena burger fans, take note: if you’re looking for something different this Cheeseburger Week, El Portal has a burger with some heart, some history, and some chorizo.
And by the way, Cheeseburger Week ends this weekend, but you can still take the Cheeseburger Challenge and vote for your favorites. Just click here.
El Portal restaurant is at 695 E Green St, Pasadena, CA . www.elportalrestaurant.com
