Lista’s Grill

I’m not sure why the reviews for this place aren’t higher. It’s a great restaurant with adorable décor, some great dishes, and a staff that has personality. We were treated like VIPs on our first visit. By our third, they treated us like family – and we weren’t alone in receiving that treatment.
I’m not big on Mexican or southwestern cuisine, but the menu has something for everyone, from salads to entrees. And save room for dessert!
We found this restaurant when we were house hunting in Pasadena. It’s not the reason we chose to buy a house there, but we were excited to dine there more often.

This is by far my favorite restaurant. The only problem I ever have with the food is deciding between the cowboy burrito and the fajita burrito. Neither one is a bad choice. The crab cake enchilada is awesome. The chips and salsa are perfect and addictive. Make sure to leave room for dessert.

I took my teenage daughter here on a Saturday night right when they opened. We were the second ones there so it wasn’t crowded, service was prompt. I ordered nachos and my daughter had a burrito. She enjoyed it, it was a big meal so she basically saved some for later and it made two meals. The nachos were good, nothing really special but you’d be surprised how often restaurants can screw up something as simple as nachos these days. Burrito meal was a bit pricey and the salsa for the chips and salsa was too spicy for my taste (my daughter enjoyed it though). No other complaints, dessert was good as well. All things equal I would go back again for the nachos.

I am slowly trying to explore local restaurants and this place came highly recommended among friends. They surly didn’t disappoint.
I arrived before my friends, so I took a seat at the bar. The waitress was awesome, brought me a margarita and some chips and salsa while I waited. We were there right when they opened, so there was not a huge crowd to fight.
The salsa is absolutely amazing. The margaritas are very drinkable. They are also traditional style (not a slurpee), so definitely worth a try.
We met most of the staff. The owner, managers and waitress. People stopped by and asked how the food was. It was actually an amazing experience. The portions are big and filling, but it’s best to save room for dessert. Can you say «Fried Ice Cream»? Get it with caramel and it almost tastes like a churro.
Another great reason I like this place, it’s family owned and operated. In this day and age where family restaurants are getting taken over more and more by chain restaurants, it is always important to patronize the family places. The prices may not be as cheap, but he quality far surpasses.

First time going to Lista’s since they opened years ago. It is always crowded when we go by and have heard a lot of really good things from friends. So we decided to go back. The service was very good, atmosphere was very warm and welcoming. The food was just average though. As foodies, my husband and I go to many different places and consider ourselves to have very good judgment of good food. It’s not that anything was horrible, it was just ok. Very average. For the prices it should have been better than it was. We had the garlic shrimp appetizer, fish tacos and crab cake sandwich. Steady crowd coming in even as we left. Seemed to be a lot of regulars. For us, it’s just not worth another try.

I really love this place. The food, décor, the sangria. I did notice when people brought their kids in that there were no high chairs or boosters. Then read another review, that I hope is false, that children are not welcomed. I sure hope it’s not true because the owners appear so nice.

This place is way to over priced for the quality of food. I got the $ 17.00 enchilada that I could not finish because of the taste of the sauce. My husband got the Cajun crab soup and vomited on the way home. So besides our upset pockets and bellies, the waitress was very friendly. In the words of Chef Gordon Ramsay «Congratulation… Thank you on the worst dish in this competition so far»

Great fresh food! Love the margaritas

I went here for my birthday and it was great. Good service the food was hot and the place itself looked really nice.

I went there for dinner and I didn’t know what to expect. I saw some reviews that looked great. It didn’t disappoint minus the kid that was kicking the back of the booth that I was sitting at. The salmon was cooked perfectly. We also had the nachos for an appetizer that were delish! Will def go back!

We LOVE Lista’s Grill! They have AWESOME food and the BEST staff! This is definitely a GREAT place to eat with your spouses, friends or families! My husband and I went again recently. Their food is never disappointing, truly good people own it (and might I add successful for 40+ years!), it’s cozy, has good music, and a great staff that is always genuinely happy to see you… what more could one ask for!!! Kids are ALWAYS welcomed. While their restaurant doesn’t have the aisle space to offer high chairs, they welcome parents to bring their own child seat if needed. They seat many small children every evening (including coloring paper and crayons). And Lista’s is NOT a Mexican or Tex-​Mex restaurant. It’s a modern American restaurant that serves American Southwest food. Try the steak or seafood dishes, too – incredible! No matter one’s mood when you go there, you always leave even happier. Highly recommend!

CHILDREN NOT WELCOME AT LISTA’S. Lista’s Grill in Pasadena, Maryland does not want your children in their restaurant, in fact you might just be asked to leave if you bring one to eat here! Not even joking. If there was less than 1 star it would be more accurate for this rating. Just had the most HORRIBLE experience ever at Lista’s Grill in Pasadena, Maryland! We tried to have dinner there tonight and were turned away because I have a baby. My husband and I were told by the «owner» Kathryn Evangelista that we needed to go stand outside in the pouring down rain with an infant to wait on a table, although there were several open tables available. When I asked how long the wait time was Kathryn told me it was going to be a long time and we «needed to go outside» (all the outdoor furniture had been taken away due to rain, so there was no where to «go»). After we were told to go outside (no one else was asked to go outside,) I inquired as to what «a long time» would be to which Kathryn replied that we needed to leave and that she did not want our business. I was completely shocked so I asked for the manager and she told us she is the owner and that we needed to «go» because she «did not want us as customers» —while the whole dining room looked on! You should have been honest Kathy and said that you don’t allow children or that you don’t have a single high chair in the whole building ! Hmm maybe this needs to be investigated further by the County?
Obviously children are not welcome at Listas and the owner has no concern over humiliating her customers in front of others for no good reason! I attempted to call Mrs. Evangelista multiple times after we left to clarify exactly what we did that resulted in being told to leave and was given no response other than being told that she «loves her staff» and then hung up on repeatedly. How professional !
I will be following up with the BBB for discrimination tomorrow morning first thing. Do not waste your time or your money on this overpriced kerfluffle. El Picantillo is right down the road and their staff is ALWAYS friendly and they love kids! They are also open on a regular schedule not randomly closed with no sign or notice. And before you ask my child was asleep at the time, not making a sound ! Shame on you Mrs. Evangelista for treating paying customers this way! I had heard the service was going downhill but this takes the cake. I see other reviews online citing the attitude that exists at your restaurant when people bring a child. Check it out for yourself readers. No high chairs in the establishment really says a lot about how Lista’s Grill doesn’t want you as a customer if you come with a child. Kathy I dare you to come on here to respond and say this did not happen tonight because there were many witnesses to how you treated us. But perhaps you could provide a reasonable explanation as to why you would ever treat someone this way and think it is OK? Further, please respond as to why there are no high chairs and why someone would be told that you don’t want them as customers simply for asking a question. My family and I did nothing whatsoever to warrant being told to «get out» other than having a child with us.

Excellent food. Excellent service. We had a group of eight, and everyone enjoyed themselves. Would definitely recommend! We are already planning are return trip. Thank you!

Let me tell you what — This place is amazing! If it was cheaper it would be our go to spot for every time we go out on date night.
We stopped in the first time because a friend swore by it. We immediately knew why. The location is accessible, décor is clean and vibrant, food is amazing, but most importantly the people make it. After the first time we showed up on their doorstep they knew us as if we were family. Whenever we walk in everyone greets us like family not patrons.
I am notorious for getting the same thing every time I go somewhere. At Lista’s it’s the salsa chicken. I have never had chicken that is consistently so tender and juicy as it is in this dish. My husband gets more of the variety. He will get the burger, burrito, a special and whatever sounds good that evening. He has never had a complaint.
Our only issue has been the fact that they don’t have high chairs. My daughter is very laid back and they’ve been patient when we’ve brought her with us, but it may be a turn off for other couples with young children. (We’re getting a travel high chair just to keep in the car for issues like this… but for those who might not want to go that route…)
If you are looking for somewhere special to celebrate an event or just to indulge yourselves for a nice date night this is the place to go. I am extremely sad we are moving away because now we’re going to have to find somewhere close to us that is like Lista’s and I’m afraid we never will. We’ll be back as often as we possibly can as we have many friends and family in the area.
GO TO LISTA’S AND ENJOY Y’ALL!

I’ve passed by Lista’s Grill many times on my travels to and through the Deena and never thought much of it. It’s crammed into a tight lot on Mountain Rd., somewhat assuming except for the colorful sign, leading you to believe it’s just another Mexican restaurant. And that’s what I was expecting when I came in. My friend asked me what I was in the mood for (dinner-​wise) and I suggested something Southwest/​Latin inspired, and he suggested Lista’s.
The décor inside is very bright, vibrant, and warm. You can tell right away from the décor that Lista’s is more Southwestern/​New Mexico-​Style cuisine than traditional Mexican/​Latin American cuisine. (A point they are sure to make very clear on their menu) My friend and I were greeted warmly, promptly seated, and greeted by our exceptional server. We started with an order of the guacamole and chips, alongside the traditional complimentary salsa and chips appetizer. For entrees, he got the steak fajitas and I got the carnitas.
Both appetizers were good, but missing something that would have made them great. It was easy to identify in the guacamole — the avocados were super fresh and tasty, but the mix itself was bland. I am guessing that the jalapenos and tomatoes served on the side allow for customers to customize their guacamole to taste a bit, but the guacamole still needed a pinch more of salt and a splash of olive oil. The chips served with the guacamole were awesome, a step up from the free chips. The free chips however, were fine, but the salsa also lacked something. That one was harder to put my finger on — it tasted very fresh but just a tinge on the bland side.
While we were waiting on entrees, our server gave us a complimentary sample of a house-​made drink. I believe it was a whiskey that had been infused with apple and some other spices. My friend thought it tasted like a Yankee Candle Christmas candle — in a good way — and I noted the hints of honey and apple and thought it was reminiscent of warm apple cider, just not warm. We appreciated the nice touch of customer service there, and knowing that they go «outside the box» and make creative drinks like these had me excited for our entrees.
And I was not disappointed at all. My friend comes to Lista’s about once a month, so he was happy with his «go to» fajitas. We were wrapped up in conversation that I didn’t realize until I was almost done with my meal that the tortilla shells for both our dishes were served together. I was already tearing into the carnitas, rice, and beans. The carnitas were super tender and tasty, and the accoutrements were also outstanding.
I focused on the Southwestern dishes because that’s what we came there for and ordered. However, as noted before this is not your run of the mill «Mexican» restaurant, and their menu features many traditional items, from crab cakes to burgers to steaks and ribs. It’s a little bit pricier than your typical «Mexican» restaurant as well … come here expecting to pay $ 15-​$ 20 for your entrée, and a little bit more if you want to splurge on the steak or seafood entrees.
If I had to sum up Lista’s in one word it would be «unexpected». From the bright vibrant décor to the creative, seasonally-​inspired menu to the excellent service — Lista’s it’s a bright spot for good eats in the Deena.

This adorable little gem has been here for almost as long as I can remember (almost, because I can faintly remember when a different restaurant was here). The wonderful people who run this establishment have consistently gone above and beyond to create an atmosphere that’s warm and welcoming. The interior is just as colorful and charming as the exterior, and for it’s size, has pretty decent seating.
The food is Southwestern cuisine, NOT Mexican, although I can understand why people mistake it for that. Each time I come here, I get something different. I’ve tried each of their Southwestern-​inspired dishes, ranging from fajita’s (try the steak one, SO good!) to enchiladas.
The desserts are exemplary, I recommend the crème brûlée and the fried ice cream. I’ve yet to find better flan as well.
If you’re in the mood for steak, try the flat iron; easily my favorite outside of the Southwestern dishes. Some of the entrée’s are a bit on the pricier side, but you get what you pay for, and this is quality food.
Give Lista’s a shot, you’ll be thanking me later!

One of my wife’s and mine favorite places to go for out of this world Mexican food. Their skirt steak is out of this world! They have the best tamales outside of Mexico I ever had. The ambiance is festive and the staff is great. Come early or you might have to wait for a table. I highly recommend Lista’s for anyone having cravings from south of the boarder!

We have been coming to Lista’s since they opened their place in Pasadena. It is an intimate and unique restaurant with quaint southwestern décor. The food is fantastic, and they have recurring specials on their menu that feature some of my favorite Lista’s dishes. The Steak relleno is my favorite. The service is excellent too. George, our waiter is attentive and completely knowledgeable about all the items on the menu. Take a drive out to Pasadena and enjoy some traditional southwestern fare. It will be worth the trip.

I’m in love with this place! From the freshly made salsa and guacamole to the tender steak and lamb. Reasonably priced for great Mexican food! And when I came in, the owners gave me a hug. They are so warm and friendly.

Boyfriend and I went here on a Friday night, place was pretty empty, but considering there was a mini-​blizzard going on outside, not surprising.
Parking is a bit of a pain, as in, there’s no clear designated parking, we ended up parking in front of the holistic healer next door.
Inside it’s very cozy and colorful, and someone really, really, really loves Christmas, lOl, but it just added to the charm of this gem. The staff was very friendly and service was fast and attentive. We even got a free round of shots just to start the dinner off! Not sure what it was, but it put a pep in our step. ;-)
Every table gets chips and salsa to start with. We also ordered a bean & cheese dip for an appetizer. Delicious, and devoured entirely. For the main course, he had the Cowboy Burrito and I had the Santa Fe Enchilada. Both were fantastic, and there was nothing left to take home.
Both main courses came with refried beans and rice, which gives you more than enough food. He ordered a Jack on the rocks, and he definitely got way more than his money’s worth on the alcohol. So that was another added surprise.
We really enjoyed this place, and it’s been added to our must visit again list.