Taking the standard hotel bar and lounge experience to such a high level that you will want to visit it even if you aren’t staying at the Hotel Dena, is what Agents Only Bar & Lounge created. This is one of those eye-catching, very cool spots that will make you want to grab a seat at the bar for a cocktail, but will keep you on the barstool once you get a look at their enticing menu, which is anything but typical bar food.
Chef Pablo Salas brought several classic Mexican dishes to Agents Only and took then a very elevated level, which when you are cooking in Los Angeles you better bring the flavor and Chef Pablo does just that. A common dish on every menu is a quesadilla, but this version is stuffed with fresh butter-poached lobster. When I say stuffed, these not small pieces, it is packed from end to end with large chunks of succulent lobster completed with the flavoful chipotle aioli. The fish tacos are made in the classic style, with beer-battered mahi and topped with fresh chipotle slaw and pico de gallo. Chef Pablo hits every type of protein on the menu as he carne asada as well as adobo pork which is really brought to life with pineapple, cilantro and white onion.
To start off your meal or to pair with a cocktail or beer, the shareable items are not your typical bar fare. The queso fundido is a great dish to share as it is a large skillet with an assortment of melted cheeses that are then baked in the oven and the only way to eat this dish is with chorizo and then fresh tortillas. The other must-share dish is the tuna tostada, which comes with a plethora of fresh tuna on top of fried corn tortilla and chipotle mayo. Finally, before you move on to the main course, the Dena Chopped Salad could be considered a meal all by itself and has so many flavors, that each bite will give you a new experience. Fresh mixed greens are combined with crispy bacon, roasted corn, queso fresco and tomato house vinaigrette and you can also add on your choice of shrimp, chicken or grilled steak. This is simply one of the best salads you will find anywhere.
Agents Only continues to take this menu to another level with an assortment of enchiladas and fajitas to choose from. While there are countless great options, the absolute most iconic dish on the menu is the perfectly prepared 16-ounce ribeye steak paired with Chimichurri Macha Sauce. This ribeye would be proudly served in any steakhouse and while a steak this good can stand on its own, the chimichurri sauce is so unique and flavorful, it adds a unique flavor to compliment the ribeye.
The cocktail list at Agents Only is just as enticing as the food. The cocktail menu centers around a variety of Tequila and Mezcal selections, starting off with the refreshing, spicy watermelon that was made for a hot summer day. This refreshing cocktail is centered around Hijos de Zoila Mezcal and paired with spicy watermelon syrup, fresh lime juice, and Tajin. The other drink you must try is the Agents Only, which takes on an espresso martini. Their version is also made with espresso, but this powerful drink contains Tequila Ocho Reposado, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, and Mr. Black Coffee Liqueur. Agents Only also has a nice beer selection, including Elysian Spacedust IPA, The Heard Hazy IPA, and their very own DENA IPA. Agents Only truly thinks of everything when it comes to bringing their flavors to this menu.
If you are visiting Pasadena and are looking for a place to stay, Hotel Dena is a fabulous place to visit and make it the center of your stay. But even if you aren’t staying there, Agents Only is one of those unique spots that makes it worth visiting for any reason. Agents Only hits perfectly in every possible way, the setting, service, cocktails and food.
For more information, visit: Hotel Dena and Agents Only
Splash Magazines
Be the first to comment