Mojitos Restaurant and Rum Bar

Quenching Pasadena’s thirst for Cuban cocktails, Mojitos has taken over the old Xiomara space with a pan-Latin menu and two stylish bars pouring all manner of flavored mojitos and 41 different rums. Indoors, the cream walls and tobacco banquettes recall the opulence of Havana’s heyday, but the most coveted seats are on the patio. Covered by a glass atrium three stories high, the patio tables appear to be outdoors yet enjoy protection from the elements. That’s a good thing for the Saturday night salsa band, which attracts enthusiastic salsa dancers rain or shine. If you prefer your spice on the plate rather than on the dance floor, try the Nicaraguan skirt steak, oven roasted pork with avocado salsa, or Chilean sea bass with poblano goat cheese mashed potatoes. In the Cuban fusion department, Mojitos is giving Madre’s a run for its money.

TIPS:  Sun.-Wed., 50 wines from their wide selection of Spanish, Chilean, and Argentine bottles are 50 percent off, making Mojitos an affordable alternative to Vertical Wine Bistro across the street. There’s also a “night owl” Happy Hour Sun.-Thurs. 8:30 p.m.-close. Sunday brunch coming soon.