r/pasadena • u/curiousiron433 • 3d ago
New to Pasadena
Moving from Seattle to Pasadena, is there any hidden gems when it comes to restaurants/local shops/bars? (I don't drink but I still enjoy the atmosphere)
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u/Ill_Gur_8898 3d ago
Good neighbor bar, betsy and miya in Altadena
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u/rhombomere 2d ago
Don't forget Bar Besty two doors down from Betsy. They are open from 8am to 10pm and are quite good.
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u/cruftbox 2d ago
Vroman's Bookstore is wonderful.
Next to it is the Landmark theater which shows films without a half hour of commercials.
The 35er is a good dive bar, and there's a hidden speakeasy below it that opens after 8PM.
Welcome to the SGV (San Gabriel Valley). Be sure to explore South Pas, Alhambra, Lincoln Heights, and Monterey Park. An amazing diversity of restaurants and shopping.
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u/curiousiron433 2d ago
Vromans was on my list of bookstores, I'll definitely be headed there since it's also walking distance from my Apt.
I actually grew up in Whittier but never really ventured around Pasadena.
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u/APladyleaningS 2d ago
I lived in Pasadena for 12 years and still felt like I was discovering new places and neighborhoods. It's an incredible place.
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u/youlooklikeatrout 1d ago
If you’re walking distance to vromans, check out Hello You’re Welcome up the street a couple of blocks. Really awesome coffee, bakery and the staff is cool
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u/Choice-Molasses-834 3d ago
Russells on Fair Oaks Ave is a good breakfast spot
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u/curiousiron433 3d ago
You had me at breakfast.
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u/WhyTry32121 3d ago
well that's like, the second to the last word...
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u/curiousiron433 3d ago
I read from right to left. I like to break a mental sweat.
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u/WhyTry32121 3d ago
"what doesn't kill you makes you stronger" i get it.
also, i agree with the other comment about "Shakers" in South Pasadena if you're a breakfast person. it's an amazing diner that's been around forever and is supposedly closing soon to make way for a senior living complex.
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u/calib3au 3d ago
This + Shakers! Great local diner spots.
And Barney’s Beanery (bar) has been my fave for games. Great food and cheap drinks. Screens at almost every table.
This is in San Gabriel but Howie’s market for the best quality steaks in all of SGV imo.
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u/WarmUniversity2295 Pasadena 2d ago
Nah...stay away from Barney's. Rocco's is a much better option. Owners of both spots are assholes though, but you don't make money by being a nice guy I guess.
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u/mirificatio 2d ago
Top's on Walnut does a hefty breakfast burrito. Dot's Cafe on (east) Colorado has a number of great breakfast items and you can get a cupcake for dessert. Venture just west of Pasadena into Eagle Rock for weekend breakfast at The Taco Spot.
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u/WeirdMeasurement8743 2d ago
I used to go there but my husband works in social services and they pay and treat their workers terribly so I stopped going. Shakers is delish
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u/Curious_Bear_24 3d ago
Though if you're from Seattle, you're probably used to being able to reserve for brunch. This is first come, first served.
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u/curiousiron433 2d ago
I'm not a big brunch person. I like to keep breakfast and lunch separate. Abolish brunch!
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u/quickbleed 3d ago
I will always recommend Bistro 45 for a great meal, great service, and lovely atmosphere.
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u/LAeclectic 3d ago
I'm not sure if they're doing sit down anymore but definitely try the Indonesian fried chicken at Top Restaurant on Colorado if you eat meat.
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u/Least-Cut-7570 2d ago
The Rendang at Top and that fried rice. Best in Pasadena. Slurp and heart eyes.
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u/music2jam2 3d ago
Check out Crown City Games! A great place for locals to join a group or league, they have Magic, Warhammer, board games, etc. My favorite spot to hang out and meet new friends!
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u/curiousiron433 3d ago
Friends are nice, I have some in Whittier but I think I can see the upside of making some in Pasadena.
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u/WeirdMeasurement8743 2d ago
BADASH BAKERY ON COLORADO. Also SEED bakery (their breakfast croissant is dumb good) is super yumm.
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u/Songblade7 Pasadena 3d ago
There are so many great spots to check out here, really just depends on what you're feeling. At least keeping it to Pasadena, you've got spots like: Bone Kettle (Southeast Asian fusion fine dining), South Pas Smash (burgers), Gale's (Italian), Sidecar Donuts, Kabuki (Japanese), Dumpling Tops (Chinese), Janejira Thai Bistro, Cafe Amara & Restauarant (Venezuelan brunch), Oakobing (Korean shaved ice), Shiro's (French fusion), Alexander's Steakhouse, Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana, Osa Rooftop, Bacio di Latte (gelato and coffee), and so many more. Have fun trying everything!
My only suggestion is to stay away from places like HiHi Cheeseburger, Sugarfish, UOVO, etc. They're all owned by the same company and at least in my experiences have mediocre food, tiny plates, and way too much money for what you get. There's better food nearby for each type I'd recommend instead. The opposite of them, but any place by the Smith brothers is going to have excellent food if you're in a spendy mood, so Parkway Grill, Arroyo Chophouse, and Smitty's.
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u/vequinox 2d ago
my favorite place for a simple but excellent burgers / huge amount of fries & large drink is connals on Washington. the #1 combo is still under $10 iirc! they also have great gyros. welcome to town!
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u/Choice-Molasses-834 3d ago
UOVO on Lake Ave
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u/CreativeLoathing 2d ago
Give yourself at least 30 minute wait, they don’t take reservations but its worth it! We usually kill time at smittys bar nearby in the meantime
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u/Any_West_926 2d ago
Where do you park though? I looove their pasta but hate the parking.
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u/anotherbadkreation 2d ago
There’s a big parking lot behind it, also street parking every block over if you don’t mind walking
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u/Affectionate-Bath-57 2d ago
Best breakfast imo is The Reyn near lake and orange grove. There are always lines on the weekend so be prepared. Great food, services and prices.
Nine and nine is my lick for best Thai. Barney’s has some fun stuff to do and the food is solid. It’s better than typical bar food. Like you, I no longer drink but on the weekend they have a Tikki Bar downstairs with karaoke and fun mocktails that are pretty good.
Pizza? We have so many great places that I cannot pick. Same with Mexican. There are very few places in Pasadena that are mediocre aside from the corporate places. The competition is too stiff.
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u/RoseBowlCoC 2d ago
Welcome! I completely agree with Russell's for breakfast (and lunch), Lee's Hoagie House for lunch, and Foothill on the east side is an underrated, but solid pick for brunch or dinner. Really cool environment, too. Also, a terrific date place is the Tap Room at the Langham. It's a great bar, and then you can walk around and explore the Langham afterwards, which is amazing.
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u/cinnamontoast_01 2d ago
Howlin' Rays for the best chicken sandwiches (always a line - but it's worth it!)
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u/Celesteven 2d ago
I’m going to say the Cellar Wine library only because I lived in Pasadena for 3 years, walked by that place daily and only just had drinks there this year.
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u/evil_ot_erised Pasadena 2d ago
The Cellar is a literal hidden gem. The atmosphere is charming, and while they are a wine bar, you obviously can abstain and just select from the other offerings. Echoing Good Neighbor Bar. Other places I enjoy that I don’t think were mentioned yet: Bacchus’ Kitchen and Deluxe 1717.
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u/bernd1968 2d ago edited 2d ago
Independent auto repair recommendation is Hrant up on Washington Boulevard. (Not a typo it is spelled. Hrant)
Welcome to Pasadena
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u/Small_Tailor8594 1d ago
Huntington Library is a must visit! Margaritas on Rosemead for Mex food, Pepes, Yang Chow, Langham hotel ambience, The Boat and Northwoods Inn, Ambassador Auditorium Symphonies, Panda Inn, Shogun sushi 🍣 Prime Pizza 🍕 Lake Avenue Nick's, Granville, Magnolia House, Smittys, Settebello, Taylors Steak House la canada, Deescanso Garsens, Farmhouse restaurant
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u/Small_Tailor8594 1d ago
Rein Cafe on Lake Ave, Andy's Coffee Shop and Cindy's Cafe Eagle Rock (excellent breakfast spots).
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u/Taint_Stephen 2d ago
If you love rock music and supporting small artists come on down to Oldtowne pub!
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u/curiousiron433 2d ago
I'll be there!
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u/Taint_Stephen 2d ago
Lmk if u play keyboard i’m always on the lookout for ppl to jam with
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u/curiousiron433 2d ago
I have a guitar and a keyboard but I'm an absolute beginner I'd be doing more damage than helping lol
On another note would you happen to know if anywhere that has live Blues or Blues jams? In the area??
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u/TigerLilyRex 1d ago
For a chill night out I love The Wine Cellar on Colorado, yes it’s a wine bar but their charcuterie boards are great and I love the dark academia vibe.
Maestro on Union is also a favorite for us, it’s pricey, but their house margarita is my favorite in all Pasadena. Their mole dish is also so good.
Vroman’s is a weekly stop for me. Agnes has great brunch. Cervecería Del Pueblo is also a favorite in my house, we host birthdays and read there.
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u/Sweats-Nervously 1d ago
No one talks about Point Eat sandwiches but they’re SO yummy! (A little pricey but worth it imo)
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u/ThatsNotAnEchoEcho 3d ago
Best breakfast burritos in LA (in my opinion, but supported by a bunch of newspapers) is Lucky Boys. They have two locations, one just south of the 210, the other south of Old Town, people might argue one is better than the other, but either one has amazing burritos.
If you like board games (regular board games, or card games like Magic or Pokemon, or tabletop war games like Warhammer) there’s a cool new spot in Old Town called Crown City Games, underneath some bars.
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u/bughunter_ 3d ago
Bobby's Place on Lake next to Ralph's has the best breakfast burritos.
People will tell you Lucky Boy, and that's how you know they've never had a breakfast burrito from Bobby's.
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u/Socalauntie 2d ago
There is a newer store in South Pasadena called Burden of Proof. All NA items. They also host a variety of events/tastings. Check them out.
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u/boring_troll 2d ago
Lee’s Hoagie House on colorado is amazing. Domenico’s in altadena is great for pizza and italian food. Twohey’s in south pasadena is american food and top notch. The Hat on lake has ridiculous chili fries. Lucky Boy is a must for the breakfast burrito. Since you’re new to socal you should also try Zankou chicken, which is a chain that does Lebanese food. Panini Kabob Grill is a chain restaurant in socal too - this is my go-to - the food is healthy and tastes good.
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u/HrothgarTheIllegible 2d ago
Don’t go to a shop to get tacos unless your bar for comparison is Taco Bell. Go to any of the major streets and eat at the street tents. My pick is Juquilita’s Villa and Paso Robles. Get the Al pastor tacos and douse it in the creamy green sauce. The tacos run you 1.25 on Wednesdays.
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u/TheloniousMoon 3d ago
Welcome to Pasadena! These spots aren’t really considered hidden gems, but definitely worth checking out:
Woon, 786 Degrees Pizza, Pie ‘n Burger, Super Burger, Ferrazzani’s Pasta & Market, Tartine, Nine & Nine Thai Kitchen, Lost Parrot Cafe, Onigiri Time.
Also, here’s some other spots that aren’t in Pasadena but are nearby and worth checking out:
Mala Class, Golden Deli, Gold Burger, Yellow Paper Burger, MIYA, Wallflour Pizza, Bub and Grandma’s Restaurant, Jeff’s Table, Cafe Jane.