Dine

Named for the days when it served well drinks for $.35, the 35er Bar became a Route 66 mainstay after opening in 1963. Family-owned and operated since then, the bar features more than a dozen beer varieties on tap with a strong focus on local and regional breweries; more beer options are served up in cans and bottles. A small menu of simple pub grub (nachos, fish ‘n’ chips, chicken wings, chili cheese fries) helps fuel the libation consumption. Numerous televisions keep you up to date on sporting events.

From chef/owners Vanessa and Thomas Tilaka Kalb, Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery is inspired by the timeless tradition of gathering around a table with loved ones to share good food, good drinks, and of course, excellent cheese. Rooted in classic American regional cooking, the menu takes an honest and elevated approach to nostalgia and comfort. Located on tree-lined Green Street, the restaurant is housed in the former horse stable of the Pasadena Fire Department built in 1922. Architect Oonagh Ryan/ORA designed the space to include a large, outdoor patio in the back, the main dining room overlooking the open kitchen’s hearth, and a bar/lounge and takeaway cheesery in the front.

Long after its start in Berkeley and then West Hollywood in the 1920s, Barney’s Beanery opened its Pasadena location in 2006, becoming a favorite on Colorado Boulevard for its rock ‘n’ roll-pop culture décor and dozens of beers on tap. Patrons also like the plentiful TVs showcasing sporting events, loud music, and a real bus installed indoors. The extensive menu is centered on American fare but also includes pizza and “south of the border” selections. Kids feel right at home here too: pool tables, a small selection of arcade games, and that psychedelic bus can occupy them long enough for parents to enjoy a couple of drinks.

Brooklyn Square serves up New York-style deli sandwiches featuring Boar's Head meats & cheeses. They also prepare freshly baked pizza by the slice and piping hot calzone.  Check out the ingredients for The Knickerbocker: fried chicken, Cajun Turkey, melted American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, pickles, avocado, jalapeños, honey mustard, Cajun Mayo on squaw bread!  

An always-packed fixture in Old Pasadena’s night club scene, Club 54 features two levels plus a basement lounge, three bars, two dance floors, three live guest DJs each evening, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound. VIP seating in spacious booths and bottle service are available upon request.

At Craft by Smoke and Fire, they see themselves as more than a restaurant; their mission is to be a cornerstone in the community... a place where you can find great food made by great people. Craft dishes, craft cocktails, and great entertainment.  Their culinary theme is traditional American comfort food, and they specialize in Smoked Texas Style BBQ and locally sourced (Harris Ranch) Prime Steaks. The rich and hearty menu is balanced out with Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwiches and other regional American favorites.  

Holy Saints! Café is led by Michelin-rated Chef Daniel Torres and his partner Stephanie Vazquez. After celebrating 2 successful years operating their full-service catering company, the duo has opened their first brick-and-mortar to much acclaim. Enjoy fine wines, beer, and delicious food made with locally sourced ingredients inside this neighborhood gem. Chef Torres has been an industry titan since 2009, with nearly 6 years of experience at the Ace Hotel in DTLA and earning a Michelin Gourmand award for his work at Best Girl. 

Hot Wings Cafe sports a full menu of sandwiches and sides, but the bustling crowd is there for the wings, served mild, hot, or extra hot along with house blue cheese dressing, carrots, and celery. The venue’s flat-screen TVs show sporting events, and customers can choose from more than 20 different kind of beer and wine.

Jimmy John's tasty sandwiches use fresh ingredients, including all-natural meats, veggies that are hand-sliced daily, and homemade bread that is baked all-day, every day. Diners can  also ask for all the “Freebies” that can fit onto a sandwich. Sandwiches are "freaky fast" - ready in 30 seconds. Jimmy John's offers delivery and catering for any occasion. Visit in store, or place an order online or by phone.

La Grande Orange is a vibrant, bustling, charming eatery offering American fare – salads, sandwiches, burgers, and meat and seafood entrees, all with a modern flare. The restaurant's impressive wine list focuses on West Coast wineries; handcrafted cocktails and a few selections of craft beer are also available with meals or at the restaurant’s adjacent Otis Bar. An iconic neighborhood gathering spot, La Grande Orange Pasadena is housed in the historic 1934 Del Mar Train Station, restored to bring back the original charm of the building. The stepping-off point for the stars of Hollywood’s golden age like Clark Cable, Mae West, and Will Rogers, the bustling “culinary campus,” includes The LGO Cafe, Luggage Room Pizzeria, and the Otis Bar.

Main Chick Hot Chicken is a passion-inspired food concept serving unique Nashville-style fried chicken. Diners can choose from single sandwiches to combo meals; they'll also be asked for their preferred level of spiciness, ranging from "Naked" to "Supreme." Sides include crinkle-cut fries, mac 'n' cheese, potato salad, and creamy slaw. 

Popping Yolk Cafe serves a variety of delicious brunch essentials from fresh daily ingredients - your breakfast go-to spot! As they say: Breakfast is a meal, Brunch is a culture! From mouthwatering poached eggs and Eggs Benedict to their famous House French Toast, they've got something for everyone's tastes.

Roots & Rye Açai Bar was founded in 2018 to feed the ever-growing health-conscious consumer. It offers fast and healthy alternatives that are both beautiful and delicious; the company helps educate the public about health and wellness.

Guests can select from menu items that include açai bowls, smoothies, gourmet toasts, and coconut-based milkshakes and ice creams. Menu items can be customized with a range of ingredients, which include chia seeds, fresh fruits, bee pollen, goji berries, flax seeds, coconut oil, and more. 

Holding court on Fair Oaks Boulevard “since 1930” (as its retro neon sign proclaims), Russell’s is a locals’ favorite, especially for breakfast and weekend brunch. Specialties include Croque Monsieur, Croque Madame, Belgian waffles, French toast, and gourmet omelets. The restaurant also serves a well-rounded lunch and dinner menu, focusing on burgers, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and “bistro entrees.”

Skillets Grill is a family owned restaurant serving a variety of dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Their specialty are the delicious skillets and omelettes for breakfast, great salads, sandwiches or burger for lunch, and don't forget about dinner with options such as steaks, dinner skillets, and pastas. 

Guests describe The Cellar as a "hidden gem" and "romantic"; indeed, the cozy and intimate wine bar is below-ground and decorated with antiquarian books, portraits of famous classical pianists, and comfy couches. Along with an extensive wine selection, the menu features charcuterie boards, oysters, snacks, and desserts. Open Thursday through Sunday evenings. Look for the hidden entry where you will be escorted to an underground cellar. Patrons can also choose to sit on the garden patio, which is located off of Mercantile Alley.  

Known for its extensive menu that satisfies just about everyone, The Cheesecake Factory is a bustling, vibrant chain that claims a high-profile spot in Old Pasadena at the nexus of Fair Oaks and Colorado Boulevard. The eatery serves lunch, dinner, late night supper, Sunday brunch, and of course, desserts!

True Food Kitchen offers a seasonal menu for the health-conscious palette; it's a restaurant concept and lifestyle brand inspired by the principles of Dr. Andrew Weil's anti-inflammatory diet, a blueprint for a lifetime of optimal nutrition. Offering a wide selection of vegan, vegetarian, naturally organic, and gluten-free options, along with dishes for those following a paleo or Mediterranean diet, True Food Kitchen caters to wellness by providing delicious, healthy food.