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.  

Crave Cafe brings comfort food and convenient extended hours to Old Pasadena.  Open from 7am until 2am, Crave Cafe's extensive menu includes delicious options you crave for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as vegan options.  Look for their crepes, burritos, paninis, burgers, salads, and more!

Part of the One Colorado Food District on Union Street, Dirt Dog takes Los Angeles street food up a notch with dogs made from high-quality ingredients and decadent combinations of flavors. Specialties include the Green Dog with chimichurri, Patty Melt Dog with cheddar fries and chipotle aioli, and the Dirty Chili Dog. Vegetarians are welcome here with soy-based veggie option. Favorite side options include Dirty Corn and Filthy Fries with guacamole, chipotle aioli, cheddar and cotija cheese; the dessert menu features deep-fried Twinkies and Oreos, as well as churros.

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.

Jake's Trustworthy Burgers & Beer brings back the classic hamburger from this historic Old Pasadena location first established in 1947 at the same location under the name Jake's Diner. Having re-established this concept again in 1992 as the original owner of Jake's Burgers and Billiards, the team is overjoyed to once again breathe new life into this iconic location with a streamlined menu of classic burgers.  Jake's offers the classic 1947 burger with two 4oz. patties of Angus chuck, two slices of mild cheddar cheese, grilled chopped onions, house-made b&b pickles, and their house-made sauce.  The menu includes fresh hand-cut French fries, a Buttermilk fried chicken sandwich, and an amazing hot dog, alongside an offering of beers from their local craft brewery, Trustworthy Brewing Company in Burbank. 

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.

Lemon Tree Pasadena is a cozy breakfast and lunch place with a huge menu of options. Enjoy all your breakfast favorites, or choose from pastas, burgers, and even poke! 

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. 

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.”

Slater’s 50/50 refers to founder Scott Slater’s original creation: the 50/50 patty made of 50% ground bacon and 50% ground beef. The restaurant’s menu is full of amplified burgers and indulgent dishes to pair with a stellar selection of local and regional craft beer available on tap. Slater’s uses Brandt Beef, a family-owned local beef producer dedicated to hormone-free product and sustainable practices.

The ubiquitous Subway chain finds its home in Old Pasadena on Holly Street. It serves up fresh, made-to-order sub sandwiches.

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. 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.