EDP 2018

EaT 

DRiN K 

PL aY 

YOUR 2018 GUIDE TO PASADENA 

AREA DINING, DRINKING AND FUN 

FROM 

A TO Z 

The ABCs of where to 

Eat, Drink & Play in 

Greater Pasadena 

NAMES OF 

THE GAME 

Where you are and how 

you feel determines 

what a favorite drink 

comes to be called 

IDEA 

GUIDE 

Good suggestions 

for a great time

2 

EAT • DRINK • PLAY PASADENA WEEKLY

5 FROM A TO Z 

THE ABCS OF WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & PLAY IN GREATER PASADENA 

BY KEVIN UHRICH AND SIMONE DUPUY 

13 NAMES OF THE GAME 

WHERE YOU ARE AND HOW YOU FEEL DETERMINES WHAT A FAVORITE DRINK 

COMES TO BE CALLED 

BY MICHAEL CERVIN 

27 IDEA GUIDE 

GOOD SUGGESTIONS FOR A GREAT TIME 

ON THE COVER: PHOTO BY DANNY LIAO 

EDITOR Kevin Uhrich 

DEPUTY EDITOR André Coleman 

ART DIRECTOR Stephanie Torres 

ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Richard Garcia 

PRODUCTION DESIGNERS Rochelle Bassarear 

WRITERS Kevin Uhrich, Michael Cervin, Simone Dupuy 

SALES AND MARKETING Brenda Clarke, Leslie Lamm, 

Alexandra Valdes 

OFFICE MANAGER Ann Turrietta 

HUMAN RESOURCES Andrea E. Baker 

BUSINESS MANAGER Linda Lam 

CONTROLLER Kacie Cobian 

ACCOUNTING Perla Castillo, Yiyang Wang, Jimmy 

Weathersbee, Quinton Wright 

PUBLISHER Dina Stegon 

SOUTHLAND PUBLISHING 

V. P. OF OPERATIONS David Comden 

PRESIDENT Bruce Bolkin 

CONTACT US 

PHONE (626) 584-1500 

FAX (626) 795-0149 

MAILING ADDRESS 

50 S. De Lacey Ave. 

Suite 200 

Pasadena, CA 91105 

©2018 Southland 

Publishing, Inc. 

All rights reserved. 

EAT • DRINK • PLAY PASADENA WEEKLY 3

4 


THE ABCS OF WHERE TO EAT, DRINK & PLAY IN GREATER PASADENA 

BY KEVIN UHRICH AND SIMONE DUPUY 

continued on page 6 

EAT • DRINK • PLAY PASADENA WEEKLY 

5

Kabuki Japanese 

35er Bar 

continued from page 5 

A — ASSORTMENT 

Just as there are more restaurants in Pasadena than in cities 

many times its size, there is just about every type of food imaginable 

available to the average diner. Try sushi at Kabuki Japanese 

Restaurant one day and dim sum at Lunasia the next. Or 

try hot pot at Little Sheep in Old Pas, Thai food at City Thai, or 

Vietnamese treats at Saigon Noodle. Of course, there are plenty 

of places for pizza, French fries, and cheeseburgers, which were 

actually invented here. 

B — BEER 

The last time we put together this alphabetized list, Bread 

was the subject for “B.” But, as beer lovers well know, every loaf 

of bread is just another tragic story of a group of grains that 

could have been turned into beer but wasn’t. Yes, beer, though 

pretty pricy by the glass in these parts, remains the life blood, 

the mother’s milk of Old Pasadena and beyond. Perhaps this 

explains why there are so many purveyors of the ancient elixir, 

with Lucky Baldwins now at three different locations, and other 

great places like Congregation Ale House and Yard House serving 

up the yummy suds. 

C — CHEAP EATS 

As one might guess in a city filled with world-class restaurants, 

the cheap eats joints in town would be fabulous — and 

they’d be correct. At Tops On Walnut, winner of this category in 

last year’s Best of Pasadena contest, customers can have highquality 

low-cost salads, sandwiches, Mexican food and side 

dishes for ridiculously agreeable prices. Other Reader Recommended 

places were: Blaze Pizza, with two locations in Pasadena 

and one in Glendale; In-N-Out Burger, located in Pasadena, 

Equator 

Alhambra and Glendale; and Lucky Boy on Arroyo Parkway and 

East Walnut Street in Pasadena. 

D — DIVES 

The Colorado in East Pas and Freddy’s 35er bar in the heart 

Old Pasadena usually come in either first or second place in the 

dive bar category of each year’s Best of Pasadena voting. Last 

year, it was the Colorado’s turn, boasting a great jukebox, a pool 

table and a dart board. Same goes for the 35er, only it has a patio 

facing Colorado Boulevard, offering visitors something of a 

glassless window to the world going by. The Rancho in Altadena 

received a Reader Recommended nod in the balloting. 

E — EQUATOR 

From 4 p.m. to closing Tuesdays and Thursdays, well drinks, 

martinis, appetizers and a decent beer selection at Edwin Mills 

by Equator are $3, with house wines just $1 more. There’s also 

live music Tuesday and Friday nights. And we love Edwin Mills 

because the owner, Teddy Bedjakian, on top of his generous 

happy hours, is sure to be out chatting with customers and getting 

his hands dirty bussing tables. 

F — FUN(NY) 

Bob Fisher’s Ice House Comedy Club is not just a Best of Pasadena 

winner; it’s a national entertainment institution. Opened 

in 1960, the Ice House has become one of the top comedy dinner 

clubs in the country, over the years featuring shows starring 

such industry giants as George Carlin, Ellen DeGeneres, David 

Letterman, George Lopez, Bill Maher, Arsenio Hall, Steve Martin, 

Jerry Seinfeld, Lily Tomlin and Robin Williams. Local and 

touring comics leave audiences laughing during the week. 


6 



Kabuki 

Japanese 

Restaurant 

- BEST OF PASADENA 

WINNER FOR 21 YEARS! 

Chilean Sea Bass 

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant first introduced the tradition 

and artistry of sushi to Pasadena in 1991 at its original Foothill 

Blvd. location. Now, as an almost 27-year veteran in the culinary 

scene, the full-service, casual dining chain has made incredible 

strides in the brand’s expansion, and continues to serve 

high-quality sushi and other Japanese specialties at 17 locations 

throughout Southern California, Arizona, Nevada and Texas. 

To stay true to their mission of serving Japanese cuisine to “all 

mankind,” Kabuki’s diverse menu offers more than 150 traditional 

and Izakaya dishes, an awesome Happy Hour menu, an 

award-winning Kid’s Menu (Restaurant Hospitality Magazine) 

and a dedicated vegetarian and gluten-free menu. Kabuki is also 

proud to hold the “Best Of Pasadena” title for three categories 

- Best Japanese/Sushi Restaurant, Best Happy Hour and Best 

Family Restaurant- consecutively for the last 21 years. Eat, 

Drink, Play - Look For The Red Mask! 

Most Popular Signature Roll: 

Cilantro Albacore Roll- An all-time guest favorite. Shrimp 

tempura, cream cheese and krab meat rolled in soy paper, with 

albacore on top. Served with red onions and cilantro vinaigrette 

sauce. 

Happy Hour 

Monday – Friday | 3 - 6 PM 

Late Nite Happy Hour (Only at Kabuki Old Town Pasadena) 

Monday – Thursday | 9 PM – Close 

Sunday | 8 PM – Close 

www.kabukirestaurants.com 

Facebook: www.facebook.com/kabukijapaneserestaurants 

Instagram: @kabukirestaurants 

Kabuki Old Town Pasadena 

88 W. Colorado Blvd 


626.568.9310 

Kabuki Pasadena 

3539 E. Foothill Blvd 


626.351.8963 

Most Popular Signature Dish: 

Chilean Sea Bass – This long-time signature dish features 

Chilean Sea Bass marinated in sake and soy sauce, served with 

sautéed asparagus and chili sesame oil. 

Tastiest Vegetarian Roll: 

Asparagus & Avocado Garlic Crunch – This vegetarian roll is 

a spin-off of one of our more photogenic rolls, the Asparagus & 

Salmon Garlic Crunch roll. Originally served with salmon, the 

Asparagus & Avocado Garlic Crunch substitutes the salmon for 

avocado on top. 

Most Popular Happy Hour Drink: 

Sake Sangria – Sake Sangria is the go-to sake cocktail at all 

Kabuki locations. This fruity libation, made with a delicious 

mixture of sake, soju, lychee liquor and real fruits, is light and 

refreshing. You’ll be ordering your seconds even before you 

finish your first glass. 

8 


Kabuki Roll

Neon Retro Arcade 

Huntington Library, Art Galleries and Botanical Gardens 


G — GAMES 

It was somewhat surprising to see so many video arcades 

in the area. Here in Pasadena there’s Bowlmor Lanes on East 

Foothill Boulevard and Neon Retro Arcade on South Raymond 

Avenue. Other popular arcades include Level Gaming Lan Center 

and Dreamland Gaming, both in Arcadia. And there’s Vintage 

Arcade Superstore on San Fernando Road in Glendale. Older 

gamesters can occupy themselves Tuesday nights with trivia 

at Craft Beer Cellar in Eagle Rock, or they can pick up a board 

game inside Dog Haus and spiel ein bisschen out in the biergarten, 

or they can head over to T Boyle’s, behind the Ice House, for 

Action Trivia on Sundays and Tuesdays. 

H — HUNTINGTON 

Not the hospital. We’re talking about the Huntington Library, 

Art Galleries and Botanical Gardens, a national treasure started 

by railroad baron and art connoisseur Henry Huntington in his 

home in San Marino. Here visitors are able to view Huntington’s 

personal collection of 18th- and 19th-century paintings, and 

literature amassed in the Huntington family mansion, located on 

120 acres near the Pasadena city line. This is a research library, 

but now includes several new structures and exhibits, as well as 

numerous specialized gardens. 

I — INDIVIDUALITY 

In today’s culture, chefs have come to be regarded as celebrities, 

each with unique styles and personalities. Some of the 

chefs who live and work here in the Pasadena area include Hideo 

Yamashiro (Shiro), James Graham (Ba), Bruce Kalman (Union), 

Kings Row Gastropub 

Claud Beltran (Claud Beltran & Co. catering, Bacchus’ Kitchen, 

The Eatery and Perry’s by Claud Beltran), Sean Lowenthal (Little 

Beast), Andre Guerrero (Maximiliano, The Oinkster, Little Bear) 

and Paul Ragan (Altaeats). 

J — JUKEBOX 

Not as ubiquitous before, jukeboxes are still popular at a 

handful of bars and restaurants in the immediate vicinity. The 

Colorado in East Pasadena and Freddie’s 35er in Old Pasadena 

come to mind, but there are a few others. There’s one at R Place, 

also in East Pas, another is at the Buccaneer in Sierra Madre, 

and another is at the Hall of Fame bar in Arcadia, near Santa 

Anita Park. 

K — KITCHEN 

Unlike most other Los Angeles County communities, the city, 

not the county, issues grades to restaurants doing business in 

Pasadena. And these inspectors mean business. Many a promising 

restaurant has been closed for such things as roaches, 

vermin and unclean utensils. That’s why it would be rare for customers 

here to see anything but squeaky clean and well-managed 

establishments when they are out on the town in the Crown City. 

L — LIVE (MUSIC) 

Along with three symphony orchestras — Pasadena Symphony, 

California Philharmonic and MUSE/IQUE — Pasadena is 

also home to Kings Row Gastropub, voted Best Live Music Bar/ 

Club in last year’s Pasadena Weekly’s Best of Pasadena readers’ 

poll, Edwin Mills by Equator, and the venerable and virtually 


Claud Beltran 


10 



underground Old Towne Pub. For the Best Live Music Venue, 

hands down it’s The Rose music and dinner club at The Paseo on 

East Green Street. 

M — MOVIES 

Pasadena is not only well known for movie stars and filmmakers; 

it’s also noted for its movie theaters, starting with 

Laemmle Playhouse 7 in the Playhouse District, and continuing 

with ArcLight Theatre in The Paseo, iPic Theatres at One Colorado 

in Miller Alley, and the Academy Theatre on East Colorado 

Boulevard. 

N — NORTON SIMON 

Following a delightful lunch or coffee break in Old Pasadena, 

drive a few blocks west on Colorado and further treat yourself 

to viewing one of the world’s premier art collections at the Norton 

Simon Museum. 

O — OCCASIONS 

There are times in life that truly require a unique place to 

celebrate. For weddings, births, anniversaries, graduations, 

promotions, raises and any other good fortune, host a ball, a 

reception or a banquet at Noor in The Paseo. Or visit Parkway 

Grill on South Arroyo Parkway, Alexander’s Steakhouse and 

The Raymond 1886, all honored in last year’s Best of Pasadena 

voting. 

P — PASTRY 

Perhaps the best known bakery in Pasadena is Euro Pane, 

which is famous for its macarons. Now at two locations, Euro 

Pane also features as its only entree an egg salad sandwich to 

die for, served open-face on a slice of rosemary bread. Other 

terrific local bakeries are 85 C Bakery Café, now in Glendale 

as well, and Seed Bakery on East Washington Boulevard, both 

Reader Recommended winners in last year’s Best of Pasadena 

polling. 

Q — QUIRKY 

For the most part, restaurants typically do what they do 

best — serve delicious, healthful food — without much glitz and 

hoopla. But a few break the mold. One is Old Pasadena favorite 

A’Float Sushi, with its food offerings sitting atop little boats 

floating on a mini-moat in front of the counter. Another is the 

Austin Powers-themed Electric Pussycat in Glendale. 

R — RESTRICTIONS 

It is a great time to be alive for the lactose-intolerant, the 

celiac-ailing, the allergy-ridden, the plant-based populous. Gone 

are the days of gluten-free and vegan being synonymous with 

“crappy version of what you wanted.” Food science has caught 

up with the 21st century. Banana chocolate chip ice cream 

sounds incredible! Oh, wait … it’s vegan. Have you found yourself 

thinking this? Well get with the times, pal. If it sounds good, 

it probably is. 

S — STAFF 

For an idea of just how important taking care of customers is 

in the restaurant world, four top-notch eateries tied for the Best 

Restaurant Staff award in last year’s Best of Pasadena readers’ 

poll: They were Gale’s on South Fair Oaks Avenue, Green Street 

Restaurant on Shoppers Lane, Mijares Mexican Restaurant on 

Palmetto Drive, and Smitty’s Grill on South Lake Avenue. At 

these places, you’ll agree the service is worthy of a generous tip. 


Euro Pane 



T — THEATER 

Just as it is rich in restaurants, Pasadena also has a wealth 

of live theaters, all featuring performances of stories that 

tackle tough issues and ask provocative questions. Of course, 

there’s the 100-year-old Pasadena Playhouse, the State Theatre 

of California, but there is also A Noise Within on East Foothill 

Boulevard and Boston Court Performing Arts Center on Mentor 

Avenue, to name but a few terrific venues in the area. 

V — VALUE 

It’s been said before, and we’ll say it again: Value is an integral 

component to the success of any business, especially those 

facing lots of competition. In this demanding world, a commitment 

is required to set the right price for what customers expect 

to be the perfect mix of quantity and quality. As former PW 

Restaurant Critic Erica once explained, “A restaurant doesn’t 

have to be expensive to be good. And the converse applies.” 

W — WORD 

Especially in a place like Pasadena, where major chefs live 

and work and the world occasionally visits to see what’s on the 

menu, word of mouth was and remains an important component 

to the success of any business, particularly restaurants. 

X — ROMANTIX 

Back in the late 1980s, when once rough-around-the edges 

Old Pasadena was being redeveloped into a destination dining 

and shopping spot, property owners complained about the Pub 

(the 35er, perennial PW Best Dive Bar), the Pawn (Crown City 

Loan & Jewelry) and the Porn (Romatix, formerly known as Le 

Sex Shoppe). It’s been nearly 30 years since then, and the Three 

Ps are still up and running. 

Y — YELP! 

Can’t live with it, can’t live without it. Or so it seems to the 

millions of people who can’t wait to hit the keyboard with their 

opinions on a fine, or terrible, dining experience. 

12 


Z — ZANKOU 

Simply delicious Zankou Chicken traces its origins to 1962, 

when Vartkes and Margarite Iskenderian opened a restaurant in 

Beirut featuring chicken in garlic sauce. Twenty years later the 

couple opened their first US restaurant in Hollywood, eventually 

expanding their locations and their menu, which now 

includes kebabs, falafel, shawarma and other Mediterranean 

dishes.■

Names of the 

Game 

WHERE YOU ARE AND HOW YOU FEEL DETERMINES 

WHAT A FAVORITE DRINK COMES TO BE CALLED 

BY MICHAEL CERVIN 

THE SOUTH PASADENA 

As July temps heat up, you 

need a tippler to help you 

cool down. The Langham 

Huntington, Pasadena’s 

Tap Room offers seasonal 

cocktails as well as 

standard offerings, live jazz 

on Thursdays nights and a 

Top 40 band on Friday and 

Saturday evenings. Relax on 

a triangular sofa or couches 

grouped around a fireplace, 

or perch at freestanding 

tables with views of the 

patio. It’s all designed to lull 

you into the waiting embrace 

of one of their signature 

cocktails, such as The South 

Pasadena. This gin-based 

concoction offers up noticeable lemon with soft honey and resin 

notes, thanks to a wisp of citrus from fresh lemon. Add mint, which 

offers a cool contrast to the herbal, savory gin. The South Pasadena is 

crisp and clean, slightly viscous and will ensure a satisfying beforedinner 

drink, well suited to appetizers. “The South Pasadena cocktail 

fits with our mission of melding old and new generations,” says Susan 

Williger, the hotel’s director of communications, and this cocktail hits 

a middle stride, not pretentious and overbearing, nor a wallflower — it 

is a classic cocktail that will suit most everyone. 

INGREDIENTS 

2 ounces gin 

¾ ounce lemon juice 

¾ ounce simple syrup 

2 loose mint leaves 

METHOD 

Place the loose mint leaves in the bottom of the glass. Add gin, lemon juice and 

simple syrup, and crush leaves with a muddler. Shake and strain. Garnish with 

a lemon wheel and mint sprig, and serve. 

THE ORANGE GROVE 

The Raymond 1886 has 

long been one of Pasadena’s 

most beloved 

restaurants (but not 

for 130 years — 1886 

actually marked the 

opening of the former 

Raymond Hotel). The 

restaurant’s Bar 1886 

is dark and moody, 

illuminated mainly by 

the bar’s soft amber 

backlight. Inside, 

there are two small 

communal tables, four 

two-tops, original 

hardwood floors and 

brown pressed-tin ceilings, 

and there’s also 

outdoor seating: two outdoor patios with fireplaces and Edison 

lights twinkling against the night sky. Bar 1886 was established 

only in 2010 — 38 years after the restaurant — to focus on high-end 

spirits and craft cocktails. It offers monthly spirits-paired dinners 

as well. New cocktails appear twice annually: for spring-summer 

and fall-winter. Not listed on the menu but a longtime staple is The 

Orange Grove — a simple but effective drink with a nod to Arroyoland’s 

agricultural heritage. “This is a sit-out-on-the-patio-andeat-brunch 

kind of cocktail,” says bartender Casey Levantal. It’s 

cool and clean, with the acidity of the citrus mitigated by the gin. 

The addition of tonic water provides a subtle effervescence. Indeed, 

this drinks so easily you might forget it’s a cocktail. Levantal suggests 

pairing it with something hearty like The Raymond’s Veracruz 

steak salad or pork belly tacos. 

INGREDIENTS 

2 ounces London dry gin 

½ ounce lime juice 

½ ounce simple syrup 

2 to 4 orange wedges 

Splash of tonic water 

METHOD 

Using a muddler, smash orange slices with lime juice and simple syrup. 

Shake and pour mixture into glass with crushed ice. Add gin, top with tonic 

floater (without mixing) and serve. 



14 



At Maestro, a modern Mexican restaurant 

in Old Pasadena, over 70 iterations 

of mezcal are lined up behind the 

bar. With 20-foot-high ceilings, the 

small space feels voluminous. A few 

stand-alone tables dot the center and 

a long couch lines one wall. The bar is 

located in the back with only a handful 

of stools. 

Nowhere else in Arroyoland will 

you find this number and diversity of 

mezcals, including many that are hard 

to find and in limited production. “We 

don’t care about brands, we care about 

flavor,” says manager Marco Ramos, who, along with his staff, can 

explain the origins of each mezcal. Maestro also offers flights of mezcal 

and tequila, even rare ones like sotol and tahona, ranging from $15 to 

$65. 

Mezcal offers a unique smokiness to The Campfire cocktail, and the 

slight char the rosemary undergoes after lighting it on fire works well 

with the lime’s acidity, offering a more rounded mouthfeel in the midpalate 

that ultimately comes off as less sweet and more savory. Ramos 

suggests pairing The Campfire with Maestro’s duck carnitas or lamb 

barbacoa and pickled cabbage. 

INGREDIENTS 

THE CAMPFIRE 

Sprig of rosemary 

¾ ounce green Chartreuse 

liqueur 

¾ ounce Mezcal Los Javis (or 

other brand) 

¾ ounce fresh lime juice 

¾ ounce Luxardo Maraschino 

liqueur 

METHOD 

1. Rim glass with rosemary and then place it in glass. Pour Chartreuse over 

rosemary and let soak. In shaker, combine Luxardo, lime and mezcal. 

2. Light rosemary-Chartreuse mixture in glass for 10 seconds. Using tongs, remove 

rosemary and add Chartreuse to shaker, leaving extinguished rosemary 

in glass. Fill glass with cubed ice. Shake ingredients and pour over ice. 

CAMPING AT THE RIDGE 

Built over 100 years ago, Magnolia 

House on South Lake Avenue was 

originally a private residence, then 

became a post-Prohibition liquor store, 

an antique coin shop and a number of 

other businesses. Today this restaurant 

and bar keeps things lively with an 

quickly rotating cocktail menu. “We 

have to keep up with Los Angeles,” 

says lead bartender Jorge Figueroa, 

referencing the trendy cocktail scene 

in downtown L.A. To keep Arroyolanders 

happy closer to home, Figueroa 

and his team are constantly crafting 

stimulating new cocktails. With indoor and outdoor seating areas, the 

bar itself sits behind the restaurant, a long red-brick wall guiding you 

straight to it. 

Figueroa created this cocktail as an homage to the fall season here. 

He calls it a riff on the Ramos Fizz. “Fall in Pasadena is still warm, 

but these traditional fall flavors are mitigated by summer notes of 

apple.” This is a refreshing and light cocktail, heavier on the palate, but 

nonetheless a balance between spice and heat, viscosity and comfortable, 

familiar flavors. Try it with their fried chicken sandwich or the 

mushroom and roasted garlic flatbread. 

INGREDIENTS 

1½ ounces Thai chili and ginger– 

infused Scotch 

½ ounce lemon juice 

¾ ounce pure maple syrup 

½ ounce cinnamon Green 

Chartreuse cream 

Dash of chocolate chili bitters 

Dash of aquafaba (liquid in can 

of beans) 

METHOD 

Mix ingredients in shaker, add ice, shake again, strain and pour into glass. 

Top with sparkling apple cider floater, grated nutmeg and cinnamon graham 

crackers. 

After World War II, drinking and dining 

establishments began popping up around 

Arroyoland, creating new diversions for a 

war-weary public. A pocket-size bar opened 

its doors here in 1947, and a succession 

of imitators followed. So when The San 

Fernando opened its doors in Glendale in 

July, the new bar paid homage to times past. 

There is definitely a retro theme there, although the 1940s wallpaper, 

lighting fixtures and booths are relatively subtle touches, not cartoony. 

The venue offers live music and DJs, comedy nights and movie nights. 

“We’re getting people from Los Feliz and Silver Lake, and locals tell 

us they used to have to go to Hollywood for this kind of experience,” 

says owner Uwe Korak. He offers a limited but carefully curated menu 

of cocktails and food, leaning toward more traditional tastes without 

the hyperbole. “We simply want structurally sound cocktails that taste 

PENGUIN ON HOLIDAY 

good,” Korak says. 

The San Fernando’s signature drink Penguin on Holiday references 

a 1940s cocktail shaker in the form of a penguin, which is also the bar’s 

logo. The rum is balanced by citrus, and an earthy quality is aided by 

cardamom and a pleasant viscosity from egg whites. Cut the sweetness 

with something savory, like the pork belly Cuban sandwich or chicken 

wings with Parmesan-garlic sauce. 

INGREDIENTS 

1 ounce Bacardi 8-Year-Old Rum 

1 ounce Casa Magdalena Rum 

¾ ounce chai syrup (spiced 

powdered tea, 1:1 ratio with 

simple syrup) 

¾ ounce raw egg whites 

¾ ounce lemon juice 

2 dashes The Bitter Truth’s Nut 

Drops & Dashes bitters 

Cardamom bitters to taste 

METHOD 

Combine all ingredients in a shaker and shake. Add ice and shake again. Strain 

into a glass goblet, garnish with cardamom bitters and serve. 



16 



THE COLORADO BUCK 

When the Pasadena Hilton was built in 

1971, no one could have foreseen the 

craft cocktail movement that headed 

this way four decades later. Good thing 

the hotel’s September remodel, which 

included the new Corner Craft Cocktail 

+ Bar, kept pace with this welcome 

development. Located to the left of the 

expansive lobby as you enter, the bar 

has a cool, clean and sleek look; a retro 

Italian vibe with gray and beige tones 

is accented by walnut trim, and large 

windows overlook Los Robles Avenue. 

The bar offers a number of original 

cocktails, including the Colorado Buck. It’s so named not only for the 

whiskey in the drink, but also for Colorado Boulevard’s location in 

the heart of Pasadena. This is the whiskey cocktail for non-whiskey 

drinkers as it is mild and subtle. The addition of fresh strawberry and 

mildly effervescent ginger beer brings lightness to the drink, lending a 

playful accent to this very adult cocktail. The fresh mint, not meant to 

be submerged, offers a refreshing olfactory burst, resulting in a drink 

that’s easygoing and easily consumed. Beverage Manager Marcos Villanueva 

suggests pairing it with the duck egg fettuccine with shiitake 

mushrooms, or hoisin-glazed lamb ribs. 

INGREDIENTS 

Two fresh strawberries 

1 teaspoon agave nectar 

Juice of half a lemon 

1¾ ounces Tincup Whiskey 

Dash Angostura bitters 

1 ounce Fever Tree Ginger Beer 

METHOD 

Muddle strawberry, lemon juice and agave. Double strain into shaker. Add ice, 

bitters and whiskey, and lightly shake. Pour into a highball glass, add ginger 

beer and serve with mint-sprig garnish. 

THE ROSE BOWL 

When Twohey’s opened its second location 

in Pasadena last October, creating 

a brother to its 75-year-old Alhambra 

location, the new eatery was designed as 

an upscale tavern — a classic American 

diner for the 21st century. Located 

just off the 210 Freeway, the vibe of the 

place, now called Foothill, is decidedly 

different from Twohey’s burger joint, 

exuding a postmodern feel. There are 

communal tables, semi-private two- and 

four-tops and tables with comfy chairs. 

The palette is decidedly beige and silver, 

the white marble bar a counterpoint to 

the earth tones dominating the interior. 

The food and cocktail menus rotate often, but The Rose Bowl, an 

Arroyo riff on a pisco sour, remains steadfastly on the menu. Light, 

bright and viscous, this cocktail offers simplicity and depth while, with 

the aid of the fresh fruit, avoiding the sourness and stringent acidic 

notes of a traditional pisco. The egg whites create a creamy texture, 

as well as a light frothiness. The pink hue, reminiscent of the roses at 

the Rose Parade, is appealing; however, this is not a sweet cocktail. 

Bartender Albaro Olguin suggests sipping it with either the Channel 

Islands rockfish with charred fennel, or the Dutch-style burger with 

Napa cabbage and dill aioli. 

INGREDIENTS 

1 strawberry 

2 dashes Fee Brothers Peach 

Bitters 

¾ ounce egg whites 

3/8 ounce lime juice 

3/8 ounce lemon juice 

¾ ounce rose syrup 

½ ounce Uncle Val’s Restorative 

Gin 

1½ ounces Campo de Encanto 

Moscatel Pisco 

METHOD 

Muddle strawberry in a shaker, then add the rest of the ingredients. Dry shake, 

add ice and shake another 10 seconds. Strain into a glass coupe and garnish 

with an edible rosebud. 

PIRATE’S GOLD 

Ombra is an open-air wine and cocktail bar, 

which opened in mid-2016 at the Americana 

at Brand in Glendale. Seeking to set their 

cocktail program apart from the mainstream, 

proprietor Andrea Scuto scoured 

bars in Los Angeles and New Orleans. “I 

searched and searched for what was different 

and unique,” he says. “Cocktails spark 

people’s imagination.” Scuto’s cocktail 

menu changes quarterly, to keep it fresh 

and interesting, but unique drinks like 

Pirate’s Gold will always remain. And as 

this cocktail suggests, Ombra is pursuing less traditional cocktails with 

a bit of theatrical flare. 

A mélange of rum, tamarind and ginger beer, accented with fresh 

citrus, it seems like this should taste bold. “This is a big boy,” says Andrea. 

But it’s really not a heavy drink, just a robust cocktail, with citrus 

that lightens the dark notes of the tamarind and brings out the brown 

spice and sweetness of the rum. Sample this with Ombra’s flatbread 

topped with blue-cheese spinach, caramelized onions and provolone 

cheese, or their jalapeño and whole-grain-mustard deviled eggs. 

INGREDIENTS 

1¾ ounce Sailor Jerry’s Spiced 

Rum 

½ ounce lime juice 

½ ounce housemade tamarind 

syrup(1-to-1 ratio tamarind 

paste, sugar and water) 

½ ounce True Roots Ginger Beer 

METHOD 

1. Shake all ingredients together. Pour over ice cubes in a tumbler. 

2. Spray edible gold spray around lip of glass. Garnish with cinnamon stick 

and lime wedge. 


17


THE DEVIL’S GATE 

When The Flintridge Proper 

opened five years ago in La 

Cañada Flintridge, everyone 

wondered how this restaurant 

and bar could boast the world’s 

largest selection of gin served 

in a bar. Because that’s what 

owner Brady Caverly wanted, 

that’s how. The bar is ideal for 

quiet conversation — with its 

comfortable armchairs and 

couches, it feels and looks more 

a library than a neighborhood 

tavern. The custom wooden bar 

with carved horse heads recalls 

the area’s equestrian past. 

Devil’s Gate Dam inspired 

this drink, a nod to a time when 

boats could float languidly on the Pasadena reservoir. “It’s designed to 

capture the flavor of the Arroyo — berries and wild herbs and serrano 

peppers — to scare the devil out of you,” says Caverly. It combines 

sweet and spicy, tempered by citrus and fruit, with a potent heat from 

both the ginger and pepper. The soda’s slight fizz brightens the palate. 

Pair this with their fresh oysters on the half shell or short-rib pot roast. 

INGREDIENTS 

1 slice serrano pepper wheel 

3 blackberries 

2 leaves basil 

½ ounce fresh lemon juice 

½ ounce fresh lime juice 

3/4 oz. lemongrass syrup 

3/4 oz. ginger syrup 

2 oz. Tanqueray Gin 

METHOD 

Muddle ingredients together. Shake, strain into glass with ice. Top with 2 ounces 

club soda. 

PIG IN A BARREL 

If one were to update a Prohibition 

speakeasy for 21st-century customers, 

it would look a lot like Room 31 --- an 

intimate space with limited seating, 

tucked away virtually unseen in the 

back of another business. Located inside 

5 Line Tavern in Eagle Rock, Room 31 

was opened two years ago by owner 

Marcos Menendez, who creates a variety 

of mixed drinks. “People love a cozy 

speakeasy, and we wanted to create 

an elevated experience, a love letter to 

Eagle Rock,” he says. 

There are just seven vintage-style 

stools at the bar and additional seating at five white marble two-top 

tables. The ambient music is vintage too --- soul, R&B and jazz. The Pig 

in a Barrel cocktail offers not only visual interest, with smoke wafting 

around it like a ghost, but a multilayered and complex taste. It offers a 

combination of woody and spicy notes, a potent bourbon kick with a 

hint of sweetness and herbs as well as subtle notes of smoke, mandarin, 

honeysuckle and vanilla. 

INGREDIENTS 

Two dashes Fee Brothers 

Whiskey Barrel-aged bitters 

1½ ounces James E. Pepper 

1776 Bourbon 

½ ounce Amaro Nonino 

Quintessentia 

½ ounce Zaya Gran Reserva 

12-year-old Rum 

Small bar spoon (2½ ml) Blank 

Slate Vanilla Syrup 

Smoke infuser 

4 slices smoked bacon 

METHOD 

1. Cook bacon in a large skillet, and pour off fat (about 1 ounce) into a small bowl. 

In a large glass bowl, combine bourbon, bacon fat and 1 bacon slice. Cover with 

plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for 5 hours, then freeze for 8 hours. Remove 

solidified fat and bacon slice and discard. Pour bourbon through fine-mesh 

strainer, coffee filters or cheesecloth. 

2. Combine bacon bourbon with the other ingredients in shaker and shake vigorously. 

Place large ice cube in tumbler, pour in liquid. Place covering over tumbler 

(preferably clear glass), use smoke infuser to blow in smoke. Let sit covered for 

a few minutes. Serve. (Note: Pipe smoke can be used in place of smoke infuser.) 

18 

Everyone wants to replicate the camaraderie 

and conviviality of TV’s “Cheers” in their 

own local bar. The John Sparr Tavern in 

Glendale comes close. 

“We are a comfortable place that doesn’t 

offer theatrical drinks, just old school 

cocktails,” says co-owner David Fink. The 

traditional approach to cocktails mirrors 

the ambience — small, intimate, quiet, 

confident. Green marble lines the walls, 

mahogany tables and chairs occupy the 

interior, along with a few booths, with more 

seating in an outdoor patio. It’s pretty much 

what you’d expect from a throwback tavern. 

Even the live music they offer is merely acoustic guitar, meant as background 

to your conversations over cocktails — this is a place to talk. 

This cocktail reflects their orthodox approach — the smoothness 


THE SPARR COCKTAIL 

of the rye and bourbon is touched by the slight sweetness of the cherry, 

while the scent from the lemon peel’s oil fills your nose, adding a zesty 

citrus element. Neither too heavy nor too sweet, it balances multiple 

ingredients with aplomb. Pair this with their crab cakes with garlic aioli 

appetizer or their prime rib of pork with Cognac sauce. 

INGREDIENTS 

¾ ounce Old Grand-Dad Bonded 

Bourbon 

¾ ounce Old Overholt Straight 

Rye Whiskey 

¼ ounce Heering Cherry Liqueur 

¼ ounce Benedictine D.O.M. 

Two dashes Angostura Bitters 

Lemon peel 

Black maraschino cherry 

METHOD 

Pour liquor and bitters into ice-filled shaker. Stir, strain into tumbler. Rim and 

garnish with freshly cut lemon peel. Top with black maraschino cherry.

ADVERTISEMENT 

DINING & 

ENTERTAINMENT 

DIRECTORY 

626 NIGHT MARKET 

626nightmarket.com 

Come enjoy the summer and bring your friends to 626 Night Market for the 

biggest party of the summer with food, games, art, shopping, and performances 

at Santa Anita Park! Bring out the squad to our SEVENTH SEASON 

to take pics of food for Instagram, find the perfect gift from merchandise and 

crafts vendors or commission a special piece by a local artist at our Art Walk. 

There’s plenty of things to see and do for all ages. Admission is $5. Free for 

kids ages 3 and under. Parking is free. 

ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE 

111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 

(626) 486-1111 

alexanderssteakhouse.com 

Alexander’s Steakhouse welcomes you to experience American steakhouse 

cuisine with an innovative and elegant global inspiration. Our menu features 

Certified Angus Beef from the Mid-West, corn-fed and dry-aged for 28 days 

for unparalleled flavor. We take pride in serving the finest and most luxurious 

ingredients available including authentic Japanese wagyu beef. The expansive 

wine selection at Alexander’s Steakhouse is designed to perfectly compliment 

this modern twist on an American classic. 

ALL INDIA CAFÉ 

39 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena 

(626) 440-0309 

316 N. Brand, Glendale 

(818) 937-9966 

allindia.cafe 

An unassuming Indian restaurant that fans call the best in Pasadena, All 

India Café specializes in a fascinating and extensive menu of authentic Indian 

home-style cooking. We use only natural spices and ingredients. We do not 

add artificial colorings or preservatives. We offer many sumptuous dishes 

that are lean, healthful and low in fat. Many vegan and vegetarian dishes are 

also available. We offer daily specials, which include a chicken curry of the 

day, a vegetable special, a lentil and rice of the day. 

BAY POKÉ FISH HOUSE 

2345 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 

(626) 219-6380 

What is a poké bowl? It’s like sushi in a bowl, but with more flavors and 

toppings. Bay Poké boasts the non-compromising premium quality fresh 

ingredients to make its delicious poké bowls. The choices of proteins include 

ahi tuna, salmon, shrimp, octopus, scallop, tofu, and more. They can also be 

fully cooked with the oven-baking option. The bowls are fully customizeable 

with different sauces and toppings, as you’d like. Eat well and stay healthy. 

BONNIE B’S SMOKIN 

1280 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena 

(626) 794-0132 

bonniebssmokin.com 

From Tulsa Oklahoma to Southern California with a touch of New Orleans soul 

comes Bonnie B’s Bar B Que Heaven. Our 45-year-old traditional recipes are 

made with love. Try our new Sweet Pea’s double-fried burger made with our 

own sauces, soul bowl and homemade peach cobbler. Voted best BBQ & Soul 

Food in Pasadena for our ribs, collard greens and Slim”s Mac & Cheese. We 

are thankful and appreciate Pasadena. 

BURRITO EXPRESS 

1597 E Washington Blvd.Pasadena 

(626) 798-0844 

burritoexpresspasadena.com 

If you are looking for a quick meal that is made fresh and tastes delicious, 

stop on by. We’ve been serving up delicious food since 1978. We still use 

the same tried and true recipes since the beginning. We have been fortunate 

to win Pasadena Weekly’s Best Of in the Burrito category many times. In the 

summertime we sell Shave Ice after 5:00 to keep you cool during those hot 

summer evenings. 

CABRERA’S MEXICAN CUISINE 

655 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena 

(626) 795-0230 

cabreras.com 

Cabrera’s Family Restaurant first opened their doors in 1985 in Arcadia. 

Today, Cabrera’s Mexican Cuisine operates and owns 3 localities with a 

professional enterprise that specializes in Mexican-American food and other 

dishes that are served with a very Mexican style. Our Focus provides delicious 

and fresh food resulting in a significant publicity by word of mouth and of 

recurrence and in such a manner are able to say proudly that our experience 

makes the difference. Gift cards available for the holiday! 

CAFÉ LUMAR 

136 E. Colorado Blvd., Monrovia 

(626) 357-2184 

cafelumar.com 

Cafe LuMar invites you to come and experience the true flavors of Croatia. 

The owner took her love for cooking and entertaining to create this unique 

little family restaurant. We strive to serve the best possible European foods 

using only the freshest ingredients, all made from scratch. Come and try 

something different, we serve: Goulash, Beef Stroganoff, Breaded Pork 

Loin, Stuffed Cabbage Rolls, Lamb Shank (Dinner). Ours are the best crepes 

around, savory and sweet. 



ADVERTISEMENT 

~ DINING & ENTERTAINMENT DIRECTORY ~ 


CAL PHIL 

Calphil.com 

Don’t miss the remaining concerts of the California Philharmonic Orchestra’s 

spectacular summer season at the Walt Disney Concert Hall! On July 

29th “Symphonic Dances” features legendary saxophonist Harvey Pittel and 

ground-breaking hip hop choreography to the “Rite of Spring” by Alyson 

Stoner. 

August 12th brings acclaimed opera stars, full choir and orchestra in the 

monumental “Beethoven Celebrates Bernstein’s 100th Birthday”! To close the 

season, on August 19th, music of John Williams and Cal Phil’s soloists! 

PLEASE NOTE: WE ARE CLOSED ON MONDAYS DURING OUR SUMMER 

CONCERT SERIES. 

CHAMO VENEZUELAN CUISINE 


(626) 639-3339 I Chamovenezuelancuisine.com 

Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine is a casual, family-operated, restaurant that offers 

the most representative staple food from Venezuela: The World Famous 

arepas. We bring flavors to life in that very spirit of warmth, family, and informality 

that characterizes the Venezulan treatment. 

We offer arepas, empanadas and platanos con queso and more! 

EL PORTAL 

625 E. Green St., Pasadena 

(626)795-8553 I Elportalrestaurant.com 

Pasadena Weekly readers have been rewarding El Portal with the title of Best 

Mexican Food in the city for years. This charming little hacienda with brick 

walls, festive colors, fine art and a California elegant courtyard brings the 

authentic cuisine of Mexico and the Yucatan region to your table. 

FAUBOURG 

74 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre 

(626) 836-5700 I dinefaubourg.com 

FAUBOURG, a new restaurant by third-generation French chef Anthony Bar, 

features modern French cuisine. Chef Bar moved to the US four years ago and 

incorporates ingredients from both countries. Everything is made in-house, 

from the ketchup to the lobster ravioli. The new fare can be paired with a wide 

selection of wines and beers. In addition to dinner, FAUBOURG also offers 

brunch (Sat-Mon, 9-4:30 p.m.) and Happy Hour is every day from 4-6 p.m. 

FOX’S 

2352 Lake Avenue 

Altadena, CA 91001 

(626) 797-9430 

foxsaltadena.com 

Paul and Monique currently own Cindy’s in Eagle Rock, and now Fox’s in 

Altadena, maintaining it’s 62 year legacy. It is another historical restaurant, 

opened in 1955 whose roots they wanted to preserve, while introducing their 

own particular culinary flair. Open for breakfast and lunch Tuesday – Friday 

and brunch Saturday & Sunday. 

ICE HOUSE 

24 N. Mentor Ave in Pasadena. 

Icehousecomedy.com for tickets and show times. 

The Ice House….legendary! If there’s a business that is entitled to use that 

word, it is the Ice House. Over 50+ years, over 4 million people have shared 

thousands of hours of laughter and song at the Ice House. It’s diffi cult to 

name a major comedian that hasn’t performed at the Ice House! Robin Williams, 

George Carlin, Lily Tomlin, Steve Martin, Bob Newhart, Billy Crystal, 

Jay Leno, Jerry Seinfeld, David Letterman, George Lopez, Ellen DeGeneres, 

Tim Allen, Bill Maher and others too numerous to mention have all wowed audiences 

in the intimate 200 seat showroom. Every month, over 7,000 people 

share good times and laughter. So, get in your car and make the drive to the 

legendary Ice House and become a part of legendary history! 

KABUKI JAPANESE RESTAURANT 

88 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 

(626) 568-9310 

3539 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena 

(626) 351-8963 

kabukirestaurants.com 

Kabuki is a full-service, casual Japanese restaurant chain with 18 locations in 

Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas. The restaurants showcase traditional 

and innovative Japanese cuisine, creative cocktails and contemporary interior 

designs. The menu is led by R&D Director and Executive Corporate Chef Masa 

Kurihara and offers dishes for the adventurous sushi-lover to the vegetarian 

diner. The beverage program features classic cocktails, wine and beer, as well 

as inventive sake libations. The perfect spot for Happy Hour, date night and 

your next family meal. Look for the Red Mask. 

KITCHEN UNITED 

55 S. Madison Ave, Pasadena 

kitchenunited.com/eat. 

Pasadena locals can now enjoy delicious bites to go from Mama Musubi, 

Canter’s Deli, The Pizza Plant, The Lost Cuban, Barney’s Gourmet Hamburgers 

and Famous Dave’s Barbecue. Kitchen United is an exciting new concept in 

restaurant convenience with to go, delivery and catering menus available from 

all of its restaurants. Pick-up or order from Commissary (55 S Madison Ave) 

or have food delivered through your favorite app. 

LUCKY BALDWINS PUB 

Old Pasadena 17 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 

(626) 795-0652 

Pasadena 1770 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 

(626) 844-0447 

Sierra Madre 21 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre 

(626) 355-1140 

Luckybaldwins.com. 

Lucky Baldwins is known for the best fish & chips in town and our wide 

selection of beers on tap and bottles. We offer traditional English fare for 

lunch and dinner daily and weekend breakfast and brunch with three locations 

to serve you! Dog-friendly patio dining is available at all three locations. Our 

pubs specialize in over 65 Belgian, English & American Craft beers. We are 

widely known for our Belgian Beer Festival, Sweet and Sour Festival and our 

IPA Festival. We are also THE place to watch English Premiere League Soccer. 

Family friendly, free wifi . 

MARGARITA’S 

155 S. Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena 

(626) 449-4224 

margaritaspasadena.com 

The name may say Margaritas, but this is a full-service Mexican restaurant. 

Tortillas are made by hand daily, and the weekday Buffet Brunch allows you to 

quickly and inexpensively eat to your heart’s content. Yes, the margaritas are 

to die for. Also open for Sunday brunch. 

MUSE/IQUE 

muse-ique.com 

Celebrate the summer in a three-part festival titled MUSE/IQUE’s Inaugural 

Summer at The Huntington. MUSE/IQUE’s Summer continues Saturdays, July 

28 with MOVEMENT/ALOUD! and Aug. 25 with U.S./ROUTES. Each event 

will showcase a different facet of our country’s rich cultural heritage – from 

a veritable block party of composers celebrating freedom and individuality 

to a musical road trip ignited by the regional sounds that come together to 

make our sonic landscape. Programs feature internationally acclaimed artists 

Catalina Cuervo, Lara Downes, American Ballet Theatre, and many more. 

Join Rachael Worby and the orchestra for unforgettable performances and 

breathtaking surprises live at The Huntington. 


20 



ADVERTISEMENT 



PASADENA CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET 

(626) 449-0179 

pasadenafarmersmarket.org. 

Tuesdays-Villa Parke Community Center 

Saturdays -Victory Park 

Enjoy fresh local fruits, vegetables and farm products! If you have never 

been to a farmers’ market, you are in for a real treat. You’ll love the experience 

of buying directly from the farmer that grows the food. What you’ll love 

even more is the fresh, delicious taste of locally grown, nutritious fruits, 

vegetables and farm products. Our certified vendors only sell what they 

grow. Or, to put it another way, they won’t sell you anything that they did not 

grow. You know where your food came from and who grew it for you! ATM 

for market’s tokens on site and EBT accepted. Open rain or shine. 

THE PIZZA PRESS 


(626) 818-7335 

Thepizzapress.com 

The Pizza Press is a unique concept dedicated to elevating the build-yourown 

pizza and salad model to an experiential level, by creating an immersive 

1920s Americana newspaper theme in which great food, craft beer, ambiance, 

and service are combined. Publish you newsworthy pizza and drink 

craft beer. Open daily 11:00am to 11:00pm and to midnight on Friday and 

Saturday! 

RUTH’S CHRIS 


(626) 583-8122 

RuthsChris.com 

Ruth had a certain way of doing things. How to run a restaurant. How to 

treat people. How to prepare the best steak of your life. When people would 

ask Ruth why her food was so good and she’d simply say, “Just follow the 

recipe.” Come in tonight and experience how Ruth’s timeless recipe is alive 

and well to this day. 

SCHREINER’S SAUSAGES 

3417 Ocean View Blvd., Glendale 

(818) 244-4735 

schreinersfinesausages.com 

Family owned for 3 generations, Schreiner’s Fine Sausages has been located 

in Glendale since 1952. All meats are handmade & smoked on the premises 

daily. Though known for our Black Forest ham, we also offer many varieties 

of sausages, fresh cut meats, dried beefs, meat loafs, deli meats and Imported 

German specialties & Goods. Stop in for lunch, enjoy our old world 

charm & let Schreiner’s cater your next event. 

SOH GRILL HOUSE 

27 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 

(626) 714-7760 

sohgrillhouse.com 

Soh Grill House has joined the ever growing dining experiences at Pasadena 

Old Town. Designed by renowned architect Anthony Poon and equipped with 

state of the art smoke-free grill technology. SOH is a new modern take on 

Korean BBQ and the first of its kind in the area. Proudly serving USDA prime 

beef. 

STONEY POINT 

1460 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 

(626) 449-9715 

stoneypointrestaurant.com 

Take a drive west across the Colorado Street Bridge and nestled in the San 

Rafael neighborhood you’ll find a hidden treasure. Stoney Point Restaurant 

specializes in continental cuisine and is a marvelous place to come and enjoy 


22 



24 


ADVERTISEMENT 



amazing food, outstanding service and live piano entertainment. 

LUNCH is served Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 

DINNER is served Tuesday-Sunday beginning at 5 p.m 

THE COUNTER BURGER 

140 Shoppers Lane, Pasadena 

(626) 440-1008 

thecounterburger.com 

We want to challenge the way people think about burgers. We’re about 

creative construction. We think life is about experiences. Trying stuff. Learning. 

Stretching. Being inventive. So we’ve searched for ingredients, chosen 

meats, created sauces, baked buns, melted cheeses and crafted shakes that 

shout flavor. Take them and create something special. 

TOM’S FAMOUS FAMILY RESTAURANT 

1130 E. Walnut St., Pasadena 

(626) 577-7717 

tomsfamous.com 

Please come and enjoy homemade breakfast lunch and dinner all made from 

scratch and FRESH. Nothing is ever served or made from a can. We pride 

ourselves as being the cleanest store with the best quality food and BEST 

service in town. Thank you PASADENA!!!!! 

TOPS WALNUT 

1792 E. Walnut St., Pasadena 

(626) 584-0244 I topsburger.com 

You can’t leave here hungry. Not with 14 burgers, 13 Mexican dishes, 17 

sandwiches, three types of hot dogs, seven salads and 12 types of breakfasts 

on the menu — all at great value prices. Charbroiled chicken plates, 

rib-eye steak plates, fish and chips and chicken strips add hearty heft at 

dinner for those hungry for just a little bit more. Nothing is pre-cooked. The 

portions of fresh onion rings and fries, sweet potato fries and zucchini are 

legendary, as are the best pastrami sandwiches in town. Try our new menu 

item California 3 Way: Spaghetti, Tops Secret Chili and Cheese. 

VANILLA BAKERY 

88 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (Old Town) 

www.VanillaBakeShop.com 

Visit the bakery that Martha Stewart Magazine calls a “Top Pastry Pro and 

Cake Maker in the Country”. Vanilla Bake Shop is located in Old Town Pasadena 

on Colorado Blvd. and Raymond. The charming neighborhood bakery 

specializes in cakes, cupcakes, freshly baked cookies and Stumptown coffee. 

Family run, Vanilla has been in business for 11 years with Pasadena as the 

newest addition. Customer favorites include the Fleur de Sel cake, Everything 

Cookie, delicate French Macarons and Meyer Lemon Raspberry 

Cupcakes. Online Ordering, Catering & Delivery Available 

ZELO PIZZERIA 

328 E. Foothill Blvd., Arcadia 

(626) 358-8298 

myzelopizza.info 

It’s the cornmeal crust that makes this pizzeria stand out from the rest. 

Zelo Pizzeria in Arcadia is a truly unique place to fill your pizza craving. This 

locally owned establishment’s signature dish is the fresh, corn, balsamicmarinated, 

oven-roasted red onion pie. Don’t be intimidated and don’t make 

substitutions! The dish is truly unique and a worthy competitor for the area’s 

best pizza. Zelo Pizzeria has expanded the dining room to better serve you, 

so come in and give Zelo Pizzeria a try. ■ 


26 


EAT • DRINK • PLAY 

— IDEA GUIDE — 

The following list (including select “Best of Pasadena” awardees) should be helpful 

in generating ideas of where best to Eat, Drink and Play in the Pasadena area! 

BEST RESTAURANT 

2017 WINNER 

DOG HAUS 

105 N. HILL AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 577-4287 DOGHAUS.COM 

93 E. GREEN ST., PASADENA I (626) 683-0808 

410 E. MAIN ST., ALHAMBRA I(626) 282-4287 

2017 READER RECOMMENDED 

HOUSTON’S 

320 S. ARROYO PARKWAY, PASADENA 

(626) 577-6001 I HILLSTONE.COM/HOUSTONS 

UNION 

37 E. UNION ST., PASADENA 

(626) 795-5841 | UNIONPASADENA.COM 

BEST NEW RESTAURANT 

2017 WINNER 

FAUBOURG 

74 W. SIERRA MADRE BLVD., SIERRA MADRE 

(626) 836-5700 | DINEFAUBOURG.COM 


MAESTRO RESTAURANT 


(626) 787-1512 I MAESTROPASADENA.COM 

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN 

168 W. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA 

(626) 639-6818 | TRUEFOODKITCHEN.COM 

BEST CHEF 

2017 WINNER 

CLAUD BELTRAN 

PERRY’S BY CLAUD BELTRAN 

928 E. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA I (626) 

898-7900 

DUSIT.COM/DUSITD2/PASADENA/DINING 

BACCHUS’ KITCHEN 

1384 E. WASHINGTON BLVD., PASADENA 

(626) 594-6377 | BACCHUSKITCHEN.COM 

THE EATERY ON ALLEN 

488 N. ALLEN AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 688-7256 | EATERYONALLEN.COM 


BRUCE KALMAN 

UNION 


(626) 795-5841 | UNIONPASADENA.COM 

ANTHONY BAR 

FAUBOURG 



BEST RESTAURANT STAFF 

2017 WINNER 

GALE’S 

452 S. FAIR OAKS AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 432-6705 | GALESRESTAURANT.COM 

GREEN STREET RESTAURANT 

146 SHOPPERS LANE, PASADENA I (626) 577-7170 

GREENSTREETRESTAURANT.COM 

MIJARES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 

145 PALMETTO DR., PASADENA 

(626) 792-2763 I MIJARESRESTAURANT.COM 


(626) 794-6674 

SMITTY’S GRILL 

110 S. LAKE AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 792-9999 | SMITTYSGRILL.COM 

BEST BUSINESS LUNCH 

2017 WINNER 



(626) 440-0309 | ALLINDIACAFE.CA.COM 


HOUSTON’S 


(626) 577-6001 I HILLSTONE.COM/HOUSTONS 

SMITTY’S GRILL 


(626) 792-9999 | SMITTYSGRILL.COM 

BEST CHEAP EATS 

2017 WINNER 

TOPS ON WALNUT 

1792 E. WALNUT ST., PASADENA 

(626) 584-0244 | TOPSBURGER.COM 


BLAZE PIZZA 

667 E. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA 

(626) 802-5352 | BLAZEPIZZA.COM 

643 N. FAIR OAKS AVE., PASADENA I (626) 238-6026 

101 W. BROADWAY, GLENDALE I (818) 495-0573 

IN-N-OUT BURGER 

2114 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., PASADENA 

1210 N. ATLANTIC BLVD., ALHAMBRA 

(800) 786-1000 | WWW.IN-N-OUT.COM 

LUCKY BOY 


(626) 793-0120 I LUCKYBOYBURGERS.COM 

531 E. WALNUT ST., PASADENA I (626) 793-7079 

BEST OUTDOOR DINING 

2017 WINNER 

CAFÉ SANTORINI 

64 W UNION ST., PASADENA 

(626) 564-4200 | CAFESANTORINI.COM 


LA GRANDE ORANGE CAFÉ 

260 S. RAYMOND AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 356-4444 | LGOSTATIONCAFE.COM 

THE RAYMOND 1886 


(626) 441-3136 I THERAYMOND.COM 



(626) 639-6818 I TRUEFOODKITCHEN.COM 

BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT 

2017 WINNER 



(626) 441-3136 | THERAYMOND.COM 


CAFE SANTORINI 


(626) 564-4200 | CAFESANTORINI.COM 

PARKWAY GRILL 

510 S ARROYO PARKWAY, PASADENA 

(626) 795-1001 | THEPARKWAYGRILL.COM 

BEST SPECIAL OCCASION DINING 

2017 WINNER 

PARKWAY GRILL 

510 S ARROYO PARKWAY, PASADENA 

(626) 795-1001 | THEPARKWAYGRILL.COM 


ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE 

111 N. LOS ROBLES AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 486-1111 I ALEXANDERSSTEAKHOUSE.COM 




BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT 

2017 WINNER 


88 W. COLORADO BLVD. PASADENA I (626) 

568-9310 

KABUKIRESTAURANTS.COM 

3539 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., PASADENA I (626) 

351-8963 


CONRAD’S RESTAURANT 


820 N. CENTRAL AVE., GLENDALE I (818) 246-6547 




BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK 

2017 WINNER 


1792 WALNUT ST., PASADENA 



CONRAD’S RESTAURANT PASADENA 


KING TACO 

45 N. ARROYO PARKWAY, PASADENA 

(626) 792-0405 | KINGTACO.COM 

117 E. BROADWAY AVE., GLENDALE I (818) 409-0172 

PLATE 38 

2361 E. COLORADO BLVD, PASADENA 

(626) 793-7100 | PLATE38.COM 

BEST SUNDAY BRUNCH 

2017 WINNER 

THE TERRACE RESTAURANT AT THE LANGHAM 

HUNTINGTON 

1401 S. OAK KNOLL AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 568-3900 I LANGHAMHOTELS.COM/PASA- 

DENA 


MARSTON’S RESTAURANT 


(626) 796-2549 I MARSTONRESTAURANT.COM 

BEST ARMENIAN FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

ZANKOU CHICKEN 


(626) 405-1502 | ZANKOUCHICKEN.COM 

1415 E. COLORADO ST., GLENDALE 

(818) 244-2237 


RAFFI’S CATERING AND BANQUET 

3887 E. SIERRA MADRE BLVD., PASADENA 

(626) 351-0900 

SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN 

RESTAURANT 


(626) 795-6900 I SAHARAPASADENA.COM 

BEST ASIAN FUSION 

2017 WINNER 

ABRICOTT 


(626) 796-1613 | ABRICOTT.COM 


DAISY MINT 


(626) 792-2999 | DAISYMINT.COM 

SIERRA FUSION 


(626) 355-3030 

SIERRAFUSION.COM 

BEST BAKERY 

2017 WINNER 

EURO PANE BAKERY 

345 E. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (WEST) 

(626) 844-8804 

950 E. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (EAST) 

(626) 577-1828 



• IDEA GUIDE • continued from page 27 

28 


85°C BAKERY CAFE 

61 S. FAIR OAKS AVE. NO. 120, PASADENA 

(626) 792-8585 | 85CBAKERYCAFE.COM 

201 N. BRAND BLVD. NO. 100, GLENDALE 

(818) 550-0885 

SEED BAKERY 


(626) 486-2115 I SEEDBAKERYPASADENA.COM 

BEST BBQ 

2017 WINNER 

BONNIE B’S SMOKIN’ BBQ HEAVEN 

1280 N. LAKE AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 794-0132 | BONNIEBSSMOKIN.COM 


GUS’S BBQ 

808 FAIR OAKS AVE., SOUTH PASADENA 

(626) 799-3251 | GUSSBBQ.COM 

ROBIN’S WOODFIRE BBQ 

395 N. ROSEMEAD AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 351-8885 | ROBINSBBQ.COM 

BEST BREAKFAST 

2017 WINNER 

MARSTON’S RESTAURANT 


(626) 796-2549 I MARSTONRESTAURANT.COM 


LINCOLN CAFÉ & STORE 

1992 LINCOLN AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 765-6746 I LINCOLNPASADENA.COM 

RUSSELL’S 


ALSO RECOMMENDED 

TOM’S 

1130 E. WALNUT ST. PASADENA 

626-577-7717 I TOMSFAMOUS.COM1 

BEST BURGER 

2017 WINNER 

DOG HAUS 


(626) 577-4287 | DOGHAUS.COM 


410 E. MAIN ST., ALHAMBRA I (626) 282-4287 


IN-N-OUT BURGER 



(800) 786-1000 I IN-N-OUT.COM 

PIE ‘N BURGER 

913 E. CALIFORNIA BLVD., PASADENA 

(626) 795-1123 | PIENBURGER.COM 

BEST BURRITO 

2017 WINNER 

BURRITO EXPRESS 


(626) 798-0844 I BURRITOEXPRESSPASADENA. 

COM 


KING TACO 


(626) 792-0405 | KINGTACO.COM 

115-117 E. BROADWAY AVE., GLENDALE 

(818) 409-0172 

LUCKY BOY 


(626) 793-0120 | LUCKYBOYBURGERS.COM 


BEST CALIFORNIA CUISINE 

2017 WINNER 


146 SHOPPERS LANE, PASADENA 

(626) 577-7170 I GREENSTREETRESTAURANT.COM 


BISTRO 45 

45 S. MENTOR AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 795-2478 | BISTRO45.COM 

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN 



(626) 585-9020 | CPK.COM 

101 N. BRAND BLVD., GLENDALE I (818) 507-1588 

LA GRANDE ORANGE CAFÉ 


(626) 356-4444 | LGOSTATIONCAFE.COM 

BEST CENTRAL AMERICAN FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

LA CARAVANA RESTAURANT 

1306 N. LAKE AVE., PASADENA I (626) 791-7378 

BEST CHINESE FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

PANDA INN 


(626) 793-7300 | PANDAINN.COM 


GRANDVIEW PALACE 

60 N. RAYMOND AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 577-2888 I GRANDVIEW-PALACE.COM 

YANG CHOW 


(626) 432-6868 | YANGCHOW.COM 

BEST CUPCAKES 

2017 WINNER 

DOTS CUPCAKES 


(626) 568-36787 | DOTSCUPCAKES.COM 

ONE COLORADO, 21 N. FAIR OAKS AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 744-7719 


POLKATOTS CUPCAKES 

720 N. LAKE AVE., NO. 3, PASADENA 

(626) 798-3932 I POLKATOTSCUPCAKES.COM 

VANILLA BAKE SHOP 


(323) 204-4075 | VANILLABAKESHOP.COM 

BEST DELI/SANDWICHES 

2017 WINNER 

UNION STREET SANDWICH CO. 


(626) 639-3575 | UNIONSANDWICH.COM 


PASADENA SANDWICH COMPANY 

259 SIERRA MADRE VILLA AVE. NO. 102, 

PASADENA I (626) 578-1616 

PASADENASANDWICHCOMPANY.COM 

ROMA MARKET 


(626) 797-7748 | ROMAMARKETS.COM 

BEST DESSERT 

2017 WINNER 

AMARA CHOCOLATE & COFFEE 


(626) 744-1765 | AMARACHOCOLATE.COM 


CHEESECAKE FACTORY 


(626) 584-0600 I CHEESECAKEFACTORY.COM 

400 S. BALDWIN AVE. NO. 903-L, ARCADIA 

(626) 447-2800 

511 AMERICANA WAY, GLENDALE I (818) 550-7505 

DOTS CUPCAKES 


(626) 568-36787 | DOTSCUPCAKES.COM 

ONE COLORADO, 21 N. FAIR OAKS AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 744-7719 

EUROPANE 

345 E. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (WEST) 

(626) 844-8804 

950 E. COLORADO BLVD., PASADENA (EAST) 

(626) 577-1828 

JULIENNE FINE FOODS 

& CELEBRATIONS 

2651 MISSION ST., SAN MARINO 

(626) 441-2290 | JULIENNETOGO.COM 

BEST DIM SUM 

2017 WINNER 

LUNASIA DIM SUM HOUSE 


(626) 793-8822 I |UNASIADIMSUMHOUSE.COM 


DIN TAI FUNG 

THE AMERICANA AT BRAND 

177 CARUSO AVE., GLENDALE 

(818) 551-5561 | DINTAIFUNGUSA.COM 

1108 S. BALDWIN AVE., ARCADIA I (626) 446-8555 


BEST DUMPLINGS 

2017 WINNER 

DIN TAI FUNG 


177 CARUSO AVE., GLENDALE 

(818) 551-5561 | DINTAIFUNGUSA.COM 




LUNASIA DIM SUM HOUSE 


(626) 793-8822 I LUNASIADIMSUMHOUSE.COM 

SHADONG DUMPLINGS 


BEST FRENCH FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

FAUBOURG 




BISTRO 45 

45 S. MENTOR AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 795-2478 | BISTRO45.COM 

CAFÉ BIZOU 


(626) 792-9923 | CAFEBIZOU.COM 

MAISON AKIRA 

713 E. GREEN ST., PASADENA 

(626) 796-9501 I MAISONAKIRA.NET 

BEST FRIED CHICKEN 

2017 WINNER 

ROSCOE’S HOUSE OF 

CHICKEN AND WAFFLES 

830 N. LAKE AVE., PASADENA I (626) 791-4890 

ROSCOESCHICKENANDWAFFLES.COM 


BRAISE & CRUMBLE 

40 N. MENTOR AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 460-8600 I BRAISEANDCRUMBLE.COM 

CHURCH’S CHICKEN 

710 N. FAIR OAKS AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 793-7845 I CHURCHS.COM 

KFC 


(626) 794-1159 | KFC.COM 

2050 N. FAIR OAKS AVE., PASADENA I 

(626) 797-1127 


(626) 795-7739 

1318 HUNTINGTON DRIVE, SOUTH PASADENA 

(323) 255-1800 


1425 NEW AVE., ALHAMBRA I (626) 282-3177 

200 N. VERDUGO ROAD, GLENDALE (818) 243-3171 

BEST FROZEN YOGURT 

2017 WINNER 

21 CHOICES 


(626) 304-9521 | 21CHOICES.COM 


CHERRY ON TOP 


(626) 440-1299 | CHERRYONTOP.NET 

YOGURTLAND 


(626) 304-0808 | YOGURT-LAND.COM 

415 S. LAKE AVE., PASADENA I (626) 356-4868 

5045 EAGLE ROCK BLVD., EAGLE ROCK 

(323) 550-1490 

1 E. VALLEY BLVD., ALHAMBRA I (626) 289-3420 

633 W. DUARTE ROAD, ARCADIA I (626) 821-8723 

BEST GELATO 

2017 WINNER 

BULGARINI GELATO 

749 E. ALTADENA DRIVE, ALTADENA 

(626) 791-6174 | BULGARINIGELATO.COM 


HELLO GELATO 

20 E. COLORADO BLVD., SUITE 101, 

PASADENA I (626) 744-1788 


SWEDISH SCOOPS 

26 N. RAYMOND AVE. 

PASADENA I 626-365-1565 

BEST GRILLED CHEESE 

2017 WINNER 

MELT IT! 


(626) 793-7002 | AGRILLEDCHEESECO.COM 


THE BEA’S KNEES 


(626) 795-9308 

THEBEASKNEESPASADENA.COM 

TWOHEY’S RESTAURANT 


(626) 284-7387 | TOWHEYS.COM 

BEST HEALTH/ORGANIC FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

THE JUICE LAB 360 

277 W. GREEN ST., PASADENA 

(626) 755-5054 I THEJUICELAB360.COM 




(626) 639-6818 

TRUEFOODKITCHEN.COM/PASADENA 

WHOLE FOODS MARKET 


(626) 204-2266 I WHOLEFOODSMARKET.COM 

3751 E. FOOTHILL BLVD., PASADENA (626) 351-599 

331 N. GLENDALE AVE., GLENDALE I (818) 548-3695 

BEST HOT DOG 

2017 WINNER 

DOG HAUS 


(626) 577-4287 | DOGHAUS.COM 


410 E. MAIN ST., ALHAMBRA I (626) 282-4287 


PERRY’S JOINT 


(626) 798-4700 I PERRYSJOINT.COM 

SLAW DOGS 


(626) 808-9777 I SLAWDOGSPASADENA.COM 

BEST ICE CREAM 

2017 WINNER 

CARMELA ICE CREAM 


(626) 797-1405 | CARMELAICECREAM.COM 


AFTER’S ICE CREAM 


AFTERSICECREAM.COM 

36 W. MAIN ST., ALHAMBRA 

FOSSELMAN’S ICE CREAM CO. 

1824 W. MAIN ST., ALHAMBRA 

(626) 282-6533 | FOSSELMANS.COM 

BEST INDEPENDENT COFFEE HOUSE 

2017 WINNER 



(626) 744-1765 I AMARACHOCOLATE.COM 

continued on page 30



30 


JONES COFFEE ROASTERS 


(626) 564-9291 I THEBESTCOFFEE.COM 

LAVENDER & HONEY ESPRESSO BAR 


(626) 529-5571 

LAVENDERANDHONEYESPRESSO.COM 

BEST INDIAN FOOD 

2017 WINNER (TIE) 





MINT LEAF INDIAN CUISINE 


(626) 460-8776 I MINTLEAFPASADENA.COM 

NEW DELHI PALACE 

950 E. COLORADO BLVD. NO. 250, PASADENA 

(626) 405-0666 

NEWDELHIPALACEPASADENA.COM 

BEST ITALIAN FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

CELESTINO RISTORANTE & BAR 


(626) 795-4006 I CELESTINOPASADENA.COM 


DOMENICO’S 


(626) 797-6459 I ORIGINALDOMENICOS.COM 

GALE’S RESTAURANT 


(626) 432-6705 | GALESRESTAURANT.COM 

BEST JAPANESE FOOD/SUSHI 

2017 WINNER 


88 W. COLORADO BLVD. PASADENA 

(626) 568-9310 I KABUKIRESTAURANTS.COM 


(626) 351-8963 


OBA SUSHI IZAKAYA 

181 E. GLENARM ST., PASADENA 

(626) 799-8543 | OBASUSHI.COM 

SUGARFISH BY SUSHI NOZAWA 

146 S. LAKE AVE., NO. 108, PASADENA 

(626) 298-8386 | SUGARFISHSUSHI.COM 


HIKARI SUSHI 

2064 VERDUGO BLVD 

MONTROSE 

818-957-1800 I HIKARISUSHIGLENDALE.COM 

BEST KOREAN FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

CHRIS’ KOREAN BBQ 


(626) 796-9604KOREANBBQPASADENA.COM 


SEOUL KOREAN BARBECUE 

122 N. SAN FERNANDO BLVD., BURBANK 

(818) 559-5578 | SEOULKOREANBBQ.NET 

SOH GRILL HOUSE 


(626) 714-7760 I SOHGRILLHOUSE.COM 

BEST LOCAL BREWERY 

2017 WINNER 

CRAFTSMAN BREWING CO. 


(626) 296-2537 

CRAFTSMANBREWING.COM 


EAGLE ROCK BREWERY 

3056 ROSWELL ST., LOS ANGELES 

(323) 257-7866 

EAGLEROCKBREWERY.COM 

GOLDEN ROAD BREWING 

5410 W. SAN FERNANDO ROAD, LOS ANGELES 

(213) 373-4677 | GOLDENROAD.LA 


BEST LOCAL JUICE BAR 

2017 WINNER 

JUICE LAB 360 


(626) 755-5054 | THEJUICELAB360.COM 

BEST LOCAL PIZZA 

2017 WINNER 

THE LUGGAGE ROOM PIZZERIA 


(626) 356-4440 | THELUGGAGEROOM.COM 


BLAZE PIZZA 


(626) 440-7358 I BLAZEPIZZA.COM 

990 TOWN CENTER DRIVE, LA CAÑADA 

FLINTRIDGE I (818) 790-8900 

GLENDALE GALLERIA 

100 W. BROADWAY, GLENDALE I (818) 662-8777 

SETTEBELLO PIZZERIA NAPOLETANA 


(626) 765-9550 I SETTEBELLO.NET 

BEST MEDITERRANEAN FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

CAFÉ SANTORINI 


(626) 564-4200 I AFESANTORINI.COM 


MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ 


KOKOSMEDITERRANEANCAFÉ.COM 

SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN 

RESTAURANT 


(626) 795-6900 | SAHARAPASADENA.COM 

BEST MEXICAN FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

MIJARES MEXICAN RESTAURANT 

145 PALMETTO DRIVE, PASADENA 

(626) 792-2763 I MIJARESRESTAURANT.COM 


(626) 794-6674 


EL PATRON 

2555 N. LAKE AVE., ALTADENA 

(626) 296-2818 | ELPATRONONLINE.COM 

EL PORTAL RESTAURANT 

695 E. GREEN ST, PASADENA 

(626) 795-8553 I ELPORTALRESTAURANT.COM 

BEST MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

SAHARA MIDDLE EASTERN RESTAURANT 


(626) 795-6900 | SAHARAPASADENA.COM 


RAFFI’S CATERING AND BANQUET 

3887 E. SIERRA MADRE BLVD., PASADENA 

(626) 351-0900 

WAHIB’S MIDDLE EAST RESTAURANT 

910 E. MAIN ST., ALHAMBRA 

(626) 281-1006 I WAHIBMIDDLEEAST.COM 

BEST RAMEN 

2017 WINNER 

RAMEN TATSUNOYA 


(626) 432-1768 


MODAN ARTISANAL RAMEN 

700 FAIR OAKS AVE., SUITE G, SOUTH PASADENA 

(626) 799-2878 

NOODLE WORLD 


(626) 585-5885 | NOODLEWORLD.COM 

932 HUNTINGTON DRIVE, SAN MARINO 

(626) 300-1010 

700 W. VALLEY BLVD, ALHAMBRA I (626) 293-8800 

BEST SALAD 

2017 WINNER 



GREENSTREETRESTAURANT.COM 


TENDER GREENS 


(626) 405-1511 | TENDERGREENS.COM 

145 N. BRAND BLVD., GLENDALE 

(818) 459-4850 

URBAN PLATES 


(626) 800-4448 I URBANPLATES.COM 

BEST SEAFOOD 

2017 WINNER 

CAMERON’S SEAFOOD 


(626) 793-3474 I CAMERONS4FISH.COM 


LOST AT SEA 

57 E. HOLLY ST., PASADENA 

(626) 385-7644 | LOSTATSEAPAS.COM 

ROY’S RESTAURANT 


(626) 356-4066 | ROYSRESTAURANT.COM 

BEST SOUL FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

BONNIE B’S SMOKIN’ BBQ HEAVEN 


(626) 794-0132 I BONNIEBSSMOKIN.COM 


BIG MAMA’S RIB SHACK 


(626) 797-1792 I BIGMAMASPASADENA.COM 

ROSCOE’S HOUSE OF CHICKEN AND WAFFLES 


(626) 791-4890 

ROSCOESCHICKENANDWAFFLES.COM 

BEST SOUTH AMERICAN FOOD 

2017 WINNER 



(626) 744-1765 I AMARACHOCOLATE.COM 


1810 ARGENTINEAN RESTAURANT 


(626) 795-5658 | 1810RESTAURANT.COM 

MALBEC1001 E. GREEN ST., 

PASADENA 

(626) 683-0550 | MALBECCUISINE.COM 

BEST SPANISH FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

RACION 


(626) 396-3090 | RACIONRESTAURANT.COM 


BAR CELONA 


(626) 405-1000 I BARCELONAPASADENA.COM 

MALBEC1001 E. GREEN ST., 

PASADENA 

(626) 683-0550 | MALBECCUISINE.COM 

BEST STEAKHOUSE 

2017 WINNER 

ARROYO CHOP HOUSE 


(626) 577-7463 I ARROYOCHOPHOUSE.COM 


ALEXANDER’S STEAKHOUSE - 

PASADENA 


(626) 486-1111 I ALEXANDERSSTEAKHOUSE.COM 

RUTH’S CHRIS STEAK HOUSE 


(626) 583-8122 I RUTHSCHRIS.COM 

BEST TACO 

2017 WINNER 

KING TACO 


(626) 792-0405 

KINGTACO.COM 

117 E. BROADWAY, GLENDALE I (818) 409-0172 


LA ESTRELLA 


(626) 792-8559 

330 E. ORANGE GROVE BLVD., PASADENA 

LOS TACOS 

1 W. CALIFORNIA BLVD., SUITE 211, PASADENA 

(626) 795-9291 I LOSTACOSPASADENA.COM 


(626) 293-8995 

BEST TEA ROOM 

2017 WINNER 

CHADO TEA ROOM 


(626) 431-2832 I CHADOTEA.COM 


BIRD PICK TEA & HERB 

10 S. DELACEY AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 773-4372 I BIRDPICK.COM 

THE HUNTINGTON ROSE 

GARDEN TEA ROOM 

1151 OXFORD ROAD, SAN MARINO 

(626) 405-2236 I HUNTINGTON.ORG/DINING 

BEST THAI FOOD 

2017 WINNER 

DAISY MINT 


(626) 792-2999 | DAISYMINT.COM 


NINE & NINE THAI KITCHEN 


(626) 844-1899 

SALADANG 


(626) 793-8123 | SALADANG-THAI.COM 

BEST VEGETARIAN FOOD 

2017 WINNER 





MY VEGAN 

633 S. ARROYO PKWY., PASADENA 

(626) 578-9017 I MYVEGANRESTAURANT.COM 

VEGGIE GRILL 


(626) 535-9561 | VEGGIEGRILL.COM 

BEST VIETNAMESE 

2017 WINNER 

SAIGON NOODLE RESTAURANT 


(626) 796-9378 


PASADENA NOODLE & GRILL 


(626) 792-1893 I PASADENANOODLE.COM 

BEST WINGS 

2017 WINNER 

WINGSTOP 


(626) 798-2800 I WINGSTOP.COM 


(626) 578-9464 


NINE & NINE THAI KITCHEN 

BUFFALO WILD WINGS 


(626) 993-6400 

BUFFALOWILDWINGS.COM 

HOT WINGS CAFÉ 


(626) 449-9055 

HOTWINGSCAFE.NET 

314 N. BRAND BLVD., GLENDALE I (818) 247-4455 

continued on page 33


32 



BEST BAR 

2017 WINNER 

THE BLIND DONKEY 


(626) 792-1833 

THEBLINDDONKEY.COM/PASADENA 


ALTADENA ALE & WINE HOUSE 

2329 FAIR OAKS AVE., ALTADENA 

(626) 794-4577 

ALTADENAALEHOUSE.COM 

KINGS ROW GASTROPUB 


(626) 793-3010 | KINGSROWPUB.COM 

LUCKY BALDWINS 

17 S. RAYMOND AVE. 

(626) 795-0652 | LUCKYBALDWINS.COM 

LUCKY BALDWINS TRAPPISTE 


(626) 844-0447 

LUCKY BALDWINS DELIRIUM CAFÉ 

21 KERSTING COURT, SIERRA MADRE 

(626) 355-1440 

BEST BARTENDER 

2017 WINNER 

STEPHANIE DELGADO, NOOR 

260 E. COLORADO BLVD. A209, PASADENA 

(626) 793-4518 

NOOREVENTS.COM 

BEST BEER SELECTION 

2017 WINNER 






(626) 844-0447 



(626) 355-1440 


CONGREGATION ALE HOUSE 


(626) 403-2337 

CONGREGATIONALEHOUSE.COM 

YARD HOUSE 


(626) 577-9273 

YARDHOUSE.COM/LOCATIONS/CA/PASA- 

DENA/PASADENA-PASEO-COLORADO/8307 

BEST COCKTAILS 

2017 WINNER 

1886 BAR AT THE RAYMOND 




MAGNOLIA HOUSE 


(626) 584-1126 I THEMAGHOUSE.COM 

PARKWAY GRILL 

510 S. ARROYO PKWY., PASADENA 

(626) 795-1001 

THEPARKWAYGRILL.COM 

WHITE HORSE LOUNGE 

41 S. DE LACEY AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 583-9013 

WHITEHORSEPASADENA.COM 

BEST COMEDY CLUB 

2017 WINNER 

ICE HOUSE 


(626) 577-1894 I ICEHOUSECOMEDY.COM 

BEST DIVE BAR 

2017 WINNER 

THE COLORADO BAR 


(626) 449-3485 

FACEBOOK.COM/THECOLORADOBAR 


FREDDIE’S 35ER BAR 


(626) 356-931535 | 35ERBAR.COM 

THE RANCHO BAR 


(626) 798-7634 

RANCHOBARALTADENA.COM 

BEST HAPPY HOUR 

2017 WINNER 

KABUKI JAPANESE 

RESTAURANT 


(626) 568-9310 


(626) 351-8963 

KABUKIRESTAURANT.COM 


PAUL MARTIN’S AMERICAN GRILL 

455 S. LAKE AVE., SUITE 102, 

PASADENA 

(626) 773-7600 

ROY’S RESTAURANT 


(626) 356-4066 

ROYSRESTAURANT.COM/LOCATIONS/CA/ 

PASADENA 

WE OLIVE AND WINE BAR 


(626) 787-1000 I WEOLIVE.COM/PASADENA/ 

YARD HOUSE 


(626) 577-9273 

YARDHOUSE.COM/LOCATIONS/CA/PASA- 

DENA/PASADENA-PASEO-COLORADO/8307 

BEST MARGARITAS 

2017 WINNER 

MIJARES 

145 PALMETTO DRIVE, PASADENA 

(626) 792-2763 

MIJARESRESTAURANT.COM 


EL CHOLO 

PASEO COLORADO, 300 E. COLORADO BLVD., 

PASADENA 

(626) 795-5800 

EL PORTAL 


(626) 795-8553 

ELPORTALRESTAURANT.COM 

BEST PUB GRUB 

2017 WINNER 






(626) 844-0447 



(626) 355-1440 


CONGREGATION ALE HOUSE 


(626) 403-2337 

CONGREGATIONALEHOUSE.COM 




BEST SPORTS BAR 

2017 WINNER 

ROCCO’S TAVERN 


(626) 765-6810 

ROCCOSTAVERN.COM 


BUFFALO WILD WINGS 


(626) 993-6400 

BUFFALOWILDWINGS.COM 

T. BOYLE’S TAVERN 

37 N. CATALINA AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 578-0957 

TBOYLESTAVERN.COM 

BEST WINE SELECTION 

2017 WINNER 

EVERSON ROYCE 


(626) 765-9334 

EVERSONROYCE.COM 


MONOPOLE 

21 S. EL MOLINO AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 577-9463 

MONOPOLEWINE.COM 

VERTICAL WINE BAR 


(626) 795-3999 

VERTICALWINEBISTRO.COM 




BEST ART GALLERY 

2017 WINNER 

HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, 

AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 


(626) 405.2100 

HUNTINGTON.ORG 


FLOWER PEPPER GALLERY 


(626) 795-1895 

FLOWER-PEPPER.COM 

MCGINTY’S GALLERY 

869 E. MARIPOSA ST., ALTADENA 

(626) 794-4477 

BEST CULTURAL FESTIVAL 

ARTNIGHT PASADENA 

ARTNIGHTPASADENA.ORG 


LATINO HERITAGE PARADE 

PASADENALATINOHERITAGEPARADE.ORG 

PASADENA ART WALK 

PLAYHOUSEDISTRICT.ORG/CALENDAR-OF- 

EVENTS/ARTWALK | 

BEST COMEDY CLUB 

2017 WINNER 

ICE HOUSE 


(626) 577-1894 

ICEHOUSECOMEDY.COM 

BEST KIDS/FAMILY FUN SPOT 

2017 WINNER 

KIDSPACE CHILDREN’S MUSEUM 

480 N. ARROYO BLVD., PASADENA 

(626) 449-9144 

KIDSPACEMUSEUM.ORG 


BROOKSIDE PARK 


(626) 744-7311 | CI.PASADENA.CA.US/PUBLIC- 

WORKS/BROOKSIDE_PARK 

HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS, 

AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 


(626) 405.2100 

HUNTINGTON.ORG 

BEST LIVE MUSIC BAR/CLUB 

2017 WINNER 



(626) 793-3010 

KINGSROWPUB.COM 


EDWIN MILLS 

22 MILLS PLACE, PASADENA 

(626) 564-8656 

EDWINMILLS.COM 

OLD TOWNE PUB 


(626) 577-6583 

THEOLDTOWNEPUB.COM 

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE 

2017 WINNER 

THE ROSE AT PASEO 

COLORADO 


(888) 645-5006 


AMBASSADOR AUDITORIUM 

131 S. ST. JOHN AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 794-1199 

THEAMBASSADORAUDITORIUM.ORG 

BOSTON COURT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 


(626) 683-6801 | BOSTONCOURT.COM 

COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE 


(626) 798-6236 

COFFEEGALLERY.COM 

LEVITT PAVILION 


(626) 683-3230 

LEVITTPAVILIONPASADENA.ORG 

BEST MUSEUM 

2017 WINNER 

NORTON SIMON MUSEUM 


(626) 449-6840 

NORTONSIMON.ORG 


PASADENA MUSEUM OF 

CALIFORNIA ART 


(626) 568-3665 

PMCAONLINE.ORG 

PASADENA MUSEUM OF HISTORY 

470 W. WALNUT ST., PASADENA 

(626) 577-1660 

PASADENAHISTORY.ORG 

BEST LIVE THEATER VENUE 

2017 WINNER 

PASADENA PLAYHOUSE 


(626) 356-7529 

PASADENAPLAYHOUSE.ORG 


A NOISE WITHIN 


(626) 356-3100 | ANOISEWITHIN.ORG 



(626) 683-6883 

BOSTONCOURT.COM 

BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN 

EMIKO 

BEST MOVIE THEATER 

2017 WINNER 

LAEMMLE PLAYHOUSE 7 


(626) 844-6500 

LAEMMLE.COM/THEATERS/6 


ARCLIGHT 


(626) 568-9651 | ARCLIGHTCINEMAS.COM 

IPIC 

42 MILLER ALLEY, PASADENA 

(626) 639-2260 | IPICTHEATERS.COM 

BEST PLACE TO DANCE 

2017 WINNER 

IXTAPA 


(626) 304-1000 

CANTINAIXTAPA.COM/THE-LOUNGE.HTM 


LINDY GROOVE AT PASADENA MASONIC HALL 

200 S EUCLID AVE, PASADENA 

DANCE@LINDYGROOVE.COM 

LINDYGROOVE.COM 

CLUB 54 

54 E COLORADO BLVD, PASADENA 

(626) 793-0608 

CLUB54LOUNGE.COM 

BEST PARK OUTDOOR RECREATION SPOT 

2017 WINNER 

BROOKSIDE PARK 


(626) 744-7311 | CI.PASADENA.CA.US 


EATON CANYON 

ECNCA.ORG 

VICTORY PARK 

2575 PALOMA ST., PASADENA 

(626) 744-7500 | CI.PASADENA.CA.US 

BEST LIVE MUSIC BAR/CLUB 

2017 WINNER 





EDWIN MILLS 

22 MILLS PLACE, PASADENA 

(626) 564-8656 | EDWINMILLS.COM 

OLD TOWNE PUB 


(626) 577-6583 

THEOLDTOWNEPUB.COM 

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE 

2017 WINNER 

THE ROSE AT PASEO 

COLORADO 



AMBASSADOR AUDITORIUM 

131 S. ST. JOHN AVE., PASADENA 

(626) 794-1199 

THEAMBASSADORAUDITORIUM.ORG 



(626) 683-6801 I BOSTONCOURT.COM 

COFFEE GALLERY BACKSTAGE 


(626) 798-6236 I COFFEEGALLERY.COM 

LEVITT PAVILION 


(626) 683-3230 

LEVITTPAVILIONPASADENA.ORG 

BEST LIVE THEATER VENUE 

2017 WINNER 

PASADENA PLAYHOUSE 


(626) 356-7529 I PASADENAPLAYHOUSE.ORG 


A NOISE WITHIN 


(626) 356-3100 

ANOISEWITHIN.ORG 



(626) 683-6883 

BOSTONCOURT.COM 

BEST MOVIE THEATER 

2017 WINNER 

ARCLIGHT 


(626) 568-9651 I ARCLIGHTCINEMAS.COM 


IPIC 

42 MILLER ALLEY, PASADENA 

(626) 639-2260 I IPICTHEATERS.COM 

LAEMMLE’S PLAYHOUSE 7 


(310) 478-3836 I LAEMMLE.COM/THEATERS/6 


PACIFIC THEATRES GLENDALE 18 


322 AMERICANA WAY, GLENDALE 

(818) 551-0218 

PACIFICTHEATRES.COM/GLENDALE 

REGENCY ACADEMY CINEMAS 6 


(626) 229-9400 

REGENCYMOVIES.COM 

34

EDP 2018

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