Looking for a bite? Here's a curated list of some awesome local establishments.
Coffee
Urth Cafe
594 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena (3.9 mi)
*The* hipster coffee snob place.
Unincorporated Coffee Roasters
https://unincorporated.coffee.com
3021 Lincoln Ave, Altadena (0.9 mi)
Right next door and served with a sense of humor.
Café de Leche
2477 N. Lake Ave, Altadena (1.0 mi)
A short walk, & has that Altadena charm. Cute outdoor area to sit.
Pastries & Breakfasts
Fox’s
2352 Lake Ave, Altadena (1.2 mi)
The old diner that only the locals know about. Open Wed-Sun starting at 8 am.
Seed Bakery
https://www.seedbakerypasadena.com
942 East Washington Blvd, Pasadena (2.4 mi)
Artisan bakery that makes breads, breakfast & lunch items. They really care about their bread and it shows. Get there early. They sell out fast.
Gio's
3805 Ocean View Blvd, Montrose (6.3 mi)
Parisian cafe in Montrose. Great pastries. A nostalgic favorite of Justin & Catherine, as they first wandered in on a morning after flying back from Paris.
Marstons
https://marstonsrestaurant.com/marstons-pasadena
151 East Walnut St, Pasadena (3.3 mi)
Traditional American breakfast/brunch, they’re known for their French Toast.
Local Restaurants
Burrito Express
(Mexican)
http://burritoexpresspasadena.com
1597 East Washington Blvd, Pasadena (3.1 mi)
A classic favorite of the Linick boys. Be aware, the Burritos are huge. JVC Beef, spicy.
Pizza of Venice
(Pizza)
2545 Fair Oaks Ave, Altadena (0.5 mi)
Artisan pizza place. Justin likes the California Dreamin’ (it’s got avocado). If you can walk a couple blocks, this is the place for you.
Daisy Mint
(Thai)
1218 East Colorado Blvd, Pasadena (4.3 mi)
An adorable venue, and while it’s Thai, it’s not really spicy.
Mint Leaf
(Indian)
2535 East Washington Blvd, Pasadena (3.9 mi)
We have more than one friend who grew up in India who loves this place. Fantastic.
Malbec
(Argentinean)
1001 East Green St, Pasadena (4.2 mi)
Everything is good here.The Entrana al Chimichurri is a particular favorite.
Urban Plates
(American)
269 South Lake Ave, Pasadena (4.2 mi)
A small chain, like a nicer Tender Greens. American steak/sandwich type fare.
Houston's
(Modern Steakhouse)
https://www.houstons.com/locations/pasadena
320 South Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena (4.0 mi)
An American steakhouse that has possibly the best steaks we’ve ever had. Stupidly expensive, but you can’t go wrong here.
El Patron
(Mexican)
2555 North Lake Ave, Altadena (0.9 mi)
Cute Altadena diner with decent fare. Walkable!
La Cabanita
(Mexican)
https://www.lacabanitarestaurant.com
3445 North Verdugo Rd, Glendale (6.3 mi)
Mexico City style dishes. Big menu & they make their own chips. The Caldo de Pollo is a Sue favorite. Be sure to call in your order.
Taqueria Los Padilla
(Mexican)
(818) 369-7801
3437 Foothill Blvd, La Crescenta (8.3 mi)
A nostalgic favorite of Catherine & Justin when they lived in La Crescenta. Great tacos and burritos.
King Taco
(Mexican)
45 North Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena (3.5 mi)
That’s what you get here. Street tacos. The worst part about this place was the lines. Now it’s no problem! More than five years ago Justin was complimented while waiting for Catherine outside this King Taco, and he’s still riding high from it.
Union
(Italian)
37 East Union St, Pasadena (3.5 mi)
One of the best (fancy) Italian places in town. Family meals are for 4.
Din Tai Fung
(Taiwanese)
https://dintaifungusa.com/us/locations/arcadia.html
400 South Broadway Ave, Arcadia (8.0 mi)
You go here for the dumplings. It takes something like two years of training before they let you make a single dumpling here. Needless to say, they’re delicious.
Mako Bowl
(Asian)
950 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena (4.0 mi)
Super-cheap, quick & reasonably healthy teriyaki bowls. Catherine & Justin used to walk here from Justin’s old apartment. Open till 9 pm.
Zankou
(Armenian)
https://zankouchicken.com/pasadena
1296 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena (4.4 mi)
Zankou is a Southern California institution. The Shawerma & Chicken Tarna are near legendary. The place doesn’t look like much but it's good. Justin essentially lived here when he was in Pasadena.
Desserts
Bulgarini
(Gelato)
749 East Altadena Dr, Altadena (0.9 mi)
Best Gelato outside of Italy. Really. $$
Rite Aid
(Ice Cream)
735 East Altadena Dr, Altadena (0.9 mi)
What is this doing here? It’s ice cream! No need to be fancy! The Mint Chocolate Chip & Chocolate Malted Crunch are childhood favorites that everyone can love. Appropriately right next to Bulgarini.
A few Honorable Mentions
Roscoe’s Chicken & Waffles
(they do go together. really. "put the chicken in the bag")
El Pollo Unico
(best grilled chicken.)
Honeybird
(artisan southern fried chicken)
Roma Market
($5 sandwich)
