Derek's Bistro 181 E. Glenarm, Pasadena 626-799-5252 This is one of Pasadena's
premier dining spots, featuring exceptional California-French cooking at
prices that are not too hard to swallow.
Gordon Biersch Brewing Co. 41 Hugus Alley, Pasadena 626-449-0052 The main attraction here is the
handcrafted beer, produced in huge vats displayed behind glass at the end
of a mile-long bar.
Houston's 320 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena 626-577-6001 This restaurant
accommodates every occasion -- from power lunches to family snacks to hot
dates -- with a variety of appetizers, oversized salads and all-American
beef dishes.
Islands 3533 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena 626-351-6543 When you want to meet
friends for food and drinks in a casual atmosphere, any one in the chain
of Islands restaurants fits the bill.
JJ Steakhouse 88 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 626-844-8889 While this place often
goes unmentioned during debates over the merits of Ruth's Chris' and Arnie
Morton's, JJ is clearly one of the better steakhouses in the L.A. area.
Moose McGillycuddy's 119 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 626-304-9955 One of Pasadena
nightlife's most reliable establishments has a relatively low-key evening
in store--that is, if five big-screen TVs, 27 smaller ones and a
restaurant filled to capacity fit your definition of low-key. No free
drinks or other giveaways here, but with a dance floor, live music and DJs
spinning tunes from the '70s, '80s and '90s, it's still a sizable bargain.
Nonya 61 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 626-583-8398 This restaurant features
Chinese cooking embellished with the spices and flavors of Malaysia.
Ocean Coral 2475 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 626-449-8018 This is a comfortable
neighborhood restaurant, where the walls are decorated with classic
Chinese prints and the tables are illuminated by floral-patterned silk
lanterns.
Spring Garden Restaurant 187 N Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena 626-796-2531
Yamaha Restaurant 325 N Rosemead Blvd, Pasadena 626-351-0560
Yujean Kang's 67 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 626-585-0855 In a cozy, bistro-like
setting, Yujean Kang's menu doesn't read like any other Chinese
restaurant's. As an appetizer, he offers playful miniature dumplings,
about the size of a fava bean, drizzled with a sizzling hot chile oil.
Don't forget a big bowl of Northern-style wonton soup for the table, laden
with pork wontons.
Oaks on the Plaza 191 N. Los Robles, Pasadena 626-792-2727 This hotel dining room
serves good contemporary California food.
Spencers 70 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena 626-583-8275 Opened in 1995 by staffers
of long-gone restaurant the Chronicle, Spencers still relies on many of
the old establishment's devotees but finally seems to be establishing it's
own identity.
Stoney Point Bar & Grill 1460 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 626-449-9715 Stoney Point Bar &
Grill is a neighborhood watering hole, with regulars crowding the
prominent bar.The adjoining green-and-white dining room is cozy and
relaxed.
The Grill 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena 626-585-6240 Whether it's for
romance or business, this place is extremely reliable if your mission is
to impress. Offerings have included crayfish served with fideus (broken
pasta cooked like risotto) and a bouillabaisse sauce, a chilled eggplant
and tomato terrine, and a seared foie gras set off with a vanilla sauce
and Asian pears.
Thirteen Elephants 53 E. Union St., Pasadena 626-844-0268 Among the scores of
restaurants lining the streets of congested Old Pasadena, Thirteen
Elephants is unique, even beyond its distinctive name.
Bice 260 Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 626-793-0468 In opening the Pasadena
Bice, unlike at their Beverly Hills locale, the Bice Group didn't go in
for the grandiose. The menu under chef Julian Baker adds some
California-influenced dishes to the Milan restaurant's classic northern
Italian fare.
Celestino 141 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena 626-795-4006 There's a sense here that the
food is taken more seriously than at some other Pasadena trattorias.
Domenico's Ristorante and Billy's
Dugout 82 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena 626-449-1948 Aside from serving some
of the best Italian dishes in Old Town Pasadena, Domenico's also has an
on-site sports bar...
Gale's 452 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena 626-432-6705 The thin-crusted pizzas
at Gale's, particularly the pizza bianca, are among the best in the Rose
City.
Greco's On Green 1065 E. Green St., Pasadena 626-795-9615 Transplanted from a
less-traveled part of town, this popular trattoria has taken over the digs
previously occupied by Hugo Molina's eponymous restaurant.
Trattoria Tre Venezie 119 W. Green St., Pasadena 626-795-4455 Italian restaurants in Los
Angeles tend to be Tuscan because that's the one region everybody knows.
But in Pasadena, Trattoria Tre Venezie swims against the tide. Unusual
pastas, a veal bollito misto, fish in agrodolce and seductive desserts
that go beyond the usual tiramisu and ricotta cheesecake are among the
creative offerings.
All India Cafe 39 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena 626-440-0309 Enjoy a spirited culinary
journey with dishes from Bombay and beyond.
Cameron's Seafood Market 1978 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 626-793-3474 This sprawling 300-seat
seafood restaurant is a delightful discovery.
Fish Mama 711 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Suite D, Pasadena 626-799-3613 It's South
Pasadena's own hipster-style fast-food grilled fish restaurant.
McCormick & Schmick's 111 N. Los Robles Ave., Pasadena 626-405-0064 If the mere thought of
a tie makes you gag then stay far away from McCormick & Schmick's, the
after-work gathering place for yuppies of all ages.
Scampi Restaurant 40 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena 626-568-4959 Despite its less than ideal
location, the locals have already made Scampi one of their favorites.
El Portal Restaurant 695 E. Green St., Pasadena 626-795-8553 The menu here is diverse,
recognizing Mexico's distinctive regional cuisines, from the mole of
Oaxaca to the seafood of Veracruz.
El Super Burrito 3631 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena 626-792-4482
El Taquito Mexicano 2 467 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena 626-577-3918
El Toreo 21 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena 626-793-2577
Ernie Jr's Taco House 755 Linda Vista Ave, Pasadena 626-792-9957
