Pasadena Magazine is the bi-monthly magazine of Pasadena and its surrounding areas – the diverse, historically rich and culturally vibrant region that includes Glendale, the Eastside of Los Angeles and the San Gabriel Valley all the way to Claremont.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/880808
FROM A TO Z THE BEST EATERIES IN THE AREA Alhambra ∑ Charlie's Trio Cafe (ITALIAN) This casual mom-and-pop eatery serves up all the traditional Italian favorites. The generous portions sizes and adjacent sports bar make it a great choice for the entire family. √ L-D daily. √ 47 W. Main St., 626.284.4943, charliestriocafe.com. $ Chengdu Taste (CHINESE) San Gabriel Valley foodies in the know rave about this local spot specializing in spicy food from the Szechuan province. Delectable rarities for the brave diner include lion fi sh and pork knuckle. √ L-D daily. √ 828 W. Valley Blvd., 626.588.2284. $$ Diner on Main (AMERICAN) A 1950s style diner with a classic American menu. They've got hand-dipped shakes for the kids and martinis (not shaken) for the grown-ups. √ B-L-D Sun.-Thurs.; B-L Fri.-Sat. √ 201 W. Main St., 626.281.3488, dineronmainrestaurant.net. $$ Alhambra ∑ Fosselman's (ICE CREAM) Quality ingredients and a variety of inventive fl avors have earned this institution a loyal following since it opened in 1919. √ L-D daily. √ 1824 W. Main St., 626.282.6533, fosselmans.com. $ Grill Em' All (AMERICAN) This heavy metal-themed joint used to be one of the busiest food trucks in town. They serve burgers like the "Dee Snider" with peanut butter, strawberry jam, bacon and Sriracha and the "Napalm Death" with pepperjack, pickled jalapeño, cream cheese, jalapeño peppers and habanero aioli. √ L-D daily. √ 19 E. Main St., 626.284.2874, grillemallburgs.com. $$ Twohey's Restaurant (AMERICAN) A San Gabriel institution since 1943. Fresh, quality, comfort food in a family friendly atmosphere. LA's best hot fudge sundae! √ B - L - D daily. √ 1224 N. Atlantic Blvd., 626.284.7387, twoheys.com. $$ Wahib's Middle East Restaurant (LEBANESE) Enjoy the fl avors of the Mediterranean in this traditional Lebanese dining room. You can try a little bit of everything at the lunch or dinner buffet. Complete the experience by lounging on the outdoor patio with a hookah. √ B-L-D daily. √ 910 E. Main St., 626.281.1006, wahibmiddleeast.com. $$ Altadena ∑ AltaEats (GLOBAL) French-trained chef Paul Ragan takes your palate around the world with his small gourmet bites. The innovative presentation is as unexpected as the offbeat pairings of ingredients. √ D Thurs.-Sat. √ 1860 N. Allen Ave., 626.794.1162, altaeats.com. $$ Amy's Patio Cafe (AMERICAN) This community cafe has a generous selection of traditional and tasty brunch fare. The zucchini bread is a favorite. √ B-L-D Thurs.-Sat.; B-L Sun.-Wed. √ 900 E. Altadena Dr., 626.798.4737, amyspatiocafe.com. $ Bulgarini Gelato (ITALIAN) Husband and wife Leo Bulgarini and Elizabeth Foldi serve up delicate scoops of heaven at this award-winning gelateria. √ Dessert daily. √ 749 E. Altadena Dr., 626.627.7640, bulgarinigelato.com. $$ The Coffee Gallery Backstage (CAFÉ) Coffee is just an excuse for good conversation; live music and comedy is at this hub for aspiring creatives. √ Coffee and snacks daily. √ 2029 N. Lake Ave., 626.398.7917, funkylittlecoffeehouse.com. $ El Patron (MEXICAN) Don't be deceived by the worn-down exterior, this hole-in-the wall serves up some mean tacos. Try the tongue if you're feeling adventurous. √ B-L-D daily. √ 2555 Lake Ave., 626.296.2818, elpatrononline.com. $ Fox's (AMERICAN) This neighborhood breakfast and lunch spot feels like home sweet home. Nothing you haven't seen before on the menu--just all the sweet and savory classics that will entice you to take one more bite than you should. √ B-L Tues.-Sun. √ 2352 Lake Ave., 626.797.9430. $ Nancy's Greek Café (GREEK) Authentic homemade Greek food produced only from the freshest meats and vegetables. √ B-L Tues.-Sun.; D Tues.-Sat. √ 763 E. Altadena Dr., 626.794.0050, nancysgreekcafe.com. $ Arcadia ∑ Bean Sprout Cafe (CHINESE) Expect all the Chinese American favorites, but vegetarian. √ B-L-D Wed.-Mon. √ 103 E. Huntington Dr., 626.254.8708, beansproutstogo.com. $ Boiling Point (TAIWANESE) Experience a tour of hot soups with delicious regional flavors. From Japanese miso and spicy Taiwanese broths to Korean kimchi and thai sapor, Boiling Point makes a killer bowl of soup. √ L-D daily. √ 206 1st Ave., 626.461.6688, bpgroupusa.com. $$ The Derby (AMERICAN) One of Southern California's original steakhouses. Enjoy the famous rack of lamb, tender ribeye and full- service bar. √ L-D Mon.-Fri.; D Sat.-Sun. √ 233 E. Huntington Dr., 626.447.2430, thederbyarcadia.com. $$ Din Tai Fung Dumpling House (CHINESE) The master chefs at this dumpling hotspot churn out perfectly round pouches fi lled with your choice of pork and/or crab in a perfectly seasoned broth. Call in the morning to reserve a bowl of their famous small dumpling soup which is only served on weekends and always sells out by noon. √ L-D daily. √ 1108 S. Baldwin Ave., 626.574.7068, dintaifungusa.com. $$ HaiDiLao Hotpot (CHINESE) Indulge intraditional Sichuan- style hot pot with organic veggies and world-class service in a exquisite dining room. The Sichuan crispy fried pork is to die for. √ L-D daily. √ 400 S. Baldwin Ave., 626.445.7232, haidilao.us. $$ Matt Denny's Ale House (AMERICAN) Scruptious pub and comfort foods from around the world. We recommend the sky high pastrami or try da' corned beef! √ L-D daily. √ 145 Huntington Dr., 626.462.0250, mattdennys.com. $$ Sesame Grill (PACIFIC RIM) Gourmet American with a splash of the tropics. The menu has a wide variety of seafood and meat entrees that are easy to digest and beautifully presented. √ L-D daily. √ 208 E. Huntington Dr., 626.821.0880, sesamegrillarcadia.net. $$ Tasty Garden (CHINESE) If you're looking to expand your Chinese food repertoire, this is the place. The extensive menu offers dozens of meat, seafood and vegetable specialties most Americans have never even heard of. √ L-D daily. √ 1212 S. Baldwin Ave., 626.445.9388, tastygardenusa.com. $ Atwater Village ∑ Bon Vivant Market & Cafe (AMERICAN) This cafe, bar and restaurant is the perfect place for people watching in this artistic and vibrant neighborhood. They've got bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for brunch, gourmet sandwiches and salads for a quick bite, fromage and charcuterie, char-grilled oysters by the dozen and substantial entrées if you're looking to sit down for a long meal. √ B-L-D daily. √ 3155 Glendale Blvd., 323.284.8013, bonvivantmarketcafe.com. $$ Proof Bakery (BAKERY) Quality over quantity is the name of the game at this quaint French bakery. They don't have a huge selection of pastries and sandwiches, but everything is seasonal and baked to perfection. √ B-L daily. √ 3156 Glendale Blvd., 323.664.8633, proofbakeryla.com. $$$ Downtown LA ∑ Bäco Mercat (SPANISH) The "bäco," a soft fl atbread rolled around fl avorful mashes of fi sh, meat and vegetables, is Chef Josef Centeno's signature at this inventive, Spanish-inspired spot. We recommend the pork belly or hamachi crudo. √ L-D daily. √ 408 S. Main St., 213.687.8808, bacomercat.com. $$ Badmaash (INDIAN) Mouthwatering traditional favorites and innovative bites with international infl uences. The hearty, spiced lamb burger comes on a brioche bun with an optional side of spiced mango chutney. The chili cheese naan oozing with aged American cheddar tastes something like a fl uffy quesadilla. The plump and tender butter chicken swims in a rich, garlicy masala. √ L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. √ 108 W. 2nd St., 213.221.7466, badmaashla.com. $$ Bestia (ITALIAN) Executive Chef Ori Menashe house-cures more than 60 different meats and sausages, many of which are incorporated into the menu's refi ned pizzas and pastas. √ D nightly. √ 2121 E. 7th Pl., 213.514.5724, bestiala.com. $$$ Bottega Louie (ITALIAN) A popular Downtown choice with good food and great dessert. A family-friendly brunch spot that transforms into a lively late-night dinner hub. If you're looking to prolong a successful date, order some sweets from the scrumptious bakery. √ B-L-D daily. √ 700 S. Grand Ave., 213.802.1470, bottegalouie.com. $$$ The Bread Lounge (BAKERY) To-die-for breads and pastries baked daily. We recommend the simple prosciutto sandwich on an olive ciabatta. You can also pick up a fresh baguette or whole wheat loaf to take home. √ B-L-D daily. √ 700 S. Santa Fe Ave., 213.327.0782, breadlounge.com. $$ Cole's (AMERICAN) This Downtown hub makes a mean French dip with your choice of lamb, pork, pastrami, USDA prime beef or turkey and a cup of Au Jus on the side. There's an unlabeled speakeasy in the back with unreal libations and an obscurity that attracts A-listers. √ L-D daily. √ 118 E. 6th St., 213.622.4090, colesfrenchdip.com. $ Church & State Bistro (FRENCH) A wining and dining hotspot. The classic French fare is made with all natural produce and humanely raised animal products. √ L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. √ 1850 Industrial St., 213.405.1434, churchandstatebistro.com. $$$ Drago Centro (ITALIAN) This airy, light-fi lled restaurant is a safe bet for professionals looking to impress. Expect traditional Italian dishes with just the right amount of innovation, such as basil spaghetti with Sicilian almond-tomato and pesto or house- made pappardelle with roasted pheasant and morel mushrooms. √ L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. √ 525 S. Flower St., 213.228.8998, dragocentro.com. $$$ Kagaya (JAPANESE) This shabu-shabu house imports premium cuts of USDA Prime Rib and tender Wagyu beef from Japan. Reserve a table ahead of time to have this superb cultural and culinary experience. √ D Tues.-Sun. √ 418 E. 2nd St., 213.617.1016. $$$$ Little Bear (BELGIAN) Industrial-chic gastropub with grilled cheese & other bar fare, plus lots of Belgian-style beers. √ L-D daily. √ 1855 Industrial St., 213.622.8100, littlebearla.com. $$ Más Malo (MEXICAN) Silver Lake favorite Malo now has a sister. The Chicano-inspired eatery's set up shop in a historic jewelry store with intricately carved high rise ceilings circa-1923 and a fully stocked kitchen of simple, locally sourced ingredients. √ L-D daily. √ 515 W. 7th St., 213.985.4332, masmalorestaurant.com. $$ Pacifi c Dining Car (AMERICAN) A gourmet steakhouse that was founded in 1921 inside a railway train car. You can wine and dine in this historic restaurant 24 hours a day. √ B-L-D daily. √ 1310 W. 6th St., 213.483.6000, pacifi cdiningcar.com. $$$$ Perch (FRENCH) This prohibition-themed restaurant and lounge is located on the 15th fl oor of a skyscraper. The main draw is the ambience. There's a view of Downtown's twinkling skyline and timeless cocktails. Check their calendar to fi nd out when they're having live Jazz. √ L Sat.-Sun.; D nightly. √ 448 Hill St., 213.802.1770, perchla.com. $$$ Phillipe The Original (DELI) A trip to Downtown LA isn't complete without a stop at this iconic locale. Famous for their French dipped sandwiches, this sandwich shop carries not only a variety of delicious meat options, but also salads and pies. If you're feeling a little spicy, try their homemade hot mustard. But be warned, it is not for the faint of heart! √ B-L-D daily. √ 1001 Alameda St., 213.628.3781, philippes.com. $ SEPTEMBER 2017 159 DIRECTORY the