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
Glendale Tap (GASTROPUB) Retro decor, pool tables and dozens of craft beers make for a cozy scene at this revamped dive bar. √ L-D Thurs.-Sun.; D nightly. √ 4227 San Fernando Rd., 818.241.4227. $$ Katsuya (JAPANESE) This popular sushi restaurant has mastered the California roll and every other variation. Expect innovation and fancy presentation. √ L-D daily. √ The Americana at Brand, 702 Americana Wy., 818.244.5900, sbe.com/katsuya. $$$ Mi Corazon (MEXICAN) This family-owned Mexican restaurant is the story of an American dream realized. Each menu item is made patiently from scratch daily. √ L-D daily. √ 1402 W. Kenneth Dr., 818.500.8100, mi-corazon.net. $$ Porto's Bakery and Cafe (CUBAN) This Cuban bakery specializes in hot-pressed pork sandwiches and stuffed potato balls. Order one of the festive and ornate cakes for your next party. √ B-L-D daily. √ 315 N. Brand Blvd., 818.956.5996, portosbakery.com. $ Rainbow Sushi and Teriyaki (JAPANESE) Great inexpensive to-go sushi and teriyaki restaurant with friendly service. √ L-D Mon.- Sat. √ 1200 S. Brand Blvd., 818.548.1230. $ Trattoria Amici (ITALIAN) This formal Italian menu starts with the antipasti and insalate, progresses to the primi piatti and fi nishes with the secondi piatti or entree. You don't come here to eat, you come here to dine and there's certainly a large enough wine list to fi nd the perfect pour for each course. √ L-D daily. √ The Americana at Brand, 783 Americana Wy., 818.502.1220, amicila.com. $$$ Highland Park ∑ El Huarache Azteca (MEXICAN) A cheap eat with hard-to-fi nd Mexican favorites including chicharron, mole and, of course, their trademark huarache- a thick masa pancake topped with onions, cilantro, salsa and queso fresco. √ B-L-D daily. √ 5225 York Blvd., 323.478.9572, elhuaracheaztecala.com. $ The Highland Cafe (CAFE) This eclectic hang fi ts perfectly into the diverse and blossoming surrounding area. You can stop in for lunch or spend all day parked on a couch with a cup of artfully brewed coffee. √ B-L daily. √ 5010 York Blvd., 323.259.1000, thehighlandcafela.com. $$ Maximiliano (ITALIAN) This well-curated eatery is the creation of former The Oinkster chef Andre Guerrero. The dishes are fresh and simple with an occasional twist. The wine and beer list features seven exclusive drafts from the Pasadena-based Craftsman Brewing Company. √ B-L Sat.-Sun.; D nightly. √ 5930 York Blvd., 323.739.6125, maximilianohp.com. $$ Sonny's Hideaway (NEW AMERICAN) A gourmet venture for Ryan Ballinger, owner of the Highland Park hub The York, and his partner Derek Lyons. It's New American with a twist of Mediterranean. Try the coffee braised pork cheek with coconut milk, apple relish and honey comb or the manila clams in a smoked grape broth. √ L-D Sun.; D Tues.-Sat. √ 5137 York Blvd., 323.255.2000, sonnyshideaway.com. $$ The York (GASTROPUB) Many give this beloved hipster bar and eatery cred for inspiring the transformation of this up-and- coming neighborhood. The cocktails are well-mixed, the beer list overfl owing and the food mouthwatering. The Sriracha and honey hot wings are killer. √ B-L-D daily. √ 5018 York Blvd., 323.255.9675, theyorkonyork.com. $$ La Cañada ∑ The Proper (AMERICAN) This long overdue, hip restaurant is fi lling a void in La Cañada's culinary scene. Their kitchen cooks up high quality renditions of all-American favorites and their bar boasts over 200 different kinds of gin. √ L-D Mon.-Fri.; B-L-D Sat.- Sun. √ 464 Foothill Blvd., 818.790.4888, theproper.com. $$$ Hill Street Cafe (AMERICAN) Italian, Mexican, Chinese and American. This restaurant has it all. It's perfect for nights everyone in the family wants something different. √ B-L-D daily. √ 1004 Foothill Blvd., 818.952.1019, hillstreetcafelacanada.com. $$ Los Gringos Locos (MEXICAN) A great local joint. Stop in for Margarita Mondays or Taco Tuesdays for cheap drinks and eats. √ L-D Mon.-Fri.; B-L-D Sat.-Sun. √ 631 Foothill Blvd., 818.790.2696, losgringoslocos.com. $ Penelope's Cafe Books & Gallery (CAFÉ) A charming nook to settle into with a book. Have a leisurely breakfast or lunch in the fl owering garden. √ B-L Tues.-Sat. √ 1029 Foothill Blvd., 818.790.4386. $ Oinkster (AMERICAN) Mouthwatering pastrami and burgers, sinful fries and tender pulled pork sandwiches. √ L-D daily. √ 2005 Colorado Blvd., 323.255.6465, oinkster.com. $ Pat and Lorraine's Coffee Shop (AMERICAN) This homey mom-and-pop diner has been around for over 20 years. It's a good place to come if you're in the neighborhood and looking for a hearty all-American breakfast after a night out on the town. √ B-L daily. √ 4720 Eagle Rock Blvd., 323.257.7926. $$ Spitz (MEDITERRANEAN) A European-style Doner Kebab restaurant that combines fast food and street food fl avors with the quality of upscale eateries. The falafel and fried pita strips with hummus are excellent. Call-in orders available. √ L-D daily. √ 2506 Colorado Blvd., 323.257.5600, eatatspitz.com. $$ Echo Park ∑ Brite Spot Diner (AMERICAN) Prepare for a trip down memory lane at this classic diner. Think quintessential American food; fl uffy buttermilk pancakes doused in butter and maple syrup and hearty omelettes with crispy bacon. √ B-L-D Wed.-Sat. √ 1918 Sunset Blvd., 213.484.9800, britespotdiner.com. $$ Guisados (MEXICAN) It takes a lot for a taco to stand out in Los Angeles, but Guisados has had no problem making their mark. Enjoy mole poblano, chicken tinga or a fl avorful vegetarian in one of their homemade tortillas. √ L-D Mon.-Sat.; L Sun. √ 1261 Sunset Blvd., 213.250.7600, guisados.com. $ Masa of Echo Park (ITALIAN) Authentic, Chicago-style pizza in the heart of Echo Park. We recommend the traditional pie: a two- inch-deep cornmeal crust stuffed to the brim with Italian sausage and mushrooms. √ L-D daily. √ 1800 Sunset Blvd., 213.989.1558, masaofechopark.com/. $$ The Park (AMERICAN) The diverse menu is inspired by fl avors from India, Korea, Italy and beyond. Satisfy a comfort food craving with the spaghetti and meatballs or be adventurous with the confi t kurobuta pork shank in a meyer lemon vermouth syrup. √ B-L-D Sat.-Sun.; L-D Mon.-Fri. √ 1400 Sunset Blvd., 213.482.9209, thepark1400sunset.com. $$ Taix French Restaurant (FRENCH) This Eastside institution has been serving classic, indulgent, buttery French cuisine since 1927. Specialties include garlicy escargot, steak frites and frog legs. A late- night menu is available until 1 a.m. √ L-D daily. √ 1911 Sunset Blvd., 213.484.1265, taixfrench.com. $$ Glassell Park ∑ Lemon Poppy Kitchen (BAKERY) The Planchita, a Romanian fl atbread stuffed with ingredients like feta, scallions and dill or paprika-spiked potatoes, is a mus-try. Their homemade jams spread on a biscuit are also a favorite. Get one paired with a cup of Handsome coffee from what some call the best roasters in town. √ B-L daily. √ 3324 Verdugo Rd., 323.739.0012, lemonpoppykitchen.com. $ Glendale ∑ Bourbon Steak (AMERICAN) This modern American steakhouse offers a timeless experience with its glamorous dining room, fabulous Piano Bar and scrumptious dinner menu. The Wagyu Beed Burger is to die for. √ L-D Sun.; D Daily. √ 237 S. Brand Blvd., 818.839.4130, michaelmina.net. $$$ Carousel Restaurant (LEBANESE) A lavish culinary experience that attracts diners from all over L.A. County. It's got one of the most extensive Lebanese menus around and yet well-explained and approachable for those unfamiliar with the cuisine. √ L-D Tues.-Sun. √ 304 N. Brand Blvd., 818.246.7775, carouselrestaurant.com. $$ Damon's Steakhouse (AMERICAN) Your classic steakhouse gone tropical. There's aquariums throughout the restaurant and the tiki bar serves up a mean mai tai. √ L-D daily. √ 317 Brand Blvd., 818.507.1510, damonsglendale.com. $$ Eden On Brand (AMERICAN) Gourmet burgers made with 35- day dry-aged beef. If you're looking to get creative add on some fi gs and proscuitto, feta cheese and roasted red peppers or sweet potato and sausage. √ L-D daily. √ 214 N. Brand Blvd., 818.552.2212, edenonbrand.com. $$ Frida Restaurant (MEXICAN) An elegant atmosphere complements this restaurant's sophisticated take on authentic Mexican food. √ L-D daily. √ The Americana at Brand, 750 Americana Wy., 818.551.1666, fridarestaurant.com. $$$ The Pie Hole (AMERICAN) These sweet and savory pies are made from scratch every day. The owner places an emphasis on locally sourced, ethically grown and organic ingredients, so you can chow down guilt-free as long as you don't look up the calorie count. √ B-L-D daily. √ 714 Traction Ave., 213.537.0115, thepieholela.com. $$ Sushi Gen (JAPANESE) Nestled in a Little Tokyo strip mall, this gem provides an authentic, no-frills experience with only the freshest, high-quality fi sh in its purest form. The long wait is well worth a spot at the bar where you can sit back, order a hot sake and allow the chef to select your meal. √ L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. √ 422 E. 2nd St., 213.617.0552, sushigen.org. $$$ Umami Burger (AMERICAN) The famous Umami Burger plus some. There's a Jewish deli with modern takes on matzo ball soup, knishes and pastrami sandwiches. A corner of the restaurant is devoted to curated Italian prosciuttos, Spanish Iberico and other charcuterie specialties. Their donuts with everything from New Orleanian chicory to Mexican tres leches are fried to order. √ L-D daily. √ 852 S. Broadway, 213.413.8626, umamiburger.com. $$ Wurstküche (GERMAN) This urban eatery with exposed brick walls, long communal tables and a DJ spinning progressive indie fi ts perfectly into Downtown's Arts District. The boutique brews on tap and exotic bratwursts make for a wild pregame. Try the crocodile and pork or rattlesnake and rabbit sausage. √ L-D daily. √ 800 E. 3rd Street, 213.687.4444, wurstkuche.com. $$ Eagle Rock ∑ Abby's Diner (AMERICAN) Don't expect anything original, just expect the original done right. A cheeseburger with fresh dressings, a crispy white bun and a patty grilled exactly as requested for a mere $3.45. √ B-L-D daily. √ 4862 Addison Way, 323.257.2229. $ Cacao Mexicatessen (MEXICAN) A stylish local joint with a fervent following, serving everything from traditional dishes to new and exciting takes on old favorites. They've also got one of the best Mexican breakfasts around. √ B-L-D Tues.-Sun. √ 1576 Colorado Blvd., 323.478.2791, cacaodeli.com. $$ Cafe Beaujolais (FRENCH) Classic French cuisine in a romantic, candlelit atmosphere. Entrees include simple preparations of oven baked meats such as chicken breast, steak, duck and pork. √ B-L Tues.-Sun.; D Tues.-Sat. √ 1712 Colorado Blvd., 323.255.5111. $$ Camilo's California Bistro (NEW AMERICAN) A high-end choice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They own the decadent brunch with their banana foster waffl es, bread pudding French toast and Eagle Rock omelet with brie, basil and oven-dry tomatoes. √ B-L Sun.; B-L-D Tues.-Thurs.; D Fri.-Sat. √ 2128 W. Colorado Blvd., 323.478.2644, camilosbistro.com. $$ Casa Bianca Pizza Pie (ITALIAN) Since 1955, Casa Bianca has been an Eagle Rock staple. You can't go wrong with the original cheese. √ D Tues.-Sat. √ 1650 Colorado Blvd., 323.256.9617, casabiancapizza.com. $$ Classic Thai (THAI) This cheap eat has all the most popular Thai noodle dishes and curries. √ L-D daily. √ 1708 Colorado Blvd., 323.478.0530, classicthairestaurant.com. $$ Colombo's Italian Steakhouse (ITALIAN) There's a host of regular customers who are passionate about this cozy Italian eatery. The portions are generous and the live jazz always makes for a good time. √ B-L-D daily. √ 1833 Colorado Blvd., 323.254.9138, colombosrestaurant.com. $$ Eagle Rock Italian Bakery (ITALIAN DELI) A specialty grocer with stacks upon stacks of pastries, gourmet cold cuts and real provolone piled onto crispy baguettes and shelves of imported antipasti. √ B daily.; L Mon.-Sat. √ 1726 Colorado Blvd., 323.255.8224, eaglerockitalianbakery.com. $ Eagle Rock Juice Co. (JUICE BAR) Everything at this cold- pressed juice bar is full of healthy ingredients to get you glowing in no time. √ B-L-D daily. √ 1565 Colorado Blvd., 323.255.5483, eaglerockjuice.com. $$ Little Beast (NEW AMERICAN) The reconverted 1911 bungalow is a mellow environment for foodies looking to spend a few hours relaxing, sipping on wine and chatting with friends. They serve gourmet comfort food like pan-roasted chicken with a cognac jus and sweet corn risotto with pecorino and an optional addition of crab. √ D daily. √ 1496 Colorado Blvd., 323.341.5899, littlebeastrestaurant.com. $$ Mediterranean Triangle (MEDITERRANEAN) A casual Mediterranean eatery that specializes in large and affordable shish kabob plates and hot sandwiches. √ B-L-D daily. √ 4917 N. Eagle Rock Blvd., 323.340.8314, mediterraneantriangle.com. $ 160 SEPTEMBER 2017 D I N I N G G U I D E DIRECTORY the