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
Cafe Verde (GLOBAL) An eclectic, international menu. Try the huevos rancheros for breakfast, the pork marinated in citrus juices on sourdough bread for lunch and the handmade lobster ravioli in a butternut squash sauce for dinner. √ B-L Mon.; B-L-D Tues.-Sun. √ 961 E. Green St., 626.356.9811, cafeverdepasadena.com. $$ Cameron's Seafood (SEAFOOD) A Pasadena institution that boasts some of the best ceviche in the San Gabriel Valley and a fresh fi sh market daily. √ L-D daily. √ 1978 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.793.3474, camerons4fi sh.com. $$ Celestino Ristorante & Bar (ITALIAN) Pumpkin tortellini and penne with prosciutto in a vodka sauce top the list at this Sicilian eatery. √ L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. √ 141 S. Lake Ave., 626.795.4006, celestinopasadena.com. $$$ Central Park (AMERICAN) A century old fl ower warehouse converted into a modern dining room. The exposed brick and high rafter ceilings are up with the deconstructive trend. The menu is equally well-curated. √ B-L-D daily. √ 219 S. Fair Oaks Ave., 626.449.4499, centralparkrestaurant.net. $$ City Thai (THAI) Thai restaurant with great fried rice, curry, salads and fi ne noodles. Free delivery within three miles of eatery (with $20 minimum purchase). √ L-D daily. √ 48 S. Fair Oaks Ave., 626.577.1500, citythairestaurant.com. $$ Daisy Mint (THAI) Accessible and exotic choices please everyone in the crowd at this affordable little find. The BYOB policy makes it a popular hang amongst Pasadena City College students. √ L-D daily. √ 1218 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.792.2999, daisymint.com. $$ Del Frisco's Grille (AMERICAN) This upscale bar and restaurant will cater to your taste, whatever that may be! And don't forget to try one of their signature cocktails! √ L-D daily. √ 55 S. Lake Ave. Ste. 150, 626.765.9913, delfriscosgrille.com. $$ Dog Haus Biergarten (GASTROPUB) Grab a brat and a brew at this lively urban gastropub. √ L-D daily. √ 93 E. Green St., 626.683.0808., doghaus.com. $ Dots Cupcakes (BAKERY) The fi nest ingredients make for top- tier cupcakes in innovative fl avors such as tiramisu and carrot cake. √ B-L-D daily. √ 400 S. Arroyo Pkwy., 626.744.7719, dotscupcakes.com. $ Eden Bar and Grill (MEDITERRANEAN) Come for the lamb kabob and falafel, stay for the belly-dancing performance. This lively atmosphere guarantees much more than a good meal. √ L-D Tues.-Fri.; D Tues.-Sun. √ 175 E. Holly St., 626.440.1421, edengardenbarandgrill.com. $ El Cholo (MEXICAN) A local landmark that's been serving up carne asada and margaritas in L.A. for almost a century. √ L-D daily. √ 30 E. Colorado Blvd. Ste. 203, 626.795.5800, elcholopasadena.com. $ El Portal (MEXICAN) Traditional Yucatan/Mexican cuisine, with a killer enchilada de mole topped with sesame seeds. The atmosphere is warm and festive, complete with indoor or courtyard seating. √ B-L-D Mon.-Thurs.; L-D Fri.-Sun. √ 695 E. Green St., 626.795.8553, elportalrestaurant.com. $$ Edwin Mills by Equator (NEW AMERICAN) This intimate urban tavern gastropub is located in the heart of Old Pasadena and offers New American plates and specialty cocktails. √ B-L-D Thurs.-Sun.; D Mon.-Wed. √ 22 Mills Pl., 626.564.8658, edwinmills.com. $$ Euro Pane Bakery & Cafe (CAFÉ) The coffee and renowned baked goods are delightful, the sandwiches and salads fresh and satisfying, but the real draw is the slow paced environment. No one will blink twice if you post up for hours. √ B-L daily. √ 950 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.577.1828. $$ Fleming's Prime Steakhouse (AMERICAN) High-end steakhouse chain with aged prime beef and classics such as lobster tails and pork chops. √ L-Mon.-Fri. D-daily. √ 179 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.639.0490, fl emingssteakhouse.com. $$$ Gale's Restaurant (ITALIAN) The large selection of meats and rich pastas are a tribute to the hearty cuisine of Tuscany. √ D Sun.; L-D Tues.-Sat. √ 452 S. Fair Oaks Ave., 626.432.6705, galesrestaurant.com. $$ Galanga Take Two (THAI) Delicious fusion-style Thai food sure to curb your cravings. There curries are always served piping hot and don't forget dessert! √ L-D daily. √ 400 S. Arroyo Pkwy., 626.577.6599, galangataketwo.com. $$ Gin Sushi (JAPANESE) Traditional sushi restaurant with fresh rolls and sashimi. √ L-D daily. √ 3589 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.440.9611, ginsushi.com. $$ Sakana Sushi & Grill (JAPANESE) Japanese fusion in a sleek setting. They have over a dozen rolls, sashimi platters and a premium sake menu. Catch live jazz here on weekends. √ L-D Mon.- Sun. √ 2383 Foothill Blvd., 818.957.9922, thesakana.com. $$ Taylor's Steakhouse (STEAK HOUSE) Steak afi cionados have already heard about this award-winning restaurant. Its prime rib cuts are always masterfully grilled. √ L Mon.-Fri.; D nightly. √ 901 Foothill Blvd., 818.790.7668, taylorssteakhouse.com. $$$ Monrovia ∑ Cafe Mundial (ITALIAN) The quaint outdoor area is great for lunch and the intimate dining area is ideal for evening time. Try one of the more creative dishes like the fi let mignon pizza or just stick to the classics. √ L Tues.-Fri.; D Tues.-Sun. √ 514 S. Myrtle Ave., 626.303.2233, cafemundial.org. $$ Cafe LuMar (CROATION) The Croation creations at this quaint cafe are exotic enough to appease the curious palate, but delicious enough to appeal to all. √ B-L Sun.; L-D Tues.-Sat. √ 136 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.357.2184, cafelumar.com. $$ London Gastropub (GASTROPUB) A glimpse into British pub culture. Expect hearty meals and generously poured drinks. √ L-D Mon.-Fri.; B-L-D Sat.-Sun. √ 419 S. Myrtle Ave., 626.357.2200, londongastropub.net. $$ Monterey Park ∑ Duck House (CHINESE) Get a whole roasted duck in the traditional peking style. It will come with garnishes, plum sauce and wrappers on the side. The preparation is ceremonial, and a lot of fun. √ L-D daily. √ 501 S. Atlantic Blvd., 626.284.3227, duckshouse.com. $$ Elite Restaurant (CHINESE) Dim sum is always a fun cultural and culinary experience. This is undoubtedly one of the best places to try it in L.A. county. √ B-L-D daily. √ 700 S. Atlantic Blvd., 626.282.9998, elitechineserestaurant.com. $$ Empress Harbor Seafood Restaurant (CHINESE) The patrons here don't eat, they feast. This restaurant, known for fi rst-rate dim sum and peking duck will certainly give you the opportunity to do so. √ B-L-D daily. √ 111 N. Atlantic Blvd. Ste. 350, 626.300.8833, empressharbor.net. $ Hot Pot Hot Pot (CHINESE) Hot pots have become a fad in the San Gabriel Valley and this go-to spot does it right. Throw your favorite vegetables, meats and seasonings into the broth to curate a soup exactly to your taste. √ D Mon.-Fri.; L-D Sat.-Sun. √ 120 S. Atlantic Blvd., 626.282.1089, hotpothotpot.com. $$ Huge Tree Pastry (TAIWANESE) This Monterey Park nook shines at breakfast—try the green onion pancake, fan tuan and Chinese donut. Bring cash though, and come early, as the cozy eatery gets crowded. √ B-L daily. √ 423 N. Atlantic Blvd. Ste. 106, 626.458.8689. $ NBC Seafood (CHINESE) This ballroom-style restaurant is one of the most popular places to dine in the San Gabriel Valley. It's always buzzing with large parties indulging in lobster, imperial crab and fi sh right from the tank. √ B-L-D daily. √ 404 S. Atlantic Blvd., 626.282.2323, nbcrestaurant.com. $$ Thai Paradise (THAI) Enjoy a traditional Thai meal, including dishes not often found in American Thai restaurants such as Moo Ping. And at the end of each meal, diners are treated to a complimentary rice pudding dish that completes the experience. √ L-D daily. √ 141 N. Atlantic Blvd. Ste. 113, 626.281.8886. $ Montrose ∑ Basin 141 (NEW AMERICAN) Dim edison light bulbs, artisanal cocktails and gourmet bar food are bringing an urban edge to the suburbs of Montrose. √ L-D Mon.-Fri.; B-L-D Sat.-Sun. √ 2265 Honolulu Ave., 818.236.4810, basin141.com. $$ Black Cow Cafe (NEW AMERICAN) The Black Cow Cafe is an intimate, aesthetic enclave with eclectic menus of breakfast, lunch, and dinner favorites. Enjoy gourmet coffees, pastries and desserts, or a full meal at lunch or dinner with salads, sandwiches, burgers, pasta, steaks, roasted chicken and more. √ B-L-D Tues.-Sun. √ 2219 Honululu Ave., 818.957.5282, theblackcowcafe.com. $$ Blue Fish (JAPANESE) This sushi bar has a wide variety of fresh, baked and tempura rolls, along with a reasonable wine list. √ L-D daily. √ 2261 Honolulu Ave., 818.248.9700, bluefi shmontrose.com. $$ Joselito's Mexican Food (MEXICAN) Solid Mexican food and an inviting atmosphere are the draw of this bustling restaurant. √ B Sun.; L-D daily. √ 2345 Honolulu Ave., 818.957.1901, joselitosmontrose.com. $ The Star Café (ITALIAN) The Star Cafe offers wood burning pizzas, calzones, pasta, fresh fi sh and grilled chicken specialties, as well as sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts. All baked dishes prepared in their oak wood-burning oven. Fresh pasta and baked goods made daily. √ B-D daily. √ 2217 Honolulu Ave., 818.957.7827, starcafemontrose.com . $$ Zeke's Smokehouse (BBQ) A lively smokehouse that does BBQ right with slow-cooked brisket, saucy ribs and marinated pulled pork. √ B Sat.-Sun.; L-D daily. √ 2209 Honolulu Ave., 818.957.7045, zekessmokehouse.com. $ Pasadena ∑ 1810 (ARGENTINEAN) From delectable empanadas, crispy croquetas and tender strips of churrasco, this Argentinean grill serves the most traditional meals you will ever taste. √ L-D daily. √ 121 W. Colorado Blvd., 626.795.5658, 1810restaurant.com. $$ Alma De La Rosa (AMERICAN) A Napa-inspired dining room with over thirty different wines and a diverse range of gourmet entrees. √ L-D daily. √ 41 Hugus Alley, 626.564.8111, akabistro.com. $$ Alexander's Steakhouse (STEAK HOUSE) Posh spot fusing steakhouse classics with Japanese cuisine, with a signature cotton candy dessert. √ D daily √ 111 .N Los Robles Ave., 626.486.1111, alexanderssteakhouse.com. $$$$ Amara Chocolate & Coffee (CAFÉ) Unique confections and coffee, featuring the richest cacao as the main ingredient. √ B-L-D Tues.-Sun. √ 55 S. Raymond Ave., 626.744.1765, amarachocolate.com. $ Arroyo Chop House (STEAK HOUSE) An all-American steakhouse that only serves the best with USDA Prime Beef, market-fresh seafood and gourmet desserts. √ D nightly. √ 536 S. Arroyo Pkwy., 626.577.7463, arroyochophouse.com. $$$ Bar Celona (SPANISH) Trendy, lively locale featuring tapas galore and a full bar. Bar open late. √ L-D daily. √ 46 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.405.1000, barcelonapasadena.com. $$ B-Man's Teriyaki & Burgers (JAPANESE/AMERICAN) This casual Japanese eatery is known for its curry fries, teriyaki bowls and curry with rice. B-man's also serves burgers to satisfy your American fast food cravings. √ B-L-D daily. √ 3007 E. Huntington Dr., 626.568.0386, bmans.com. $ Bistro 45 (CALIFORNIAN/FRENCH) Winning wine lists and fi rst-rate fare; try the port-braised "volcano" Colorado lamb shank. √ D Tues.-Sun. √ 45 S. Mentor Ave., 626.795.2478, bistro45.com. $$$ Blaze Pizza (ITALIAN) Blaze Pizza is a modern day pizza joint known for its custom-built artisanal pizzas, freshly made salads, blood orange lemonade and s'more pies. Each restaurant features an interactive assembly-line format that allows guests to customize one of the menu's signature pizzas or create their own, choosing from a wide selection of fresh, artisanal ingredients – all for under $8. √ B-L-D daily. √ 667 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.440.7358, blazepizza.com. $ Bone Kettle (ASIAN) Stylish restaurant for shareable Indonesian dishes revolving around slow-cooked bone broth. √ D Tues.-Sun. √ 67 N. Raymond Ave., 626.795.5702, bonekettle.com. $$$ Braise & Crumble Café (CAFÉ) Whether you're craving something sweet or savory, stop by this charming café for all your comfort food needs. √ L Mon.-Fri. √ 40 N. Mentor Ave., 626.460.8600. $ Buca di Beppo (ITALIAN) Family-style platters and Italian-style camaraderie. √ L-D daily. √ 80 W. Green St., 626.792.7272, bucadibeppo.com. $$ Cafe Bizou (FRENCH) An Old Pasadena date night destination with popular dishes such as lobster and salmon ravioli and a $2 corkage fee. √ L-D Tues.-Sun.; D Mon. √ 91 N. Raymond Ave., 626.792.9923, cafebizou.com. $$ Cafe Linda's (THAI) Contemporary takes on Thai classics at this Old Town gem; try the "Hot Mermaid," a lightly battered fi sh fi llet on top of wok-fried string beans, or grilled Japanese eggplant accompanied with mozzarella. √ L-D Mon.-Fri.; D Tues.-Sun. √ 34 E. Holly St., 626.584.0712, cafelinda.com. $ Cafe Santorini (MEDITERRANEAN) Hummus, kabobs and a romantic ambience with upper patio seating. √ L-D daily. √ 64 W. Union St., 626.564.4200, cafesantorini.com. $$ SEPTEMBER 2017 161 D I N I N G G U I D E DIRECTORY the