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: https://read.uberflip.com/i/648495
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. $$ Spitz Home of the Doner Kebab (MEDITERRANEAN) A European-style Doner Kebab restaurant that combines fast food and street food fl avors with the quality of upscale eateries. The falafel and fried pita strips with hummus are excellent. Call-in orders available. √ L-D daily. √ 2506 Colorado Blvd., 323.257.5600, eatatspitz.com. $$ 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 W. Sunset Blvd., 213.484.9800, britespotdiner.com. $$ Guisados (MEXICAN) It takes a lot for a taco to stand out in Los Angeles, but Guisados has had no problem making their mark. Enjoy mole poblano, chicken tinga or a fl avorful vegetarian in one of their homemade tortillas. √ L-D Mon.-Sat.; L Sun. √ 1261 W. Sunset Blvd., 213.250.7600, guisados.com. $ Masa of Echo Park (ITALIAN) Authentic, Chicago-style pizza in the heart of Echo Park. We recommend the traditional pie: a two-inch-deep cornmeal crust stuffed to the brim with Italian sausage and mushrooms. √ L-D daily. √ 1800 W. Sunset Blvd., 213.989.1558, masaofechopark.com/. $$ 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 W. Sunset Blvd., 213.482.9209, thepark1400sunset.com. $$ Taix French Restaurant (FRENCH) This Eastside institution has been serving classic, indulgent, buttery French cuisine since 1927. Specialties include garlicy escargot, steak frites and frog legs. A late- night menu is available until 1 a.m. √ L-D daily. √ 1911 W. Sunset Blvd., 213.484.1265, taixfrench.com. $$ 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 ∑ Bashan Restaurant (AMERICAN) Sophisticated foodies rave about this high-end dining experience, especially the oysters and steak. If you're looking to splurge, give one of the tasting menus a go. √ D Wed.-Sun. √ 3459 N. Verdugo Ave., 818.541.1532, bashanrestaurant.com. $$$ Billy's Deli (DELI) This Glendale landmark has been whipping up killer sandwiches for over 50 years. √ B-L-D daily. √ 216 N. Orange St., 818.246.1689, billysdeli.com. $ Bourbon Steak (AMERICAN) This modern American steakhouse offers a timeless experience with its glamorous dining room, fabulous Piano Bar and scrumptious dinner menu. The Wagyu Beed Burger is to die for. √ L-D Sun.; D Daily. √ 237 S. Brand Blvd., 818.839.4130, michaelmina.net. $$$ 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 Burger Bar (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. √ 333 1/2 N. Verdugo Rd., 818.552.2212, edenburgerbar.com. $$ Frida Restaurant (MEXICAN) An elegant atmosphere complements this restaurant's sophisticated take on authentic Mexican food. √ L-D daily. √ The Americana at Brand, 750 Americana Wy., 818.551.1666, fridarestaurant.com. $$$ 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. $$ Porto's Bakery and Cafe (CUBAN) This Cuban bakery specializes in hot-pressed pork sandwiches and stuffed potato balls. Order one of the festive and ornate cakes for your next party. √ B-L-D daily. √ 315 N. Brand Blvd., 818.956.5996, portosbakery.com. $ Rainbow Sushi and Teriyaki (JAPANESE) Great inexpensive to-go sushi and teriyaki restaurant with friendly service. √ L-D Mon.- Sat. √ 1200 S. Brand Blvd., 818.548.1230. $ Recess Eatery (AMERICAN) Hearty, traditional dishes are given a creative twist at this Glendale gathering place. The clever school- inspired menu features dishes like Papardelle Stroganoff and "extra credit" items such as Pear Fig Brie Flatbread. Live jazz Fridays and Saturdays. √ L-D daily. √ 1102 N. Brand Blvd., 818.507.0592, recesseatery.com. $$ 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. $$$ Highland Park ∑ Ba Restaurant (FRENCH) The elegant little dining room serving up French provincial classics is the vision of artist and chef James Graham and sculptor Julia Latané. The seasonally-inspired menu uses local, sustainable and cruelty-free ingredients. √ L-D Tues.- Sun. √ 5100 York Blvd., 323.739.6243, restaurantba.com. $$ 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 Flintridge Proper (AMERICAN) This long overdue, hip restaurant is filling 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. $ 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. $$ Cafe LuMar (CROATION) The Croation creations at this quaint cafe are exotic enough to appease the curious palate, but delicious enough to appeal to all. √ B-L Sun.; L-D Tues.-Sat. √ 136 E. Colorado Blvd., 626.357.2184, cafelumar.com. $$ Cafe Opera (ITALIAN) A fusion of traditional and contemporary fare, this much-loved destination serves pastas and mussels that are sure to satisfy. The specialty martinis are a treat. √ B-L-D Sat.-Sun.; L-D Mon.-Fri. √ 402 S. Myrtle Ave., 626.305.0094, cafeoperamonrovia.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. $ 102 FEBRUARY 2016 D I N I N G G U I D E DIRECTORY the directory_Feb16.indd 102 1/20/16 3:17 PM