NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES

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Immerse yourself in Pasadena’s bustling neighborhoods with these tips on where to eat, drink and play. Four pedestrian friendly districts serve as the community’s main hubs for retail, culinary and cultural adventures. Conveniently, they’re all adjacent to each other and very easy to navigate, so neighborhood hopping is a seamless experience.

We also introduce a few o -thebeaten path areas that are well worth a visit.

OLD PASADENA

FISHWIVES

EAT

Maestro (110 Union St.) excels at modern Mexican in a plush setting, with a killer mezcal list to boot. True Food Kitchen (168 W. Colorado Blvd.)and Sage Plant Based Bistro (41 Hugus Al.) specialize in ultra-healthy, super delicious fare. Osawa (77 N. Raymond Ave.) delights sushi and shabu shabu lovers with their meticulously prepared Japanese cuisine and artful presentation. The fruits of the sea are the star of the show at New England-inspired Fishwives (88 N. Fair Oaks Ave.). Umami Burger (49 E. Colorado Blvd.) is the go-to spot for innovative gourmet burgers with a cult following.The intimate, Italian-infl ected Union Restaurant (37 Union St.) is deservedly one of Pasadena’s most popular dinner destinations. Another Italian hot spot, Mi Piace (25 E. Colorado Blvd.) has been pleasing palates for 30 years. Luggage Room Pizzeria (260 S. Raymond Ave.) prepares delectable pizzas in their woodburning oven and neighboring Otis Bar (260 S. Raymond Ave.) shakes up gourmet level cocktails for post-pizza sips.

GOLD BUG

SHOP

Colorado Boulevard and Green Street are lined with a large mix of national chains and independent retailers as diverse as Design Within Reach (60 W. Green St.), Goorin Bros. (49 W. Colorado Blvd.) and Warby Parker (106 W. Colorado Blvd.), to name just a few. The beauty product wonderland Space NK Apothecary London (85 W. Colorado Blvd.) is a dazzling addition to the neighborhood. Meander through the upscale One Colorado (47 W. Colorado Blvd.) outdoor shopping center to fi nd elegant clothing stores like Finn + Willow, Joie and Cop Copine. If you’re in the market for one-of-akind housewares and gifts, beeline to Gold Bug (34 E. Union St.), Maude Woods (55 E. Holly St.) and Homage (100 N. Fair Oaks Ave.). Jenette Bras (18 E. Holly St.) carries Southern California’s largest selection of size D-K bras and swimwear.

OLD PASADENA

With 22 blocks designated as a National Register Historic District, Old Pasadena abounds with impeccably restored late 19th and early 20th century architecture. “Old Pas,” as locals a ectionately call it, o ers open air shopping plazas, hidden laneways and a lively strip of retailers and restaurants along the main drag, Colorado Boulevard.

HIDDEN GEM

Play arcade and video games straight out of the 1980s at The Neon Retro Arcade (28 S. Raymond Ave.), where more than 50 “vintage” games entertain all ages.

CASTLE GREEN

PLAY

Stroll through the 9.2-acre Central Park (275 S. Raymond Ave.). Take exterior photos of the 1898 Nationally Registered Historic Monument Castle Green (99 S. Raymond Ave.), a popular film production and event space—the inside is open to the public for tours only twice a year. Check out the latest exhibits at the Armory Center for the Arts (145 N. Raymond Ave.), an independent contemporary art and community arts educational institution. Sip while you paint your very own masterpiece at Pinot’s Palette (168 W. Green St.). Watch a movie paired with gourmet eats and drinks at IPIC Pasadena (42 Miller Alley), a high-end cinema in One Colorado.

WE OLIVE’S WINE BAR

AFTER DARK

True to its name, The Speakeasy (25 N. Raymond Ave.) is a proper 1920s bar where you need a password to gain entrance—email info@ speakeasypasadena.com to request the magic word. You won’t have to jump through any hoops to get into White Horse Lounge (41 S. De Lacey Ave.), a southern-inspired cocktail den. Oenophiles can swirl, sni and sip California vintages at We Olive’s Wine Bar (32 E. Colorado Blvd.), and The Cellar (26 E. Colorado Blvd.). A good time can always be found at Pasadena’s largest night club, Club 54 Lounge & Nightclub (54 E. Colorado Blvd.), o ering three levels of music, dancing and drinks. A full-on nightclub experience is also on the menu at iX Tapa Cantina (119 E. Colorado Blvd.). Lively, laid-back Edwin Mills by Equator (22 Mills Pl.) is the spot for late night drinks with tasty eats.

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PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER

LUNASIA DIM SUM HOUSE

EAT

Start your day at the FrenchiFornia Bakery (247 E. Colorado Blvd.) where the decadent pastries are lovingly made by the hands of the French expat owners. Great Maple (300 E. Colorado Blvd.) is all about elevated Californian comfort food. Lunasia Dim Sum House (239 E. Colorado Blvd.) is revered for its dumplings made fresh to order. El Cholo (260 E. Colorado Blvd.) features fl avorful authentic Mexican fare. If you’re craving a quality steak, you’ll be spoilt for choice between Ruth Chris Steakhouse (369 E. Colorado Blvd.), Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (179 E. Colorado Blvd.) and Alexander’s Steakhouse (111 N. Los Robles Ave.).

THE PASEO

SHOP

The Paseo (300 E. Colorado Blvd.), a contemporary mixed-use retail center, is the Civic Center District’s shopping destination. Here you’ll fi nd brands like Buttercup, West Elm, H&M, J. Jill, Tommy Bahama, Bath & Body Works and Victoria’s Secret. The familyrun Pasadena Antique Mall (#125 in The Paseo) has earned the locals’ vote for the city’s best antique shop several years running.Their whimsical selection runs the gamut from vintage collectibles and retro clothing to period furniture and time-tested books.

CIVIC CENTER

The Civic Center District is a vibrant zone that sits between Old Pasadena and The Playhouse District. The beautiful Beaux-Arts and Mediterranean Revival landmark buildings have set the stage for many a film and television show, so it can feel like one big movie set. And the Pasadena Convention Center (300 E. Green St.) attracts a steady-stream of events, expos and activities, such as the wildly popular “America’s Got Talent” auditions.

HIDDEN GEM

The Robinson Memorial

(95 Garfield Ave.) pays tribute to groundbreaking athletes Jackie and Mack Robinson through large bronze sculptures of the brothers’ faces. The public art works can be found across from City Hall.

PASADENA ICE SKATING CENTER

PLAY

A visit to Pasadena’s iconic City Hall (100 N. Garfield Ave.) is a must—the stately John Baker and Arthur Brown designed building was completed in 1927. Across the street, stop by the Robinson Memorial (95 N. Garfield Ave.), two large bronze sculptures that pay tribute to brothers Jackie and Mack Robison. The boundary-breaking American athletes are considered native sons after spending their formative teenage years in Pasadena. See what’s on stage at the 1932 Pasadena Civic Auditorium (300 E. Green St.) and hit the ice at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center (300 E. Green St.). Kids and adults alike can play on the stylish indoor playgrounds of PoshParis (#215 in The Paseo). If you’re in the mood for a film, the ArcLight (#217 in The Paseo) delivers a signature Los Angeles cinema-going experience.

BODEGA WINE BAR

AFTER DARK

The Rose (245 E. Green St.) is an intimate live music venue featuring an eclectic line-up of nationally acclaimed artists—book dinner and a show for the full experience. Bodega Wine Bar (#208 in The Paseo) is a favorite go-to for fabulous wine, bites and cocktails into the wee hours of the evening. Beer lovers gravitate to The Yard House (#202 in The Paseo), where refreshing local beers are always on tap. Corner Craft Kitchen + Bar (168 S. Los Robles Ave.) in The Hilton Pasadena and Charlie’s Bar (303 Cordova St.) in the Sheraton Pasadena are also great bets for late night libations and bites.

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PLAYHOUSE DISTRICT

EL PORTAL RESTAURANT

EAT

Urth Ca é (594 E. Colorado Blvd.) and Tender Greens (621 E. Colorado Blvd.) serve budget-friendly wholesome fare. Trejos Cantina (37 S. El Molino Ave.) is the Pasadena outpost of one of Hollywood’s favorite villains, Danny Trejo, who has an equally loyal following for his drool-worthy tacos. El Portal Restaurant (695 E. Green St.) is another solid choice for sit-down Mexican cuisine. Try Tarantino’s Pizzeria (784 E. Green Street) for old school Italian or Settebello (625 E. Green St.) for Naples-style wood fi red pizza. The fl avors of Hawaii inspire both the poke bowls at Pokenoya (766 E. Colorado Blvd.) and the upscale fare at Roy’s (641 E. Colorado Blvd.), while Ginger & Spice (451 E. Colorado Blvd.) is a family-run, fast-casual Vietnamese café.

WORLD HATS MART

SHOP

Canterbury Records (805 E. Colorado Blvd.) was founded in 1956 and continues to carry a vast selection of new and used vinyl spanning all genres. Collectors also frequent The Battery Books & Music (26 S. Los Robles Ave.) to scour their inventory of used books, music and movies. For more than 40 years, Aarnun Gallery-Fine Picture Framing (603 E. Green St.) has been a resource for fi ne art paintings, prints, photography and pottery. Mimi et Cie (696 E. Colorado Blvd. #7) carries a refi ned selection of covetable timepieces and jewelry. Wollhaus Artisan Yarn & Tools (696 E. Colorado Blvd. #2) is a cozy crafter’s paradise. And you can fi nd nearly every style of hat imaginable at World Hats Mart (444 E. Colorado Blvd.).

THE PLAYHOUSE DISTRICT

The artsy Playhouse District is home to the renowned Pasadena Playhouse along with museums, galleries, eateries and a smattering of independent shops. The Playhouse District also serves as a canvas for an eclectic and robust public art collection.

HIDDEN GEM

The best comedic talent in the country regularly take the stage at the Ice House Comedy Club (24 E. Mentor Ave.), on the eastern border of the Playhouse District.

VROMANS BOOKSTORE

PLAY

Catch a performance at the o cial State Theatre of California, the Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Ave.). Laemmle Theatres’ Playhouse 7 (637 E. Colorado Blvd.) art house cinema embodies the ethos of this creative neighborhood. The impressive USC Pacific Asia Museum (46 N. Los Robles Ave.) is one of the few institutions in the country dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Founded in the late 1800s, Vromans Bookstore (695 E. Colorado Blvd.) is Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookseller; they regularly bring in renowned and rising star authors and guest speakers for talks and signing events.

ZONA ROSA CAFFE

AFTER DARK

The Mixx (433 E. Colorado Blvd.) is a classy restaurant and bar with an ongoing line-up of live music. Zona Rosa Ca e (15 S. El Molino Ave.) is an indoor-outdoor community gathering spot for late night co eehouse vibes and live music weekly. Monopole Wine (21 S. El Molino Ave.)—equal parts wine shop and wine bar—boasts a dynamic events calendar of tastings, pairings and musical entertainment. T. Boyle’s Tavern (37 N. Catalina Ave.) is a local sports bar in a hideaway alley.

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SOUTH LAKE AVENUE

DAN MODERN CHINESE

EAT

RepublikCo ee Lounge (854 Green St.) serves fresh, fl avorful breakfast and lunch fare. Celestino (141 S. Lake Ave.) continues to receive accolades for its elegant Italian preparations. Seasonal farm-to-fork greatness shines at The Arbour (527 S. Lake Ave.). The cocktails at Magnolia House (427 S. Lake Ave.) perfectly complement the sharable plates. Mercado (140 S. Lake Ave. #101) takes a distinctive approach to modern Mexican, while Dan Modern Chinese (146 S. Lake Ave. #105) puts a contemporary spin on traditional Chinese. The Delicatessen by Osawa (851 Cordova St.) draws loyalists for its casual Japanese cuisine. And Green Street Restaurant (146 Shoppers Ln.) has been a local all-day dining favorite for 40 years.

CONTESSA ITALIAN MARKET

SHOP

The Shops on Lake Avenue (345-455 S. Lake Ave.) are anchored by a newly renovated Macy’s. The Bloke (380 S. Lake Ave.), a groovy men’s concept store located in the Burlington Arcade, features bespoke suits, bench made UK shoes and accessories. Moda Optique (415 S. Lake Ave. #104) is consistently ranked Pasadena’s best eyewear boutique for its impressive selection of designer styles. Contessa Italian Market (380 S. Lake Ave. #111) caters to Italian cuisine lovers, with her selection of premium imported pastas, olive oils, sauces and more. Ten Thousand Villages (567 S. Lake Ave.) is a wonderland of fair-trade treasures sourced from around the world. Visit the experience center at Woody’s Home (519 S. Lake Ave.) to learn about the most advanced technology on the market, from home automation to state-of-the-art home theatres.

SOUTH LAKE AVENUE

South Lake isa 12-block stretch of boutiques, restaurants and purveyors of beauty, health and wellness. Major national chain stores like Macy’s and Williams-Sonoma neighbor mom-and-pop shops. Cutting-edge nail salons, barbershops, fitness studios and massage boutiques can meet all of your self-care needs.

HIDDEN GEM

Meander through the charming British-style

Burlington

Arcade (380 S. Lake Ave.) to peruse the independent retailers and eateries.

FLOAT PASADENA

PLAY

The Commons (140-146 S. Lake Ave.) is the ultimate lifestyle destination—work out at SoulCycle, make your skin glow at Facile, get a blow out at DryBar and treat your hands and feet to a mani-pedi at Olive & June. Floyd’s Barber Shop (888 Cordova St.) is a dapper throwback barbershop complete with straight-razor shaves. Pamper yourself with a massage at HM Warm Spa (1009 E. Green St.). Explore the metaphysical universe at Alexandria II (170 S. Lake Ave.), a spiritually-inclined bookshop that o ers appointments with intuitive readers, Reiki masters and psychics. Instagram your customized sweet treats at Float Pasadena (380 S. Lake Ave.) and Tpumps Pasadena (524 S. Lake Ave.).

DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE

AFTER DARK

Enjoy nightly live entertainment at the Blu Bar (928 E. Colorado Blvd.) in Hotel Constance. Drop into Vinotera (102 S. Lake Ave.) for their wine tasting flights o ered Thursday through Saturday evenings. Belly up to the bar at Del Frisco’s Grille (55 S. Lake Ave. #150) for masterfully-prepared cocktails and the option for late night eats—the kitchen is open until 11:00 p.m. Nosh on complimentary homemade potato chips as you sip on a classic cocktail at the bar at Smitty’s Grill (110 S. Lake Ave.). Delve into the robust spirits, wine and beer menus at buzzy Granville (270 S. Lake Ave.), which remains open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.

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WRIGLEY MANSION

PASADENA ANTIQUES & DESIGN

ANTIQUE DISTRICT

A stretch of South Fair Oaks Avenue from Bellevue Drive to East California Boulevard is known as the Antique Districtgiven its concentration of wellcurated antique stores. The selections at these shops are so good that top Hollywood set designers and globally recognized interior designers are among the loyal clientele. Revival Antiques (1 W. California Blvd. # 611) is fi lled with restored lighting fi xtures, antique furniture and vintage Arts & Crafts and Spanish Revival tiles. Pasadena Antiques & Design (330 S. Fair Oaks Ave.)is a 21,600-square-foot, multi-dealer shop meticulously arranged with fi ne American, English and Continental art and furnishings, as well as pottery, ceramics and other artifacts. Established in 1976, the massive Pasadena Antique Center & Annex (480 S. Fair Oaks Ave.) spans two-buildings housing furniture, jewelry, art and rare books sourced from 130 professional antique dealers. T.L. Gurley Antiques (512 S. Fair Oaks Ave.) may be the smallest of this bunch, but they pack a lot of quality and character into their tightly edited selection of rugs, furniture, art and garden statues.

THE GAMBLE HOUSE

MILLIONAIRE’S ROW

If you’re a fan of design, architecture and history, head to Millionaire’s Row on Orange Grove Boulevard. Back in the early 1900’s, it was said that there were 15 millionaires per mile on the lovely mansion-lined street. Today, you can tour the wonderfully preserved Craftsman masterpiece that is The Gamble House (4 Westmoreland Pl.). Its historic landmark neighbor, the Beaux-Arts style Fenyes Mansion (164-198 N. Orange Grove Blvd.), is part of the Pasadena Museum of History and weekly home tours are also o ered. The 1906 Wrigley Mansion (391 S. Orange Grove Blvd.) was donated to the City in 1958 to become the permanent home of the Tournament of Roses. Free tours are o ered on Thursday afternoons February through August. Other homes you can scout from the street include The Denham House (297 S. Orange Grove Blvd.) built in 1895 and designed by architect Frederick L. Roehrig. Continue heading south on Orange Grove to see The Bissell House (201 Orange Grove Blvd., South Pasadena), an eight-room Victorian bed and breakfast. Built in 1887, the designated cultural landmark was the former residence of a member of the family behind the Bissell carpet cleaning empire.

OFF-THE-BEATEN PATH

Many local gems can be discovered in some of the less-tra cked pocket neighborhoods around town, like these three distinctive zones.

EAST WASHINGTON VILLAGE

EAST WASHINGTON

Home to artisanal co ee houses, ice cream shops and hole-in-the-wall eateries beloved by locals, East Washington Boulevard is an eclectic, multi-cultural zone between Holliston Avenue and Altadena Drive. Lavender & Honey Espresso Bar (1383 E. Washington Blvd.) serves specialty co ees and teas, deli sandwiches and fancy toasts. Bacchus Kitchen (1384 E. Washington Blvd.) is a dinner only restaurant whose occasional “dinner and a show” combo features a three-course meal paired to live music. Family-run Connal’s (1505 E. Washington Blvd.) has been in the hamburger and sandwich business since 1958. With even more history under its belt, Mijares Mexican (1806 E. Washington Blvd.) has been serving Californian-style Mexican since 1920. Try Middle Eastern sweets at Sarkis Bakery (1776 E. Washington Blvd.) or go for an ice cream cone at Carmela’s Ice Cream (2495 E. Washington Blvd.).

CARMELA’S ICE CREAM