NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Pasadena’s original downtown, affectionately known as “Old Pas,” is a 22-block trip down memory lane.

Victorian-era architecture and brick alleyways provide a charming setting for specialty boutiques, world-class dining, and open-air shopping plazas. Discover delightful museums and galleries, live music, and late-night fun in Old Pasadena.

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery

EAT

The culinary scene begins at Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery (40 W. Green St.), with flavorful food, handcrafted cocktails, and delicious cheese. Osawa (77 N. Raymond Ave.) is the go-to place for Japanese noodles, bento, sushi, and shabu-shabu. Explore the bright and bold flavors of Southeast Asia at Bone Kettle (67 N. Raymond Ave.). The seasonal menu at rustic, elegant Union (37 E. Union St.) merges California farm-to-table with Northern Italian cuisine. For dessert, Valentine Sweets (88 E. Colorado Blvd.) serves all-organic, gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic-friendly treats. Mignon Chocolate (6 Holly St.) perfects handcrafted chocolates and Drips Cheesecake (20 E. Union St., inside Dirt Dog) wows with chocolatecovered cheesecakes on a stick.

Maude Woods

SHOP

Retail pop-up curator MAUM (13 Douglas Aly.) now has a general store to champion Korean and Asian makers. Get home furnishings and décor advice at Cozy Stylish Chic (89 W. Dayton St.). For unique housewares and gifts, head to Maude Woods (55 E. Holly St.). The metaphysical oasis of House of Intuition (22 S. Raymond Ave.) carries crystals, tarot boxes, candles, incense, and more. Sneakerheads should go to KICKSNEAKER (2 E. Holly St.) for new kicks and a refresh of beloved old sneakers. Game enthusiasts will relish Gameology (100 W. Green St.) and its 7,000 square feet of board games, cards, dice, miniatures, and more. Walk into TWIGZZ (40 Smith Aly.) for flower arrangements and event planning services.

Castle Green

Castle Green (99 S. Raymond Ave.) is a historic and architectural treasure built during the Victorian Era and faithfully restored in every detail. Experience the legacy with seasonal tours, weddings, and special events.

Neon Retro Arcade

PLAY

Stroll through the 9.2-acre Central Park (275 S. Raymond Ave.) and enjoy a patch of green within the city, or rent a bike at Incycle Bicycles (175 S. Fair Oaks Ave.) for a long distance excursion. Check out the latest exhibitions and community-based arts at the Armory Center for the Arts (145 N. Raymond Ave.). Tap into your inner child with vintage arcade games at Neon Retro Arcade (28 S. Raymond Ave.). Find clues and solve puzzles with friends at The Bunker Experience (20 N. Raymond Ave.), an immersive escape room adventure. End the evening with a movie at upscale IPIC Theaters (42 Miller Aly.).

The Cellar

NIGHTLIFE

Blind Donkey (53 E. Union St.) is a low-key bar ideal for craft whiskey lovers and those looking for a relaxing vibe. Venture to Barney’s Beanery (99 E. Colorado Blvd.), a bar decorated with hundreds of tribute items to historic Route 66, offers draft beers, karaoke, trivia, pool, and more. Enjoy crisp drinks and California air at Rocco’s Tavern (44 W. Green St.), an outdoor-style café and bar. iX Tapa Cantina (119 E. Colorado Blvd.) entertains with mariachi dinner shows, live bands, salsa nights, and bottle service. Lucky Baldwin’s (17 S. Raymond Ave.) is the popular British pub among locals.

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

The artsy Playhouse Village district is the heart of Pasadena’s creativity and expression, home to the renowned Pasadena Playhouse, inspiring museums, colorful galleries, and a robust public art collection.

With quaint, tree-lined streets, the neighborhood welcomes you with the new Playhouse Village Park, family-owned eateries, and unique shopping adventures.

Anayas

EAT

Family-run Anayas (630 E. Colorado Blvd.) is a great choice for authentic Mexican cuisine, as is El Portal Restaurant (695 E. Green St.). Devour a pie at old-school Tarantino’s Pizzeria (784 E. Green St.) and at Naplesinspired Settebello (625 E. Colorado Blvd.). For fast-casual Vietnamese food, visit Ginger And Spice Noodle & Grill (451 E. Colorado Blvd.). Kitchen United MIX (55 S. Madison Ave.) pioneers a ghost-kitchen concept that lets you mix meals from multiple restaurants. Smash House Burger Co. (46 N. Lake Ave.) is one of L.A.’s best for classic smash burgers. Get caffeinated with Mexican-grown roasts at Tepito Coffee (695 E. Colorado Blvd.) inside Vroman’s Bookstore. Urth Caffé (625 E. Colorado Blvd.), which serves organic heirloom coffee with health-conscious bites.

Canterbury Records

SHOP

Find handmade gifts from indigenous and Latin-owned brands at Mercadito Monarca (696 E. Colorado Blvd., # 19). Make your own scented candles at Banter & Bliss Candle Co. (450 E. Colorado Blvd.) and stop by Wollhaus Artisan Yarn & Tools (696 E. Colorado Blvd., #2), a cozy crafter’s paradise. My Zero Waste 7 Store (25 S. El Molino Ave.) is a feel-good place for sustainable products and one-of-a-kind gift items. Vroman’s Bookstore (695 E. Colorado Blvd.) is SoCal’s oldest and largest independent bookseller. Canterbury Records (805 E. Colorado Blvd.), founded in 1956, keeps spinning new and used vinyl. Collectors also frequent The Battery Books & Music (26 S. Los Robles Ave.) for used books, music, and movies.

Mural at Mercadito Monarca

Scattered throughout Playhouse Village are vibrant public art installations like Liliflor Arte’s mural at Mercadito Monarca, Visions of Healing, which captures the vivid colors found in native California plants and wildlife.

Southern California Children’s Museum The 1894

PLAY

Get enlightened by a performance at The Pasadena Playhouse (39 S. El Molino Ave.), the state theater of California, then experience a creative, bold exhibition at Boston Court Pasadena (70 N. Mentor). The impressive USC Pacific Asia Museum (46 N. Los Robles Ave.) is dedicated to arts and culture from Asia and the Pacific Islands. The new Playhouse Village Park (701 Union St.) pays homage to Pasadena band Van Halen with its performance stage. Spark wonder and excitement in your kids at Southern California Children’s Museum (459 E. Colorado Blvd.). End the night with popcorn and a movie at the new Landmark Theatres (673 E. Colorado Blvd.).

NIGHTLIFE

The Mixx (433 E. Colorado Blvd.) is a classic, contemporary restaurant and bar with an ongoing lineup of live music. Book lovers will enjoy wine, craft beer, and bites at The 1894 (695 E. Colorado Blvd.) in Vroman’s Bookstore. Monopole Wine (21 S. El Molina Ave.) offers wine tastings and happy hour by the glass in its store and T. Boyle’s Tavern (37 N. Catalina Ave.) is a great sports bar tucked within a hideaway alley. The best comedic talent returns to the stage at the historic Ice House Comedy Club (24 E. Mentor Ave.).

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

South Lake Avenue is Pasadena’s premiere shopping district, a 12-block stretch of specialty boutiques, name brand stores, and and delightful mom-and-pops.

After your shopping spree, discover cutting-edge health and wellness purveyors, nail salons, barbershops, fitness studios, and massage boutiques— all coming together to satisfy your selfcare needs.

Republik Coffee

EAT

Chef Dylan Stage of Marina (841 Cordova St.) delights with his rustic Italian cuisine and seasonal California farm ingredients. Celestino (141 S. Lake Ave.) is lauded for its elegant Italian preparations that focus on fresh seafood and game while The Arbour (527 S. Lake Ave.) stands out with farm-to-table greatness and beautiful California ambiance. Get a taste of global fare with savory kebabs and traditional flavors at Mediterranean Café (273 Shoppers Ln.), upscale French at Bistro 45 (45 S. Mentor Ave.), and a modern approach to Mexican cuisine at Mercado (140 S. Lake Ave., #101). And the motto at Republik Coffee (854 Green St.) says it all: “life is too short to drink bad coffee.”

Kimono No Kobeya’s

SHOP

The Shops on South Lake Avenue (345-455 S. Lake Ave.) is anchored by Macy’s and Trader Joe’s. Specialty boutiques to visit include Kimono No Kobeya’s (380 S. Lake Ave., #109) for authentic Japanese kimonos, and Moda Optique (415 S. Lake Ave. #104), one of Pasadena’s best in designer eyewear. Nearby is Ten Thousand Villages (567 S. Lake Ave.), a wonderland of fair trade treasures from artisans and craftspeople around the world. The Bee Cottage (496 S. Lake Ave.) specializes in fine silk botanicals, home accessories, and gifts. Peruse luxurious home furnishings at Salutations Home (900 Granite Ave.) and Pashgian Brothers (993 E. Colorado Blvd.), established in 1889 and one of the nation’s oldest and most respected purveyors of fine rugs.

Burlington Arcade

Modeled after London’s worldfamous shopping destination of the same name, Burlington Arcade (380 S. Lake Ave.) is a hidden gem with independent retailers and eateries surrounded by charming architecture.

Float Coffee Shop Magnolia House

PLAY

The Commons (140-146 S. Lake Ave.) is the ultimate lifestyle destination for working out, relaxing, and rejuvenating. Keep it moving with indoor cycling at SoulCycle, make your skin glow at Facile, and get a blowout at DryBar. Up the road, explore the metaphysical universe at Alexandria II (170 S. Lake Ave.), a spiritually inclined bookshop that offers appointments with intuitive readers, Reiki masters, and psychics. Floyd’s 99 Barber Shop (888 Cordova St.) is a rock-inspired barbershop for classic cuts, color, and shaving services. Build your own soda and ice cream float at Float Coffee Shop (380 S. Lake Ave.), then Instagram your irresistible creation.

NIGHTLIFE

The cozy bar at Smitty’s Grill (110 S. Lake Ave.) serves classic imbibes and friendly conversation near a lively dining room. Delve into handcrafted cocktails, wine, craft beer, and sweet cravings on the idyllic rooftop bar at buzzy Granville (270 S. Lake Ave.). Savor the creative libations at Magnolia House (492 S. Lake Ave.) and enjoy its timeless ambiance in a classic Pasadena craftsman home. Modeled after London’s world-famous shopping destination of the same name, Burlington Arcade (380 S. Lake Ave.) is a hidden gem with independent retailers and eateries surrounded by charming architecture.

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE

Pasadena Convention Center

CIVIC CENTER DISTRICT

The Civic Center District is a vibrant zone of beautiful Beaux-Arts and Mediterranean Revival landmark buildings that have set the stage for many Hollywood films and television shows. At the heart of the district is the historic 3,000-seat Pasadena Civic Auditorium (300 E. Green St.), host to Broadway musicals, world-class ballet performances, symphony orchestras, and celebrity speakers. Adjacent to the theater is public skating at the Pasadena Ice Skating Center and the Pasadena Convention Center (both at 300 E. Green St.), the city’s 130,000-square-foot premier meeting and events venue.

The district features a variety of dining and nightlife spots perfect for large groups, family nights, business meals, and intimate dinners. Lunasia Dim Sum House (239 E. Colorado Blvd.) is revered for its dumplings made fresh to order. And Cordova Café & Bottleshop (199 S. Los Robles Ave., #150) is a new addition serving American fare and perfect for watching sports. If you’re craving a superior steak, there are traditional spots like Alexander’s Steakhouse (111 N. Los Robles Ave.), Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (179 E. Colorado Blvd.), and Ruth Chris Steakhouse (369 E. Colorado Blvd.), as well as the famous Brazilian churrasco experience at Fogo De Chao (234 E. Colorado Blvd.). Head to The Paseo (300 E. Colorado Blvd.) for an openair, contemporary shopping and dining experience. There you’ll find additional great restaurants like the elevated American eatery Great Maple and the authentic Mexican favorite El Cholo Cafe. National brand stores like H&M, West Elm, and Buttercup attract shoppers year round. Then saunter over to the iconic City Hall (100 N. Garfield Ave.), a must-see architectural marvel designed by John Baker and Arthur Brown and completed in 1927. Across the street, stop by the Robinson Memorial (95 N. Garfield Ave.) to see two large bronze sculptures that pay tribute to Pasadena alumni Jackie and Mack Robinson. Then take a relaxing stroll through Plaza Las Fuentes’ (135 N. Los Robles Ave.) for Moorish-influenced courtyards with terraced public gardens and colorful decorative tiles.

ANTIQUE DISTRICT

Go antiquing in this concentration of well-curated antique stores known as the Antique District. Revival Antiques (1 W. California Blvd., #611) curates restored lighting fixtures, antique furniture, and vintage tiles. Pasadena Antiques & Design (330 S. Fair Oaks Ave.) is a 21,600-square-foot, multi-dealer shop arranged with fine art, home furnishings, pottery, ceramics, and other artifacts. Established in 1976, the massive Pasadena Antique Center & Annex (480 S. Fair Oaks Ave.) spans two-

Pasadena City Hall Pasadena Ice Skating Center

buildings filled with furniture, jewelry, art, and rare books. Small but mighty T.L. Gurley Antiques (512 S. Fair Oaks Ave.) has a tightly edited selection of rugs, furniture, art, and garden statues.

ARCHITECTURAL TOUR

Explore the architectural treasures on Orange Grove Boulevard’s mansion-lined streets, where you can tour the impressive historic buildings like the iconic Gamble House (4 Westmoreland Pl.), a Craftsman home designed by Greene and Greene. Its historic landmark neighbor, the 1906 Beaux-Arts style Fenyes Mansion (164-198 N. Orange Grove Blvd.) with the original furnishings and art collection, is part of the Pasadena Museum of History. The Mary E. Denham House (297 S. Orange Grove Blvd.) was built in 1895 and designed by architect Frederick L. Roehrig. Bissell House (201 Orange Grove Blvd., South Pasadena), an eight-room Victorian bed and breakfast built in 1887, was the former residence of a member of the family behind the Bissell carpet cleaning empire.

EAST WASHINGTON

East Washington Boulevard, between Holliston Avenue and Altadena Drive, is an eclectic, multi-cultural zone of beloved artisanal coffee houses, ice cream shops, and hole-in-the-wall eateries. Lavender & Honey Espresso

Fogo De Chao

Bar (1383 E. Washington Blvd.) serves specialty coffees and teas, deli sandwiches, and fancy toasts. Bacchus’ Kitchen (1384 E. Washington Blvd.) is a dinner-only eatery with occasional live music shows. Family-run, counterserved Connal’s (1505 E. Washington Blvd.) is a throwback hamburger and sandwich joint. El Matador Mexican Food (1806 E. Washington Blvd.) serves Californian-style Mexican staples. For dessert, try Middle Eastern sweets at Sarkis Pastry (1776 E. Washington Blvd.) and artisanal ice cream at Carmela Ice Cream (2495 E. Washington Blvd.).

Once Upon a Time...

ICONIC FILMING LOCATIONS

With its idyllic tree-lined streets and historic craftsman homes, Pasadena has provided the backdrop for some of the most memorable movies and TV shows of all time.

Back to the Future

In the 1985 time travel blockbuster, Doc Brown’s garage and laboratory in 1955 Hill Valley is none other than the Gamble House (4 Westmoreland Pl.)—more precisely, its gift shop and former carriage house. Built in 1908 and designed by American Arts and Crafts masters Charles and Henry Greene, the Gamble House did not allow indoor filming so the production team moved to another Greene & Greene design, the Blacker House (1177 Hillcrest Ave.), for interior shots.

Father of the Bride

As Woody Allen did with Manhattan, some films feature a location so prominently, it feels like a character in itself. In this 1991 remake, the family’s house (500 N. Almansor St.) is a huge part of the plot, with most of the major action occurring in or near

Gamble House it. The house provided filmmakers with the perfect “homey” quality while still making for a magical environment, especially for the wedding of the titular bride.

Mad Men

Across the street from the Father of the Bride house is another famous locale. For three seasons, the charming colonial-style house (675 Arden Rd.) played the role of the Draper residence on Mad Men. In the show, the house was supposed to be set in Ossining, New York, which highlights one of the reasons that Pasadena is such a desirable filming location: with its wealth of different architectural styles and vegetation, Pasadena can stand in for almost anywhere.

Pee-wee’s Big Adventure

Yes, the gizmo-filled house in Tim Burton’s 1985 eccentric movie is real, though Pee-wee Herman’s House (1846 Oxley St., South Pasadena) isn’t painted red and there isn’t a brightly colored rocket ship on the front lawn (that we know about). Still, nothing is stopping you from renting a red bike, better yet a Schwinn Western Flyer, to ride by the iconic house.

The Sting

Paul Newman and Robert Redford roam many Pasadena locations in the 1973 heist film. The fancy gambling casino meant to look like 1930s New York is actually the lounge of historic Castle Green (99 S. Raymond Ave.), a former hotel built in 1887 and reimagined now into an eclectic event space. The alleys of Old Pasadena gave filmmakers 19th-century buildings and cobblestone streets to shoot—the charming city block is now the chic retail center One Colorado (41 Hugus Aly.).

Pasadena City Hall

WHERE HAVE I SEEN IT?

The sprawling and diverse landscapes at The Huntington

Library, Art Museum, and Botanical

Gardens (1151 Oxford Rd., San Marino) have been featured in dozens of movies over the years, with its buildings and gardens standing in for locations ranging from Japan to the White House. Most uniquely, the gardens were featured in the TV series The Good Place as a stand-in for heaven.

Built in 1913, the Colorado Street Bridge (504 W. Colorado Blvd.) made its film debut only eight years into its existence in Charlie Chaplin’s The Kid. Since then, it has been featured in dozens of films and television shows. Most recently, its magnificence was upstaged (just barely) by Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone in the 2016 film La La Land.

Its first role was Adenoid Hynkel’s palace in Chaplin’s 1940 satire film The Great Dictator. Since then, it has substituted for other city halls, most notably Pawnee City Hall in the mockumentary sitcom Parks & Recreation. And for a fun Easter egg, the building appears in the background of Leonard and Sheldon’s apartment window in Pasadena-set The Big Bang Theory.