Food
Cocktail Guide
Speakeasies & Hidden Cocktail Spots
In Pasadena, finding the bar is half the fun. Step behind unmarked doors and unexpected storefronts to discover theatrical cocktails, hidden lounges, and some of the city's memorable bars.
Speakeasies
Pasadena has a long and complicated relationship with the cocktail. One of the driving forces for the city’s incorporation in 1886 was the desire to prohibit saloons and the sale of alcohol. Decades later, Prohibition expanded nationwide, sending drinking underground with passwords and secret entrances.
Today, Pasadena pays homage to the speakeasy experience with mysterious façades, concealed entryways and underground lounges. The thrill begins before the first cocktail, turning a night out into an adventure.
The Speakeasy
Old Pasadena | 25 N. Raymond Ave
The Moment: Dinner is over, but the night is just getting started.
An abandoned New York deli serves as the façade for a Prohibition-inspired hideaway. To request the night's password, email The Speakeasy with the reason for visiting. Be prepared — the doorman may challenge you with a riddle before inviting you downstairs into the lounge stocked with premium spirits.
10 ¼ (Ten Quarter)
Old Pasadena | 12 E. Colorado Blvd.
The Moment: A little mystery pays off.
Inside the 35er Bar, an unusual entrance leads to a lounge dedicated to Prohibition-era classic cocktails. Walk through the main bar, taking in its collection of sports memorabilia, then head downstairs to find a mysterious phone booth. Pick up the phone, let the bartender know the party size and wait for the door to swing open. On the other side is 10 1/4 (Ten Quarter), where dark wood, eclectic vintage-inspired details and handcrafted cocktails create a world of its own.
Ladies and Gentlemen
Old Pasadena | 59 E. Colorado Blvd.
The Moment: The cocktails are the entertainment.
Beneath Old Pasadena’s Indiana Colony Marketplace, discovering the entrance to Ladies and Gentlemen is part of the experience. Stroll past Wanderlust Creamery toward the restrooms, where a set of instructions reveals the entrance to a moody space with theatrical cocktails and immersive presentations. Ladies and Gentlemen is ideal for small groups looking to elevate a night out. Plan ahead, as access is primarily reservation-based.
The Cellar - A Wine Library
Old Pasadena | 26 E. Colorado Blvd.
The Moment: A glass of wine turns into hours of conversation.
Created by the same owners as Ladies and Gentlemen, The Cellar - A Wine Library is an escape for wine enthusiasts. Check in with the doorman outside before getting escorted into an underground lounge with bookshelves lined with wine bottles, antique décor, and soft classical music. The charming wine library evokes a European atmosphere, with a thoughtfully curated wine list, charcuterie boards and shareable plates. Local Tip: If you passed Hello Gelato, you missed the entrance.
Q's Billiard Club & Tiki B's
Old Pasadena | 99 E. Colorado Blvd.
The Moment: The bigger the group, the more fun it gets.
Barney’s Beanery packs three bar experiences under one roof. The main floor delivers a high-energy neighborhood sports bar. Hidden from the exterior, Q’s Billiard Club on the second floor is a lively bar lounge with pool tables and an outdoor terrace. Then downstairs, Tiki B’s serves island-inspired cocktails from opening to closing.
The Dungeon
Old Pasadena | 72 N. Fair Oaks Ave.
The Moment: When the usual bar scene isn't going to cut it.
Beneath Der Wolf’s lively German-inspired restaurant and bar, The Dungeon offers a darker alternative for late-night drinks. Head downstairs to discover a moody basement lounge featuring custom hand-painted murals depicting medieval-style scenes. Open Thursday through Saturday evenings, The Dungeon is a hidden-in-plain-sight spot for those who like their night out with a little mystery.
The 1894
Playhouse Village | 695 E. Colorado Blvd.
The Moment: Cocktails with character.
Browse the bookshelves at Pasadena’s iconic Vroman’s Bookstore and stumble across The 1894, a cocktail and wine bar on the first floor. Named after the year Southern California’s oldest independent bookstore first opened, this cozy hideaway serves literature-inspired cocktails, curated wines, craft beer and wine flights. Pair a beverage with small bites from Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery to complete a classic Pasadena experience.
Don's Colorado Grotto
Old Pasadena | 12 E. Colorado Blvd.
The Moment: Island time is calling, but Pasadena is closer.
Don's Colorado Grotto is The 35er Bar's tiki bar downstairs. Head toward the back to walk downstairs and suddenly, island-inspired cocktails and vintage decor transform the space into a tropical getaway. Only open on Fridays and Saturdays, the Grotto is a playful detour without ever leaving Old Pasadena.
Unexpected Cocktail Spots
The Tap Room
The Langham Huntington, Pasadena | 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave.
The Moment: Happy hour, but make it glamorous.
Step into another era at The Tap Room, a historic Pasadena cocktail destination inside The Langham Huntington, Pasadena. The post-Prohibition-inspired lounge blends 1930s glamour with fresh California flavors. Throughout the week, listen to live jazz while sipping innovative cocktails and taking in sunset views from the terrace overlooking The Langham’s picturesque grounds.
La Cave
Old Pasadena | 169 W. Green St.
The Moment: A slice of Paris hiding around the corner.
Along a quieter stretch of tree-lined Green Street, La Cave’s wine-cellar setting feels quietly sophisticated, while the romantic patio evokes a Parisian courtyard beneath glowing string lights. Settle in with a plant-based cheese board paired with a glass of international wine or a mocktail. For a distinctly French finale, delight in vegan eclairs or sweet and savory French pastries from sister patisserie, ID-Eclair.
The 1886 Bar
South Arroyo Parkway | 1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave.
The Moment: Skip the menu and let the bartender take the lead.
The 1886 Bar at The Raymond occupies a preserved 1901 Craftsman cottage that once served as the caretaker’s home for the historic Raymond Hotel. Expert mixologists bring a detail-oriented approach to every drink, from seasonal ingredients to hand-cut ice. The experience captures Pasadena’s blend of historic charm and modern cocktail culture.
The Blind Donkey
Old Pasadena | 53 E. Union St.
The Moment: "Just one drink" turns into "30 more minutes."
Off the main street in Old Pasadena, The Blind Donkey is a local favorite for whiskey fans. Exposed brick, low lighting, and a drink menu featuring whiskies, craft spirits and rotating draft beers set the scene for a laid-back night out. Settle in with a drink and a game of chess, shuffleboard, or another bar game to turn a quick stop into an evening of good company and unwinding.
Plan a Private Event
Plan a private event, corporate mixer, or group gathering in one of these memorable settings. Several speakeasies and hidden bars offer private-event options. Contact each venue directly for availability and details.
Tips for Finding Pasadena's Hidden Bars
Plan ahead. Some hidden bars have limited seating and require reservations.
Try the bartender's choice. Mixologists may be up for the challenge to recommend a cocktail based on their preferences.
Look for the unexpected. Old Pasadena's pedestrian-friendly streets and alleyways make it easy to wander between restaurants, boutiques and cocktail bars. Check the surroundings and don't be afraid to ask where to find the bar.
