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 affectionately call it, offers open-air shopping plazas, hidden laneways and a lively strip of retailers and restaurants along the main drag, Colorado Boulevard.

Eat

Maestro excels at modern Mexican in a plush setting, with a killer mezcal list to boot. True Food Kitchen and Sage Plant Based Bistro specialize in ultra-healthy, super delicious fare. Osawa 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. The intimate, Italian-inflected Union Restaurant is deservedly one of Pasadena’s most popular dinner destinations. Another Italian hot spot, Mi Piace has been pleasing palates for 30 years. Luggage Room Pizzeria prepares delectable pizzas in their woodburning oven.

Shop

Colorado Boulevard and Green Street are lined with a large mix of national chains and independent retailers as diverse as Design Within Reach and Warby Parker, to name just a few. Meander through the upscale One Colorado outdoor shopping center to find elegant clothing stores like Finn + Willow. If you’re in the market for one-of-a-kind housewares and gifts, beeline to Gold Bug, Maude Woods, and Homage. Jenette Bras carries Southern California’s largest selection of size D-K bras and swimwear.

Play

Play arcade and video games straight out of the 1980s at The Neon Retro Arcade, where more than 50 “vintage” games entertain all ages. Stroll through the 9.2-acre Central Park (275 S. Raymond Ave.). Take exterior photos of the 1898 Nationally Registered Historic Monument Castle Green, 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, an independent contemporary art and community arts educational institution. Sip while you paint your very own masterpiece at Pinot’s Palette. Watch a movie paired with gourmet eats and drinks at IPIC Pasadena, a high-end cinema in One Colorado.

Nightlife

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. Oenophiles can swirl, sniff and sip California vintages at We Olive’s Wine Bar, and The Cellar. A good time can always be found at Pasadena’s largest night club, Club 54 Lounge & Nightclub, offering three levels of music, dancing, and drinks. A full-on nightclub experience is also on the menu at iX Tapa Cantina. Lively, laid-back Edwin Mills by Equator is the spot for late-night drinks with tasty eats.

21 Choices serves a variety of customizable frozen yogurt flavors to help you stay cool. Choose from fruits, nuts, cookies, and other sweets to make your froyo...

Since opening on iconic Melrose Place in 2013 with its trademarked tagline “But First, Coffee,” Alfred has built a passionate following with eye-catching cafe...

All India Cafe is a low-key Indian restaurant in Old Pasadena, it is family-run and the food here is authentic. Their menu features dishes from all parts of...

Boba ChaCha is a chic, Instagram-worthy boba shop located in Old Pasadena. Their menu consists of sweet drinks, smoothies, unique tea flavors ranging from...

Soul Warming Based out of Southern California, Boiling Point specializes in Taiwanese-style hot pot. In 2015, the group opened this new concept restaurant in...

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Southeast Asian Kitchen. Bone Kettle adds a new twist to the Pasadena culinary community by introducing their culturally-inspired dishes. Bone Kettle's broth...

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Cha Redefine. Cha Redefine founded by tea and coffee enthusiasts. They create a new interpretation of traditional tea by combining traditional loose-leaf tea...

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Traditional Tea House. Chado Tea Room Pasadena serves over 200 different teas, sandwiches, salads and pastries. There are four Chado Tea Room's throughout...

"Champion's Curry’s catchphrase is “Like no other; it’s the champion!” They have earned this confidence by being the originator of Kanazawa curry 50 years ago,...

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Chong Qing Yao Mei brings authentic Sichuan hot pot to Old Pasadena. Choose from seven delicious broths, and a wide selection of meat, seafood, exotic...

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100% aesthetic and 100% plant-based, Coffee and Plants cafe is located in Old Pasadena's One Colorado. Enjoy dairy-free lattes, coffee, teas, and more while...

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Artisanal Coffee Shop & Cafe. Copa Vida is an artisanal coffee shop in Old Pasadena, that also offers tea and food. It is located in a beautiful historic...