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.

Ramen Tatsunoya specializes in pork-based, tonkotsu ramen, reflecting our place of origin, Kurume City in Fukuoka, the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. The broth...

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Old Pasadena Bar. Rocco's Tavern in Old Pasadena features a sprawling bar, restaurant, and outdoor cafe inspired by the classic Italian eateries and taverns...

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Once the Main Dining Room for the resort Gem of the West, The Historic Green Hotel, The Romanesque Room is truly one-of-a-kind. With a domed ceiling and Roman...

Step into a piece of history at Russell's, the perfect spot in Old Pasadena to enjoy the ambiance of an upscale diner featuring an array of popular...

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Organic Food. Sage Vegan Bistro serves up organic food in the charming One Colorado which is nestled in the heart of Old Pasadena. Sage's produce comes from...

Sato Ramen House is a Japanese restaurant in Pasadena that serves masesoba, ramen, bim bim bap, traditional Japanese rice bowl dishes, and popular appetizers.

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Savvvys is a family-owned café offering elegant modern houseplant aesthetics, plenty of outlets, free wifi, and specialty lattes made with handcrafted syrups...

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The Soap Kitchen is a mother/daughter business established in Old Pasadena, California in 2003. All soaps are handmade from scratch, hand-cut, and hand-wrapped...

Korean BBQ. SOH Grill House is a full-service Korean BBQ restaurant in Old Pasadena. The restaurant offers a new modern take on Korean BBQ. It is equipped...

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A menu that will tempt you with popular Italian favorites including salads, pastas, pizzas, roasted and grilled meats, including melt-in-mouth New Zealand Lamb...

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Stone BrewingStone Brewing Tap Room in Pasadena is a tasting room and retail store with patio space in the Del Mar Metro Station complex. Their unique tasting...

Feed Your Soul. Enjoy fresh quality sushi in a comfortable atmosphere at Sushi Enya. Sushi Enya was founded by a group of foodies who wanted to create an...