Old Pasadena

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.

maestro green sauce

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.

Gold Bug Store
Castle Green

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.

The Cellar
American

Fishwives

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Fishwives – a term for a woman who sold fresh fish at market – is an eatery serving New England-style seafood, like clam chowder, lobster rolls, and raw...

Bakery/Café

Frenchifornia

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Frenchifornia is a bakery established by Thomas Dumont-Girard and Guillaume Delcourt, two French guys who fell in love with California, and is located around...

Gift Shop

Gold Bug

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Located in One Colorado, Gold Bug is a unique vintage-inspired shop that sells jewelry, offbeat artwork, insect taxidermy, sculptures, and decor. Ideal for...

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Family-owned and operated for over 15 years, Grandview Palace takes pride on serving guests with exceptional Chinese cuisine, newly located in the heart of Old...

Bakery/Café

Hello Gelato

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Hello Gelato is a delicious spot to grab a scoop of Italian Gelato, freshly-made. The cool treat is perfect for a hot day or as a nice snack while strolling...

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In the heart of Old Pasadena, Himalayan Cafe is pleased to serve authentic Nepalese, Indian and Tibetan cuisine. With mountain grown herbs and spices, it is...

American

Holy Saints!

Holy Saints

Old Pasadena's Neighborhood Gem. Holy Saints opened in May 2023 and is owned by Chef Daniel and partner Stephanie, a husband-and-wife team. As a small...

Gift Shop

Homage

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Homage has a little bit for everyone. It's almost guaranteed that you will find something that catches your eye, and probably so much more. Their carefully...

American

Hot Wings Cafe

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Hot Wings Café in Pasadena is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. The establishment specializes in chicken wings, sandwiches, burgers and more in a casual...