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.

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...

Sushi Roku's menu highlights the innovative, globally inspired Japanese cuisine that has made it a local fixture while expanding its offerings to include a new...

Sushi Stop offers authentic Japanese quality sushi while eliminating the high prices you find nearly everywhere else. Their menu ranges from traditional sushi...

Sushigah is a new Korean family-owned sushi restaurant in Old Pasadena, where natural light floods the Korean inspired interior with sushi bar seating. The...

Tatsu Ramen is your go-to late night spot for authentic Japanese ramen cravings nestled south of Colorado Blvd on Arroyo Parkway. This hip joint beckons with...

Tea Rose Garden is a teashop offers a cozy, tranquil place where guests can take a few moments out of a busy day to just relax and enjoy the surroundings.

Tibet-Nepal-House_Visit-Pasadena_003_c3cc3d3e99a0496ea9909ca43528d03d.jpg

Serving the authentic Himalayan cuisine of Nepal, Tibet and India, Tibet Nepal House uses only the finest fresh herbs and spices to prepare delicious and...

Union Street French Café is a family-owned establishment serving organic, fresh, and homemade treats. Step into the romance of organic French cooking and enjoy...

"The first Korean Pocha (Pub) in Pasadena! Enter a modern Korean culinary experience where Korean Fried Chicken, Tteokbokki, beer, and soju come together to...

Valentine Sweets Organic Bakery, a woman-founded and owned establishment, specializes in crafting all-organic, gluten-free, vegan, and diabetic-friendly...

Flavors from Around the World. Located in Old Pasadena's Indiana Colony is Wanderlust Creamery. Treat yourself to artisanal ice cream flavors inspired and...

Vegan, Gluten-Free Sweets Nestled in a historic Pasadena building with a brick facade, Yvonne's Vegan Kitchen offers a vegan and gluten-free twist on classic...