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.

Incycle Bicycle is a premier cycling shop located in Old Pasadena. With a passion for all things cycling, In Cycle Bicycle offers a wide range of top-quality...

Intelligentsia is a specialty coffee pioneer and has been serving some of the world's best coffee to Los Angeles since 2007. The Illumination Bar in Pasadena...

Pasadena Movie Theater A pioneer of the dine-in theater concept, IPIC® Theaters' mission is to a create an unforgettable experience for guests. IPIC Theaters'...

Mexican Eatery and Bar. ix Tapa Cantina offers a rich variety of standard and traditional favorites, including birrias, carnitas, and pollo en mole poblano. A...

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Jake's Trustworthy Burgers and Beer serves juicy burgers in Old Pasadena.

Jenette Bras prides itself for its ability to properly fit bras to all body shapes and not fall for the "Mall Bra Syndrome" of trying to fit bodies to bra...

Jumak serves authentic Asian cuisine spread across two unique menus. During lunch they offer a traditional simple Korean menu and during dinner they offer an...

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Kabuki Restaurant's diverse menu showcases traditional and innovative Japanese cuisine and includes an award-winning Kid’s Menu (Restaurant Hospitality...

Kaviar Sushi Bar offers a diverse Japanese selection from traditional fare to modern dishes inspired by Executive Chef John Hans Yeo. The artfully curated...

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Pasadena Gastropub. Located in the heart of Old Pasadena, Kings Row Gastropub is a casual gastropub featuring live music from Thursday through Sunday. The...

Persian Egyptian Ice Cream Parlor Try something new like saffron pistachio rose ice cream or walnut baklava at Kinrose Creamery. Old Town Pasadena's new...

Meet Stephanie Jensen and Stacy Kostanyan, the heart and soul behind The Kitchen, located on Union St. in Old Pasadena for two decades. With a bond that...