Playhouse Village

The artsy Playhouse Village is home to the renowned Pasadena Playhouse along with museums, galleries, eateries, and a smattering of independent shops. It's no secret that 2020 has been rocky for both residents and local businesses, please help by supporting small business. You can browse stores safely, in-person with a mask, or go online and opt for contactless pick up or delivery right to your door.

Places to Eat

Start your day off with a loaded breakfast burrito from Lucky Boy. Or head to Urth Caffé and Tender Greens for some wholesome fare. Anaya's, El Portal Restaurant, and Yahaira's are all solid choices for sit-down Mexican cuisine. Try Tarantino’s Pizzeria for old school Italian, the recently opened Tardino Bros., or Settebello for Naples-style wood-fired pizza. The flavors of Hawaii inspire the poke bowls at Pokenoya, while Ginger & Spice (Vietnamese), Oji Sushi & Sake Bar (Japanese), and Chim Thai (Thai) add their own Asian flare to the Playhouse Village's global offering.

Shopping

Canterbury Records was founded in 1956 and continues to carry a vast selection of new and used vinyl spanning all genres. Collectors also frequent The Battery Books & Music to scour their inventory of used books, music and movies. For more than 40 years, Aarnun Gallery-Fine Picture Framing has been a resource for fine art paintings, prints, photography, and pottery. Mimi et Cie carries a refined selection of covetable timepieces and jewelry. Wollhaus Artisan Yarn & Tools is a cozy crafter’s paradise. And you can find nearly every style of hat imaginable at World Hats Mart. Monopole Wine is equal parts wine shop and wine bar. Pick up the perfect wine for your intimate holiday celebration.

Virtual Experiences

Catch a virtual performance by the official State Theatre of California, the Pasadena Playhouse. Discover the intimate professional theatre virtually with Boston Court with bold new plays, re-imagined classics, engaging and thought provoking stories.

The impressive USC Pacific Asia Museum is one of the few institutions in the country dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. Experience their collection virtually. Laemmle Theatres’ Playhouse 7 art house cinema embodies the ethos of this creative neighborhood and can also be experience virtually.

Outdoor Dining

Anaya’s Restaurant

Authentic Mexican Cuisine. Located in the Playhouse District, is Anaya’s Restaurant. Anaya’s serves authentic flavors of Mexico in Pasadena. Guests can enjoy...

Outdoor Dining

Art & Science Cafe

Art + Science Cafe is an adorable little spot in the Playhouse Village that lives up to its name. The cafe is located on a quiet street and includes a tranquil...

Outdoor Dining

Bobby’s Place

A Pasadena institution since 1964, Bobby's Place is Pasadena’s longest running burger and burrito stops. Stop in for their famous bean and cheese burrito.

Shopping

Book Alley

About. Pasadena's independent and used bookstore, Book Alley was founded in 1992 and originally started in an alley way in Old Pasadena, California. Book...

Performing Arts

Boston Court Performing Arts Center

Bold Programming. Boston Court Performing Arts Center is dedicated to presenting works that are creative, bold and daring. Striving to challenge the audiences...

Shopping

Canterbury Records

Founded in 1956, Canterbury Records is LA’s oldest surviving record shop. The family-owned, independent store has long catered to music lovers of all genres....

Bakery

Car Artisan Chocolate Manufactory and Cafe

Car Artisan Chocolate Manufactory and Cafe is a coffee shop that also offers an assortment of chocolate made from the cocoa beans of Peru, Ecuador, Mexico,...

Outdoor Dining

El Metate Café

El Metate Café. El Metate Café is an family-owned authentic Mexican sit-down café located in the Playhouse Village. It is great for breakfast, lunch and...

Outdoor Dining

El Portal Authentic Yucatan Mexican Restaurant

Pasadena's authentic Yucatan restaurant, El Portal is an ideal place for dinner and a filling meal. Most nights, there's even a mariachi band that will...

Outdoor Dining

Fit Bar Superfood Cafe

Fit Bar Superfood Cafe is dedicated to creating the finest bowls and smoothies with superfoods that have been used for centuries and recognized worldly for...

Outdoor Dining

Green Street Café

Green Street Café serves Mediterranean food to the Playhouse Village of Pasadena. Their cuisine ranges from gyros to kebabs, to full platters filled with...

Hotels

Hotel Constance Pasadena

NOTE: THE HOTEL IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED Hotel Constance is a colorful boutique hotel situated a block from South Lake Avenue District, the central business area...

Playhouse Village