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Playhouse Village

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.

Pasadena Playhouse Plaque photographed by Jessica Yeh

HISTORIC ARTS DISTRICT

Playhouse Village

The Playhouse Village also serves as a canvas for an eclectic and robust public art collection. Visitors love the splashes of color in the form of painted utility boxes and wall murals that span across the sides of historic buildings. Creatives, writers, performers, and artists all flock to the Playhouse Village to spark their inspiration.

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. Ginger & Spice (Vietnamese), Oji Sushi & Sake Bar (Japanese), and Chim Thai (Thai) add their own Asian flare to the Playhouse Village's global offering.

El Portal mexican restaurant
Playhouse Village Arcade Alley Sunset

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.

Things to Do

Founded in the late 1800s, Vromans Bookstore is Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookseller; they regularly bring in renowned and rising star authors and guest speakers for talks and signing events .

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.

Pasadena Playhouse Sign

Discover more things to do at https://playhousevillage.org/.

Anayas
Outdoor Dining

Anaya’s Restaurant

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

Ban SUP Refill

Ban SUP Refill is on a mission to reduce greenhouse gasses and single-use plastic consumption. Their shop has a variety of zero-waste, sustainably packaged and...
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.

Book Alley
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...
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....
Outdoor Dining

Dash Coffee Bar

Dash Coffee Bar is the place to kick off your morning. They offer espresso, cold brew, refreshers, matcha, tea, baked goods, snacks, and more to get you going....

El Metate Cafe mexican food
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...

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