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    Behind Bars

    4.8 (25 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    Behind Bars Photos

    BEHIND BARS ATMOSPHERE

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    Very chill vibes
    Hannah S.

    What a hidden gem!! Behind Bars is a super fun little speakeasy tucked away in an excellent location in Mills Alley (Old Pasadena). Met the girls for happy hour and had a lovely time!! Our bartender, Lou, was such a delight - so attentive and helpful and even made me a delicious mocktail not found on the menu! My mocktail didn't have a name but it had grenadine, pineapple juice, cherries, and I'm not sure what else but it was light, refreshing, and not too sweet - it's like Lou read my mind! Flawless! Our group also tried the Purple People Eater, Moon Rocks, and Don't Be A Prick. Every drink is beautifully presented - and everyone loved them all except the Purple People Eater. It's a vibrant ube-forward drink - but the "ube beer" made it kinda strange (according to my friend) - didn't seem like a good choice for a carbonated drink (should be more creamy with the ube maybe?). But they have a dizzying selection of liquor choices and plenty of beers on tap. No doubt something for everyone. They also have a small food menu and share the quaint courtyard with the restaurant next door - so you can chill inside at the bar or tables or enjoy Al fresco seating out there. They're right in the thick of Mills Alley too so if you hit it right, the live music from the alley drifts in and adds to the chill vibes. Prices seem to be on par for the area (moderate). The entrance is very nondescript and almost easy to miss (there's no sign on the building) but google maps takes you right to it. There are several parking garages in the area - I parked at the DeLacey garage one block over for two hours for only $1. The area is very walkable with lots of restaurants and shops. Excellent place to meet up with the crew...So great to see my gals - tysm to Lou for helping us have a blast!!

    Brian F.

    Behind Bars is a small bar tucked in an alleyway in Old Town Pasadena. We stopped by on a Sunday evening and were told they had happy hour BOGO for draft beers. We ended up getting one beer each which came out to be $8 for two. It wasn't packed at all when we arrived but there were a decent amount of what looked to be regulars who were familiar with the bartenders. Along with the interior there was also a spacious outdoor patio. Above the bar were three TVs playing sports. They had a good amount of beers on tap, a cocktail menu, and a full bar for anything you want.

    Pasadena Pub Runners stop # 1
    Miori I.

    Behind Bars, located in Mills Alley was previously known as Wokcano's bar. I used to frequent the restaurant and the bar often many years ago and it was a trip to be in that familiar space. My husband and I lead a run crew that meets once a month on Friday nights (Pasadena Pub Runners) and we chose Behind Bars to be our local business to support. My husband had communicated with the business ahead of time via IG to make sure they can accommodate 20 or so sweaty runners ready for libations. We were greeted by friendly bartenders. Beers on tap, cocktails on deck, and friendly service. My husband ordered us a couple drinks. Happy hour drink prices were very inexpensive. Can't beat that. Didn't get a chance to order food from the restaurant in the front. Might be called Mills Alley. Sadly the kitchen was closed by the time our run ended. I peeped the menu though, so I will be back. Djs were nice. Pumped us up and asked if we were coming back. They had a cool set up in the outdoor patio when we returned post run.

    Gabe O.

    We were looking for a new post-run hangout spot for our monthly run group meetup and decided to give Behind Bars in Pasadena a try. I reached out via Instagram to let them know we'd be coming through with a pretty large group, and whoever runs the page gave us the go-ahead. After our run, we rolled in with about 25 people--sweaty and ready for drinks. The bar is small inside, and the regulars definitely looked a little surprised when we showed up in full force. But to their credit, the bartenders handled it like pros. There's also a large outdoor patio, which later hosted a live DJ spinning music--a nice touch that kept the vibe fun and lively. I ordered a couple of beers for my wife and me and was pleasantly surprised when happy hour prices kicked in--$8 for both beers. Can't beat that. Service was friendly and efficient despite the crowd, and I had a great conversation with the bartender, who mentioned that Behind Bars is owned by the same folks behind Urban Pocha and a neighboring spot. We left to finish our run and came back later that night to keep the fun going. That's when we met Coco, who was helping her boyfriend Dumpling set up for his DJ set on the patio--super nice people, and it added to the community vibe of the place. The only downside: by the time we returned, the kitchen was already closed, so we didn't get a chance to try the food. Definitely gives us a reason to come back. Highlights: - Affordable happy hour drinks ($8 for 2 beers!) - Spacious patio with live DJ - Friendly, capable staff (especially with big groups) - Part of a local ownership group with other nearby spots - Large parking structure nearby Heads-up: - Indoor space is small--better for small groups unless you're on the patio - Kitchen closes earlier than the bar, so plan accordingly if you want food

    Sally W.

    My friends and I were looking for a place for girls night and happened upon this bar. The vibes were immaculate and the bartender Anthony was so much fun. Highly recommend!

    Sarah G.

    While in Pasadena for a wedding weekend, a group of us walked over to Behind Bars from nearby Livery Studio. Thank goodness there were some locals with us - it was located down an alley and I don't think there was even a sign! I understand they haven't been open very long...they don't even have a Google listing! What a hip little gem of a place! It was packed and hopping. The drinks were great and the bartenders friendly. We had just come from a dinner so didn't get any food, but I understand it's quite good. Would definitely check this place out again when in Old Town Pasadena!

    If you want great beer great atmosphere and great cocktails hit your boy Lou up for the best hospitality ! We recently had a horrible experience at Javier's up the street and he went above and beyond to make us feel like we were at home! Best bartender in the world and best hospitality in the world from from your boy Lou!

    Gin and tonic BOGO
    Daniel R.

    Absolutely love this place! The drinks are good the vibes are THERE and they have food. Came here to watch the World Series. Roccos was PACKED and this place had no lines. The food is good and so are the drinks. The bartender is a whole vibe. Highly recommend

    people sitting at a bar
    Jonathan A.

    STOKED that this bar is open under new management! It looks even better than it did before and their liquor selection is amazing! Lou, the bartender there is awesome! Great service and very knowledgeable! I'm happy to have a new spot to go to in Pasadena!

    The "Industry Sour" at the very new Behind Bars!  In the old Wokano space!

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    11 months ago

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    3 months ago

    Bartenders are friendly. Fries is great, although not much people on a Monday. I enjoyed my night.

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    3 months ago

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    7 months ago

    Great vibes and drinks. Anthony is an incredible bartender. We'll definitely come back again!

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    9 months ago

    Came by on a random Tuesday evening and Anthony was just the right person to be the night going! Great service, great vibes!

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    1 year ago

    This place is a must! Very friendly Bartenders and the vibes are always on point! Did not really order food.

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    2 years ago

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    The Blind Donkey - Highland Park 18, Laphroaig Cairdeas, top right- For What it's worth- top left - Pear Necessities

    The Blind Donkey

    3.9(724 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Nice dimly lit bar with good cocktails, with decent staff, been going for years, I stopped going…read morethough after the story below... Went here 6 months ago on a weekday around late evening. About an hour in, this dude comes inside with the biggest pit bull I've ever seen. It must have been bred with a horse or something, it weighs a solid 125+ pounds. Guy sits at the bar and the bartenders ogle the dog and usual. The dog lays down on the floor at the corner of the bar, on the way to the restrooms as the guy flirts with the bartenders and has his drink. 10min later this chick walking to the bathroom trips over this black dog lying on the floor and faceplants onto the floor! Lady pops up from embarrassment and dog owner grabs its chain before it has a chance to react. Fricking hilarious, but crisis averted! The guy moves to a table at the middle of the bar with the same dog at his feet. The moron bartenders don't bother to tell him to go outside or anything else. So 5 min later a guy walking buy steps on the dogs leg or tail and the thing jumps up and almost lunges at the guy and starts barking. It was frickin unbelievable how stupid he and the workers here were. Finally one of the guys in the bar says something to the bartender about the dog, and they just wave him off. Wow! Whoever owns this bar is going to get sued to no end based on the actions of the bartenders.

    Chill vibes, extensive drink options, very casual in the heart of downtown Pasadena…read more Various parking options nearby in all direction. A great place to start before heading out, stop through during a shopping or restaurant hopping experience, or a fun way to end the night!

    Photos
    The Blind Donkey - Whiskey selections

    Whiskey selections

    The Blind Donkey - Garlic parmesan fries!

    Garlic parmesan fries!

    The Blind Donkey - Hatchet job

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    Hatchet job

    The Speakeasy - Naked & Famous cocktail

    The Speakeasy

    4.1(700 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Definitely speakeasy vibes. You will need to message ahead of time for the password. There will be…read morea bouncer outside that'll ask for it. Inside is a surprisingly large space. So much seating! I've never seen the venue overcrowded. Large menu so many drinks to try! Great spot whenever I have guests visiting

    "The Speakeasy" is located in Old Pasadena. There is a large multi-story parking garage right…read morearound the corner. The place has some intrigue as you need to know a password to gain entry. I was pleasantly surprised when I sent an email to the address on the website and received a reply with the password in a little over thirty minutes. After parking, we didn't have any problems finding the entrance even though it is not marked. Look for the big wood double doors and doorman standing in front. After giving him the password, he opened the doors and we walked in. We were surprised in several ways. The place is way bigger than I would expect for a place named "The Speakeasy". And at 6:30pm on a Sunday, we were the only guests inside. Only one other couple came in during the 30 minutes we were there. I would assume they are a lot busier on Friday and Saturday night. It is dimly lit, and very red inside. The bar is large with many bottles of liquor on display and many seats. The rest of the space is one large area that must have at least 20 tables, and the ceiling is high. It gives off more of a nightclub vibe than a speakeasy vibe. I tried the Naked & Famous cocktail which has two of my favorite spirits (Vida mezcal, aperol, yellow Chartreuse, lime, $18). It was nicely balanced with a good mix of smoke and herbal flavor. She had the Pablo's Poison (Altos reposado tequila, strawberry, lime, jalapeno, elderflower, $17). The jalapeno flavor really stood out with strawberry and elderflower in the background. They have a good cocktail menu with almost twenty cocktails, as well as a food menu with ten items. Walk up to the bar to order your drinks. Jeremy, the manager, and the female bartender whose name who I didn't get were nice. We aren't in Pasadena very often, and while they have a good cocktail menu, I don't know if we would return. We were expecting more.

    Photos
    The Speakeasy - Tables and pictures at the end of the bar

    Tables and pictures at the end of the bar

    The Speakeasy - Christmas decorations!!

    Christmas decorations!!

    The Speakeasy - All reds

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    All reds

    Kings Row Gastropub - Try our award-winning in-house ground burgers.

    Kings Row Gastropub

    3.9(1.8k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    Kings Row is a cool bar that has an outdoor patio and indoor seating. They've been in Pasadena for…read moreawhile. The servers are all great. Very accommodating. I use a wheelchair and they always make sure theres a space/table available for me. Im always greeted with a smile by everyone that works here. The food is super tasty. Think bar food. I love the fries and wingz So something SUPER AWESOME is they have a slushie machine. Im obsessed with slushies so obviously I had to try them. My favorite part is they constantly rotate the flavors so I always get to try new flavors. The best part there alcoholic. ;D Some people like shots, some people like beer but I truly, genuinely come for the AWESOME slushies. Also if you see the dole whip slushie get it. I day dream about my slushie adventures. Forever slushies!

    What an absolute experience to witness my beautiful Mexico win their last World Cup qualification…read morematch! I would like to start this review by saying that this place was absolutely PACKED but the staff did such a great job to make sure we were well attended and keep the energy up with the match going on....hats off to them! Our buddies were able to secure a spot in the outside patio area to view the game. They offer QR code menus where you can pay and order with a table number connected to your table. This makes ordering so much easier, especially for such busy days like World Cup game days. I ordered the Carne Asada tacos, so delicious and had a nice little smoky taste. My husband ordered buffalo wings, fish and chips, and onion rings; he loved everything. Our first time trying this place located in Pasadena and it definitely won't be our last, thank you again, staff for such an amazing experience!!!

    Photos
    Kings Row Gastropub - Drink station ..

    Drink station ..

    Kings Row Gastropub - Best fish & chips this side of the England.

    Best fish & chips this side of the England.

    Kings Row Gastropub - Breakfast burritos served all day.

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    Breakfast burritos served all day.

    Cerveceria Del Pueblo - Pau Hana Hawaiian Sour available in the taproom and in cans to go while supplies last!

    Cerveceria Del Pueblo

    4.7(207 reviews)
    0.5 mi
    $$

    An amazing brewery that offers lots of options for IPAs, seltzers, ale, and non-alcoholic drinks;…read morefor those who want to hang out and vibe but don't necessarily drink alcohol! My group of friends and I went during the World Cup craziness. We had just come from another bar after the game had concluded and with an hour left before closing the hospitality was still as great as ever! I can imagine how crazy busy they might have been before we arrived but I'm glad the quality of service we received was good. I didn't know what to try and the sweet lady at the register gave me some great recommendations. I went with a seltzer and it was amazing (especially coming from another bar I wanted something light haha & no I was not driving). I will definitely be returning and with a group of friends again because the space is very nice and the vibes were great! Perfect spot for game days or an outing with some buddies. As for parking, it's located in the busy area of Pasadena and centered around a residential area expect to park far or in a parking structure; that means walking! Although, that's not a deal breaker as the area offers plenty to do and all within walking distance.

    Small local brewery in Pasadena that's beneficial to the community, have seen people reserve a few…read moretables for parties and they have meet-ups. For example, they have a Spanish Language Brewery Meet-up every 3rd Thursday from 7:30-9:30pm monthly. Parking is street only so be mindful of the neighbors. There is no food service at this location but they seem to partner with a couple food trucks serving tacos. Some inside open air seating but the main draw is the relaxing patio. I liked their hard seltzers with fun flavors as jicama, tamarindo and passionfruit. I didn't like so much their signature Yerba Mate Pale Ale, but thought it was an interesting concept. The happy hour special is Monday all day and Tuesday-Friday open until 6pm $2 off full pours. Very family friendly, I always see a couple tables with children and dogs at them. Maybe I'm getting to be an old fuddy duddy but I hate when parents let their kids go free range. Screaming and running around like the establishment is a park these kids becoming trip hazards. There needs to be a revamp of their board game collection. There three boxes of games that looked incomplete or used up, not good with such games as Scrabble and Pictionary. Free Wifi with log-in is a bonus!

    Photos
    Cerveceria Del Pueblo - "Serrania" Sour beer

    "Serrania" Sour beer

    Cerveceria Del Pueblo - Housemade Michelada

    Housemade Michelada

    Cerveceria Del Pueblo - "Patria" Hazy IPA

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    "Patria" Hazy IPA

    Behind Bars - bars - Updated September 2026

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