Betsy

I was looking for a spot to celebrate on my birthday week. I am a fan of the speakeasy in Pasadena…read moreas well & this spot is known for this vibe. There is the school house parking lot in the back that is $1 for the first hour or you can park on the street. Once I arrived the host was outside a venue which looks like a store. Once my party arrived they allowed us to walk down a hallway. We entered an elevator which opened to a dark hallway. The hallway was aesthetic with a knight standing in the corner. A wooden door opens & inside is the wine cellar. You're walked to your table. I ordered the Mozart charcuterie board & a cab sav red wine to share. The ambiance is nice & pleasing. It can become a bit loud when more people arrive. There is a self playing piano as well. The server was kind & open to our questions concerning wine selections. Since it was my birthday I was served icecream, crème brûlée, & dessert wine. Our bill was placed in a smut book lol. Overall an aesthetic spot for a date , birthday, or girls night.

Absolutely horrendous customer service…read more Once we finished eating, we waited over 40 minutes for someone to even walk by our table so we could order dessert and get our check. I have no idea what happened to our server, but we were completely forgotten about. On top of that, the food took an extremely long time to come out, and when it finally arrived, it was very bland and underwhelming. The table next to us had ordered a brand-new charcuterie board and waited so long just to order their wine that they eventually left the restaurant without even touching the charcuterie board. Overall, both the food and the service were extremely disappointing. Waiting that long just to get someone's attention, receive our food, and eventually pay the bill is unacceptable. Definitely not an experience we'll be repeating.

The coolest atmosphere.

Entrance

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Bordeaux

La Cave

4.9(19 reviews)

3.3 mi•Downtown

Locally owned & operated

Family-owned & operated

Oops, forgot to post this from my drafts... What an experience! This all-vegan wine bar is next to…read moreits sister establishment, ID-Eclair, and lives up to the family reputation. The food pairs perfectly with the wine, and everything is genuinely mind-blowing to the tastebuds. The decor is meticulously and intentionally placed and makes the place feel so cozy. Whoever designed this restaurant is a true genius and perfectionist. They have a comprehensive multi-page wine menu that lists taste profiles and origins. I know nothing about wine, but if you're a wine snob, I'm sure you'll find great joy in choosing the right wine for you. The highlight of the experience was the staff working there. Emily and Alfredo are so very welcoming and kind. It's probably the best service I've received at a restaurant and I truly cannot overstate just how phenomenal they are. They went the extra mile to make us feel at home. On top of that, even though we've only been there a handful of times over the course of a year, they remembered us and even where we were visiting from. Thank you Emily and Alfredo!

Stumbled across La Cave Wine Bar while waiting for our dinner reservation and I'm so glad we did…read more I've never really been a wine drinker, but my group and I wanted to learn more about different wine types and what pairs best with meat or seafood. The service was incredibly friendly and our winetender was very knowledgeable. She walked us through five different wines and explained the flavors and pairing suggestions in a way that was easy to understand. There was also a customer at the bar who was very friendly and showed us pictures of her wine adventures. She even recommended visiting Sonoma or Temecula for future wine tasting trips. We ended up choosing a red wine to bring to dinner and it was perfect. We would love to come back again the next time we are in Pasadena.

Bar area.

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Napoleon

The 1894

4.4(76 reviews)

2.9 mi•Downtown

Tucked inside Vromans you'll find 1894, a small bar serving wine, flights, selection of cocktails…read moreand nibblers. We enjoyed beer, wine and a charcuterie (from Agnes Cheesery). The service was top notch attentive, friendly, and courteous. A relaxing and chill environment surrounded by books.

We went in to Vroman's wine bar around 4PM yesterday, wasn't super busy in the bar area. A young…read moreman brought over menus and two small cups of very warm water. There were two menus, a small one with specialty drinks and appetizers and a large wine menu. After thoroughly reviewing the wine menu I remarked that I did not recognize a single winery/name. 50% of the menu were various reds the other 50% were sparkling wins, roses & various whites, with 1 chardonnay! The price for most was $16, a tad high for unknown wines. I asked to try the chard and while it tasted more like a sauvignon blanc, I figured we were there and what the hell. My friend had a resiling which she said was ok, both glasses were close to 3 fingers high in the glass, not much, and $16. Our server was pleasant but was having to work the entire seating area. I am hoping with new owners, the wine menu gets revamped with known labels & more diversity

French Pilsner and truffle popcorn

2 drinks trying to get "picked up" Floral Spritz & Pride & Pearjudice

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The Warm Brie & Baguette with honey - absolutely fantastic!!

Purple Vine & Bloom

5.0(32 reviews)

4.2 mi

I had no idea this charming little wine shop was here, even though I frequent the Sushi restaurant…read morein the same strip mall. I was searching for wine bars in the area and this place came up. I was intrigued by the concept of a florist & wine bar combo, so I stopped in to check it out. The place is quaint. There's a section with unique bottles of wine for sale in addition to potted plants. An area where Gabriel works his magic creating artistic floral arrangements, and a cozy little wine bar where you can sit and enjoy a glass or two. There was a group of friends chatting it up at the wine bar, and they were kind enough to offer me a seat. Raymond, the wine expert and owner along with Gabriel, poured me a lovely glass of Spumante Brut Rosé. It was perfectly chilled and a delight on the palate. I had a wonderful conversation with Raymond & Gabriel. They are both darling and welcoming. I look forward to returning with friends or to attend a tasting. I'm also happy to have a new spot for ordering beautiful floral bouquets. *HH Mon - Thurs 4 - 6 pm $10 Select wines by the glass. *Private parking lot.

Such a beautiful spot! I've been dying to find a cool flower shop in the area and Gabriel has…read moreimpeccable taste and LOVES what he does. If you want a gorgeous and unconventional bouquet look no further!! The wine selection was excellent and a lovely group of people were drinking at the wine bar inside - prices are super reasonable and the vibes are impeccable.

Wines & potted plants for sale.

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Wine shop.

Monopole by WineRx

4.5(173 reviews)

3.0 mi•Downtown

We're still fans of Monopole and visit regularly, especially before a show at The Pasadena…read morePlayhouse or when they host a special wine tasting event. Our experiences have always been good. It's a quaint wine shop with a nice selection of varietals, blends, and even a few craft beers. There's a small tasting bar in the back which usually features a flight of whites and reds, along with several other selections by the glass, as well as charcuterie boards, olives, nuts, and truffle popcorn. Lucy (owner), Pattie, Nina, and the rest of the staff are friendly and accommodating, making you feel like family. On occasion, they'll also have live music. We really enjoy Monopole and recommend you check them out when you're in the area.

This Latina owned boutique wine shop is in the Playhouse District. In the back you'll find a wine…read morebar where you can enjoy a glass or a flight along with cheese & charcuterie. They carry a curated selection of small production Old World & New World offerings and even feature wine from Mexico. Wines are categorized by regions and the layout makes it easy to browse. The staff here are friendly and will happily make suggestions. There's an upstairs area for private gatherings. They also host blind tastings on Fridays and have special meet the winemaker events.

Inside. Several cute cubbies with tables & chairs among the wine

Friday night blind tasting

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Friday night blind tasting

The Crush Pad

4.9(11 reviews)

3.9 mi

Cozy small wine and beer place inside Jones Roastery. They have about 5 beers and some wines. Great…read morespot for happy hour. Lots of seating inside and outside and the best thing is the free popcorn!

I went to The Crush Pad for jazz night after seeing an ad for it. The photos made it look like a…read morerelaxed place to spend an evening, and that's exactly how it felt. It's a café during the day and serves wine in the evening, along with snacks like popcorn, charcuterie, and cheese boards. I ordered the sangria, which was delicious. The staff made it fresh and brought it to my table--a lovely touch. They were friendly and welcoming throughout my visit. The prices were reasonable. If I remember correctly, the boards were around $10-$12, and the sangria and wine were similarly priced. I also loved the unique wine glasses. The space has small tables for one or two people and longer, picnic-style tables if you're with a group or don't mind sharing. Dogs are welcome, and there were two adorable ones there that night! Parking was easy, with a lot, street parking with generous time limits, and another lot across the street. The jazz was wonderful, and the atmosphere made it easy to unwind. I'd happily come back after work or for a relaxed weekend visit. Highly recommend!

Swivel wine glass

Live music

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Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery

3.9(764 reviews)

3.2 mi•Downtown

Loved this restaurant so much we went two nights in a row…read more Didn't take a photo of the radiatori arrabbiata, but that pasta was my absolute favorite thing on the menu. Food and service were spectacular. In the front of the space it's more casual, but there's plenty of seating and a gorgeous outdoor patio in the back. If you are in Pasadena, I HIGHLY recommend coming here!

This place was good, not great. It felt like the main focus was more on the cheese shop and…read morespecialty items than the restaurant itself. I'm a huge cheese lover and order cheeseboards regularly, so I was excited to try theirs. It was fine, but nothing memorable. The cheeses were good quality, but I've had boards at other places that were much more impressive taste-wise. Beautiful presentation though. The rest of the food was decent too. Nothing was bad, but nothing really stood out either. It's been a few weeks, but I couldn't really tell you what we ordered without looking at my pictures. I'd stop by again if I were in the area, especially to browse the shop, but I wouldn't consider the restaurant a must stop.

Sign by the bathroom

Braised Bacon Benny Pachamama pork belly, poached eggs, cheddar biscuit, old bay hollandise

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Matcha Limeade Matcha, lemon & lime cordial, soda, mint

Good Neighbor Bar

4.6(100 reviews)

1.6 mi

this bar was slayyyying. the enterance is a little unassuming (i completely walked by it at first)…read morebut the inside is a beautiful, dimmed lounge. lots of seating on a couch that spans the entire room and stools by the bar. the staff are very friendly and offered some recommendations for us. there is a self serve popcorn machine in the back! bathroom was also clean and orderly. the menu is super cute and hand drawn. my friend actually knows the person who made it hahaha. i ordered the planters punch at first, it had a pretty strong liquor taste. the zombie 1950s was next and it was so good i had to get it twice. its refreshing and served super cold. but who knows i was already a drink in so that may have made it taste better lol. also just need to say shoutout whoever was on aux they have great music taste. daft punk, tv girl, tame impala and the strokes kept me company all night ‍ good neighbors for sure!

Super chill bar with nice cocktail selection. Great place for small groups to sit and chat. Mellow…read moremusic, no Dj, but mellow vibes, nice decor inside the bar. they have food trucks outside almost every night, when they are open. Super nice staff. Parking can be a little tight. You can bring kids and pets to the outside patio, when they have food trucks. Great place to come and chill Dragon egg approved

Interior

Whisky sour, old fashion

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Bar area

The 1917 Wine Bar & Bistro

4.5(87 reviews)

10.1 mi•Lincoln Heights

Family-owned & operated

Free parking

1917 is one of my favorite places for brunch. We have tons of favorites from the menu, but today we…read moreordered the Crème Brûlée French Toast, 1917 Wagyu Steak and Eggs, and Funghi Pizza. The crème brûlée French toast is the best French toast of my life. I am sad when I miss brunch, because I would not be able to order it. It's got the right combination of crème anglaise, chantilly crème, syrup, berries, and walnut crumble. I love that it is not overly sweet where you want to go to the dentist after. I love it. Eggs and sausages have to be ordered separately, but I highly recommend ordering them together with the French toast. Eggs must be scrambled. One of the best scrambled eggs. Chef's kiss when eating them in one bite. We ordered the steak medium-rare and the eggs sunny-side. The Wagyu steak was juicy and tender. I recommend asking for extra chimichurri sauce. We loved the just dunking a piece of the steak with the yolk of the eggs, and piece of potato or carrot into the chimichurri sauce. It was an explosion in the mouth. We have tried all the pizzas, but our favorite is the funghi. We love the truffle sauce. It went really well with wine and even their sparkling rosé. All the food we ate today went well with wine. If you are not into wine, 1917 also offers cocktails. The cocktails had fun names like Permission Slip, Pear Pressure, Out of Office, etc. I recommend the Permission Slip if you like cucumber martinis. I enjoyed the Permission Slip very much. Afterward, you can go inside and have more wine. I always leave with a good time, a full stomach, and tipsy. Our server Bernardo (Bernie) was the best! Bernie was attentive and a good conversationalist. He was an overall swell guy.

I've been coming to San Antonio Winery for a few years and I had no idea that outside was a…read morecompletely different restaurant. It is not cafeteria style, but actually restaurant-style service. I had the chicken fricassée. The dish was so tasty and came with vegetables beneath it. Service and ambiance were good.

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Brunch! L: The 1917 Avocado Toast R: Italian Sausage Quiche

Ladies and Gentlemen

4.2(267 reviews)

3.1 mi•Downtown

•$$$$

If you love speakeasies and classy bars, then this is the spot for you! The bar is located near the…read morerestrooms where Wanderlust creamery is. Once you walk in, the vibe instantly transforms into a sexy and luxurious space with dim lighting, cushioned seats, and interesting artwork hanging on the wall. They have quite a few drinks on their menu. I like how the menu highlights the flavors of each cocktail so it makes it easier to find a drink that will suite your tastes. We ordered the beauty and the beast and friends and neighbors drink. Both cocktails tasted very light and delicious. On top of that, the beauty and the beast drink comes in a cute rose shaped glass which matches the name perfectly! The servers were very attentive and would check in on us periodically. They also give you some chips that you can munch on while enjoying your drink. This spot is perfect for a date or girls night out! I definitely want to come back and try their other drinks!

"Hidden entrance." Make your way past the doors to Wanderlust Creamery and other food stalls, and…read morewalk all the way to the back. Go downstairs, whether by stairs or elevator... where there are multiple bathrooms. And ask the nearest person how to get to Ladies and Gentlemen, to be let in. Fun, and whimsical, and definitely a space with a theme. First and more importantly, the cocktails and the food is definitely quality. And they will charge you quality pricing for the luxuriousness of it all. Seating, tables, candles, ambiance. I mean, the walls lined up with crafted skulls ain't gonna pay for itself. The staff is friendly, and helpful. And classy. The places oozes class. A great place to chat and catch up with friends. Where the ambient noise isn't so loud that you really need to raise your voice to talk. As a single person who came with a book to read and study... it's dim lighting so I had to make use of candlelight. This really is meant to be more of a social spot. I came in on a weekday to catch the Suntory promotion, which came with some nice collectibles to pair with your highball. I feel like every cocktail I've had here so far has a great sense of balance and technique. I'll probably come back and try their omakase course of cocktails at some point. Is it "kami no glass?" (The Glass of God) - I haven't found one that has touched my soul to that extent, but they do have an extensive list to explore. The food menu consists of luxurious bites from burrata, crudo, bone marrow, oysters, and the like. Gourmet pairings for your expensive tastes.

Hot honey pepperoni pizza, really good!

Beauty and the beast

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Interior

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5 reviews that are not currently recommended

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Todd J.

Elite 26

158

412

4 months ago

Betsy is the hottest reservation in Altadena--and now I understand why. They open at 5:00 p.m., and knowing reservations are usually required weeks in advance, we decided to take our chances and arrived at 5:20 p.m. without one. The place was already buzzing, but somehow they found a way to seat us. We felt incredibly lucky. A huge shout-out to Kristen, our server, who was absolutely amazing. Even with a packed dining room, she was warm, attentive, and made us feel genuinely welcome. The food was unforgettable. The open-fired sourdough with cheese arrived first and was pure comfort smoky, rustic, and impossible to stop eating. The salmon was cooked beautifully: tender, flavorful, and one of the best salmon dishes I've had in a long time. Then came the surprise favorite of the night: the walnut salad with lemon dressing. Fresh, bright, and perfectly balanced, with a lemon dressing that was simply to die for. To top it all off, we shared a bottle of Lady of the Sunshine Sauvignon Blanc, which paired beautifully with the meal. Crisp, refreshing, and bright, it complemented both the salmon and the citrusy walnut salad perfectly. It was one of those little touches that elevated an already memorable evening. But beyond the food, Betsy offers something even more special. Since Altadena burned down, this restaurant has become one of the coolest spots around--a place where people gather, reconnect, and celebrate the resilience of the community. The vibe is unmatched. Pro tip: Make reservations weeks ahead if you can. But if you're willing to take a chance and show up early, you might just get lucky. Amazing food, exceptional service from Kristen, a wonderful bottle of wine, and an atmosphere that captures the heart of Altadena. We'll definitely be back. read more

Zee P.

Elite 26

298

134

11 months ago

Dinner at Betsy in Altadena was an unforgettable experience, a true escape into gastronomical bliss. I went with a dear friend, and we shared everything, which I highly recommend if you go as a pair. Every dish told its own story and came together in perfect harmony. We started with the Mixed Farm Lettuces, crisp and fresh, each leaf beautifully coated in a citrus shallot vinaigrette that awakened the palate without overpowering it. Then came the Best of the Season Tomatoes with Burrata, oh my god, the tomatoes were the best I've ever had, vibrant and sweet, tasting like they were picked fresh in a sunlit Tuscan garden. The burrata was creamy and delicate, melting into the warm bread like a dream. The Heritage Pork Chop, recommended by our server, was tender, juicy, and full of flavor. The accompanying grilled autumn squash and crispy kale made it a complete masterpiece. We also ordered the Tallow Roasted Potatoes because we're potato girls, and they were everything, salty, flavorful, and perfectly cooked without being greasy. The service was impeccable, professional, and attentive without ever feeling rushed. Sitting outside as the sun began to set made the evening feel even more magical, reminiscent of dining at a bistro in Paris or a tucked-away corner of another beautiful city where food, atmosphere, and conversation all blend into something timeless. From the care in every plate to the feeling of being genuinely welcomed, Betsy embodies what dining should be, community, joy, nourishment, and love. read more

Lea G.

4 months ago

The servers and staff were wonderful. They were very accommodating, attentive, and responsive throughout the entire reservation process. Communication was prompt and clear, which made everything easy and stress-free from start to finish. Based on my experience, I completely agree with the many positive reviews others have left. The team provided excellent service and made us feel welcome and well taken care of. I would definitely recommend this place and look forward to coming back. read more

JohnDavid S.

8 months ago

The food, and the environment, and the customer service here are very good and beautiful here. I ate outside at night when I came here and we had heaters and warm comfort. You get what you are paying for. There should be more places like this. read more

Dana D.

3 months ago

Warm, knowledgeable service & rustic, uncomplicated, but satisfying food. The restaurant is tiny, but cozy and comfortable.

Betsy - steak - Updated October 2026

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Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery

3.9

(764 reviews)

Union

4.1

(1.9k reviews)

The staff was great here, super attentive and friendly! We ordered the-…read moreLocal Wild Mushrooms, Charred Octopus, Roasted Market Carrots, Beets, Spaghetti, Squid Ink Lumache Every dish was full of flavor! The truffle in the mushroom dish, the zesty lemon in roasted carrots (we ordered a 2nd one!) Overall, the restaurant has a nice ambiance. I highly recommend Union and I can't wait to come back!

Really feels like Union is taking a bit of a slide. I've eaten here twice in the last few months…read more The server makes sure to prod you into ordering multiple dishes so you can share but when the dishes arrive the portions are not particularly sharing size. They also make sure to stress that dishes don't arrive together. It's mainly a pasta restaurant, why can't the kitchen push out pasta orders together? The first time we were there one of our three pasta dishes was literally ten minutes behind the other two. The most recent visit the restaurant was not full so the dishes largely came together but the pastas were sent before al dente. The soppresini wasn't al dente, it just wasn't fully cooked. The flavors of the dishes are really good but the execution is sub par. One of the folks at our table mentioned it was their birthday so without us asking they brought a scoop of ice cream with a candle which we thought was really nice of them. Then the bill came and we saw that they proceeded to put it on the bill for $6. Didn't want to make a scene but this is beyond tacky and overall I can say we won't be returning here anytime soon.

Marina

4.4

(943 reviews)

This place offered a lot of good food! We'll be back to try out the other offerings that sound…read moreamazing! We came here on a Friday evening about 5:30PM. The place was not crowded, but was full. We had reservations, so we sat down immediately. When we sat down, the waiter also gave us a pole with hooks on top and placed it next to our table. Find out this is to hang a purse, jacket, or anything. This was my first time seeing this. Pretty cool! We were given the menu and ordered what you Yelpers trended the most. We ordered the following: Old Fashioned - This was great drink. Nice and balanced. Not too sweet. 8/10 Espresso Martini - This came out a bit too sweet to our liking and didn't have a "strong" espresso aroma to it. 5/10 Burrata & Heirloom Tomato Panzanella - This was really good! The burrata was nice and creamy, tomatoes were sweet and juicy, all with the gazpacho complementing all of it. This was the takeaway of the meal! 9/10 Grilled Octopus - Out of all the grilled octopuses I had recently, this one is my favorite. The octopus was not too chewy and was tender. The seasoning was salty with a hint of sour. 8./10 Rabbit Bolognese - this was good, but I didn't think it was amazing. Could not tell it was rabbit. It was still good, but just expected more from the hyped review on Yelp :) 7/10 Truffle Cavatelli - This was also good. Lots of black truffle shavings! Strong truffle flavor. Unfortunately, if this is the only thing you are eating, this dish does get bland, so you will need something that will complement or change up the palette. The dish is 8/10, but won't hold up by itself long. Pistachio Tiramisu - This was good! Not too sweet, and the pistachio flavor was a nice change to the traditional chocolate/coffee flavor 6/10 We will definitely be coming back here. But next time, we will get what we were curious about as we dined here. The Spicy Shrimp alla Vodka came highly recommended by our waiter, and Branzino alla Griglia looked amazing when our neighboring table got it

Overall, the experience wasn't bad, but it could definitely be better…read more When we first arrived, nobody welcomed us; they were busy, which is very understandable. But the funny thing was, he greeted another elderly couple and a white person first. I was okay with it, but then another white couple arrived, and they greeted them too. Lol. Wow, just wow. We came first, but they seated older people first; both walked in with no reservation. How do i know? Cause i heard the conversation, and they realized it and seated me after that. The food. Not that bad; it's good, but more Italian-American style, not properly Italian. Risotto isn't bad, but damn, the garlic was so heavy and overpowering, 6/10 The sweet corn agnolotti was good, sweet and creamy, 8/10. The portion was enough, not big and not small. We also ordered the calamari and artichoke, but i forgot the picture. As an appetizer, the coating of the calamari was not crunchy, more like soggy and very salty. 4/10. San Daniele Prosciutto and Fig, 8.5/10: this was the only appetizer we chose that was close to proper Italian. Scallopine di Pollo was good, 7/10. It comes with artichoke; the portion was enough. The pomme puree saved the dish. The chicken itself was very forgettable. Olive oil cake was good, 7/10. The location itself is good--plenty of parking. The restaurant was very loud; we could hear other people's conversations. I wouldn't come back.

Neighbors & Friends

4.2

(82 reviews)

Fantastic meal at Neighbors & Friends Kitchen! We had a 5:30pm reservation and were seated and…read moreserved promptly, with every dish beautifully presented. Standouts included the French Dip Burger, brisket meatballs, and the Oxtail Ragu Bianco -- all excellent. The hushpuppies are a must-order. Service was excellent from start to finish -- highly recommend!

The food was absolutely delicious! The staff were warm and welcoming. This is an incredible…read moreneighborhood spot. We're looking forward to coming back and trying more on their menu.

Hippo

4.2

(965 reviews)

This place isn't that big however, for some reason I really loved the environment and feeling…read moreduring my meal. The service was good and dishes came out in a very timely manner. Hippo Rolls - 9.1 The rolls were really moist and tasty. The inside was soft while the exterior had a nice crust. The honey butter paired perfectly with the rolls. Garden Lettuces - 8.8 The green were really fresh and crispy. I have said in a ton of my reviews that the best salads have a creamy cheese, nut, fruit and good vinaigrette. Which, this salad was missing one of those aspects, cheese. The walnuts, dill, shallot and radish vinaigrette were good and went together well. However, a creamy cheese or even some saltiness from a Parmesan cheese would have made this salad really good. Herbed Ricotta Tortelloni - 9.1 Hippo makes their pastas in house and you can tell. The texture and chew of their pastas are great, that goes for both of the pasta dishes we ordered. The sauce which accompanied the tortelloni was flavorful and light. The ricotta within the pasta creamy and had a good consistency. Pork Ragu Fettuccine - 8.9 Again, the pasta itself was fabulous. The pork was really good and really good deep, rich flavor. However, the dish needed an acid. It needed something to break up the richness and boldness of the sauce and meat. It didn't come up Parmesan, which was a little different. In my opinion it needed the Parmesan to add some saltiness. Barbecued Honey Balsamic Hanger Steak - 9.5 This was second best dish and bite of food we had there. Which shouldn't mean you should downplay this dish, it's more of a credit to the desserts we had. The steak was delicious and tender. The method in which they cooked the steak added to its flavor. The juice that the steak released mixed into the white beans. The white beans were creamy and greatly paired with the steak. If I went back to Hippo I would try new items but I would have to order this again as well. Desserts - Two of the Best We Ever Had! Chocolate Torte Cheesecake - 9.8 I will leave a little wiggle room incase I have a better cheesecake but it's going to be tough. My Wife and I love cheesecake and also love torte. Which she makes homemade sometimes. The combination of the two made this cheesecake the best we ever had. The flavor and texture of the chocolate was perfect. The crust and top layer of the cheese were also delicious. I could say a million things and post a thousand photos of this cheesecake and it still wouldn't be enough to describe how great it is. Butterscotch Budino - 9.8 This is the second butterscotch budino we have had. The first one was good however, we had this one and realized there are levels to butterscotch budino and budinos as a whole. The texure and creaminess were perfect. The butterscotch flavor was great without being too rich. I don't know what had a better flavor and consistency, this or the cheesecake. Easily the two of the best desserts we ever had. We actually try spoon fulls with the cheesecake and torte together. When you pair the chocolate butterscotch cheesecake flavors, the desserts got even better. I think I was hovering above my body at one point.

came here for me and my husband's anniversary. it's a cute little spot tucked away behind triple…read morebeam pizza and go get em' tiger. the restaurant space is decent with some comfy seating along the walls, an open kitchen concept, and a cutie outdoor patio. the menu selection is similar to neighboring restaurants like betsy, union, and holy saints. the food was overall good. we especially enjoyed the rolls with honey butter. i would pass on the steak and beans. the steak is pretty small for the price that it is. byron was our server and he was helpful and attentive. would come back again and try some other things on the menu!

Maestro Restaurant

4.2

(790 reviews)

Friday night my friend and I met at Maestro Restaurant and went for the DineLA menu. Being my…read morefirst time here I was very very impressed. First, all the staff is so attentive I feel like they can read our minds and they're bringing something or they ask if we need what we just thought of. Amazing and keeping our waters glass full at all times major plus! The first course was the Bone Marrow Esquite. It's been years since I last tried bone marrow and I was worried but everything paired perfectly. This was my favorite part of the meal. The corn mixed with the bone marrow on top of the tamale sweet corn....wow! All the flavors complemented eachother so well. I wish I could recreate this amazing dish at home!!! For the second course I went with the Arrachera - the skirt steak with the Poblano rice. Absolutely flavorful. Just a bit hard to chew for me and I felt like I was swallowing giant portions. I'm not saying there was anything wrong with the way it was cooked, but I did struggle with the meat tearing. For dessert I went with the Guava cheesecake. Absolutely decadent and the perfect small portion to end the meal. To drink I had the Maestro Margarita with hibiscus and it was absolutely refreshing. Wonderful vibes, good conversation, and delicious food! I can't wait to come back and try more dishes!

The vibe and the location of Maestro is classic old town Pasadena, a bit of old with a modern…read moreinterior. The staff are friendly and offer helpful suggestions on your selections and the place is clean and cute for a date night dinner. My husband and I tried out Maestro for a date night. We went for a few of their menu items including the bone marrow esquite, enchiladas verde, and cochinita pibil. The food itself was okay, not special and didn't have a new or surprising twist, and not incredibly authentic either. Out of our dishes we shared, the bone marrow esquite appetizer was actually the standout. It had excellent flavor and seasoning though the tamal was dry inside, the sauces aided in the flavor and texture. They have an extensive drinks menu and an alleyway patio that seems to be popular. Overall it might be good for the drinks, the vibe is something you might find anywhere in Pasadena, the food is just okay, and the parking is paid in nearby structures on busy Union so be prepared.

Cow Belly Modern Dining

4.8

(116 reviews)

The food was flavorful and the portions were a good size. We ordered several items on the menu (…read moreof which there are not many choices to choose from ), and although each dish was delicious, nothing stood out as uniquely different from similar dishes ordered elsewhere. I honestly gave three stars due to that fact the restaurant does not have their liquor license yet, so no cocktails were available with our meal.

Service (Jamie) was incredible. Food was great- loved the…read morezucchini chips! It is beautifully decorated and very romantic. Treat yourself!

Neighbors & Friends

4.6

(152 reviews)

What a wonderful little find on our Pasadena foodie adventure! There were 10 of us who popped into…read moreNeighbors and Friends unexpectedly, and the entire team made us feel so welcome from the moment we walked in. Nichole, Noah, and Will were fantastic up front, and Kyle was working his magic in the back. The team was completely on it, getting our drinks and food out to us as they were ready, chatting with us, and making our rather large group feel right at home in this cute café. And, of course, the food and drinks were delicious! I especially loved the deviled egg stuffed croissant and my Arnold Palmer. Such a fun and tasty combination. 10/10 would recommend adding Neighbors and Friends to your next Pasadena foodie adventure! And a very Happy Birthday to Kaiy, the owner! Thanks to you and your team for creating such a welcoming spot. We're so glad we found you!

We had a terrible experience at this place. We waited nearly an hour to get five sandwiches and two…read moresalads to go! The staff was completely unresponsive and unhelpful, or apologize for the wait. We originally wanted to dine in, but after waiting so long, we couldn't wait to leave. We will never return to this place and will tell our neighbors & friends not to go! The birthday girl, who had specifically come to try the croissants and devil eggs, had to re-order twice because they were out of stock. They also made a mistake with our sandwich order. The prices were also way too high for the quality and portions. To top it off, they served people who were behind us in line before us. Overall, the food was just ok...But this place is very overrated!

Deluxe 1717

4.8

(143 reviews)

Great small local restaurant with a varied and interesting menu. They have Asian flavors like…read moreadobo, along with Peruvian, Jamaican, Cuban and tacos (mexican?). Somehow everything came iut great tasting and would come back to try other dishes! For 5 people, we ordered and had perfect amoint of food: -free crisps with mediterranean seasoning (not sure what they're called), very tasty -Hamachi crudo - interesting but good texture, as they cure it with beet juice. Has a peruvian flavor to it with the sourness of the sauce, but also comes with olives? Like I said, interesting menu -peruvian chow mien with added steak - well cooked tender steak, noodles were nice and springy as well - pork chop - very well cooked and delicious -brussel sprouts and pork belly - pork belly pieces were very small, definitely more brussel sprouts, also tasty - side of Maduros, which are sweet fried plantains, but not too sweet as they can sometimes be All in all a great meal! Neighborhood or street parking. Patio allows dogs. Fast and friendly service. Also on inkind

Deluxe 1717 is located in north Pasadena near the Hastings Ranch/Altadena area. The restaurant is…read moreon the small side and is cute. It has a small neighborhood restaurant vibe. We got the Cubano and it was good. I realized I am not a huge fan of Cubanos even though this one was pretty decent, I find all Cubanos on the greasy side. We also got the hamburger and it was solid. Service was excellent. There is street parking and there is a parking lot in the back.

Fishwives

4.3

(1.7k reviews)