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    Kathleen's Restaurant

    4.0 (182 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 7:30 pm

    Kathleen's Restaurant Photos

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    KATHLEEN'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Kathleen's Restaurant

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    Dave H.

    One of the best kept secrets in Pasadena. Hot and new for the last 40 years! Still managed by the friendly owner Kathleen who still attends to all the guests with her very friendly personality and wonderful hospitality. A true restauranteur at heart which is hard to find these days. Her partner does all the fresh baked items and desserts that range from banana bread, zucchini bread, pies and cakes all made fresh! Amazing staff and service too! You always tell a great restauranteur by their staff and knowing that they have been there a long time and still take pride in the service, food and tending to regulars by name. Open mostly for breakfast and lunch and early dinner. Opens early and closes early always steadily busy with its regular and mixed Pasadena clientele from all walks of life. Wonderful selection on the menu including a bar and breakfast fiesta specials including some Mexican breakfast favorites and a wonderful looking Belgian waffle and French toast. Their blt and avocado sandwich was excellent along with its shoestring fries. Their onion soup is probably one of the best in LA - not so beefy but a good mix of onions, melted cheese and homemade croutons. I'd come back for just the French onion soup and their spinach salad but want to try everything on their menu from their cod tempura fish & chips to their kebabs and steak! Plus plenty of salads, burgers, sandwiches and California cuisine! I think i found a new favorite place to dine! Perfect for breakfast or brunch and they have a dining room off to the side that can accommodate larger parties. Very kid friendly too! I've passed by Kathleen's for so many years and always thought it was an upscale restaurant but was so pleased to see how casual, friendly and great food was hidden behind its wooden front facade. They even have some outdoor patio dining in the back making them pooch and dog friendly. Their casual dining room and menu make it a perfect restaurant for everyone. The zucchini bread loaf was generous and delicious! I wanted to get the banana bread but it was already sold out! PS $1 mimosas for breakfast? What a deal! I will definitely be back many times. What a gem , hole in the wall wonderful dining experience for breakfast or lunch. Just nearby the Reyn restaurant but i think is way better! Prices are just a buck or two more but the quality of Kathleen's food and service is much better than most coffee shops or diners. Plenty of parking in the back.

    Enchiladas
    Talmadge M.

    Kathleen's has graciously hosted our Pasadena City College Football Alumni luncheon for a few years now and they always treat us like family. I had a taste for enchiladas and I wasn't disappointed! I asked my waitress about them and they came highly recommended so I ordered them. Kathleen is a queen and they do a wonderful job serving their customers.

    Watery coffee. But David will keep it hot and filled for you so that you forget how watery it is.
    Otilla F.

    Believe the reviews about unfriendly energies, sub standard food, and the place being egregiously tired. Needs to be bulldozed down, it is so old and dated. If you are not geriatric and caucasian, please please please save yourself a bewildering headache. I made the most terrible mistake of coming here with my family. I am embarrassed to have celebrated an impromptu event there. Goes to show, Yelp is not always right. Trust your gut people. Never again. The servers are nice but, yes, robotic, as others have said. The one star is for David. He is a gentleman of the highest degree in that decrepit dark cesspool of a restaurant. He needs to resign and set his sights much higher. I wanted to leave 10 minutes in but my party didnt want to be rude. Oh, and if you're wondering: 1. Nothing from the griddle until the weekend. Don't ask for pancakes or waffles. Nothing. I have no idea about the mimosas either. Nothing was offered. 2. In case you forgot, if you're black or brown, turn around. Dont go in. Please.

    Cheeseburger

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    6 months ago

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    2 months ago

    I have been going there for years. Staff is extremely friendly and efficient. Everyone who has accompanied me has always loved their food

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    1 year ago

    Kathleen is always there to warmly welcome you. The comfort food is delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Nice, quiet atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

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    2 years ago

    Food was great, my friend had a hamburger which he enjoyed. I had an omelet which was quite tasty. Service was ok.

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Basic diner food at reasonable prices. Nothing special about it. Free parking in their lot.

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    Page 1 of 5

    Ask the Community - Kathleen's Restaurant

    Are they known for their burgers?

    their burgers are thick and juicy. can be ordered the way you like it.

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    Entre Nous French Bistro

    Entre Nous French Bistro

    4.4
    (444 reviews)
    1.4 mi
    $$$

    Always wanted to try this french restaurant and finally was invited by my family for donner…read more Very chill spot and perfect for a intimate date night. Overall this restaurant layout was pretty cool and the night we went the noise level was moderate but I can see that if its packed this place could get loud. They offer outdoor seating as well that looked cozy. Our waiter and his team was very attentive and always made sure we had what we needed so service was exceptional. Food is always an area that I leave up to everyone's own taste. To me I felt some of the dishes needed more salt but I always enjoy my food from how the chef prepped it so I can try new dishes.

    塞翁失馬,焉知非福,人生所有的失去,都藏著另一種成全,世間萬物,禍福相依,一時的得失,從來不是人生的結局~…read more 今天來介紹一家在 也是在Pasadena 新發現的小店, 法國餐,環境從裡到外都很優雅, 食物, 從麵包, 鍋牛前菜, 沙拉, 主菜 mussels, 鱈魚, 菲力, 通通都90 分以上, 我們三個女生都很喜歡,甜點表現較爲普通, 一進門就看到一個帥哥侍者,,令人眼睛一亮,這點也加分, 但是飲料只有啤酒, 可樂, 紅白酒, 沒有調酒,這點就小小的扣分, 整體是一家會讓人印象深刻的浪漫小店,超級適合約會的地方,價格偏高一些,也很適合幾個女生一起過來, 有機會我會再回來的

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Entrecote au poivre
    Entrecote au poivre
    Malbec,

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    Malbec,
    Perle Restaurant

    Perle Restaurant

    4.2
    (605 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$$

    Perle is a tranquil retreat from the hot summer evenings in a cool space with dark wood tables and…read morewhite cupboards. The Francophone music and friendly staff sets the tone for the wonderful meal. Coq au vin: When they lay out a pearl-handled Laguiole knife, you know you're in for a treat. The chicken is braised in beautiful rustic flavors. There's a rich dark sauce, the result of slowly simmering red wine, herbs, garlic, butter, and broth. The dish has a generous portion of meat, two thighs and a drumstick. You'll want to swipe every bite through the silky sauce along with the smooth and creamy mashed potatoes. Strips of lardons are essentially a cross between bacon and ham, adding smoky lusciousness and chewy meatiness. Mushrooms are earthy and woodsy. The carrots and pearl onions are sweet and tender. You taste each ingredient independently even through the concentrated flavor of the incredible glossy sauce. Parking: Without walking too far, you can find free street parking.

    I came here for my birthday and it was a fantastic experience! The host was very nice and the…read moreserver was as well. The ambiance of Perle felt very homey, like in a French restaurant with minimal lighting, but at least didn't feel too dark at the same time. I ordered the French onion soup, escargot, and the steak and frites to share with my girlfriend, and everything was just so good. The French onion soup was rich yet not overpowering at all in its flavor profile. I really liked the cheese they used to base off the soup. The escargot taste was pretty balanced, and quality of the steak and frites was A+. The steak was tender and moist, and the fries were well done and crisp. For dessert, they gave me a complimentary small cake, and I also got in addition their apple tarte tatin, and oh my god, was that the star of the show. The pastry and the sweetness of the dessert hit the spot for me. Would I come to Perle again even for a non special occasion? I definitely would!

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    Inside
    Inside
    Apple Tarte Tatin
    Apple Tarte Tatin
    French Onion Soup - $19 Caramelized onions, beef broth, white wine, sourdough bread, Gruyère gratinée

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    French Onion Soup - $19 Caramelized onions, beef broth, white wine, sourdough bread, Gruyère gratinée
    Oh La La

    Oh La La

    3.7
    (611 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    I stopped by Oh La La in Pasadena for coffee and pastries, and I have to say I was genuinely…read moreimpressed with their coffee program. We didn't have any of the brunch dishes this visit--we specifically came for the coffee and pastries--but after this experience, we'll definitely be coming back to try the food next time. The cortado was made with Boxx Coffee Roasters beans, and after chatting with the barista, I learned they also have a dedicated water filtration system specifically for their coffee. That level of attention to detail isn't something you expect from every brunch café, and it definitely showed in the final cup. The cortado was well executed. The milk was smoothly integrated with the espresso, creating a balanced body that held together throughout the drink instead of separating after a few sips. It was served in the proper glass with clean presentation and solid latte art. The temperature was slightly hotter than my personal preference, which is understandable in a brunch setting, but overall it was a great cortado and far better than what many brunch cafés serve. The pain au chocolat was outstanding as well and a perfect pairing with the cortado. The service made the visit even better. Our server, Michael (aka Bev), was welcoming, attentive, and provided excellent service from start to finish. I also had the chance to compliment the barista on the cortado. Although I didn't get her name, she was very kind, took a few minutes to explain their coffee program, and shared that they use Boxx Coffee beans along with a dedicated water system to ensure the cleanest possible cup. It's always nice to meet people who genuinely care about what they're serving. Overall, Oh La La exceeded my expectations. It's refreshing to find a brunch café that puts this much effort into its coffee program while also serving great pastries. I'll definitely be back--next time for the food as well.

    My friend and I were quite disappointed. The ambience is gorgeous, and the staff was nice…read more However, service was extremely slow and inattentive, they were out of all bowls at 11AM, and the meals were overpriced. I know that food is super expensive these days, but it was too much for what it was. The jambon beurre was not traditional; the baguette was so thick and wide, which overpowered the ham and cheese. The chicken club was nothing to write home about. On the plus side, the pastries were fantastic. I even tolerated the raisins so I could devour the orange wheel croissant. Monkey bread was perfect, not too sweet.

    Photos
    Beautiful ambiance of OHLALA
    Beautiful ambiance of OHLALA
    Chocolate Almond Croissant
    Chocolate Almond Croissant
    Peach n cream

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    Peach n cream
    Union

    Union

    4.1
    (1.9k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$

    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!

    First time experience was amazing! So far, this is the only Italian place I've liked out of all the…read moreplaces I've eaten throughout LA. Food 4/5 Pork Meatballs $21 - Best meatballs I've ever had. Full of flavor but a little too salty. Local Wild Mushrooms $24 - Standard, nothing too special. Beets $18 - Refreshing, to the point. Caramelle $27 - My favorite of all the pastas but expensive for very little pieces of pasta and a meatless dish. Full of flavor, lots of oil. Rigatoni Timballo $32 - Delicious, standard. Duck Confit Rotolo $31 - My personal dish which turned out to be my least favorite. Meatballs and Caramelle were my top favorite, secondary are the beets. Prices are not unexpected for the area but are pretty high for what is really given to you. Service 3/5 We sat outside and they were pretty slow to bring water and take our orders. Ambiance 3/5 It was a really lovely time to eat outside but the lights were broken and it was SO dark, there were no added lights to the table. It was impossible to read the menu.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    Spaghetti Alla Chitarra
    Spaghetti Alla Chitarra
    Olive Oil Cake

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    Olive Oil Cake
    Holy Saints

    Holy Saints

    4.6
    (211 reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$

    LATE REVIEW…read more Finding little neighborhood gems when it comes to food has always been an exciting experience for me. Having family alongside makes the journey more special. We chose Holy Saints to announce our baby's gender with our parents and we had an amazing time during our intimate dinner here. The restaurant's ambiance was the perfect combination of homey and inviting. It is a smaller place and the number of tables are limited so I highly suggest making a reservation when dining here. During our dinner, it was a bit difficult to have a full blown conversation as the place was packed with guests when we came plus the loud background music that was playing the whole night. Service and food were nothing but amazing! Their menu is very limited. Maybe not everyone will appreciate that, but I think it is more intentional on what is being served to the table. Our highlight of the night was the Grandpa's Pan Roasted Duck Magret Au Poivre for sure. It was so tender on the inside and crispy on the outer edges! We never had a meal like that elsewhere and we will for sure be back just because of it.

    Great cozy, American small plates spot in Pasadena. Parking around is pretty simple with structures…read moreall around and pretty easy to make a reservation for a Saturday. Dishes tried: - Sourdough bread and bbq butter, solid for a bread dish, butter is definitely unique, reminded me of Lay's BBQ chips in a good way - Grandma's Risotto w/ prosciutto, okay for me? Prosciutto was a supplement here and needs it imo for that oomph, otherwise a fine risotto dish but would pass unless it speaks to you - Barnyard Bolognese - a bit underwhelming to start, just too one-note for me, but it eventually grew on me and would get it again if I wanted a rich pasta - Duck Magret Au Poivre - easily my favorite dish here and what I would come back for and recommend for people, tender duck with the right amount of fat and a great sauce. Fries are a bit thicker than I would like, but still enjoyed it. - Seasonal apple pie - more of a danish if I had to describe it to someone, but nice texture and more importantly, not too sweet!

    Photos
    Dining on the patio
    Dining on the patio
    Dad's Habanada Griddle Cakes
    Dad's Habanada Griddle Cakes
    Dad's Habanada Griddle Cakes

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    Dad's Habanada Griddle Cakes
    Shiro

    Shiro

    4.2
    (465 reviews)
    3.0 mi
    $$$

    Tugged away in South Pasadena, a friend told me about Shiro a legacy contemporary French Japanese…read morerestaurant that's been serving delicious fine dining for over 40 years! The decor is very classy and elegant, soft lighting with background piano music but you can still have conversations. They have daily fixe menu specials for Thursdays as well as their regular menu. First timer so we had to try a variety of dishes to get a good feel of their cuisine. Wine and cocktail options: had the Shirotini which is a twist similar to a lemon drop. My friend had the pink crane which is bourbon based. Both cocktails were well balanced and tasty. Appetizers: Their famous ravioli: had very creamy sauce over 4 wobton skin ravioli with plump shrimp inside topped with shiitake mushrooms on top. It's a mini meal in itself! Also tried their grilled octopus, cooked perfectly with a nice crunch on the outside and soft on the inside. The main star was the fried catfish sitting in what tasted like a ponzu sauce and please is big enough to feed 4 people! Also had the scallops which were delicious but truly the catfish stole the show. *The main dishes come with a medley side dish of broccoli, carrots and scalloped potatoes. Dessert was the crepes with strawberries and glazed pecans for the filling. The wait staff was attentive but also the owners were there to check in with all the guests to ensure everything was top notch. Learned that the co-owners are best friends. The original owner/chef was Shiro and his niece is one of the co-owners while one of is staff became the other co-owner. What a unique story. Definitely happy to support a legacy business and hoping others will too from this review.

    I didn't realize Shiro was still around. Boy did this bring me back down memory lane when I passed…read moreby during my week long stay in So Pas. I had to make a reso before we left So Cal and it was available for the next night. So happy we came bc WOW. I remember why I loved this quaint restaurant over 2 decades ago when we used to come for every special occasion. If memory serves me correctly, it's the same host. She was so hospitable and made us feel right at home. Our server was amazing. Gosh, I forgot his name. Tall skinny guy. Nightly specials. Truffle ravioli with spinach ricotta. Delicious. Had to share as it was a bit rich for a starter. Shaved truffles and blanched spinach. 5/5 Chilean Sea Bass 5/5 light and flaky Crème Brûlée with berries and bananas I didn't know I needed until I had the very first bite. Wow. So good and full of vanilla bean specs. Chocolate soufflé was more of flourless chocolate chocolate. Not too rich. Scoop of bold coffee ice cream. I just needed a tad more ice cream to finish the cake with. I didn't get it to try the crepe special since nephew ate most of it. Crispy wonton with poached pear. Raspberry sauce and orange custard was so unique and tasty 5/5 Both Hubs and Bro ordered the Mary's chicken and absolutely loved it. Well seasoned and garnished well. Filet was perfect cooked and seasoned even for an 8 yr old to finish on his own. DD ordered the salmon. It was so tender and fork soft. Her broccoli was so full of flavor and not overly creamy. I remember even saying out loud that this was a more decadent experience than TFL and Per Se without feeling so overstuffed and heavy feeling upon leaving. So glad I found Shiro again. Will definitely return again.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Special menu "Grilled artichoke"
    Special menu "Grilled artichoke"
    Salmon

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    Salmon
    The 1894

    The 1894

    4.5
    (74 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$

    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.

    If you love books, wine, and that cozy intellectual vibe, 1894 is an absolute must-visit in…read morePasadena. This bar is tucked inside Vroman's Bookstore (already one of the most charming and iconic bookstores in the area) so the entire experience feels like stepping into a warm, literary universe. You can browse for a new book, take in the bookstore's atmosphere, and then walk straight into the bar. Honestly, it's the perfect outing. What makes 1894 truly special is how intentionally it celebrates literature. Everything in the bar pays homage to the bookstore. The drink menu is full of clever, book-inspired names. You'll find cocktails like Pride and PearJudice Pride, Fifty Shades of Earl Grey, and other fun literary twists. Every drink feels like a little wink to readers, writers, and book lovers, and it adds such a unique charm to the experience. The vibe is super quaint and warm, dim lighting, and a creative atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. The wine is on the pricier side ($19-$21 per glass), but the quality delivers. Customer service was excellent. One of the bartenders spent time chatting with us. He pointed out a chalk artwork behind the bar a dramatic portrait he drew himself featuring expressive, literary-style faces, like Edgar Allan Poe, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, etc. It fits perfectly with the creative, bookish aesthetic of the bar. If you're into books, wine, and unique experiences, 1894 is a spot you absolutely can't miss. Perfect for a date, a solo unwind-with-a-book moment, or a fun night with friends who appreciate a good story and a great drink.

    Photos
    French Pilsner and truffle popcorn
    French Pilsner and truffle popcorn
    2 drinks trying to get "picked up"  Floral Spritz & Pride & Pearjudice
    2 drinks trying to get "picked up" Floral Spritz & Pride & Pearjudice
    The Warm Brie & Baguette with honey - absolutely fantastic!!

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    The Warm Brie & Baguette with honey - absolutely fantastic!!
    Bistro de la Gare

    Bistro de la Gare

    3.9
    (628 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$$

    Such a cute, quaint picturesque restaurant right in the middle of little town South Pas. Takes you…read moreback to France, with patrons dining outside on the sidewalk. Food is much better than I remembered - but still pricey for our little town. The star of the night was the butter salad with fresh tomatoes and avocado with a champagne vinaigrette - sounds so simple but the dressing really makes the dish. French onion soup a bit pricey $18...for a soup, but tasty. the escargot - was good but would likely pass next time. And the duck confit - the sauce was divine. All in all - a lovely Friday night dining experience. One thing that brought this down was when my daughter went inside to use the restroom, one of the servers (not ours - a young lad) aggressively said to my teenage daughter - restrooms are for customers only. My daughter was a bit taken aback - she was rattled for a few minutes after - since she was like geez, what's going on? It's not like she was dressed inappropriately. So in the future - may be better to inform the staff to speak a bit more in a customer centric tone. Otherwise - lovely wine, great service otherwise.

    All of the staff were incredibly friendly to us, which is always something we really appreciate…read morewhen we're dining out. They made us feel very welcomed and we enjoyed being there. The food was VERY good. So much flavor in everything, and loved the presentation / plating. It was clear to see that they care about these things which made each plate feel special. They have a very very long list of specials, so just a heads up, expect to have many more options to choose from that aren't even listed on the menu. When we were there, they had a few different fish specials, steaks, a seafood risotto, and a bunch of others that I can't remember. We ordered the Moules Marinières (mussels) but requested to have it as our appetizer which they were happy to do for us. The broth was exquisite. We didn't even leave a drop behind. It came with a large portion of mussels and great French fries that were nice and crispy. To pair with this dish, we also ordered bread which I believe was $8. The bread went really well with the broth. For our entrees my wife had the Magret de Canard Roti (seared duck breast) which was cooked perfectly med-rare. I tried a bite and was really impressed. So much flavor, and the skin was crispy. I ordered the Braised Lamb Shank which was soooo good. I loved the way that it was plated, deboned, and with tons of gravy. The mashed potato puree was very flavorful and buttery. I would absolutely order this again. For dessert, we got the Tarte Tatin (apple tart with ice cream). It came very nicely plated, and a large portion too. The tart itself was kind of cold-ish, and while it was very tasty, we had expected a tart like this to be served warm as if it just came out of the oven. Presentation was really nice, and honestly it was still really really good, but yes I think it would have been better if it was served warmer. Didn't stop us from devouring it though haha. Overall we really loved this restaurant and look forward to coming back again sometime.

    Photos
    Quaint little bar.
    Quaint little bar.
    Prosciutto de Parma
    Prosciutto de Parma
    Bistro de la Gare

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    La Vie French Restaurant

    La Vie French Restaurant

    3.9
    (379 reviews)
    7.1 mi
    $$$

    Caveat: I tend to include stories, random tangents, and occasional life updates in my reviews. Read…read moreat your own risk. Last Friday, my daughter and I decided to come back for dinner. I first brought her here when she was just a few months old. Now she's preparing for college. Walking inside feels like stepping into a cozy neighborhood French bistro. White tablecloths, soft neutral tones, chandeliers, and fresh floral centerpieces create a calming and elegant atmosphere. Let's talk about the prices. The menu is still the same, but the prices have increased quite a bit in just a matter of months. If you haven't been here in a while, take a look at the menu before you return so you don't get sticker shock. To me, some dishes is double what I remember paying. At the same time, the portions are a little smaller. One thing to keep in mind: La Vie is only open for dinner, from 5:00 PM. to 9:00 PM. I also highly recommend making a reservation. The dining room fills up quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday evenings, so planning ahead will save you the long wait or perhaps being sent away. Dinner time. Every entrée comes with a house salad, soup of the day, and complimentary coffee or hot tea. As I order hot tea everywhere I eat, that little perk is heaven. For our appetizer, we shared the Escargots de Bourgogne ($19). The escargot was fresh, tender, and chewy. Every piece soaked up the garlicky herb butter. They also provide complimentary Vietnamese baguette. The baguette arrives warm with a lightly crisp crust and a soft, fluffy interior. But the real magic is dipping it into the bubbling garlic butter from the escargot. For my entrée, I ordered the Herb Butter Lobster Tail ($56). The presentation was beautiful, but the lobster itself didn't quite live up to the presentation. It was bland. My daughter ordered the Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass ($46), and that ended up being the star of the evening. She loved it. The skin was crisp while the fish remained moist, flaky, and buttery. For dessert, we ordered the Crème Caramel (Flan). The server told us the chef offered it on the house due to presentation reasons. But I strongly believe it was because when they asked if my daughter and I were new customers, since they had changed owners, I told them I had been coming to this restaurant for over two decades, and that I brought my daughter here when she was still in a stroller. The owners may have changed, but I believe the chef is the same and he probably recognized me. Either way, it was a great treat. Thank you. The flan was silky smooth, creamy, and topped with a rich caramel sauce that wasn't too sweet. The servers have always been attentive, professional, and welcoming. Our dinner for two came to about $160, including tax and a 20% tip. See you in my next Yelp adventure.

    帶朋友試新餐館 Escargots de Bourgogne…read morePan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass 原來三星期前換了老細, 所以 menu 有改, 來了一位靚仔香港人經理

    Photos
    Their dining room
    Their dining room
    Le Canard au Grand Marnier
    Le Canard au Grand Marnier
    Dinner salad complements of an entree

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    Dinner salad complements of an entree

    Kathleen's Restaurant - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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