Pretty ridiculous when business owners pass their own overhead expenses to their customers! They charge an extra 3% to the bill (not as a tip for their wait staff), but for the "Minimum Wage Increase!" The food was already expensive and flavorless, but charging an additional 3% to the bill because he wants us to pay his/her employees guaranteed that they lost us as a customer forever. There are much better restaurants for the price that don't Jack you without disclosing it. You've been forewarned. Good luck! read more

Plate 38 - Business owner making customers pay for their employees' salaries!!! - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I would leave a zero if i could. But let me start by saying that management and owners of this establishment really need to assess their staff and quality they are serving to call it "good food" We have tried to give this place a chance and this was the second time we came here to dine. First experience was horrible and the second time was equally unsatisfying. Breakfast consisted of reheated bacon pieces and some type of eggs. Bacon was so dry and crispy that it was obvious that it was cooked prior and reheated (subpar) before serving. After letting the waitress know, she brings out more that seems to be from the same batch promising they are "make some fresh bacon". Why even attempt to lie just say 'let me bring you some more dried up old bacon'. I wish we had pics to post on this review. Felt good to know that we were not the only people experiencing dissatisfaction as other tables were also complaining at the same time about the eggs and that they ran out of sour cream when they opened at 9am! This place started on the right foot when they first opened but needs to shut down already and throw in the towels already! read more

This is truly the best restaurant in East Pasadena. Just for the happy hour or "social hour" it is known as. A fine cheese and charcuterie selection. Some of the entree proteins are a lamb porterhouse, Mary's fried chicken plate and Muscovy roasted duck. Drinks are excellent all in a space a little more upscale than a standard gastropub. read more

Amazing food, service and atmosphere. High quality, unique dishes and cocktails. I can't wait to go back!

Such a cute restaurant! Ive been a couple times and am impressed each time. The drinks are really different and delicious. The food is well seasoned and never had something taste off. The place is small and moody, so its has a great vibe for a date night or chill dinner with a girl friend. read more

Plate 38 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I ate here tonight for the first time. I won't be back. The food was seriously overpriced for the quality and quantity. Four of us ate from the "Happy Hour" menu and the bill was $155 before tip. We left still feeling hungry. The food itself was dry and underseasoned. Our server, when we asked for his name, told us to call him "Daddy." Ahh, No. Then to top it off, we were seated next to two tables with their pet dogs who decided to serenade the restaurant with a barking match. No comment from any servers or management. All in all, I paid too much money for bad food, barking dogs, and sexual harassment. Hard Pass. read more

Great ambiance, the richness of the wood makes eating very cozy and classy. We got the sunrise special and it was alot of food & thick bacon grilled potatoes, eggs, English muffin & a hot cup of Joe, good eats all around. Definitely a Mid-week hit as everyone in the house was ordering it from our vantage. I felt sorry for the fast food hand held breakfast sandwich eaters. Parking is limited so plan on street parking and walking to build your appetite. read more

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Don't make reservations here for a dinner party! They promised us a certain area and they were understaffed knowing we would be there. We felt bad for the waiter/server but we made sure to tip them generously! read more

It's a nice menu. In my opinion, they don't change it up enough, but that is just my opinion. Food is well prepared drinks are really good. Service is also good. On the downside it's overpriced for the amount that you get whether it's an appetizer or a main, the wait staff also rarely changes and in the three and a half years I've been going there regularly, there's only one bartender/waiter that's friendly or even accommodating. For this reason I no longer go. I tend to dine by myself and after 3+ years of going more than once a week feel like, I don't need them to know my name, but it would be nice to have a nod of recognition or a "thanks and good night, or "hello welcome"? Just not friendly at all and I'd say the littlest shortest guy there, who definitely needs a day off more than the other workers, seems to NEVER take one! There's just a tiny little raincloud over his head -all the time. This one is also very practiced at giving disapproving glances all around Anyway, the food is good. The service is pretty good. You won't be disappointed unless you care a lot about variety and friendliness. read more

Excellent food excellent drinks good atmosphere full of locals and the specials are really really good read more

Plate 38 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

The food is so good and the service is great our server Mike was amazing music on a Sunday evening was so good as well! Regular menu and Happy Hour menu both have delicious food!!! read more

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We came for happy hour - we enjoyed the chicken wings & steak fajita quesadilla. The chicken wings were prepared crispy and the steak fajita was the star of the show. From the regular menu we ordered the classic burger & fries (doesn't come with burger). I would like to return to try the Branzino. read more

Plate 38 - Skirt Steak Fajita Quesadilla - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Nice interior with friendly staff, but food is mediocre. I ordered a pesto grilled chicken sandwich that lacked flavor. My friend had a salad. read more

We had visitors from out of town and took the them to dinner here and we enjoyed the food, the service and the wonderful live music! (Susie Hansen Latin Trio). It was a beautiful evening! read more

We looked up online a dog friendly restaurant as we had just purchased a vehicle at a dealership and don't live in the area and had our two dogs with us. I found Plate 38 and the reviews were great... Little did we know, we'd actually be blown away by this place. It's cozy and packed and for a reason. Our server, Dennis was incredible. Everything he recommended to us, we tried and we were blown away. everything was so so good. The crab salad, ahi tacos, yellowtail the filet Mignon, one of the best we have ever had. Our experience was so good that we can't wait to go back. This place is truly a hidden gem. Thank you to the entire staff at Plate 38 for making such a memorable experience. We can't wait to go back and tell all our friends about how amazing this place is! cheers! read more

The food was awesome and the atmosphere was very pleasant. Kind of noisy on a busy intersection.

First, start with the biggest cup of coffee ever! Then pick from their incredibly unique menu items! Took my son here for birthday brunch. Lovely location in the heart of Pasadena with a beautiful dog friendly patio. Great service too. I had a fritta which was kinda like an eggs Benedict but with home fries instead of bread underneath amazing delicious. My daughters French toast was loaded with berries and bananas and a delicious unique sauce. My son loved his breakfast burrito too. They also brought water and scrambled eggs for our dog. read more

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Stopped in here for a brunch date. We both loved the ambiance and my date observed that it was a place that seemed to have a solid group of regulars which is a positive for us. We both also loved the food we got and agreed we'd absolutely come back again in the future. read more

Great place , small restaurant food was really good . Bartender was great but server/manager should be put on probation the way she talks to customers. read more

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My wife saw a Facebook ad. , that offers a free coffee with any breakfast plate. We shown up before they even open. It absolutely brightens my day. A large cup of freshly made coffee first, then comes with well displayed serving plates of our breakfast. Because ingredients are so much better quality than the regular Cafés that we have been to, It got so much better tastier and less richness in greasy flavors. How can we not coming back for more. read more

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Love Plate 38! Been here twice and wasn't disappointed! Sat inside and outside and had wonderful service both times, CiCi was the most recent and fabulous! Food is amazing and I cannot wait to try other dishes and appreciate the chill vibe. read more

So many wrongs happened when my best friend and I had dinner here. We arrived for our reservation on a Thursday at 5:30PM, and it was fairly quiet and empty. We chose to sit outside with the heat lamps on! The first dissatisfactory encounter I had was their prices had increased and I had just looked on their website's menu the night prior to visiting. They need to update their website. Next, I specifically came to try their French Dip but of course they ran out! I opted for other items on the menu, but they did not "carry it that night" as well! It's only Thursday night, why is everything "out"? Next, after we both ordered our Reuben, our server came out, literally drops my sandwich onto our table (which is filthy by the way), and then knocks my friend's Reuben over onto the table and barely misses dropping it on the floor. We ordered off the Happy Hour menu: + (2) Reuben $5.50 each + (3) Sparkling Wine $6 each +Cuban Sandwich $4.50 + (2) Tuna Tacos $4.50 each +Grilled Fish Taco $5 *I think it is a waste of paper that they allow patrons to write down how many orders they'd like off the Happy Hour menu papers. This isn't an AYCE sushi spot! Nobody will order that many items! HAPPY HOUR: -Every Monday from 3PM-closing -Tuesday to Sunday from 3PM-6PM and 9PM-closing Lastly, my friend eats her Fish Taco and it's too spicy for her. So while trying to flag a server down (keep in mind we were one of the 3 tables in the whole restaurant with 5+ servers working on the floor), I had to go to the bar to ask for water. For my first and only experience, I can say it wasn't a good one. It could've gone a lot better had they not "run out" of everything on the menu that I wanted. It also could've gone better if the servers were more attentive/ careful. The sparkling wine and the Reuben were my two favorite things here. read more

Great food! Great drinks! Great service! Please note there was an automatic 18% gratuity on our bill. We were a table of 5. They do not celebrate birthdays as it was my husbands bday. Overall, we really enjoyed our brunch. read more

Was brought here by a friend on a Sunday late morning for brunch. First impression was that parking was plenty in a private lot. I have two pooches, and loved it that they're dog friendly and seated us humans and canines in the patio. Our waitress, Jessica, upon seated, brought a big bowl of water for the pooches, and that's always a nice gesture. My friend loved their vegan burrito and that's what she ordered again. I went with the crab cake benedict and a unsweetened latte. Friend opted out cheese and sour cream. It was pretty big and was filled with potatoes with guacamole to add a creamy texture to it. It was definitely not greasy and puts up to its vegan reputation. The crab cake was pretty good. The bennies weren't too big, the the crab flavor was certainly there. It wasn't too heavy in mayonnaise or mustard, and I like it because the crab flavor was not covered by the condiments that were mixed with it. Also a plus for the poached eggs. They were done just right, the egg white wasn't runny while the yolks came out with a perfect flow. The latte was in fact unsweetened (other places I've been to, even when I ordered it unsweetened it still tasted sweet) and came out in a pretty big mug. Overall, I enjoyed the foods and drink. Loved the service because the waitress and other staff were friendly and attentive. It had a relaxing and cozy ambiance. Was a nice hang out for brunch. read more

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NEW FAVORITE HAPPY HOUR Oysters here are fressshhhh and the rest of their food is delicious. With all the restaurants being closed due to COVID I'm glad their patio dining is still open. The hostess girl was working her ASS OFF btw I think they were short staffed. But she was attention, quick to refill our drinks and extremely friendly and professional. Hope this place will survive the covid pandemic. read more

Plate 38 - Oysters so fresshhh! - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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A refreshing atmosphere with the freshest food and is pet friendly!!! My husband and I stumbled upon this amazing restaurant after searching for an hour in Pasadena for somewhere that had parking and patio that would possibly accept dogs. Not only do they accept dogs, but they have a doggie menu!!!! Their workers love working here and say the chef loves what he does. He goes out and picks the freshest vegetables at the farmers market, and that's how he decides his specials, based on what's on season. Fantastic fresh delicious food with wonderful vibes. We don't live close but we will be back!!! And a HUGE thanks to Stephanie!!!! Photo of a 12 year old happy dog with a full belly . read more

Plate 38 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Simply great food and service. Ready doesn't matter what you order. I had the artichoke beef tartare, and sashimi..

Love this place! Love that Plate 38 plays Dodger games. I really wish that the owner would put up a Streaming Screen on its adorable but underutilized patio. Huge kudos to master bartender Eric. Very accommodating to this light drinker (such as adding seltzer to his generously poured delicious cocktails! And extra olives don't upset Eric!) The host, wait staff snd bus staff are super welcoming and accommodating! They provide great service without the robotic and repeated soulless check-ins one gets at other restaurants! How's the food, you ask? Fresh and delicious! Never regretted any choice! Love it! It would get a perfect 10 if owner would add Dodger fan viewing on the patio!!! C'mon, Top Chef!! read more

Plate 38 is an East Pasadena gem. The atmosphere is pleasant, although a little noisy due to the heavy traffic from both directions. The staff is friendly, and attentive. Menu is good, with tasty salads, entrees and drinks. One con is that they charge a $2 fee if you use a credit card and there really isn't a disclosure. I'm surprised that they would prefer cash in this day and age. Who has substantial cash in their wallet nowadays? read more

One of my favorite places. Love the vibe and food is always outstanding! They are super busy today but they still squeezed us in and we are very grateful! Thank you guys! Keep up the good work! read more

Came here with my dad and sister for dinner. Cesar salad with shrimp as well as the ceviche were great and our server Stephanie was so so pleasant and funny! Will be coming back! read more

Came here for Easter brunch with friends. Ambience is great and staff were quick and friendly. I had the California Chicken Club and it was huge! We had cocktails and shared fries and it was an overall great time. if I had any complaint, its that they listed a cinnamon roll on the Easter Brunch menu, which we ordered and intended to share, but instead they brought us a pain aux raisins and insisted it was a cinnamon roll. Last I checked, cinnamon rolls usually have cinnamon and not raisins. Oh well - it was still good! read more

Plate 38 - California Chicken Club - crispy and huge! - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Lovely outdoor area. Great service. Super yummy sweet potato fries and tasty hot wings too ! Would definitely go back for dinner, alas this visit was just drinks and snacks. read more

Plate 38 - Hot wings - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Based on my November 2020, visit. Restaurant: They have an outdoor patio and an partially enclosed patio on the opposite side. Spaced just enough adhering to COVID-19 regulations. Free parking shared with strip mall. There is also street parking. The place feels rustic yet modern and comfy at the same time. Casual dining. Service: The hostess and our waitress were wonderful. The server was a little rushed but I won't hold that against him. He was still helpful and kind. There was a mishap with my special order, I always have a special order, and the waitress took responsibility for her part. I LOVE THAT! Often times, wait staff will blame the kitchen and leave it at that. It was so honorable to for her to own her mistake. The other issue with one of my items was the kitchen's fault. Food: My sistah-friend and I both got the salmon burger and shared the garlic or parmesan fries. DEELISH! Both items. There were other items on the menu I will be trying on my next few visits to come. The french toast would have tasted better if the kitchen prepared it the way I requested. Yet, they messed up, a new order was prepared and ended up being overcooked, missing some items. I could not risk a 3rd try. read more

Plate 38 - Salmon burgers with garlic or parmesan fries. Very good! - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Tried this place in person and was expecting it to be better in person but I was disappointed. The host when you walk in didn't acknowledge us for the first 10 minutes which in my opinion is rude. However when we did get sat our server was great. He was quick, brought our drinks out quickly. The food was good but not great and overpriced in my opinion. The drinks were the best part. Not sure I would come back. I give it a 2/5 stars for the drinks and nice server only. read more

Plate 38 - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Very disappointed. Gluten free items are not actually gluten free. Seems like they have no clue what they're serving you. If you care about what you're consuming, beware! No separate frier for "gluten free" items... I hate when restaurants advertise something is gluten-free, but they are fried and gluten oil. Duh read more

My wife and I brought our puppy on the patio for their oyster happy hour and had a pretty solid time, the wait staff was great and I'm kicking myself for not remembering his name but great oysters and we did 2 dozen split of the two specials of the day and they were fantastic. My wife had a couple glasses of wine and I had a few beers and we split a quesadilla and got out of there for less than $70. As hot as it's been their patio is filled with fans and is dog friendly so we'll for sure be back! read more

Came around 9pm when they had social hour. Actually gets sorta pricy after ordering a handful of small plates. It was somewhat busy Thursday night but not that many people were there for food. The service was slow, and we waited awhile before the waitress came over, but the food came quickly after. I would recommend the drinks here, and probably ordering after you've gotten a bit buzzed as the food was mediocre. We tried polenta appetizer, and the olives overpowered the dish. The grilled artichokes need better dipping sauces. The fish taco was not memorable. Flavorless mushroom bruschetta. The truffle burger's beef patty was super dry. They charge $2 for a small honeycomb and the cheese charged separately also pricy for a small cube. Overall, come here for late night eats and drinks, but there are better options around during normal dining hours for food so most likely won't return anytime soon! read more

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We ordered the mussels (tiny mussels though), bone marrow, fish tacos, and one of the pastas. All tasted fine but the mussels must have been some of the tiniest I've ever seen and made me curious if they tried to pick out the smallest ones they could find. Service staff were fine too with the exception of one of them trying to upsell us on the wine when we asked for a rec. The one thing that did bother me though is that they charge a "minimum wage fee". This is usually done by owners that want to make a statement about minimum wage increases and not wanting to pay their service folks a living wage. I'm super opposed to this not just because of the needless political posturing, but also because it's essentially a hidden fee that you get ambushed with when it's time to pay the bill. A "resort fee" equivalent for a meh dining experience. Overall, food tasted fine but garbage ownership practices. Won't be going back. read more

Wow what a surprise this place has 3.5 stars. The food is horrible. Mediocre at best. The service was terrible. Was asked to move so that two women could have our seats. Okay let that slide. But then The management was rude. After getting accosted by a drunkard in the bathroom hallway, we were then scolded by management like children, when confronting said drunkard who continued to be inappropriate at the bar. I would like to think they are just crappy overall and that we weren't treated poorly based on how we looked. But i watched our terrible server treat others well. He didn't ask us ONCE how things tasted or how everything was. And the woman who claimed to be a manager was absolutely unbearable and unprofessional and clearly had a bias. Aka racist and rude. The short bartender was so rude and so BAD. BEFORE ANY CONFLICT OCCURRED HE WAS TERRIBLE!! Moral of the story the food is MEDIOCRE. SUBPAR. NOTHING SPECIAL. overpriced for what it is. Crappy food disguised as fine cuisine. Save your time. Save your money. And honestly i wish nothing but bad things and a curse upon this place and the crappy people who work here. Gross. read more