I love this spot . We always order the mozzarella sticks . No matter what meal. The iced tea is always on point This time I ordered the oatmeal. With a side of bacon . I was a bit tired of eggs and such. The host and waiters ate always attentive . I love the artwork and classy feel of the restaurant. This is my go to spot read more

Russell's - Ham and Ham & 3 eggs Pancakes Sausages Mozzarella Sticks Oatmeal Breakfast plus Bacon (4 Strips) Brewed Iced Tea Iced Tea - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Russel's in old town Pasadena is a must stop for breakfast. A mainstay in Pasadena since the 1930's. You'll always be greeted with a smile and the wait staff smiles non stop. Such a positive vibe from the time you walk in the door until you leave. I had the Ultimate Breakfast Burrito. I love a good breakfast burrito and this one challenges some of the best I've ever had. I wanted the pancakes as they looked delicious but this burrito was so big there was no way I was doing both. Highly recommended if you're ever in Pasadena at breakfast time! read more

I am visiting from out of town. Found this place on Yelp. Lots of people waiting. It was worth every minute! The food was amazing! I tried the waffles, pancakes, and French toast. Bacon super crisp. The staff was also great. Marco was super kind and professional and Omar was very welcoming. The service was top notch. read more

Russell's - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I've been coming here for breakfast for a few years now. Not constantly, but at least a few times each year, and the food never disappoints. Everything I've tried has always been good, and I definitely recommend this spot. It does get pretty crowded, especially during peak breakfast hours, so I'd recommend coming early if you want to avoid the wait. read more

Russell's was established in 1930. It is no ordinary diner in the sense that it give off an upscale vibe with the bright red booth, crystal chandeliers and artwork adjourning the walls. There's a sense of class here. It's a real cozy place to have breakfast or brunch. Expect to wait in line, but it's well worth the wait. The food will never disappoint. What we ordered: -Chicken Fried Steak + 2 Eggs, Hash Bowns & 1 Side $17.50 The Chicken Fried Steak came smothered in a white gravy sauce with eggs done up how you like 'em, hash browns and your choice of a side such as toast, an English muffin or a bagel. For an upcharge, you can get a pancake, blueberry pancake or a waffle. I opted to get a side of a Belgian Waffle for $3.50. This is a really good deal and enough food for my toddler son. I have great nostalgia of eating at diners and ordering a chicken fried steak. In my 20's, my friends and I would hit up a 24 hour diner after the bars and I would always order a chicken fried steak. The service was very attentive to our needs. Our only complaint was finding a table. We were told a modest 20 minute wait as we came approximately one hour before closing. While we were waiting several people walked-in and got tables right away. This was a bit infuriating for my wife. I had to calm here down a few times. She kept pestering me to go in and ask about our table as we had a hungry wife and toddler. I'm the patient one. There were open tables available bigger than what we needed, but would have gotten us out the door much faster. The host needs to be more on top of things. Overall, it was memorable meal. Great food and service! We'll be back again to try other dishes off the menu. read more

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Was coming here often. Place must have gone viral because even weekdays there's a 25 minute wait. Prices definitely went up. Food is good but it's breakfast. Really just average but not terrible. The prices however are. Almost $20 for a standard breakfast is insane! Never had a standout service experience but staff isn't rude. There's definitely cheaper places to eat with the same quality and taste of food. read more

Russell's - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

This is my third time coming to Russell's in Oldtown Pasedena. I got the Famous Cheeseburger this time and I thought it was pretty good. It wasn't as good as other local burger joints like The Original Tops or Shake Shack but it was still enjoyable. The service was great too! My server made sure my coffee was filled up to the top whenever I was half. This is a classic Breakfast spot that I will be coming back to soon. read more

Russell's - Famous Cheeseburger with coffee - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

We have never been before but had read good things, except that there is always a wait. Went for breakfast on a rainy Thursday, and there was still a 15 minute wait! And we had to wait outside, which had an awning but is pretty close to a major street with cars passing by. Luckily no one got drenched. However, we are glad we waited. The food was delicious! And the room was so much nicer than I imagined, thinking it was going to look more like a diner. It's actually more like an upscale restaurant, with beautiful red walls and lots of art. Our server was so pleasant and attentive. We both went with the "Light Start" breakfast. I had a poached egg with bacon & hash browns, and substituted a Belgian waffle for toast. My husband had an over easy egg with sausage and toast. We split the waffle and it was out of this world! SO light and delicious. I'm not a sweets person, but I loved this. Parking is basically in the same building and they validate. read more

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At first, this just seems like a normal diner, but man it's a good old-fashioned diner with simple and tasty staples. Their bread and butter are plain but just right (let me tell you: I go to a lot of steakhouses and most of them can't get this right). They have one of the best waffles I've ever had (I really don't care much for waffles). Service was fast and price is reasonable. My only complaint is their wait can get pretty long and you got to pay for parking either in the nearby structure or on the street. Come in the morning to get some of that city sunlight and air. Red walls with different paintings really makes the vibes feel like a diner out of a movie. read more

Terrible service. Unnecessary wait for mediocre diner food. Don't let the long line fool you.

There is always a wait at this place and it's definitely not worth it. The food was just very very sub par. We got the chicken friend steak and corned beef hash. I felt like we were eating really bad TV dinners. It's not bad like it was inedible but it's pretty bad for a meal that costs 50 bucks for 2 people. I was really wishing we just got a McDonald's breakfast instead and that's saying something. read more

Everything from the hospitality, to the service, to the food was fantastic! My husband and I went for the first time. My husband uses a walker and they held the door open going in and coming out. We were in the area for the weekend and after reading the reviews on yelp decided to try it. We loved the feel here. We will definitely be back. Our server Victor R was very professional and attentive. Overall a great experience! We live over an hour away but would make the drive to enjoy the overall experience again. read more

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Beloved no more. That's right, our beloved Russel's on Fair Oaks has changed. My brother and I have been going there for decades and not once were we disappointed or mistreated. But, today in the middle of rain, a young lady that seems to be a new employee had us stay in the rain outside to wait for a table. Then we were allowed to go in. Once we sat, the young lady came to our table and told us to hurry and place our order, because she will give us 90 minutes to have breakfast. She said that if we go over that time we will be asked to leave. After hearing that, we got up and left. We asked for validation and the young man that was there told us "validations are for customers only". Whoever trained this young lady didn't train her properly. It's amazing how one bad trained employee or employees can deter customers from patronizing a business. read more

Thursday morning. Banana pancakes, French toast, hash browns, sausage, bacon, all done perfectly balanced. The bananas are cooked first before adding to batter which gives that fried plantain taste. So good. That's all I really care about if I'm eating breakfast outside my home. I get impressed not so much by doing the most with toppings or adding sugar, but with clean ingredients cooked perfectly. Ryan, our server; is the absolute man! Highly recommend this place if you're in the area. read more

Service was good. Friendly and get what we ask for quickly. I love their buttermilk pancakes! Fluffy and chewy. I love their corn beef hash too, crunchy as I prefer it. We also got their meat love omelette. It was also good, thick cut bacon with crispy hash. I'd say it's one of our fav places for an American breakfast. read more

Russell's - Buttermilk pancakes (Petite Stack), meat lover omelette with rye bread, side of corn beef hash. - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Come one come all for a solid classic breakfast. Be prepared for a line and wait.... And the wait is as long as they say it is. We ordered the big breakfast to split and the pancakes were delicious! Hashbrowns were also a fav. We sat at the bar and the server was prompt and very nice. Waited an hour and 15 and was out in 25 Parking was 11 dollars read more

Russell's - The big show - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

The food was good, I got simple breakfast which taste just about the same as anywhere else. Service was good and the ambiance was casual attire good for family. read more

Service was so polite and cozy ambiance! Cori took such good care of us and was incredibly sweet. Food was so yummy and our favorite was the hot chocolate! read more

Russell's - Hot Chocolate - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Order from there a lot. Terrific breakfasts Quality food I use DoorDash for all my orders read more

In short; great food, great service, beautiful aesthetic and upbeat but not chaotic ambiance. Very clean and organized kitchen and serving area. Professional staff with great attitudes. Consistently great experience. There is often a weight, especially for Sunday brunch, but there are several comfortable and clean chairs outside. As well as as great shops, only a few feet away. read more

Been coming here for years! But since moving the east coast, it's been a while and my review is long overdue! My parents still come here so much, everyone knows them and knows that my mom wants decaf coffee. Service is amazing! We always come extra early to beat the crowd. The line can get pretty long! This time was my first time bringing my kids and they LOVED the cinnamon roll. I had the breakfast burrito and it was fantastic. 10/10 recommend! read more

I was so impressed with the service, food, and atmosphere. I'm a first timer and cannot wait to visit again; probably for a special occasion because the wait time to be seated was no joke. The crowd doesn't lie, definitely worth the wait! read more

Russell's - Croque Madame - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

This is a popular spot for breakfast and lunch. They serve regular breakfast and lunch meals all the way to sandwiches like a croque monsieur (delicious!) which is a toasted French ham and cheese sandwich. There's almost always a wait. Don't let that deter you. read more

We had breakfast at Russell's almost everyday of our vacation & loved it each time! Food is delicious & plentiful. Service is welcoming & attentive. You will leave satisfied and full. And the music is fabulous!We highly recommend Russell's! read more

First time here! Came here on memorial Monday around 8:10am and got seated at bar right way (alternative was 10-20 min wait for a table for two). Started lining up outside shortly after we ordered. Huge portions! I got corn beef hash w/eggs, hash brown and sub blueberry pancake. Was delicious! Husband got country fried steak said it was best he had in a while. Great service and amazing staffs as well. Also they validate one Colorado parking (right next door) for up to 90 minutes. This will be our new go to spot now just need to wake up early for :) read more

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We've been coming here for years now and we always love our experience. The host is super friendly and kind (his name is Ceasar). Our servers have always been super attentive and awesome. This last time we had Cory as our waitress and she was so awesome! She often checked in to make sure we had what we needed. She's warm and friendly. Aside from the wonderful staff, the food is always delicious. Our favorites are the madam croque, corn beef hash, Belgian waffles and their pancakes. This will always be our first choice for breakfast!! read more

Russell's - Belgian waffles - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

This place never disappoints. Came here at 8am and there's already a queue. Party of 2 waited for 20 minutes, worth it. Service was quick and food is always scrumptious. Portion is generous and the place is well decorated. if you parked in the parking lot in the same building, don't forget to get your ticket validated. read more

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The service was impeccable! Surprisingly, on a Saturday late morning, the wait did not exceed 5 minutes and the staff were extremely attentive and helpful. Our waiter was extremely sweet and even advised us to swap out the toast for waffles which is a cheaper to buying 2 separate meals. In addition, he ended up giving us the toast anyway! In terms of the food, I would definitely recommend their Belgian Waffle. It was fluffy, crispy on the outside, and the not too sweet syrup balanced and paired nicely with the beautiful whipped butter. The meals on the other hand were decent. I think for the price, I probably wouldn't order any of the meals again, but I would 100% come back for the waffles. The breakfast burrito was quite literally just eggs, bacon, and sausage wrapped in a tortilla--nothing special there. Also keep in mind that you can park at the parking structure in the same building and get your parking ticket validated by the restaurant! Overall a delightful experience and very cozy cute styled diner. I will be back for that waffle. read more

Russell's - Belgian Waffle, Breakfast Burrito, Chicken Breast Sandwich, - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Amazing food, quality and prices, but the service was really slow, because they're busy. But definitely we coming back

This place is absolutely amazing for breakfast. Food is amazing quality and don't let the prices discourage you, I know it's a little on the pricey side but they do give really good portions. It seems like there's always a wait but they have chairs outside for you to sit and wait and I promise it's worth the wait. People happily wait outside for a reason. Staff were amazing as well. Will definitely be coming back. read more

First time here. Amazing service and best bacon and eggs breakfast I have had in a very long time. Thick bacon cooked to perfection. Pancakes were fluffy and light. Also cooked to perfect. The supervisor in Dodgers jerseys was highly efficient and very pleasant. Great coffee! Will recommend to friends in area. We'll done guys and gals! read more

This place seems to be all hype in terms of the quality of its food. Pancakes were a C (for an example of an 'A', go to Jacks and Joe in downtown Los Angeles) The croque monsieur was a C (for an example of an 'A', go to Braserie B in Las Vegas The coffee was a D- (too many examples of 'A' coffee to list here, but if you buy a coffee grinder and grind your own coffee beans at home, you are a world ahead of the coffee in this place) BTW, these three items are cost $43 (tip included). read more

Are you kidding me russells? Is a Pasadena tradition? Their food here is fantastic. The service is great. Been there forever

Sandwich burger was very good. Our server was first call .. polite and very attentive. I recommend this restaurant read more

If you love comfort food, you'll need to find the time to eat here for breakfast. I love a great Chicken Fried Steak and after reviewing some of the feedback, I had to try it. I also heard about their waffles so I ordered one too! The batter on the steak was super fresh and not too thick. It also had great flavor and the gravy just amplified the entire dish. Their gravy has bits of sausage so I figured it would be flavorful and it really was! I ordered my eggs over-easy and they were perfectly cooked and the hash browns were crisp on the outside and perfectly cooked inside. The Waffle OMG needs its own paragraph! It's fluffy, light, browned to perfection and has the perfect amount of cinnamon. The flavor is phenomenal and I insist on paying the $2.00 extra to add it on to your egg dish. The service was okay, I encourage you to keep an eye out for open tables. There isn't sitting room inside, it was cold so we had to wait outside. My mother had to approach the hostess to point out the availability because she was busy chatting. It's not a deal breaker just something to keep in mind. I definitely recommend dining here if you're in the area. I hear they are famous for their burgers so I'll be back for lunch! read more

Russell's - Belgian Waffle - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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The service is always good, the food might pricy but great. Sometimes there is a wait but it's because coming here is worth the trip to Pasadena. There are several parking structures here in Old Town Pasadena, and some metered street parking but not on the direct street. You're not getting the standard IHOP experience here, there is care and attention and pride in the cooking. The seating area and bathroom is always clean and the service is professional and friendly. I've come with friends here and everyone is always satisfied with their food, the portions are decent and match the pricing in my opinion. I've enjoyed the orange, grapefruit, and cranberry juices. Mimosas are on the menu and those are my favorite to order! I know I will always be happy to eat here and recommend it to all my friends. If you're visiting, this is a great place to check out! Quality is above average and my experience always exceeds expectations. read more

Don't let the wait deter you! Russell's is so worth the wait! If you really can't wait then order to go but then you'll miss the warm friendly service and the food that is so perfect the minute it lands on your table. The hashbrowns are perfectly crisped on the outside with the smooth buttery insides. The omelets eggs are so fluffy with the cheese melted over vegetables that are still have a snap on the outside with soft delicious flavor bursts when you bite into them. My English muffin was perfectly toasted with butter dripping into every nook and crannie! I need to go back and experience this spot again as soon as possible. read more

This was a hidden gem and I'm so glad my daughter and I found it. The hot cakes were amazing and the vegetable omelet was simply Delicious. I did not get pictures this time but I will definitely be going back. Let's not forget the fresh squeeze orange juice was amazing and simply superb. read more

Breakfast was so good! Ordered an omelette but added bacon for more protein! Also got to try some French toast and I really do recommend getting it! It was fluffy and tastes delicious. It was very filling! And service was really good because they would always keep coming to refill our coffees and make sure everything was good. This place is a small cute little breakfast/brunch spot! I'd definitely be back to try other foods and for the French toast of course! read more

Russell's - Omelette with mushroom, spinach, and added bacon - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Best waffle you will ever have. Great ABC omelette, bacon, and hash browns - BUT THE WAFFLE IS OUTWORLDLY!