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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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

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

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

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

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

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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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

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

Love it love it!. The place is small but staff is quick and the wait times aren't too bad. The waffle is my absolute favorite , its crispy airy and addictive. I bring anyone here requesting a good old fashioned breakfast 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

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

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

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

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

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

It was really good. Good service good food good atmosphere. Definitely coming back. It's a cute little spot

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

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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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 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

The best place for American breakfast! My husband & son enjoyed the food here so much that they said this place is the best. We waited for the table for maybe 20 minutes. There were plastic chairs outside to sit down while wait. The street in the front is nice so we didn't mind waiting. We enjoyed everything and look forward to going back when we are in LA again. read more

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Found this cute restaurant in Pasadena on yelp and I can't say enough good things about it! Service was friendly, the food was absolutely delicious, it had public parking available, and the follow up on the service was expedient and consistent. The coffee was really good too! If you're looking for a wonderful place to have a meal, you won't be disappointed with Russell's! Thank you to all who work there! 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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1st time here and will definitely not be the last. Long waiting time but great quality of food and great customer service. Really appreciate the staffs up beat attitude and want to give a shoutout to "Marcos" for being an amazing waiter! Thanks for the great experience! read more

A Pasadena standard. Solid food offering with efficient service. If you're looking for a diner breakfast this is it; but if you want a country breakfast, try again. read more

You're going to wait, unless you arrive well before they open. GREAT FOOD, GREAT SERVICE. I don't like pancakes unless they're from Russell's. They're sourdough bread is yummm. I enjoy their classic artwork and music. Really nice place. Tempted to bring Mom for Mother's Day but I know the line is going to wrap around the corner. Worth the wait though! Bring a book! read more

Quick service, standard breakfast - but consistent. Drip coffee varies from day to day. Quite and family friendly. Street and lot parking available. read more

I love coming here for breakfast on the weekend! Although the wait might be a little long (30min - 1hr) it's really worth it. I've been coming here for about 5 years and it's always good and always packed Today I got the chicken fried steak and eggs and a short stack. The highlight for me is really the pancakes. The best buttermilk pancakes I've ever had and it always makes me smile and do a little dance every time I eat it lol. But literally everything is good here. The service and the wait staff is amazing here. They go over and beyond and always go out their way to see if you're having a good experience. I know there's a lot of places to eat in Pasadena, but make sure to check them out. read more

Russell's - Country Chicken Fried Steak & 2 Eggs & Short Stack - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

It was my first time here. Seeing all the people waiting outside was a good sign. This restaurant checked all the boxes. It has a clean and cheery atmosphere, good service, and delicious food. We will be back! read more

Delicious food, friendly & efficient service, and clean. Our food came out piping hot - LOVE! The creamed butter was awesome for those blueberry pancakes. They are located in the same building as a parking garage that they validate parking for - WINNING!! read more

Russell's - Bar area - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Good food. Had to wait for a table at 9am. Not too long, about 15 mts. Was surprised on how the prices had gone up so much. $18 per plate. read more

There is always a long line in front of this place, and I ended up waiting about one hour to get in on a Saturday at 10 AM. I can see why people are waiting now. I ended up getting a Mexican omelette with a side of a Belgian waffle but the Belgian waffle absolutely stole the show. This is quite possibly the lightest, fluffiest, and crispy as Belgian waffle that I've ever had. Five out of five stars on this, worth coming here just for this. My friend got a pancake as a side, and that was excellent as well. I have not had the opportunity have the French toast, but it seems like the off the grill menu is the way to go! As far as the hashbrowns, the way it was made, was with lots of crispy crust, which was quite tasty. A little under seasoned in my opinion, and I am someone who actually prefers his food bland. The omelette I would say, is surprisingly the least underwhelming part of the meal. The portion was generous, but definitely underseasoned, similarly to the hashbrowns. It was also not as fluffy as I would've liked. Service was excellent, our waiter was very attentive, and refilled our waters and coffee frequently. As far as ambience, the walls are filled with lovely paintings, and these lovely chandeliers hung from the ceiling. In the morning, the place isn't well lit with natural light, but the interior decoration certainly makes up for that. Overall, an excellent experience. I would 100% come back here, especially for the pancakes, and the Belgian waffle. just be prepared for a long wait! read more

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

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Great diner food and generous portions. I love their French toast - slightly toasted on the outside and chewy on the inside. My husband got The Big One, with pancakes, eggs, bacon and sausage, hash browns and toast. So hearty and delicious. We waited about 15 minutes on a weekday, which wasn't too bad. There's a couple booth seating and bar seating inside. Service is great and the food comes out fresh! read more