Sandwiches by Connal is a Pasadena institution and an essential stop whenever I am back in my hometown. I have such fond childhood memories of going there with my parents and grandparents and receiving what seemed like foot-tall soft-serve cones. They also make the best malts, terrific burgers, and excellent deli sandwiches. The pastrami on rye and grilled cheese are dependable favorites--or you can splurge on a classic banana split. Add fries, with or without chili, and you have the perfect old-school meal. When I was growing up, they called what most people know as a chocolate-and-vanilla twist a "ripple." That is still what I order--and what I call it--wherever I am in the world, even when people look at me funny. Whenever I am in Pasadena visiting family and friends, a stop at Connal's for a ripple, shake, burger, and fries is practically mandatory. Some places serve food; others hold generations of memories. Connal's does both. read more

I ordered a typical salami grinder. I have had done this for 30+ years+. Today there was no menu to-go, no menu inside the restaurant, and no available menu online. The salami was processed, not dry. It came with a major portion of yellow mustard (not requested), tons of finely chopped wet lettuce, no cheese. Horrible and soggy. I would have requested my money back, but it was a to-go order. The quality of the entire restaurant has gone, and it seems no one cares, as this has been going on for over a year. Inside the restaurant, the tables were empty and unclean. The wall decor sign for the restaurant, was broken and meant nothing as it was missing the store name. It was an icon restaurant, but now broken, and terribl. read more

Had driven by this spot several times and always saw a line around lunch time. Came by after a busy day to see what it was all about and I'm glad I did! This hidden gem had incredible sandwiches and portions for unbearable prices. $10 for a sandwich? In LA county?? AND it was good?? Unbeatable. I love a good grinder (pictured) but the stars of the show were the Philly cheesesteak that my boyfriend got and our onion rings. It is so rare to have an onion ring nowadays that doesn't slide out of the batter. Will be back!! read more

Sandwiches by Connal - Pastrami grinder - Sandwiches Near Me - Pasadena, California

05/14/2026 A truly iconic Pasadena landmark! My history with Connal's goes back over 50 years. As a kid my Mom would take us there often for a Grinder and Soft Serve Cone. It was always a real treat. As a teenager I dated a couple of the girls that worked there so I was there on the regular in those days. In my 20's I lived right up the street and hit them up quite often. I don't get there as much as I'd like nowadays but when I do, it is always consistently great. Times have definitely changed but Connal's quality food and super customer service has not! I am a huge Combination Grinder fan and have not ordered anything different for well over 30 years. They are always stacked with lots of high quality cold cuts and delicious Provolone, crisp shredded Lettuce,thin sliced Onions and Vinegar and Oil on a delicious French Roll. In my teens and 20's I did try many samplings on their vast menu and as memory serves, everything was always delicious. Today's Grinder absolutely hit the spot! It had been a while since I last tasted one but the Combo Grinder most definitely never disappoints. I went for it, and got Zings (Zucchini Sticks and Onion Rings). Super hot, crisp and very tasty, especially with some Bleu Cheese Dressing. Jesse took my order and he was very personable and showed me some excellent customer service. If you are looking for some great grub, you cannot lose with Sandwiches By Connal. It is not the original owners but they have kept the same quality and standards over the years. read more

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So for my last night with My Dad before headed home we decided to give this place a try. It's a walk up window order and pick up inside if staying or can get to go outside window as well. 50's diner style. Me and my dad got #12 Turkey Grinder combo and a #14 Roast beef dip combo comes with fries and a drink. Service was good and attentive, Very friendly. My Turkey was good I really enjoyed. Bread was really fresh to me. My dad's he enjoyed I tried it and was very tender meat. Fries were fresh and salted just right and being crispy. We both enjoyed very much . I will be back soon to try more stuff when down to visit . Enjoy !!!! read more

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I know I'm dating myself by saying the last time I ate here was over 20 years ago--but I'm willing to take that hit to fully convey this: this place has not changed. Once upon a time, we lived dangerously close to this establishment, and I've honestly thought about it more often than I'd like to admit ever since. So when I found myself in Pasadena a few weeks ago, you better believe I was coming back. I ordered my usual: an unbelievable burger, fries, and a Coke--of course. But the crown jewel of the meal, as it has always been, is the fried zucchini. I have never found better fried zucchini, and trust me, I've been trying for years. Service at the window was just as friendly as I remembered, and we grabbed a spot tucked under the patio instead of staying inside--perfect for people-watching as folks came and went. There's something really special about being welcomed back by a place that tastes exactly like you remember. Connal's still delivers. read more

Sandwiches by Connal - Iconic - Sandwiches Near Me - Pasadena, California

Est. 1958- I like the casual vibe here. I like the 50's style dining room, the vintage sign out front, and the food. They do more than just sandwiches here. Connal has a menu larger than expected, but I was here for the sandwiches and that's what I got (a burger is a sandwich). I ordered the Chili-cheese Burger, with pickles, mustard and tomato (no lettuce, onions or catchup). The chili was just about perfect for a burger - right up there with Tommy's and Carney's. It was a solid burger. Also good is the Combo Grinder (Ham, Turkey, Salami, Provolone). A little less lettuce (I should have asked) and it would be perfect. Both the burger and sandwich were great. The prices are very reasonable. Only $6 for the burger and $10 for the sandwich. The service was friendly and helpful and the lady at the order window was very kind. Definitely worth a visit. read more

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Sandwiches by Connal (Pasadena) is a great little mom-and-pop spot that delivers exactly what you want--fresh, made-to-order food and generous portions. I tried the roast beef grinder and the steak sandwich, and both were filling, flavorful, and hit the spot. You can tell everything is made fresh, and they don't skimp on portions. They also have a surprisingly broad menu, offering not just sandwiches but Mexican food like burritos, along with burgers, so there's something for everyone. Service was super friendly at the counter, which always makes a difference at spots like this. It's definitely more of a grab-and-go place--there's a very small patio area, but most people take their food to go. You can also call in your order, which is really convenient. read more

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Spontaneously stopped by since I was nearby, and I'm glad I did. There's a spacious parking lot, which is always a plus. You order outside and can dine in once your food is ready. It's a small diner with a nostalgic retro vibe, and the smell coming from the kitchen alone had me sold. I ordered a hamburger. It was super flavorful, juicy, and delicious in every bite. I'd definitely come back. read more

Sandwiches by Connal - Menu - Sandwiches Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I have to say I've been going to Connell's for many years and it's been pretty darn good every time. However, today I ordered a pastrami grinder and got basically a lettuce sandwich. I think there was only two slices of pastrami. The rest was lettuce, and the other side of the picture is a tomato. 20 bucks for a pastrami grinder combo. Connal's, you can do better! read more

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Check your orders before you go home. Especially when the lines are full, you're bound to have something wrong with your order. To top it off the generic response you receive from the employees after calling them out is enough to set you off. I've been coming here for quite some time and even praised them for their amazing food. This time it's about their service and action. Not everyone has the patience to "drive back" to exchange the order that was messed up by the company. There can be better protocols vs asking your customer to waste their time to drive back. Come on now. Do better. It was a mess standing in that line, now I know better to never stop by during a rush hour. Like mentioned above you're going to have an issue with your order. Nothing was correct but the Coke Zero. Ordered a double cheese burger combo, I got a single. Next there was so much sauce it was practically a soup, what's up with that? Last I ordered large fries next to my burger still received a regular order. Shameful operation, and perfect way to disregard your customer. I don't think I'll be coming by for a long time. Just by the cashier telling me he doesn't know anything about my order, and observing the pick up order window call out if anyone placed a phone order proved they don't run a clean operation. It's a total mess. Stay away when they are busy. All you'll get is a sloppy service without your actual order. There needs to be more respect put into service. read more

I had the classic double and it's exactly that- a really good classic double cheese burger. I got the combo and it came out to $10.82! What an amazing value for a lot fries a big drink. I'm a fan! read more

Sandwiches by Connal - Sandwiches Near Me - Pasadena, California

I can't believe I forgot to share this spot. Great spot for breakfast burritos and burgers. Has daily specials. Get both red and green salsa to put on your burger or burrito and dip your fries in it. The sandwiches are also really good but I prefer their burrito or burger. read more

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Sooo good ! Definitely try the turkey club sandwich. Fast service and big parking lot. read more

Ordered taquitos. They could have warned me it comes with a spicy something sauce? They were the frozen delimex type of taquitos so I could have bought a box of them for what they charged for two soggy ones that taste like fake meat. The asada taco wasn't any better. Sad looking, barely existing meat and pick with jalapeños in it. No warning. I won't be back, with so many other places to choose from. read more

The food was great, got the ribeye sandwich combo. Fries were on point too well seasoned and crispy. I will definitely be comming back to try out the rest of the menu. read more

Happened to be in the area and wanted some sandwhiches and asada fries on our way home. Saw some nice reviews on this place and I definitely agree. This place had a constant line of customers when we were waiting for our food. It's the old school take out type place. Don't expect anything fancy, but they do it right here Parking was easy. Ordered through a street side window. Looked like the dining room was closed but it didn't matter to us. Staff is very friendly and seemed very accommodating to peoples orders. When we were in line, a customer nicely recommended the #1 and all of the grinders to us since I guess they could tell we first timers here It was a good recommendation since we opted for and really enjoyed the pastrami grinder. Surprised with how much lettuce was in it, gave it a nice crunch. I love the bread We also got the cheesesteak. Both sandwiches has plenty of meat, not too salty. The zings were delicious. Always worried with fried stuff they'd be overly greasy and salty. Not the case here. Zucchini was soft on the inside, crispy and not salty at all. Onions was deliciously sweet. Asada fries were delicious as well. Asada was tender, plenty of guac and I enjoyed the jalapeños in it. Good portion to share. The fries were fried perfectly crispy but you definitely need to eat this right away We're not in the area often as it's a bit far north for us, but if we are, I will be back read more

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Quick and fast service. If you are out of idea of what to eat this is your answer. The customers flow is nice and steady so you do get your food hot and fresh. read more

I have been a Pasadena resident for over 36 years, & today I brought my football team here to eat after practice & spent over 200$, the food was good but the service was TERRIBLE!!!! They treated my kids terribly!!! Charged for refills & the first one is supposed to be free, I have spent thousands of dollars @ this establishment over the years & the way I was treated today? I will make sure to hold them accountable every time I stop by, if you are a African American ?!?!? Make sure they treat you fair !!! Or go spend your hard earned money somewhere else !!!! read more

Sandwiches by Connal - Eating outside - Sandwiches Near Me - Pasadena, California

A classic. Iconic. Can never go wrong with ordering Connal's! The fries are heavenly and can make a meal of that on its own read more

Sandwiches by Connal - Menu - Sandwiches Near Me - Pasadena, California

Where should I start...... First off the service sucks. The workers are rude and incompetent. I ordered pastrami grinder combo. 23 dollars. Way too steep for the food they are putting out. They got my order wrong and gave me a pastrami dip. Decided to ask them to correct it. Took awhile as my fries were getting cold. The grinder was not good. It was more like a lettuce sandwich. Little to no meat and the little pastrami there was on the sandwich had no flavor. The whole sandwich sucked. The fries were overcooked and tasted old. The place was filthy and restroom was disgusting. I also saw one of the guys working in the nasty crowded kitchen shove some food in his mouth with his bare hands and continue working. Needless to say I think this place sucks and won't be back. read more

The combo was amazing, definitely worth the hype and the service was kind and very fast.

Solid fast food joint that has a huge selection of different options. They have breakfast, burgers, sandwiches, plates, Mexican food, and more. The double cheeseburger was hefty and a nice balance. The pastrami grinder was also well made and very tasty. The fries were a bit too crispy for me but still complemented the burgers nicely. You order outside at a counter but they have a decent seating area. Staff are very friendly as well. read more

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The sandwiches and burgers are amazing: delicious and memorable. I recently had a Grinder: would not have been my first choice but I cannot imagine how I EVER lived without one!! read more

Well... If you've ever wondered what Beef Sandwhiches taste like AND FRIES 66 years in the making ... that are spiced to original perfection...try Connals... Their Rib Eye Steak Sandwhich on their lightly toasted bread and lettuce and tomato w mayo and a toothpick on each half to hold it all together... was pretty surreal... so nice.. Washed these AAA rated fries with a coke and boy! Did they NOT disappoint ...but rather... surprised as well...I've seldom had fries that tasted this good...the SPICE!!! These fries should have starred in Villenueve's Dune sequel ... I think my eyes are turning blue from the SPICE this very minute!!! I DID take down this gigantic bag of fries in less than 5 minutes... It would have been unconscionable for me to NOT HAVE... Get to Connals... they've been doing this for 66 years...since 1958... Nineteen FIFTY F.... EIGHT people...!!! Now if their sandwhiches and fries are this good... I can't imagine what their Burgers taste like... Like another DUNE IP... we'll return AGAIN and AGAIN... Their menu is also immense... It's time to feed those GIANT Stomach worms!!! The Spice MUST FLOW!!! read more

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I've had my eye on this place for a while because you don't see "grinders" very often in these neck of the woods Ordered the classic Italian for lunch and was very happy. A nice portion of meat, not too many tomatoes or lettuce that overwhelmed the sandwich. I do wish there were a bit more peppers throughout and that they used just a touch more oil & vinegar. Otherwise not bad at all! The turkey club was good too, came with a large portion of fries. The side of BAHBQUE was great I should have asked for more to take home because nothing was left by the end of lunch! The man working the counter was not the sharpest bread knife in the drawer and could be seen causing us and other customers some grief but I've dealt with much worse for the sake of a good sandwich read more

Sandwiches by Connal - Italian grinder - Sandwiches Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Excellent place for lunch! Usually a line so, its expected, but usually the service is fairly quick. read more

THIS PLACE IS INCREDIBLE. Really solid old school burger/ sandwich joint. Highly recommend the onion rings, and the combos are great value. Service is quick and friendly, and the decor is very cute and retro. read more

Sandwiches by Connal - Double Cheeseburger - Sandwiches Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Hi , Just went to Connal's , got a tuna melt on sourdough. Normally they are really good. But it wasn't grilled on one side ( like i like it , buttered well and grilled , but not burnt ) and you can't tell there was any cheese in it !!!! I mean , i guess i can ask for extra slice of cheese but it will cost extra. I think it's a new cook or just not one of the cooks who use to make them. read more

Connal's is a local gem! They have a pretty big menu with good variety so it's hard to decide what to get but everything is so tasty. Their fries are insanely delicious. Service is friendly and they make the food pretty fast but it can take a minute because they usually have a line. The inside has a good amount of seating for being so small and the ambiance is cute with old school decor. If you're in the area and want a good sandwich or burger, def try Connal's. read more

I asked for the packs of chilis at the cash register and he responded saying no problem do u want them now or when u get ur food i said when i get my food. When my number was called i asked for the packs and the manger was in the back and told the work as if he was a child "what's the rule". So I only got 2 packs. If there was a rule I would've payed for the 3rd pack. That's why I asked when I ordered. They make a damn good steak sandwich but that owner or manager is a dick. I don't support establishments that treat theyre employees like shit. read more

I have been going yo this fine place for over 40 years and the food is still off the chain good. From the burgers,sandwiches, gyros,just everything they have. I love the drink ,"The Special " this is my go to place read more

Got the tacos, the cow was a little overcooked, the taco only has meat and tortilla but the flavor was good. Inside it wasnt very busy but it was cute like an okd style restaurant. Overall the cow flesh isnt cooked very well here read more

Went for a sandwich and ended up getting their #1 DBL cheese burger with fries and drink for $10. Everything was phenomenal including the service. I look forward to trying the rest of the menu items next time i'm in Pasadena. read more

I stopped by this place randomly because I saw it had a line, so I figured it would at least not be terrible. I'm really glad I did! I got the turkey grinder, it was turkey sandwich excellence. It was flavorful, it looks like the make the bread or have it made, and the lettuce was dressed with oil and vinegar and dried herbs which I appreciated. I also ordered the zucchini fries, and they were the best I have ever had. Thousand island was great, ranch was just ok, maybe more dill would help. I will be back to try the burgers, give it a try if you're on the fence! Nice portions as well. It is a little bit busy, and a small place in general so please be patient, I ordered over the phone, so that helped a bit. read more

They have been a staple of Pasadena for years and their food has always remained great. I absolutely love their milkshakes as well!

Great place to get sandwiches and fries to go. Typically we get gyros, Philly cheesesteak, or a sub. And we always get their fries, which are always amazing. Service is always friendly as well. It's a walk up, order from the window, to-go joint, although there's a small seating area indoors. A Pasadena institution!! read more

What a great place if you live in pasadena- burgers, salad bowls, breakfast! Always packed and made fresh to order!!

We've had the burgers, turkey geinder and onion rings. Love the old school char on the burgers and loved the western bacon cheeseburger. The onion rings are perfect not greasy at all. Def a go to spot for us. No more chains! read more

Place is counter service you order at the window and pick up at a different window they have 4 seats all outside doesn't seem all to clean outside. The reason for the two stars is because is because we ordered a jalepno poppergrilled cheese with no bacon and the sandwich came with bacon anyways. Not the biggest deal but when we came back to tell them we need a different sandwich I watch them just pick out the bacon with their bare hands re cut the same sandwich and hand it back to me. If I wanted you to pick out the bacon I would have done it myself. I wanted them to remake the sandwich because my husband and I don't eat meat. And when we got the sandwhich back there was still bacon pieces in it. Burrito is mediocre as well. read more