4.5! this is for the Rathskeller game room downstairs of the Athenaeum. if i went to caltech, i'd eat here allll the time! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/GKMydEdaiww2coboFDEQCg?select=7p5bN8HHkOih57M4bvjSFw 5 dollars for the kobe beef burger special on mondays!!!! and stiff martinis! for cheap! smart students always get good deals. there are TVs with games playing and a billiards table, but otherwise, it's almost like cafeteria table style here. but not gonna complain cuz the food was good and we got the foods even though it was after the hours specifiefd on the menu. read more

The Athenaeum - Kobe burger at the Rathskeller downstairs - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pasadena, California

We have been here a couple of times with my dad and have had the buffet. Great old school style but with modern delicious food. We plan to go each time we are in the area. read more

I prefer eating outside at the Ath. During the summer, they set everything up on the lawn, some tables are under tents, some aren't. They have a KOBE burger that is to die for. The large selection of beer and wine doesn't hurt either. Sadly, it's not open to the public. You have to be a member. read more

I would've give 5 star if the services are there, but sadly...no. The bond in rib eye steak is perfectly done, very tender and cuts into it like butter! so good! The Miso fish with bokchoy and wasabi mashed potatoes is good too. Service at the beginning of the evening was good, then it started sliding....coffee cups were not placed to everyone at the same table, the server forgot to come back on that. then started pouring coffee but didn't ask guests for regular or decaf....Not good. what's really bothering me is that when a guest asked for a box from the server who was hurried to take away the plate, he paused and just looked at the guest, then heavily puts down the plate, like he just don't want to be there anymore! really not good! read more

I was married at The Athenaeum a couple years ago, and my friends & family STILL talk about how much they loved the location. I am definitely biased, but from first hand experience I'd say The Athenaeum is one of the best and most elegant places to hold a wedding in the Los Angeles area. First of all, the structure itself is beautiful. It really doesn't need a lot of dressing up because the architecture and furniture are so lovely. Secondly, the staff here is incredibly professional. They know how to handle events and will make your wedding run smoothly. Third, the food is amazing. What's that? Amazing food at a wedding?! Yep, that's right. The dishes are really tasty and elegantly presented. I really could go on and on about how pleased I was with The Athenaeum's handling of my wedding. The coordinator was professional and gave us lots of personal attention. Every detail that I requested was present and perfect on my wedding day, including a chocolate fountain that The Athenaeum arranged to have available after dinner. I felt pampered all day long, from when I arrived at The Athenaeum at noon to get ready to the end of my reception at eleven o'clock. I did not have one problem with this location in the entire year of planning my wedding. This is not an inexpensive venue, and you also must be sponsored by a member of The Athenaeum in order to hold your wedding here. Any trouble or expense is well worth it, though. This is a magical place. read more

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"If you come here often enough, and on a few certain occasions, you can see Albert Einstein." - BDR So, my boss has a membership here, and he took me and my colleagues out to lunch today to celebrate getting an AHA grant, a fellowship and HOPEFULLY a NARSAD grant on schizophrenia. I hope we don't jinx it, but we decided to celebrate early, and so he treated us to some good food. I had only heard of the Athenaeum before. . .and to me and others, was known as only an exclusive Nobel scientists club. "You can only go by invitation," "you have to be a great scientist/researcher/doctor in order to have a membership," or if you don't go to/work at Caltech and is a regular joe schmo. . .then I think membership is a measly 10k a year or whatever. Harumph, anyways, so I'm not sure how it rolls, but all I know is that it is super exclusive. So, today, we walked in and saw in the middle of the dining room, a round table of nobel prize winners. Being a layman, I didn't recognize any of them. I ordered the miso crusted salmon with white asparagus and radishes over a bed of jasmine rice. Pretty good. My boss insisted I order the berries athenaeum, and it was DELICIOUS. My coworker who used to go to Caltech (and is getting his phD there now) told me he used to work here as a waiter back in the day (as an undergrad at caltech) and he would purposefully order more berries athenaeum desserts so that he could have them when the table "rejected it." Ha. I would do the same. It's vanilla bean ice cream drenched with grand marnier (feeling tipsy now) and a whole slew of fresh sliced strawberries and blackberries. Probably one of the most heavenly, yet simplistic desserts I've had in a while. Oh, and the salmon was tender, flaky and moist. Mmnmnnnn!!! read more

So I'll start out my review by saying that i haven't been here in years. My dad worked for JPL and had membership to the Ath. Now my boyfriend is a Caltech employee and a new member of this auspicious club. We will be going next Wednesday for my sisters Bday so there will soon be an update to this here review. Back in the day the Ath was always looked forward to by my family. Although we only went on very special occasions. We mainly went to the buffet style fancy schmancy din dins. The food was unbelievable. All you can eat fine dining. Love it. Prime rib was always on the tables and I think that was my dads favorite. I have a feeling we will be visiting the Ath more than when my dad was alive. After all, carting 3 kids and wife to a 5 star can get expensive. And I hear they will be having some pretty rockin happenins this summer. We'll be there. read more

Located on the Caltech campus, the Athenaeum is a beautiful place to dine and be among some of this country's finest minds. Some of the very first guests included Albert Einstein and Robert Millikan! The architecture and scenery surrounding the main building is truly amazing. Inside, the main dining room is elegant; the air is filled with the beautiful music coming from the piano and the enticing aroma from the first-class food. (+): Where to begin? The roast prime rib is deliciously tender and flavorful, especially topped with the au jus and their homemade creamed horseradish. They have VERY fresh oysters on the half shell, giant shrimp cocktail, and marinated king crab legs. Their Caesar Salad is one of the best I've ever had, with aged parmesan cheese, marinated anchovies, crispy croutons, and a creamy anchovy dressing. All of their grilled vegetables and fruits are of the very top quality! Trust me, you can taste the freshness. If you are a lover of cheese, they have an amazing cheese display: brie, mozzarella, goat cheese, cheddar, parmesan, etc. I'd recommend pairing them with some sort of fruit (grapes, strawberries, etc.) or heirloom tomatoes. The side dishes always rotate from week to week, but they include delicious and clever risottos, cheesy scalloped potatoes, extremely fresh haricot vert and summer squash or some other vegetable, grilled salmon, rosemary or curry chicken dishes, mashed potatoes/parsnip purees, etc. For dessert, they always have bananas flambe paired with delicious vanilla bean ice cream. They also have an assortment of freshly prepared cakes, fruit pies, mini creme brulee cups, amazing bread budding, a chocolate fountain, fruit tarts, macaroons, it goes on and on. If you decide to order a la Carte, be sure to try the crabcakes or lobster bisque. Honestly, you can't go wrong at the Athenaeum. In between the amuse-bouche and the appetizer, sometimes they even provide some sort of granita to cleanse your palate. Everything is really nice, from the food to the service to the environment. (-): Sometimes, the food is so delicious that I cannot control myself, and I leave the place so full that I am barely able to breathe :P The sushi is tasty, but, compared to the rest of the food offered, is satisfactory. Suggestions: Members only. Attire is formal. Wednesday is Prime Rib Buffet Night, and it is AMAZING -- definitely better than anything you can get around the area or even Vegas. The food is creative and deliciously sublime; the plating and presentation is beautiful; the ambiance is soothing, romantic and relaxing; the decor is classy; the price is reasonable; and, their service is impeccable. After dinner, I'd recommend taking a stroll around the university's beautiful campus. read more

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A private club for Caltech alumni and faculty. I've been going since I graduated as an undergrad in 2000. The food is excellent, and the service is as good. There's a small hotel upstairs where my in laws stay when they come to visit us in Pasadena. My in laws love the Athenaeum. During the summer, there's casual dining with a full bar on the lawn in front of the Athenaeum. The kobe burger is delicious and it's only six dollars. The beer can chicken and almost everything is as good. I can't wait 'till it's summer again. read more

I was here for a wedding. I'll say this is a great location for a wedding. classy columns, spanish tile, oak paneled rooms, etc. From what I understand you have to be a member of this club to have a wedding here, but alas, I have no ties to Caltech. First I need to find someone who'd be willing to join in matrimony before thinking about this place. read more

A beautiful location for events. There is a huge covered area for parties and a side room bar. The Cal Tech campus, however, is kind of run down. If you are attending an event here and alcohol is being served, I highly suggest that you try to stay in one of the few rooms here and play it safe. We went to a wedding and having a room just a short walk away was more than convenient. The rooms are small, but have everything that you'll need to stay the night - serious a/c, small flat screen without HD feed, internet connection, bottled water - no refrigerator. The one exception to the small room thing is the Einstein Suite at the end of the hall. There you get a separate bedroom, common area, and balcony. One other thing to note, is that there were no hair dryers in the rooms (like at most hotels). I would imagine that they have some at the front desk if you need one, but I cannot confirm that. BYOHD to be safe. read more

This place is neither hidden, nor is it gem like. But I just had to review this place for my friend, Sy. He absolutely LOVES their crispy bacon wrapped dates. As he puts it: "Everything tastes better with dates. And everything tastes better with bacon. Put them together, and it's a perpetual motion machine of taste improvement. It's a place where God divided by 0. An infinite flux of flavor, flux lines every fucking where." So go there. And get the crispy bacon wrapped dates. read more

Had the best Mother's Day Brunch here! Glad I made early reservations because it gave us (well, my wife mostly) a chance to take in the details, not only in the facility but also in the presentation of the buffet. We enjoyed the crab legs, oysters on the half shell, Mahi mahi with the olive tapenade, and of course huevos rancheros...the breakfast of champions! Mimosa's were very good too. Even our picky eater found something he liked..the pancakes and waffles. We were married here and enjoy coming on the special occasions and to the rath al fresco's . Unlike other events, there were quite a few kids at Mother's Day brunch, it was cool to see my two boys chatting away at the buffett with other kids. The Athenaeum never disappoints and we'll be back for next years Mother's Day brunch . read more

The Athenaeum - Mothers Day Brunch - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pasadena, California

I love Love this place I Wish it was open to public. You can only dine if you are a member or you can be sponsored to dine there. I have been ther like 4 times and almost got married there. The food is excellent and the price is pretty good bit it comes with $3000 membersip fee a year or you have to be associated with caltech or Jpl Wednesday buffet is sooo good evem for me. I hate all buffet including las vegas buffet but they have Really good quality buffet. The interior is very classy and nice but many older crowd...I think its due to many successful ppl or professor from caltech. I Wish I was the member. Love dining there..its lil annoying that its only for members but I guess that's why its Special too. read more

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Mediocre in every aspect. Greeting at counter is " Smith?", worse than most restaurants. Blah food especially so called "international" nights. The place is an interesting mix of stuffiness and dressed up college student cafeteria fare. Even the place itself is run down. I guess pictures always look better than reality. Good for photo prop and nothing else. read more

My review for the Athenaeum comes from the special events perspective. If you are looking for a classy place to hold an event, look into the Athenaeum. In order to have your event here though, you need to be sponsored by someone who is affiliated with the place. Members include Caltech faculty, alumni, trustees, senior administrators, researchers, graduate students, and the Associates of the California Institute of Technology. So get connected to Caltech ;) 1) Beautiful wedding venue: They have a gorgeous courtyard to hold the reception. The middle of the courtyard would feature the band or dj, the dance floor, and the head table. Surrounding the rest of the courtyard are your guests celebrating the event with you. The courtyard has wonderful decorating options: a beautiful canopy made of lights, specialty linen, tent material, etc. If you have an imagination, make it happen. There is also a great lounge area for hold your cocktail reception. I've seen one wedding ceremony actually held on the steps right outside the courtyard. It proved to be a great outdoor spot with beautiful arches framing the forefront of the ceremony decorated with flowers. The food and the service was great. (Plus, when you go photography shopping you'll see that many people have their weddings there.) 2) A prom site: My junior prom was held here and I thought it was beautiful. To be honest, all memories of it aren't too clear because it several years ago, but I did think it was pretty back then. read more

A while back I cohosted a tea party Baby Shower here in the library for a good friend of mine. Service was wonderful. Our tea sandwiches and cakes were to die for. The selection of tea covered each persons taste. Guests were greeted with a bellini when they arrived. The library was gorgeous and each setting perfectly set up. Everyone had a great time. Next event I have to host, the library will be one of the first I think about. read more

The food is pretty mediocre. Nothing is bad, but it just doesn't taste yummy. i'd recommend sticking to traditional american food (Burgers, salads etc) That being said, the price point is not bad considering the atmosphere, and the service is top-notch. read more

We were here for Lobster night. Service and food was impeccable. If you know about the Athenaeum, you already know this place is a private place for members. You also know it serves up some of the best tasting grub you will find and is extremely classy. We have been dining outdoors at the Al a Fresco hippity hippity. We love it. Three Hoots for the food and experience Hoot Hoot Hoo!!!!! read more

Great food and incredibly classy atmosphere. Those who complain about the service don't understand waiters who are working in a high-class establishment. I've always had perfect service, with all the staff I've encountered through the years being especially cordial and helpful. I've been a member for 7 years, and found it a very nice gesture when the host staff early on began to greet me by name. I see some people have complained it's expensive to be a member, but I feel the money spent was absolutely worth it. I have such fond memories of having my mother spend her 80th birthday here, and being utterly delighted with the Christmas decorations at the time. My boyfriend and I have been to numerous special events, and he often points out to me this or that noted scientist or project manager from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. When I bring friends here, whether local or from out-of-town, they are blissed out. Everyone wants to come back, for the food, the beautiful rooms, the outside landscaping, and the first-class service. In other words, if someone happens to invite you to the Athenaeum, by God, GO! read more

What a perfect night! My pal graduated from his residency program, it was my other friend's bday, the captain of the boat I got to help crew all over Mexico won an award, and the Lakers took game 7. Cocktail hour was at 6 in the courtyard; they had the game on a TV outside. I ate durado, key lime pie, and had a super-duper time. I should smart up so I can join the club. read more

I came here for a wedding and reception. Here are my stream of consciousness comments: The setting is quite beautiful. The hor d'ourves are yummy. The pretzel bread is different and tasty. The fish was not dry. The pork was excellent. The service could have been a bit more visible. I'm glad I didn't have to pay for it all. :D read more

--Review for Rathskeller-- PARKING: Valet or street. It's pretty easy to find parking later in the night. FOOD: Get the free popcorn on your way in! Kobe burgers take a while to arrive, so you'll want something to snack on. -Kobe Burger: $6.50 on Monday specials! I'm not sure if this is actually Kobe beef *cough doubt it*, but the 1/2 pound burger is definitely enough to feed even the hungriest stomach. It also comes with sliced avocado (5 slices!) and two large pieces of thick cut bacon. Ask for medium rare if you actually want medium. Our burgers were well when we asked for medium :( -Fish Tacos: $1.25 on Tuesdays! The fish is light and flaky, and the slaw adds great crunch. These babies are a generous size, so order accordingly! -Berry Vodka drink: Sorry I forgot the name of this! It had a generous pour of limoncello and Smirnoff vodka. I was definitely super buzzed after finishing this pint sized cocktail. I couldn't push past the overwhelming perfume taste of the drink. Maybe order the berry margarita instead? SERVICE: Fill in an order card and Mikey will take your drink orders at the bar. He's a really nice man! They give you a buzzer, and you pick up the food near the entrance to Rathskeller when it's ready. P.S. -Members only, but Caltech alumni, staff, and JPL employees have the opportunity to pay for membership. DO IT! It's completely worth it! Boyfriend says the summer BBQs on the lawn are hard to beat. -Must see during the holidays. The entire building is decked out. Great for pictures! read more

Lunch is affordable for a graduate student like me. A buffet is offered for 11$. Unfortunately, dinner is quite classy and expensive unless you happen to attend one of the Athenaeum's special events. Every Wednesday they offer a prime rib buffet for ~30$. This buffet is by far the best buffet I have ever been at (even compared to the ones at Vegas). Try the Berries Athenaeum for dessert if getting lunch. They always have a rotating menu that lets you try something different every time you visit. The bar downstairs, called the Rathskeller, is a nice bar that offers very excellent on tap beers with a competent staff for a VERY affordable price (12$ a pitcher, and sometimes 9$ a pitcher). 5$ Kobe beef burgers on Mondays are great here. You get a Kobe burger with bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, and avocado and fries on the side! read more

I have been a member at the Ath for about 2 years. I thought it would just be for a few months, but both my fiancé and I love it so much, we keep the membership going. Great food in the upstairs dining room, good vibe in the downstairs bar. But the best best is the special events. Beautiful venue in a historic building, and in the summer, you can't beat the al fresco outdoor area. read more

Experience was somewhere between a 2 and a 3. Reservations were kept, room reserved was nice, but it was right by the kitchen and dealing with the door and the kitchen noise became almost a comedy for the different parties who were meeting to discuss a business deal over lunch. By the end of the meeting, we'd each taken turns, round robin, in closing the door at least two to three times each, getting up when another person was talking to close the door again. Meal was at best, "okay". Once we received initial meal, we were mostly forgotten. I had to get assertive to get a pitcher of ice water. Dinners held here have been better. Not in the room by the kitchen, more attentive waiters, very good for a gathering of less than 15-20 senior business people from standpoint of ability to carry on group and separate conversations. Some of the outside parties held here in the evening have been very relaxing and it's nice that it's in a quiet, park-like setting. Would I go there if someone else is paying? Sure. If I'm paying, .. probably not. Parking is always good. read more

Classic fine dining at it's best. The food is delicious, and suited to satisfy a wide variety of tastes. I had their Prime Rib and Sushi... it was delicious. And their selection of deserts is guaranteed to please the most discerning of palates... read more

The Athenaeum - Venues & Event Spaces Near Me - Pasadena, California

The Ath is a Caltech "country club" that caters to both on campus and off campus audiences. Regular meal service is good, and in the summer there is an outdoor happy hour called "Rath al fresco." There are several rooms for rent upstairs, they are small but well kept. read more

i had never before visited the california institute of technology, aka "caltech," even though two of my relatives studied here as undergraduate students. it wasn't until one of them decided to tie the knot here on a fine autumn day, that i finally had the opportunity to visit this beautiful campus and very lovely event space, that is only accessible to alumni. the pros: +gorgeous wedding venue +classic architecture, inside and out +lovely outdoor gardens and walking paths +good-sized library, also serves as meeting space +various sitting rooms on lower level +guest rooms on upper level +restaurant on site +beautiful outdoor space, perfect for a wedding ceremony +semi-indoor space, perfect for a wedding reception +plentiful parking in front of the venue the cons: -easy to miss while driving on hill ave, since entrance is not very pronounced. if you drive slowly, you will likely see it. -some of the staff was a little snippy, could have been more hospitable this is really a very beautiful space to have a wedding, anniversary party, or other special occasion as the decorations are already built into the venue. read more

I love the Athenaeum. Such a special, beautiful place. When you're there, you realize you're standing where Einstein stood. Hawking. Steve Martin. Rath Al Fresco is really nice, under the trees and gets super crowded Fri evenings. Wonderful wine cellar, I'm told. Lots of variety in their programming. If you're on the staff of the Huntington, you can belong so I'm usually invited, courtesy of a staff member since my papers/manuscripts are archived at the Huntington. When I'm there, soaking in the ambience and the molecules of genius, I sure wish I could belong. read more

So, you have to be a member to eat here, so run out and become a member today! Not sure how one does that, but anyways... I came here for lunch with some co-workers when I worked at The Huntington and I was blown away. I didn't want to look like a pig, so I didn't get the buffet, which was a mistake! What I did order was Fab, but small. Goat cheese and vegetable strudel. Get the buffet!!!!! I'm still jealous! read more

The Athenaeum is a Caltech affiliated restaurant with a more casual Rathskeller in the basement level. The dress code is black tie or at least business casual, but there will be the occasional Caltech student who doesn't care and comes in pajamas. The restaurant is elaborately decorated and often hosts weddings and special parties on the weekends. The Rathskeller has weekday specials for fish tacos, kobe burger ($7!!) and more depending on the day of the week, so take advantage of that! The service is quality, and the food options are also amazing - but on the slightly expensive side. A kobe burger is $14 though, and that is an amazing deal. They also offer a buffet lunch for a reasonable price with salads, pastas, proteins and everything. I forget how much it is.. Order a strawberry lemonade for your drink! read more

I have to thank the office again for taking me here. The Reuben was excellent! The meat just melted in my mouth when I took a bite. Also the dessert I had was very tasty. *yumm* read more

If you know somebody, do it! This review is about the Rathskeller. This place is awesome. Friday nights can get loud. I love it. The beer is amazing (lot's of craft beers on draft, OMG), and the food is good. Being a self proclaimed nerd, I feel at home. read more

Salmon risotto-really good! Beef ravioli-the sauce is pretty good but I don't see why it would cost twenty bucks. read more

Easter brunch is THE BEST! Well, anytime there's a buffet they put on an amazing spread. The servers are polite as can be and the atmosphere is lovely, especially around the holidays. I shouldn't be writing this review on an empty stomach! My mouth is watering just thinking about the poached salmon and king crab legs. read more

Met up with a former college colleague who works on campus. Great service & food. Beautiful atmosphere. read more

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This is another members club I have been meaning to visit using my reciprocal privileges. It's in the city next door to where I usually stay in California and I've heard great things about their popular prime rib buffet on Wednesdays - another great excuse to take the in-laws out! We arrived to the beautiful, Greek architecture of the building. Pillars held up the roof and steps led up to the hallowed grounds where hundreds of scientists and Nobel prize winners walked. Into the buzzing dining room, the décor was old fashioned and classy (much like the California Club). Portraits of alumni hung on the walls and waiters bustled around, collecting empty plates. There was a selection of food, including an antipasti table, sushi, oysters, crab legs, shrimp and soups to start. The crunchy, spicy tuna sushi was a surprise stand out dish, while the rest of the sushi was below par as the rice was too vinegary and the fish to rice ratio favored the rice far too much. The mains consisted of roasted chicken, salmon fillets and the prime rib. Sides were an interesting citrus rice, plain mash potato, garlic mash potato and an array of different vegetables. The prime rib was also surprisingly moist and succulent. For buffets, I always have a low expectation and expect the meats to be dry as they've been left out, but it was impressive how well the food had been kept! The desserts were too many to keep a count of, but the stand outs were the Dulce de leche cheese cake, the banana foster Creme and the raspberry chocolate cake - safe to say I was ready to sleep after that! It's 50 USD per head which is an average price, but for the setting and the quality of the buffet, I would definitely be back to entertain guests again when the next opportunity arises! read more

The Athenaeum is a well-kept secret in LA. Considering this dining facility located in an university, the food and service here deserve five stars. I came here for Wednesday night buffet. OMG! The buffet rivals any five stars hotel's or Vegas buffet. There are prime rib, crab legs, oyster, sashimi, shrimps, sushi, gourmet cakes, creme brulee, specialty salad, crepes, etc. The food quality was excellent. The setting was cozy and intellectual (surrounded by tables of professors and students of the best minds in the world). I saw old couples coming here with suit and evening gowns as well as young students coming in jeans and sweat shirts. I have no complaints about the service. The only issue was it was hard to park in the lot. If you know a member here, definitely ask him or her to take you here. read more

I am related to someone with a membership and been going for many, many years. The food has always been exceptional. I even got married there and my daughters want to get married there. The staff is highly trained and the venue beautiful but not pretentious. Just an example of how they go out of their way to give you the best experience, I could not get away from talking to guests so I removed my nothing special veil on a chair. During dinner it was gone but a waitress came up to me with a beautifully wrapped tissue package. She had neatly folded up the veil and wrapped it like it was from Vera Wang without my asking or knowledge. Wow, thoughtful. The prices are on par with the food being served. Love the international food nights. It's a pre-fix several course experience and a tasty way to eat like you are in another country. The drinks are good, not the biggest martinis but the wine list does not disappoint for those who enjoy vino. The service is really impressive. In the summer, the outdoor dining on the lawn at the Rathskeller (spelling) is light and less formal. Always fun to bring family and friends. They usually have a different summer infused drink menu, the Blackberry Lemonade - delish! It doesn't matter whether I have had the Octopus tacos or burgers, it was all cooked to perfection. One cannot say enough about the venue and service. 5 stars as they know how to keep it classy. read more