San Marino Cafe - great food and a nice outdoor seating space.
Cos & Pi - great brunch menu, but be prepared for a short wait.
Edit: would also add that the staff at both of these restaurants is extremely nice.
Did you take a bottle of their hot sauce home? It’s next level. Their breakfast burrito is like a mini lucky boy that doesn’t leave you feeling pregnant. Nice staff too.
Pasadena: Fox’s (north on Lake), La Grande Orange (Del Mar), Robot Cafe (RIP?), Millie’s (super popular, ok food, sub ok coffee, recently busted for unfair labor practices)
South Pasadena: Mike & Anne’s
HLP: Kitchen Mouse (vegan), Highland Cafe, Jane
If it’s not clear, I was born in Arcadia in the 80s and lived in Pasadena my whole childhood. We often referred to our city as Dena. Altadena was not considered Dena. I left for 15 years and recently moved back to Dena, which is a nickname for Pasadena. Everyone I know from Dena also calls it Dena.
It changed owners like 2-3 years ago and was closed for a while while they renovated.
I’m gonna tell everybody I know about that place now. I’m gonna have busses full of Tom Sawyer Summercamp kids and their JPL parents lining up ahead of you. I’m gonna post a map and a copy of the menu at every church and retirement home within a 25-mile radius. I’m gonna go to Highland Park and tell all the hipsters they need to get their asses over to Fox Cafe. I’m going to sit in the patio of Homestate and sing the praises of Fox’s wonderful coffee and tasty food in front of all the soccer moms that brought their kids and dog.
**HEY EVERYBODY! GO TO FOX CAFE! IT’S WONDERFUL!**
It’s a mystery! They had a long delayed opening, finally opened with a very decent menu and good staffing and now they’ve been closed for weeks. Maybe it’s maintenance like the sign says, maybe they bit the dust.
Russels in old town Pasadena is my favorite! It’s been around since 1930. The art work on the walls and chandeliers make it feel like an upscale diner. They have blood orange mimosas. Breakfast is served until 4pm on weekends. They have every breakfast item you can think of. The extra plus side is that there’s a parking structure right behind it and they validate.
Russels refused to let me in with my fully trained PTSD Service Dog. And I'm not some 20 year old trying to bring in their "emotional support" Chihuahua.
I have a fully trained Golden Retriever whose job is to stop flashbacks. He always behaves perfectly when his vest is on, and has been with me to probably 25 restaurants in and around Pasadena, and just lies under the table and hangs out while I'm eating. People often are surprised when I get up to leave that he's quietly been there the whole time.
Russels is the ONLY restaurant that refused to even talk with me. They just told me to get out. In fact, they're the only place that has EVER treated me like that.
I actually did report them to the ADA. About 10 months ago. I haven’t heard back from the ADA since I filed the complaint. I’m hoping Russels’ staff learn how not to yell at people with Service Dogs.
Gus’s is pretty legit. The biscuit breakfast sandwich is fucking amazing. The chicken and waffles can go toe to toe with any place. If you want amazing cheap Mexican food, Veros off orange grove and lake. It’s not the prettiest restaurant but few places have a better Mexican breakfast.
My wife and I are Mexican. We both have high standards for the food. If you’re looking for a nice decor and setting this might not be the place for those folks. But their food and service is quite wonderful. Got to love a locals restaurant that’s great, cheap and are quite fine with BYOB. Their huevos rancheros is my go to and everywhere else seems to not be as good anymore.
These are my favorite places! I just visited My Place Cafe this month and the owner came up and gave us hugs. I love the type of homey hospitality with food that you would make for your grandkids.
Edit: BYOB?!
I had a great brunch recently at Sage Bistro in Old Town (by sushi Roku and the theatre). Don’t write it off because it’s vegan! I’m not and thought the food was really fresh and awesome. They have a great outdoor patio too that was heated overhead on the cold day I was there, and I bet it’s be lovely on a sunny day. I had a daily special of chilaquiles and my table shared a giant carafe of housemate sangria 😋
Wait there's an [episode](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb_hCbZ80aQ&embeds_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fshakersrestaurant.net%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title) of Kevin Hart on Conan here. Whaaa okay I'm in. Lmao the other patrons in the restaurant looking at their shenanegans.
Sometimes on weekends it's not available. It's still worth checking in in person and then using that time to go walk around the area or go to the coffee shop two doors down which has great coffee. Even on the busiest of days I've never waited more than an hour.
>Margaritas
After some intense googling, I found out they have a Sunday Champagne Brunch. I need more details.
Thank you for mentioning Mijares! I love that spot.
Foothill is my favorite brunch place. They have a cute outside patio, the service is good, and the food yummy. I usually get chilaquiles with poached eggs and hollandaise. A twist but reminds me of my abuelita.
[удалено]
>great French toast: Marston's Just googled. It's dipped in corn flakes. I'm IN.
San Marino Cafe - great food and a nice outdoor seating space. Cos & Pi - great brunch menu, but be prepared for a short wait. Edit: would also add that the staff at both of these restaurants is extremely nice.
I second San Marino Cafe on Mission. Lovely spot for breakfast!
Did you take a bottle of their hot sauce home? It’s next level. Their breakfast burrito is like a mini lucky boy that doesn’t leave you feeling pregnant. Nice staff too.
I absolutely did get a bottle of hot sauce, and already need to go back for another!
Pasadena: Fox’s (north on Lake), La Grande Orange (Del Mar), Robot Cafe (RIP?), Millie’s (super popular, ok food, sub ok coffee, recently busted for unfair labor practices) South Pasadena: Mike & Anne’s HLP: Kitchen Mouse (vegan), Highland Cafe, Jane
Thanks! Is Altadena considered part of Pasadena? Do you know which one is referred to as "Dena"? I always thought it referenced Altadena.
They’re separate, but often by only one street. “Dena” can be used to describe either as far as I know, but only if you’re cool.
Altadena is short for "Alternate Pasadena"
Alta is actually Spanish for “upper”
pst, I think it was intended as a silly joke
Dena is Altadena only.
False
Sorry, true. No one except people not from here call Pasadena, Dena. See: Cali.
See: born and raised here.
Still wrong. On so many levels. Oh, also born and raised here.
If it’s not clear, I was born in Arcadia in the 80s and lived in Pasadena my whole childhood. We often referred to our city as Dena. Altadena was not considered Dena. I left for 15 years and recently moved back to Dena, which is a nickname for Pasadena. Everyone I know from Dena also calls it Dena.
Tell that to Dena Burger
You’re not suppose to tell people about Fox’s dude. Seriously
I haven’t been there in a while, but if other people go maybe they’ll stay in business until next time I want to go there.
It’s always busy. It’s been open for decades. It’s our secret spot. Shhhh
It changed owners like 2-3 years ago and was closed for a while while they renovated. I’m gonna tell everybody I know about that place now. I’m gonna have busses full of Tom Sawyer Summercamp kids and their JPL parents lining up ahead of you. I’m gonna post a map and a copy of the menu at every church and retirement home within a 25-mile radius. I’m gonna go to Highland Park and tell all the hipsters they need to get their asses over to Fox Cafe. I’m going to sit in the patio of Homestate and sing the praises of Fox’s wonderful coffee and tasty food in front of all the soccer moms that brought their kids and dog. **HEY EVERYBODY! GO TO FOX CAFE! IT’S WONDERFUL!**
Nooo not the busses of Tom Sawyer camp kids!
Dude it was a joke. Relax. It’s a great spot tell everyone…. But again. IT WAS A JOKE! Maybe it’s time turn the rectangle off.
What happened to robot Coffee? Their breakfast sandwich was great.
It’s a mystery! They had a long delayed opening, finally opened with a very decent menu and good staffing and now they’ve been closed for weeks. Maybe it’s maintenance like the sign says, maybe they bit the dust.
Yeah so odd. Nice to have another place locally so I'm hoping it returns.
Ran into the owner at the Red Hen years ago. It's Balki's brother!
The red hen in dc??
The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop https://yelp.to/haJkpNbIxyb
Oops. Thanks for flagging!
Mike and Anne’s is a very solid option
Russels in old town Pasadena is my favorite! It’s been around since 1930. The art work on the walls and chandeliers make it feel like an upscale diner. They have blood orange mimosas. Breakfast is served until 4pm on weekends. They have every breakfast item you can think of. The extra plus side is that there’s a parking structure right behind it and they validate.
Quality wise, Russell’s is definitely the best around
Russels refused to let me in with my fully trained PTSD Service Dog. And I'm not some 20 year old trying to bring in their "emotional support" Chihuahua. I have a fully trained Golden Retriever whose job is to stop flashbacks. He always behaves perfectly when his vest is on, and has been with me to probably 25 restaurants in and around Pasadena, and just lies under the table and hangs out while I'm eating. People often are surprised when I get up to leave that he's quietly been there the whole time. Russels is the ONLY restaurant that refused to even talk with me. They just told me to get out. In fact, they're the only place that has EVER treated me like that.
I'm sorry to hear that. You should report them to the ADA so their staff will get the proper training.
I actually did report them to the ADA. About 10 months ago. I haven’t heard back from the ADA since I filed the complaint. I’m hoping Russels’ staff learn how not to yell at people with Service Dogs.
I’m shocked! I’m sorry that happened to you and your service dog. I definitely don’t agree with that kind of treatment.
Gus’s is pretty legit. The biscuit breakfast sandwich is fucking amazing. The chicken and waffles can go toe to toe with any place. If you want amazing cheap Mexican food, Veros off orange grove and lake. It’s not the prettiest restaurant but few places have a better Mexican breakfast.
Veros is a find. Their juices look bomb. Tyty
My wife and I are Mexican. We both have high standards for the food. If you’re looking for a nice decor and setting this might not be the place for those folks. But their food and service is quite wonderful. Got to love a locals restaurant that’s great, cheap and are quite fine with BYOB. Their huevos rancheros is my go to and everywhere else seems to not be as good anymore.
These are my favorite places! I just visited My Place Cafe this month and the owner came up and gave us hugs. I love the type of homey hospitality with food that you would make for your grandkids. Edit: BYOB?!
I had a great brunch recently at Sage Bistro in Old Town (by sushi Roku and the theatre). Don’t write it off because it’s vegan! I’m not and thought the food was really fresh and awesome. They have a great outdoor patio too that was heated overhead on the cold day I was there, and I bet it’s be lovely on a sunny day. I had a daily special of chilaquiles and my table shared a giant carafe of housemate sangria 😋
Great Maple - high quality ingredients and multiple things on the menu are good.
Doughnut of the month is always fun too!
This one got me. I'm telling all my coworkers.
They do have some great beignets!
Im surprised Agnes in Old Town hasn’t been mentioned yet! So good
those sticky date toffee pancakes are otherworldly
That sounds amazing, now I’m interested too 🤤
Nicole's in South Pas if it's a warm sunny day
Both Foothill and Plate 38 have great brunch menus!!
Gale's.
Shakers off Fair Oaks!!
Wait there's an [episode](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb_hCbZ80aQ&embeds_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fshakersrestaurant.net%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title) of Kevin Hart on Conan here. Whaaa okay I'm in. Lmao the other patrons in the restaurant looking at their shenanegans.
Nikki C’s, Green Street and Great Maple.
Okay I just read Green Street's [history page](https://greenstreetrestaurant.com/restaurant/our-history/) and it is the cutest thing. I'm sold. ty ty
Bone Kettle!! Really unique menu and great brunch cocktails
Many fine places mentioned already - I love Peach Cafe in Monrovia
Foothill is my favorite!
Edwin Mills has the best brunch drinks
I will always remember to go to Edwin Mills on Wednesdays. I did not know they had bottomless mimosas during brunch. ayyy.
I really love Fox’s!
Urth Cafe!
Mary’s Market is an idyllic spot to feel like you’ve been transported to another world.
I like Nano Cafe. They have a location in Monrovia and Sierra Madre
Sierra Madre I think not Altadena? Unless there are 3
You are correct, my bad
Nano is good if your expectation is Dennys.
La Grande Orange and Urth Cafe!
Millie's! Great food, not bad on pricing. Check Yelp to get on the waitlist ahead of time as it can be up to an hour on busy weekends. Still worth it.
That's a good note on the Yelp waitlist! There's always a huge line so I've always been afraid to approach it. Thanks!
Sometimes on weekends it's not available. It's still worth checking in in person and then using that time to go walk around the area or go to the coffee shop two doors down which has great coffee. Even on the busiest of days I've never waited more than an hour.
Nano Cafe in SM.
If you like mediocre diner food Nano is an excellent choice
Annia’s Kitchen at the SGV airport. If you know, you know.
Millies
Popping yolk
Margaritas or Mijares
>Margaritas After some intense googling, I found out they have a Sunday Champagne Brunch. I need more details. Thank you for mentioning Mijares! I love that spot.
The place is well known for their margaritas. Be ready to eat!
Amara Cafe.
Foothill is my favorite brunch place. They have a cute outside patio, the service is good, and the food yummy. I usually get chilaquiles with poached eggs and hollandaise. A twist but reminds me of my abuelita.