The following is a list of the Admission Office staff's personal favorites for dining in Pasadena. The entries in each category are listed by approximate distance from campus, from the closest locations to the farthest. We hope you enjoy exploring some of our favorite places in the area, and let us know if you have questions!
Restaurants:
El Portal Restaurant (695 E. Green St., Pasadena, 626-795-8553) In the Playhouse district, this family-owned restaurant features authentic Mayan dishes from the Yucatan region. -recommended by Owen Wolf, assistant director of admissions
Lemonade (146 South Lake Avenue, Pasadena, 626-304-7700) Upscale cafeteria-style dining with great salads, hot bar and sandwiches. And, of course, gourmet lemonade! -recommended by Jann Lacoss, assistant director of admissions
Malbec (1001 E. Green Street, Pasadena, 626-683-0550) Great Argentinean cuisine at a nice restaurant. Recommended for dinner--try any of their steaks! -recommended by Karly Brockett, associate director of admissions
Marston’s Restaurant (151 E Walnut St, Pasadena, 626-796-2459) Cornflake crusted French toast, topped with fresh strawberries. Their omelettes pack quality into every bite. They even have porch seating, but can be a packed house on the weekends. -recommended by Matt Ybarra, admissions counselor
Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles (830 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-791-4890) Excellent Southern comfort food; order the chicken and waffles for an interesting and satisfying meal! -recommended by Jann Lacoss, assistant director of admissions
Sushi Roku (33 Miller Alley, Pasadena, 626-683-3000) Very trendy with great ambiance, tucked away off Colorado Boulevard. Recommended for dinner. -recommended by Karly Brockett, associate director of admissions
Tarantino's Pizzeria (784 E. Green Street., Pasadena, 626-796-7836) Pizza lovers should look no further! Tarantino's features tasty pies in a Brooklyn-like atmosphere. -recommended by Owen Wolf, assistant director of admission
Quick Eats:
Corner Bakery Cafe (345 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-578-1281) A dependable spot for hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and salads. -recommended by Jann Lacoss, assistant director of admissions
Gus’s Barbeque (808 Fair Oaks Ave, South Pasadena, 626-799-3251) SoCal is not known for barbecue, and the essence of the word is most accurately used to describe a cookout or a carne asada. Not to worry though; Gus’s offers a BBQ regional spectrum, offering both Memphis and St. Louis style ribs, the only Carolina style Pulled Pork I’ve found in the area, and also a zesty rendition of KC style sauce. -recommended by Matt Ybarra, admissions counselor
Hamburger Hamlet (214 South Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-449-8520) From its 1920s ambiance to friendly staff, this restaurant seeks to elevate the hamburger to the upper echelons of fine dining! -recommended by Owen Wolf, assistant director of admissions
In-N-Out (2114 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, 800-786-1000) A California institution for burgers, fries, and shakes made to order with the freshest ingredients. This is the oldest existing branch of the In-N-Out chain. -recommended by Jann Lacoss, assistant director of admissions
Lucky Boy(640 S Arroyo Pkwy, Pasadena, CA 91105 626-793-0120) The breakfast burritos are HUGE, and a gluttonous delicacy we enjoy every Prefrosh Weekend. I can’t vouch for the rest of their menu, and only visit here if you’re not afraid of some grease, but it’ll take some determination to bury this bundle of joy in one sitting. -recommended by Matt Ybarra, f admissions counselor
Lee's Hoagie House (2269 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-577-2250) Sandwhich Place-best chicken salad you will ever eat. -recommended by Tiffanie Love, receptionist
Pie ’n Burger (913 E. California Blvd., Pasadena, 626-795-1123) The amazing, award-winning pies and burgers at this beloved local coffee shop have garnered rave reviews for over 40 years. -recommended by Owen Wolf, assistant director of admissions
Rosarito's (2237 E Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, 626-440-1640) Fast food Mexican, best tacos in Pasadena. -recommended by Tiffanie Love, receptionist
Sachi Sushi (696 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-578-1877) Friendly service and fresh food, with elaborate creations like spider roll and old favorites like unagi. This restaurant features a cozy atmosphere and reasonable prices. -recommended by Owen Wolf, assistant director of admissions
Sharkey's (841 Cordova St., Pasadena, 626-568-3500) Health-conscious Mexican fast food. -recommended by Christine Waldor, admissions coordinator
Tastees Donut & Burger (619 N Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, 626-449-8846) Don’t let the name fool you, you don’t have to eat them together. This is probably the lightest and fluffiest donut in Southern California (and perhaps second best in the world after the giant delights that Spic & Span in Las Vegas, New Mexico can offer). Not a fan of their burgers actually, but their chorizo and egg breakfast plates are great way to start your morning. -recommended by Matt Ybarra, admissions counselor
Zankou Chicken (1296 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-405-1502) The juicy and fragrant rotisserie-style chicken is a must at this Lebanese restaurant. -recommended by Jann Lacoss, assistant director of admissions
Starbucks (575 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-795-0918; 408 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-564-0914; 3699 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, 626-351-9994) You can get your fix at any of these locations!
Peet’s Coffee and Tea (605 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-795-7413; 3571 E. Foothill Blvd. #A, Pasadena, 626-351-6822) Another fantastic option for coffee and tea. —recommended by Owen Wolf, assistant director of admissions