Favorite Places

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!


El Portal
Restaurants:

Burger Continental (535 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-792-6634) Middle Eastern cuisine is offered along with burgers, and belly dancers provide entertainment on the weekends. —recommended by Ray Prado, associate director of admissions

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 Jamila Dudley, associate director of admissions

Twin Palms Restaurant (101 W. Green St., Pasadena, 626-577-2567) New American cuisine is served in an elegant covered outdoor patio and with live jazz on the weekends. —recommended by Rick Bischoff, 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, 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

Twin Palms

Quick Eats:

Pie n Burger

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 Rick Bischoff, director of admissions

Corner Bakery Cafe (345 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-578-1281) A dependable spot for hot and cold sandwiches, soups, and salads. —recommended by Ray Prado, associate director of admissions

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, 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 Cameron Pinckney, assistant director of admissions

Pietro's (920 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-791-1826)
Great subs, good prices. Expect to wait 15 minutes or so, as they make everything to order.—recommended by Jann Lacoss, assistant director of admissions

In-N-Out (1210 N. Atlantic Blvd, Alhambra, 800-786-1000; 2114 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena, 800-786-1000) A California institution for burgers, fries, and shakes made to order with the freshest ingredients. —recommended by Jamila Dudley, associate director of admissions
In n Outl

Coffee/Snack Shops:

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! —recommended by Cameron Pinckney, assistant director of admissions

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 Ray Prado, associate director of admissions

Juice It Up (390 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-395-0145; 165 N. Hill Ave., Pasadena, 626-793-3344) This fruit-juice franchise makes fantastic smoothies, squeezers, tropicals, and slimmers. —recommended by Jamila Dudley, associate director of admissions