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!
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, 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 Everett, associate 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
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, 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
Quick Eats:
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 Ray Prado, 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, 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
Chipotle (246 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, 626-229-9173)Mexican grill with all food made to order. Specialties are tacos, burritos and bowls. Very refreshing, with great Mayan-style artwork.
—recommended by Jamila Everett, associate director of admissions
Hot Wings Cafe (89 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, 626-449-9055)
Casual eatery with fast service! The buffalo style wings and seasoned fries are a must, if you are really hungry order a bucket of the 16 hot wings and onion rings! The café also serves great hamburgers, Philly cheese steaks, and salads. Great location in the heart of Old Town Pasadena.
—recommended by Jamila Everett, associate 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 Everett, associate 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! —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, 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 Everett, associate director of admissions
Gyu-Kaku (70 W. Green St., Pasadena, 626-405-4842) Japanese BBQ dining in Old Pasadena. Each table has a Japanese BBQ brazier where diners can cook their meats, chicken, fish and vegetables. —recommended by Jamila Everett, associate director of admissions