Explore Pasadena

Russell’s is a classic American restaurant at 30 North Fair Oaks Avenue in Old Pasadena. The district’s official guide highlights it as a longtime breakfast and weekend brunch stop, with Belgian waffles, French toast, omelets and croque-style dishes among its specialties. Its central location makes it a convenient first stop before exploring Old Pasadena on foot. It also serves lunch and dinner dishes, including sandwiches, burgers, salads and pasta. Check the current menu, opening time and wait before arriving, especially if breakfast is part of a timed sightseeing itinerary. Visitor information and planning links

One Colorado is a shopping, dining and events destination within Old Pasadena’s historic setting, listed at 41 Hugus Alley. It brings boutique retail and places to eat together with public-facing cultural programming. Use it as an unhurried browsing stop between sightseeing and dinner. Explore the official store directory and event calendar before visiting, then allow time for the surrounding alleys and streets. Individual shops and restaurants maintain their own schedules, so a centre visit does not guarantee every tenant is open. Parking information is provided on the official website. Visitor information and planning links

Union is an Old Pasadena restaurant at 37 East Union Street that combines Northern Italian influences with seasonal California ingredients. Handmade pasta is a central feature, alongside a changing menu of produce, meat and fish. The intimate dining room makes it a useful dinner anchor for a day exploring the neighbourhood. Reservations are recommended and available through the official website’s Resy link. Published dinner service starts at 5pm Monday to Thursday and 4pm Friday to Sunday, ending at 9pm. Check the current menu, dietary suitability and private-dining arrangements directly with the restaurant. Visitor information and planning links

The Blind Donkey is a whiskey-focused bar at 53 East Union Street in Old Pasadena. The city’s visitor bureau highlights its craft spirits, rotating draft beers and casual games, including shuffleboard and an arcade machine. Its location close to neighbourhood restaurants makes it a convenient after-dinner stop without a separate cross-town transfer. Think a relaxed drink and conversation before deciding whether to continue the evening elsewhere. Check current opening hours, entry requirements and the drinks menu directly with the venue. Public listings can lag behind changes to service and scheduled events. Visitor information and planning links

Bone Kettle is a family-run Southeast Asian kitchen and bar at 67 North Raymond Avenue in Old Pasadena. Its cooking draws on Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore, with long-simmered bone broth a defining part of the restaurant’s identity. The official site offers Friday lunch, Saturday and Sunday brunch, and daily dinner. Reservations are recommended. It lists a 20% dine-in service charge in place of expected tipping, so check the bill and current policy before adding a gratuity. Discuss allergies and dietary preferences with the team. Menus, online ordering, reservations and private-event information are available on its website. Visitor information and planning links