Spirits of the Night

BEST BAR

Lucky Baldwin’s Pub

17 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 795-0652 |‎ www.luckybaldwins.com    

 

Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste

1770 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 844-0447

 

Lucky Baldwin’s Delirium Café

21 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre

(626) 355-1440

“Think globally, drink locally.” That’s the slogan at the three Lucky Baldwins’ pubs, where local customers can order a global selection of beers. Owners David Farnsworth and Peggy Simonian opened their first British-style pub in Old Pasadena in 1996 and later expanded their business to East Pasadena and Sierra Madre. All three locations serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, including distinctly British items like tea and crumpets, bangers and mash and fish and chips, as well as a variety of appetizers, salads, soups and desserts.

 

Reader Recommended

Magnolia Lounge

492 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena

(626) 584-1126 | www.magnolialake.com 

 

T. Boyle’s Tavern

37 N. Catalina Ave., Pasadena

(626) 578-0957 | www.tboylestavern.com

 

Yard House

330 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 577-9273 | www.yardhouse.com 

 

BEST BARTENDER

Jennie Rae LaCovey

Smitty’s Grill

110 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena

(626) 792-9999 | www.smittysgrill.com 

The next time you’re in the South Lake neighborhood, stop by the bar at Smitty’s Grill and order a drink from Pasadena’s best bartender, Jennie Rae LaCovey. According to her boss, Smitty’s Manager Thomas Acker, LaCovey is a great bartender because “she’s very professional, very consistent and she always has a smile on her face.” Smitty’s serves lunch on Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner on Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m. The bar is open between lunch and dinner on weekdays.   

 

 

 

BEST BEER SELECTION (TIE)

Lucky Baldwin’s Pub

17 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 795-0652 |‎ www.luckybaldwins.com

 

Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste

1770 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 844-0447

 

Lucky Baldwin’s Delirium Café

21 Kersting Court, Sierra Madre

(626) 355-1440

At Lucky Baldwins, it’s all about the beer — both bottled and on tap. The Old Pasadena pub features 63 draft beers, including: smoked porter; dark, pale and Flemish sour ale; stout; apple cider; and lager. The Sierra Madre location offers 46 on-tap selections. During the year, Lucky Baldwins stages European beer-drinking festivals, including a Belgian beer fest (its Web site says the pub is “one of the five best Belgian beer bars in the United States”) and Octoberfest.

 

Yard House

330 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 577-9273 | www.yardhouse.com 

The Yard House, a popular watering hole in the Paseo Colorado mall, features an extensive selection of beers — craft, cider seasonals, pale lagers, pilsners, honey and fruit beers, Belgian and American wheat. Those who don’t want beer can choose from the many available wines, cocktails and specialty drinks. The Yard House also serves snacks, appetizers, soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, pizzas, steaks, ribs and a variety of vegetarian entrees.  

 

Reader Recommended

Congregation Ale House

300 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 578-0166 | www.congregationalehouse.com 

 

Kings Row Gastropub

20 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 793-3010 | www.kingsrowpub.com

 

BEST COCKTAILS

1886 Bar at the Raymond

The Raymond Restaurant

1250 S. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena

(626) 441-3136 | www.theraymond.com 

The Raymond Restaurant, located in what used to be a caretaker’s cottage, is all that remains of the Raymond Hotel, an elegant tourist destination built in 1886. The hotel went bankrupt during the Great Depression, but the 1886 Bar, located in the backroom of the restaurant, is having no trouble surviving the Great Recession. Bartenders at 1886 can whip up a wonderful cocktail or pour patrons a glass from a vast selection of wines.

 

 

 

Reader Recommended

Magnolia Lounge

492 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena

(626) 584-1126 | www.magnolialake.com

 

Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion

641 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 356-4066 | www.roysrestaurant.com

 

BEST COMEDY CLUB

Ice House

24 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena

(626) 577- 1894 | www.icehousecomedy.com

Why dwell on those dire Mayan predictions about the end of the world? Forget your troubles at the Ice House, the legendary comedy club that has been making people laugh since 1960. Over the years, the club has featured many of the best-known comedians, including Steve Martin, Bob Newhart, Robin Williams, Jerry Seinfeld and Lily Tomlin. In addition to performances from contemporary comics, the Ice House presents a Comedy Traffic School and classes in both stand-up and improv techniques.

 

BEST DIVE BAR

The Colorado Bar

2640 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 449-3485

Tired of those upscale bars, located in expensive restaurants, where nobody knows your name? Then belly up to The Colorado Bar, a true dive bar in the best sense of the term. It’s not much to look at, and you can’t get anything fancy like a piňa colada. But there’s an easy-going atmosphere with a jukebox, pool tables and friendly bartenders — not to mention reasonably priced drinks. 

 

Reader Recommended

Freddie’s 35er Bar

12 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 356-9315 | www.35erbar.com

 

R Place

3739 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 792-7330

 

 

BEST HAPPY HOUR

Kabuki Japanese Restaurant

88 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 568-9310 | kabukirestaurants.com

3539 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 351-8963

Mondays through Fridays, from 3 to 6 p.m., Kabuki’s two Pasadena restaurants offer a Japanese spin on the traditional Happy Hour, with a selection of sushi, specialty rolls, fried tofu, gyoza dumplings, seaweed salad and other items at reduced prices. The

low-cost drinks include sake, wine, beer and several cocktails, such as the Tokyo mojito (original mint and cucumber) and saketini (creamy peach and lychee lime).

 

Reader Recommended

Roy’s Hawaiian Fusion

641 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 356-4066 | www.roysrestaurant.com

 

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

369 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 583-8122 | www.ruthchris.com 

 

BEST KARAOKE/OPEN MIC (TIE)

Cabrera’s Mexican Cuisine

655 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena

(626) 795-0230 | cabreras.com

Karaoke is not the first thing that comes to mind when one conjures up images of a Mexican restaurant. However, Cabrera’s Mexican Cuisine has been voted one of the best places to participate in — or listen to — karaoke singing. Karaoke nights at Cabrera’s are Friday and Saturday from 7:30 p.m. until midnight, and Sunday from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. The restaurant has a full menu of Mexican food, including house specialties like shrimp flavored with tequila, grilled chicken steak and shrimp served on a bed of cactus leaves.

 

Jake’s of Pasadena

38 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 568-1602 | jakespasadena.com

Jake’s has been serving customer-designed hamburgers since 1947. More recently, it has gained a reputation as one of the city’s most popular karaoke bars. Karaoke nights are on Thursdays from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Customers who prefer a different sort of recreation can enjoy a game of billiards seven days a week in the billiards room downstairs from the restaurant. 

 

Reader Recommended

The Boulevard Bar

3199 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 356-9304 | www.blvdbar.com 

 

BEST LIVE MUSIC/BAR/CLUB

redwhite+bluezz 

70 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 792-4441 | www.redwhitebluezz.com

Live jazz music, along with dinner prepared by Le Cordon Bleu-trained chefs and a wide selection of wines, are available every night at the redwhite+bluezz wine bar. Jazz musicians perform Sunday through Thursday nights from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday nights from 7 to 10:30 p.m., and at 11 a.m. during Sunday brunch, which is served from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Tuesday nights, the featured artists are musicians from the Pasadena Jazz Institute, including the institute’s director, Paul Lines.  

 

 

 

Reader Recommended

Kings Row Gastropub

20 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 793-3010 | www.kingsrowpub.com 

 

T. Boyle’s Tavern

37 N. Catalina Ave., Pasadena

(626) 578-0957 | www.tboylestavern.com

 

The Granada LA

17 S. First St. Alhambra

(626) 227-2572 | www.thegranadala.com

 

 

BEST LIVE MUSIC VENUE

Levitt Pavilion

85 E. Holly St., Pasadena

(626) 683-3230 | www.levittpavilionpasadena.org 

The summer evening air is cool, the atmosphere is relaxed and the concerts are free. What more can you say about the concerts at Levitt Pavilion? This is the 10th year that performances have been staged at the band shell in Memorial Park, and during that time the pavilion has presented more than 450 shows, featuring every conceivable musical genre, as well as programs for children.

 

 

BEST LIVE THEATER VENUE

Pasadena Playhouse

39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena

(626) 356-7529 | (626) 921-1161

www.pasadenaplayhouse.org

The fact that it has been in existence since 1917, has been designated a State Historic Theater and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and that its many notable alumni include Angela Bassett, Gene Hackman and Dustin Hoffman would be enough to earn the Pasadena Playhouse all manner of accolades. Add to that the quality of its performances, with many of its plays later becoming Broadway hits, and it’s easy to understand why the Playhouse is the city’s best live theater venue.

 

Reader Recommended

A Noise Within

3352 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 356-3100 | www.anoisewithin.org 

 

Boston Court Performing Arts Center

70 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena

(626) 683-6883 | www.bostoncourt.org

 

 

 

 

BEST LOCAL MUSICIAN

Victor Vener

California Philharmonic

Vener is the director of the California Philharmonic, the orchestra that he and a group of Pasadenans founded 15 years ago. After earning a doctorate in musical arts from USC, Vener played solo French horn in many European orchestras and with Stan Kenton’s Neophonic Jazz Orchestra. He went on to conduct orchestras throughout Europe, perfecting his ability to balance musical artistry with accessible programming. He brings these talents to his current position with CalPhil, which has performed at such diverse venues as the Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden, Walt Disney Concert Hall and Santa Anita Park.

 

BEST MARGARITAS

Mijares Mexican Restaurant

145 Palmetto Drive, Pasadena

(626) 792-2763 | www.mijaresrestaurant.com

Mijares, which opened for business in 1920, can boast that it is the oldest Mexican restaurant in Pasadena. This year, it can also claim bragging rights for the city’s best margarita. The restaurant’s cantina serves a variety of margaritas, including: the House Margarita, made with Sauza gold tequila and Grand Marnier; the Sauza Spa Margarita, a 125-calorie, zero-carb mixture of tequila, triple sec and Splenda sugar substitute; and the Paqui Pomegranate Margarita, combining tequila with pomegranate and orange liqueurs. 

 

Reader Recommended

El Cholo Café

260 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 795-5800 | www.elcholopasadena.com

 

El Portal

695 E. Green St., Pasadena

(626) 795-8553 | www.elportalrestaurant.com 

 

BEST MOVIE THEATER

ArcLight Cinemas

336 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 568-8888 | www.arclightcinemas.com

Since opening a few years ago at Paseo Colorado, ArcLight Cinemas has brought a new sophistication and comfort to the movie-going experience. At ArcLight, customers can reserve spaces to see newly released films while seated on plush chairs in theaters with good sight lines and sound quality. In addition to the traditional concession stand, there’s a cafeteria in the lobby, where viewers can grab a bite while waiting for their film to screen.

 

Reader Recommended

iPic Theaters

42 Miller Alley, Pasadena

One Colorado

(626) 639-2260 | www.ipictheaters.com 

 

 

Laemmle Playhouse 7

673 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 844-6500 | www.laemmle.com

 

BEST PLACE TO DANCE

The Granada LA

17 S. First St. Alhambra,

(626) 227-2572 | www.thegranadala.com

The name “Granada LA” may be wrong, since it’s actually in Alhambra, but the dancing is right at this combination night club and dance studio. The Granada specializes in salsa and other forms of Latin dancing. Patrons can do the salsa, cha cha, bachata and other dances to the accompaniment of live music on Friday nights from 9:30 p.m. until 2 a.m., and Saturdays after dinner is served at 8 p.m. Instructors provide dance lessons on these evenings, as well as during other times, when patrons can learn a variety of dance styles ranging from Argentine tango to zumba.

 

Reader Recommended

Arthur Miller Dance Studio

100 N. Lake Ave., Pasadena

(626) 793-1030 | www.ampasadena.com 

 

Tropical Tuesdays at Ixtapa Cantina 

119 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 304-1000 | www.cantinaixtapa.com 

 

BEST PLACE TO GO

ON A FIRST DATE

Vertical Wine Bar

70 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 795-3999 | www.verticalwinebistro.com

There’s no better time than during a countdown to worldwide oblivion to pencil in a first date, meet someone new and sample some of the finest wines the area has to offer. If the date goes badly, you will have at least walked away with a bellyful of delectable charcuterie, artisan cheese and selections of global vintages — a definite win. If it goes badly, grab a bottle of Champagne Pol Roger Pinot Noir and toast the fast-approaching end of a long losing streak.

 

Reader Recommended

Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge

(818) 949-4200 | www.descansogardens.org

 

The Huntington Library, Art Collection and Botanical Gardens

1151 Oxford Road, San Marino

(626)405-2100 | www.huntington.org

 

BEST PLACE TO PLAY

BILLIARDS

Jake’s Billiards

38 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 568-1602 | www.jakespasadena.com

If you’re working on your hustle, slink downstairs to Jake’s pool hall, open from 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m., where you will surely find a shark willing to take the bait. Have a few drinks, work on your back story and see if Lady Luck is on your side. And later, should you happen to find yourself behind the 8 ball, go upstairs to Jake’s burger spot and drown your sorrows in a milkshake. In the intimate dining area, you could meet your next target.

 

Reader Recommended

Q’s Billiard Club

99 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA

(626) 405-9777 | www.barneysbeanery.com

 

R Place

3739 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 792-7330

 

The Colorado Bar

2640 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 449-3485

 

BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE BIG GAME

Barney’s Beanery

99 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 405-9777 | www.barneysbeanery.com

Have you ever missed a game-winning touchdown because you were in the kitchen cutting green onions for nachos? Avoid this scenario next time by watching the home team (from wherever you call home) at Barney’s, where every inch of wall space is covered by TV screens showcasing a range of channels and athletic events. More than the majors — football, baseball, basketball and soccer — Barney’s boasts fringe sports, like extreme sports, racing and professional bull riding. Toro!

 

Reader Recommended

T. Boyle’s Tavern

37 N. Catalina Ave., Pasadena

(626) 578-0957 | www.tboylestavern.com

 

The Yard House

330 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 577-9273 | www.yardhouse.com

 

BEST PUB GRUB

Lucky Baldwin’s Pub

17 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 795-0652 | www.luckybaldwins.com

 

Lucky Baldwins Trappiste

1770 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 844-0447

 

Lucky Baldwins Delirium Café

17 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 795-0652

In the quest for the ultimate pub grub, it only makes sense that the Brits know best what pairs best with an imperial stout or black ale, as opposed to more colonial establishments. At Lucky Baldwin’s, choose from English standards like fish and chips, bangers and mash, cottage pie and curry. If your palate is sticking stateside, go for burgers, chicken breast sandwich or fries. Helpful employees will pair snacks to seemingly endless tap selections.

 

Reader Recommended

Haven Gastropub & Brewery

42 S. De Lacey Ave., Pasadena

(626) 768-9555 | www.havengastropub.com

 

Kings Row Gastropub

20 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 793-3010 | www.kingsrowpub.com

 

BEST RADIO STATION

89.3 KPCC

474 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 583-5100 | www.scpr.org

If Armageddon is nigh, don’t think you’ll be able to get the valuable news on your iPhone 5. You’re gonna have to go back to the radio days, when a haggled citizenry hung on to every sound wave to learn about the world around them. Luckily, one of Southern California’s best radio outfits resides in Pasadena. KPCC, a National Public Radio affiliate, boasts “no rant, no slant” coverage that could come in handy should you find yourself walking down The Road.

 

Reader Recommended

KROQ

5901 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles

(323) 930-1067 | www.kroq.radio.com

 

BEST THEATER

PRODUCTION

“The Boyfriend”

Theatre 360

75 N. Marengo Ave., Pasadena

(626) 577-5922 | www.theatre360.org

The third-longest running musical in West End or Broadway history, this 1920s-inspired 1954 play by Sandy Wilson pairs Polly, an English heiress attending a French finishing school, with delivery boy Tony. When both decide to hide their wealth from the other, theatrical hilarity ensues. Locally, “The Boyfriend” opened at Theatre 360 on July 13 and wowed local theater-goers throughout its nine-day run.

 

Reader Recommended

“ART” at the Pasadena Playhouse

39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena

(626) 356-7529 | www.pasadenaplayhouse.org  

 

“Placebo” by the Pasadena Musical Theatre Program

3579 E. Foothill Blvd., Ste. 464, Pasadena

(323) 250-3150 | www.pasadenamusicaltheatre.org

 

BEST WEDDING/BANQUET HALL

Noor

260 E. Colorado Blvd., A209, Pasadena

(626) 793-4518 | www.noorevents.com

With indoor and outdoor venues oozing Old Pasadena charm available for large gatherings, Noor is one of the best places in town for weddings, bar mitzvahs, parties and anniversaries that require a special touch. Two indoor ballrooms, with interesting architectural features and scenic views of the San Gabriel Mountains, in addition to the many memories you create, will have your guests talking for years to come.

 

Reader Recommended

Castle Green

99 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 793-0359 | www.castlegreen.com

 

Descanso Gardens

1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge

(818) 949-4200 | www.descansogardens.org

 

BEST WINE SELECTION

Vertical Wine Bistro

70 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 795-3999 | www.verticalwinebistro.com

Owned by Pasadena native film writer/producer Gale Anne Hurd, Vertical astounds oenophiles with an eclectic wine list of more than 400 selections, with more than 70 sold by the glass. Order a flight, whatever your fancy, sip as you explore signature dishes, from butternut squash ravioli to corn fritters with smoked salmon, in a gorgeous lounge atmosphere. This Old Town hidden gem is an upstairs hideaway, accessible through a courtyard that provides the perfect locale for exploring the wonders of wine.

 

Reader Recommended

Bodega Wine Bar

260 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

(626) 793-4300 | www.bodegawinebar.com

 

redwhite+bluezz

70 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena

(626) 792-4441 | www.redwhitebluezz.com            

 

BEST GENTLEMAN’S CLUB

Knockout’s Gentleman’s Club

1580 Clark St., Arcadia

(626) 303-3003 | www.cocoontheclub.com

With giant screen TVs and a party atmosphere, the Arcadia gentleman’s club is the perfect place to go when you could use a room full of flashy and beautiful things competing for your attention. Let topless servers lead you to the Members Ultra Lounge or the champagne room, or stay at the bar and order from a full late-night menu. With Happy Hour specials seven days a week, partake in Big Shot Sundays, where you can get $2 off select shots, or drop one in a drink for $5.