Playboy

Good American cuisine. Doesn't need to be in Old Town but it wouldn't hurt. Outdoor seating/patio would be great.


American cuisine....food must be good and not bad. Cost no more than 30 per person including the tip. Ambiance so should be fair...maybe a nice diner or a place that has outdoor seating.

I was looking on Trip Advisor and Russell's has a lot of good reviews. Has anyone eaten there?

iapetus

Russell's? Meh. Somewhat like Burger Continental, I think this restaurant is popular more because of the sentimental value people attach to it rather than the quality of the food. That said, I also think it's a good bit better than Burger Continental.

One of the problems with dining in Old Town is that the rents are so high, that most restaurants survive by going high-end.

I'm sure that there are people who don't like any of the following, but, given your preferences and constraints, I would recommend the following:

• La Grande Orange Café - The food here is really good. And, not that it's relevant for you, they have pretty good happy hour specials, IIRC. It's not exactly in Old Town, but it's really close. It's just two blocks south of Lucky Baldwin's. Parking is pretty much non-existent, but the valet is free.
  
  
• Barney's - This is in the heart of Old Town. If one were considering Russell's, I'd probably just as soon go here.
  
  
• Smitty's - The food here is excellent. And I would highly recommend what is, IMO, a quintessential Pasadena restaurant. But it's over on Lake Street, about a mile east of Old Town. There is street parking, but not much. However, I believe the valet is also free (the valet station is at the rear of the restaurant). All-in, lunch should cost you close to your maximum, but it's worth it.
  
  
• Green Street Cafe - This is near Smitty's, just off Lake. Parking is in the adjacent structure. (I'm ~80% certain that they validate.) The food is just about on a par with Smitty's, though I'm sure others would beg to differ.
  
  
• Green Street Tavern - You might also consider this place. It's in Old Town. I really love this restaurant for its food and its ambiance. And the owner is really, really nice. Given your price considerations, I almost didn't recommend this, but a quick look at the lunch menu suggests that, like Smitty's, you just might be able to get out for $30 per person all-in.

Houston's is also a great restaurant. It's not far from la Grande Orange, but it's definitely more than you want to spend, as is the Parkway Grill. All of the restaurants for which I have provided links have outdoor seating with the exceptions of Barney's and the Green Street Tavern.

Playboy

Thanks buddy. After looking at all of the menus, I'm going to go with Green Street Restaurant/Cafe. The menu appears to have something for everyone.

iapetus

If you do wind up going there, make sure someone gets an entree that comes with the free zucchini bread! So delicious!

Hey, gotta represent Pasadena, California!

crabbing

i'm pretty sure they don't validate, but the open lot across the street has 2 hour free parking. and definitely get the zucchini bread.

i'm surprised no one mentioned pie'n'burger, a pasadena staple (speaking of burgers, i don't think i saw anyone here mention that "burger continental" is not a burger joint). not sure if necessarily qualifies as "good" food, though. i'm also partial to lucky boy's pastrami burgers, if your arteries can take it.

JeremyS1973

TA is wrong place for food advice by reviews usually. Look at Chowhound or even Yelp.

Russell's is okay for burgers, Jake's and Lucky Baldwin's are better for burgers.

Settebello Pizzeria Napoletana is the hottest thing to hit Pasadena in years, not sure how you missed it iapetus. It is the highly acclaimed pizzeria from Las Vegas and Salt Lake City from former USC quarterback Brad Otton. The big splash in part was due the success of the restaurant and in part to the huge Trojan presence in Pasadena and the SGV.

Cafe Santorini has good food, not great, but I think one of the best settings in Pasadena. McCormick & Schmick's has nice food, not great, and nice out door seating. Love Houston's too. It is another solid choice.

iapetus

I know that the Counter next door validates for one hour, which is why I thought the Green Street Cafe might.

I think Lucky Boy's and Pie 'N' Burger are both sentimental favorites in much the same vein as Burger Continental. If you can't get sentimental about it, I'm not sure it tastes quite as good.

I think we missed it because we just don't make it to that stretch of Colorado all that often. But thanks for bringing this to my attention! Sounds awesome! I've definitely got a new restaurant at the top of my list to try out. (I'm just going to have to turn a blind eye to any references to the Trojans. )

I agree with your comments about the settings at both places. ^

TWA884

Both are mediocre national chains. When I travel, I like to try new things, so I eat at local establishments.

I am sorry to read of the decline of Burger Continental.

JeremyS1973

The thread is trying to help Playboy find places to eat. He has asked for good and outdoor seating. Houston's and McCormick's are both good national chains, well above mediocre.

And sorry, but anyone who recommends Pink's and Burger Continental has no room to crack about "mediocre".

TWA884

Pink's is a Hollywood institution, it's a unique experience. It is not just about the food.

Burger Continental used to serve fairly good Middle Eastern food. I was sad to read of its decline. Again, it is a type of place that is not found in every large metropolitan area.

When I travel, I like to try new places; why would I want to choose restaurants that are found where I live?

JeremyS1973

But the question was asked by Playboy and the answers were directed to him.

If you want restaurants to go to, start a new thread.

All Burger Continental ever had was scantily clad waitresses.

TWA884

If the OP was interested in restaurants also found in Florida, he probably would not have posted his question here.

timol

Thank you, iapetus!

Staying in Pasadena for just one day, Green Street Tavern was a great choice. Three-course menus for $35, absolutely delicious. ^^^

JeremyS1973

Nothing in his requests for restaurants asked to skip chains, he asked for "good American food" and "outdoors".

For all you know McCormick's is his favorite restaurant and he didn't know they had a Pasadena location.

wingless

I hike up in Griffith Park at least once a week. I don't know how to compare it to where you are talking about but there are some great fun hikes. When you go to LA Live go to the Los Angeles Visitors Bureau on Figueroa just a few blocks away from LA Live and pick up a Griffith Park free map.

There are short hikes (3 miles) and longer ones. Some more difficult than others. Most about 1,000 elevation gain. If you PM me I can give you more answers.

I live in near LA Live so if you have any questions about places to see around Downtown let me know too.