What to do in Pasadena? Any advice welcome.

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So, well, after having disappeared from the boards for some time, I find myself back and begging for advice from those of you in the Know.

We just (finally!) completed our trans-continental move and are safely ensconced in Pasadena. And, as all of our stuff is in storage (we have nary a chair), we want things to do outside of the apartment complex.

Suggestions?

― I'm Passing Open Windows (Ms Laura), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 09:25 (twenty-one years ago)

mmmm, slow response suggests you have moved to the wrong town.

― DV (dirtyvicar), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 12:33 (twenty-one years ago)

The Norton Simon Museum?

― o. nate (onate), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 12:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Little Old Lady to thread!

― Huck, Tuesday, 24 August 2004 13:37 (twenty-one years ago)

The Huntington: It's a beautiful park, has a great rose garden and koi pond, plus an art museum. You can eat lunch there, too.

The Arboretum in Arcadia. You'll enjoy the peacocks, guinea hens, ducks, mudhens and other birds. Go east on Colorado until you hit
Baldwin and go south half a mile. Santa Anita horserace track is across the street.

Chantry Flats, if you like hiking UP and DOWN.

Old Town. Many restaurants, some good, some feeble. Lots of shopping.
Lots of bars.

Vroman's Bookstore. Cliff's used books, across the street. Both on
Colorado.

Pasadena has lots of record stores. You'll bump into all of them, eventually.

― George Smith, Tuesday, 24 August 2004 14:46 (twenty-one years ago)

In addition to the above, Cal-Tech's campus is beautiful. Shiro is a wonderful (moderately expensive) restaurant.

― abbnab, Tuesday, 24 August 2004 15:45 (twenty-one years ago)

Hurrah for Ms. Laura! :-) I'm glad to see you back! Arthur and Chris B will also have much to say about Pasadena. FAPs for September are already being dreamed up so please attend!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 15:46 (twenty-one years ago)

the monthly flea market at the rose bowl is one of the best in california, it's the 2nd sunday of every month.

― gygax! (gygax!), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 15:47 (twenty-one years ago)

also: what's referred to above as "The Huntington" is actually The Huntington Library. Not be confused with Huntington Park which is a rather different environment entirely.

Be proud to consider Diamond David Lee Roth as your neighbor.

― gygax! (gygax!), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 15:50 (twenty-one years ago)

The Rose Bowl swimming pool is amazing, and you get in for a dollar.

― Kris (aqueduct), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 18:05 (twenty-one years ago)

Not be confused with Huntington Park ...

Or the Huntington Hospital. I live near Pasadena City College. The PCC swap meet is good too, with free admission and parking (1st Sunday on month). I wouldn't be surprised if Chris knew more about good restaurants here, though.

― nickn (nickn), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 19:15 (twenty-one years ago)

What's the name of the famous Green & Green house in Pasadena?

― Michael White (Hereward), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 20:16 (twenty-one years ago)

Gamble House

― Spencer Chow (spencermfi), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 20:18 (twenty-one years ago)

There's a bridge east of town just off the 134 that's wonderful for black & white photography.

― Gear! (Gear!), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 20:21 (twenty-one years ago)

The Wrigley Mansion ain't too shabby to take a couple looks at.

― gygax! (gygax!), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 20:23 (twenty-one years ago)

There's a Frank Lloyd Wright too. The bridge is on the West side of town (Colorado Blvd bridge, orig. built in 1913 but almost completely rebuilt about 10-15 years ago).

I recommend the Gebhard and Winter guide to So Cal architecture.

― nickn (nickn), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 20:29 (twenty-one years ago)

west side, right

― Gear! (Gear!), Tuesday, 24 August 2004 20:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Hmmm... OK, starting with restaurants:

Cafe Atlantic (trans-Atlantic Spanish / Cuban - fantastic!)
Azeen's (Afghani)
Cobbler Factory (OUTSTANDING bakery)
Gus's BBQ (tremendously good BBQ place in South Pasadena that hasn't changed much since 1946)
Pie & Burger (just what the name says, old school diner food)
Burger Continental (despite the name it's a raucous Middle Eastern & Armenian place - good for people watching)
Equator Cafe (coffee bar I sometimes visit if I'm in old town Pasadena)
Big Mama's Rib Shack (soul food and BBQ place)

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:23 (twenty-one years ago)

The LA Arboretum is nearby in Arcadia and is fun to check out - especially during the annual insect fair (if you like bugs)

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:25 (twenty-one years ago)

Descanso Gardens is a couple exits up the 210 freeway in La Canada and is a neat place to wander about.

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:26 (twenty-one years ago)

It's a long day's hike, but the trail up to Mt. Lowe is pretty neat - there's the wreckage (mostly foundations) of a hotel and a railway built up there early last century.

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:28 (twenty-one years ago)

Distant Lands is a terrific travel-oriented bookstore. Probably the best in the city.

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:29 (twenty-one years ago)

Not too far from Pasadena in Alhambra is Fosselman's Ice Cream which is one of the best local ice cream shops in all of SoCal.

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:32 (twenty-one years ago)

i've heard good things about the pasadena mudslide

― purple patch (electricsound), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:32 (twenty-one years ago)

Going the other way down Colorado Blvd. into Eagle Rock there's also Casa Bianca which is the best old-school American-style Italian food in town.

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:34 (twenty-one years ago)

I can't even begin to get into the volume of amazing and unique Chinese food in Alhambra and San Gabriel - it could easily fill a book.

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Bahooka on Rosemead Bl is a terrific Tiki restaurant and bar. Food is OK, but the decor is jaw dropping.

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:37 (twenty-one years ago)

That's all off the top of my head, I'll think of some more in a bit.

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 00:39 (twenty-one years ago)

Nearly everything I could think of has been mentioned already! I guess I could add the cute little museum at the Pasadena Historical Society (470 West Walnut Street, not far from the Gamble House). And the Pasadena Library at 285 East Walnut is fantastic. It's all happening on Walnut, I guess. And for breakfast, try Marston's. On Walnut, of course. The cornflake French toast is out of this woild!!!

Beadle's is a great old-fashioned cafeteria on Green and Lake. They have lots of pies.

Take the new light rail gold line from Pasadena to Chinatown, it's a sweet ride. It follows the Arroyo, pretty much. You get an intimate look at my neighborhood, Highland Park.

And I'd second Elvis on the Mt. Lowe hike. If you're looking for something a bit less strenous, try the nearby Switzer Falls trail.

― Arthur (Arthur), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 02:23 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm going to Azeen's tomorrow, should be good. I went to Santorini restaurant (Mediterranean) recently and liked what I had. Also Kuala Lumpur for Malaysian, Tarantino's, La Fornaretta, Manny's for Italian, Saladang or Saladang Song for Thai, Oak Tree Inn (South Pas) for Chinese, Father Nature for quick, lunchtime wraps (Middle Eastern). Europane is another good bakery.

For Museum's there's also the Pasadena Museum for California Art (new, go for specific shows because there is no permanent collection) and the Pacific Asian Museum, both at Union and Los Robles, more or less. There are also bunny, banana, and cake museums but these are by appointment in people's houses.

For hikes I like Millard Canyon for an intro, it's a short hike to a waterfall, that is reportedly very minimal now, late summer a few years into a drought. You need an "Adventure Pass" to park, however. Or go to Windsor and Ventura and park in the little lot there and start hiking on the trails that start there. This overlooks the Arroyo and JPL.

What brings you to Pasadena, by the way, Laura?

― nickn (nickn), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 04:09 (twenty-one years ago)

We really must have a 'welcome Laura' FAP...

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 04:17 (twenty-one years ago)

Heck yeah! Something before October 20...

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 04:27 (twenty-one years ago)

duh

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 04:32 (twenty-one years ago)

*bows* Mr. Gabbneb, I must point out that Ms. Laura in fact *works* for NASA, and has said so a number of times. ;-)

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 04:50 (twenty-one years ago)

Well, that answers my question too!

― nickn (nickn), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 05:12 (twenty-one years ago)

Holy crap, Ms. Laura's moved to Pasadena. That €139 each way airfare to LA is looking more and more attractive all the time. I lived in Bungalow Heaven for a year once. Man, I love Pasadena. I just liked the fact that it was so close to LA, but was a normal town with a centre where you could get the bus or walk places.

And it had Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. Mmmmm. Chickeny.

― accentmonkey (accentmonkey), Wednesday, 25 August 2004 07:33 (twenty-one years ago)

Thank you, all of you! I'm going to print out this list and carry it with me in the car (along with all of my assorted maps, since my sense of direction seems to have gotten lost [er, that wasn't supposed to be as funny as it came out to be]).

Anyway, when once again I am feeling fiscally solvent I shall happily buy y'all a couple of rounds.

As far as what's brought us here - one heck of a job offer from JPL for the S/O. And I wanted to get back to the west coast.

I'm all for FAPing, provided I can find the place.

Chris/Elvis - what's happening on October 20? (Or is this date referred to on another thread that I've yet to find, 'cause I'm piggy-backing on someone else's wireless network and don't want to stay on for very long for fear of upsetting them, whoever they are?)

Come visit, trish - you can watch the Koi in the pond with me and help me bathe the hedgie. (Oh, and dine really well, too.)

Damn - I was going to post this hilarious photo of a baby hedgehog annointing itself, but the website owner asks that the photos not be copied, so here's a link to the page: - the photo that just kills me is the fourth down - how's that for acrobatics?

Oh, before I forget - we found an excellent tapas place somewhere down off of Fair Oaks - don't have a clue as to the name or the location, but the food was great - nothing outstanding but solid and enjoyable and the sexiest waitress/bar lady that I've seen in years.

― I'm Passing Open Windows (Ms Laura), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 02:13 (twenty-one years ago)

visit the Caltech campus, and pick up the books they put out about their pranks

― Lt. Kingfish Del Pickles (Kingfish), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 03:34 (twenty-one years ago)

I'm all for FAPing, provided I can find the place.

Laura! Will you be busy this Saturday? There's a smallish get-together being planned and you'd be more than welcome.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 04:52 (twenty-one years ago)

Damn. Okay, here's the link, again: http://hedgehogvalley.com/annoint.html

Ned - I need more info on the Saturday gathering, but I might well be able to make it with the guys (or solo - we'll see). I'd love to see everyone!

― I'm Passing Open Windows (Ms Laura), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 04:56 (twenty-one years ago)

Right now there is no info beyond a general plan to meet up for a drink and a laugh, probably in the evening in Koreatown where Jeremy lives. Shoot me an e-mail from your best address!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 04:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Ha - Okay, that I can do. (Er, who's Jeremy? My mind is drawing a blank and I know that I'll feel like an idiot when you tell me.)

― I'm Passing Open Windows (Ms Laura), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 05:41 (twenty-one years ago)

Jeremy is a more recent poster and a fine feller. Anyway, do check your e-mail, and Chris P aka Casuistry sez hi...

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 23:06 (twenty-one years ago)

Jeremy is me, x Jeremy, Second Drummer Drowned, Atila the Honeybun, and a few other ones.

― x j e r e m y (x Jeremy), Wednesday, 1 September 2004 23:07 (twenty-one years ago)

Instead of simply *consuming* come up here to Altadena and hike your ass off! I was born here, moved away, and I'm back again about 1 mile from my folks' house. Just go north from pretty much anywhere in Pasadena and you'll be in Altadena, keep going up and there's some cool trails that lead to foothills and canyons and mountains. cool coffehouses: Coffehouse Gallery, on Lake Ave; Zona Rosa, next to Pasadena Playhouse, Beantown in neighboring Sierra Madre where they have bluegrass/folk/roots bands playing free every Saturday
Drinks: Old Town Pub (guess where) - it's walled in by some new building but if you can find it they always have good local rock/punk bands on the weekend cheap!); the Colorado(next to the new Guitar Center) the dive of all dives! Cheap drinks, grizzled pottymouth barkeeps, tense pool table action, in a word: boffo. Stay away from the crappy frat clubs(Moose's, Q's), the Muse is a little saditty upstairs but they have a nice sweaty dancefloor in the basement. Pasadena, gah!

― tremendoidorangeblazer, Thursday, 2 September 2004 04:35 (twenty-one years ago)

Hi Jeremy - Glad to make your aquaintance (er, under the new name, that is - how is one supposed to keep up with all of these alternate names?!) and hopefully I'll see you Saturday-ish.

Tremendoidorangeblazer - I'll wave north at you next time I'm driving on Foothill (where I was about an hour ago, come to think of it) - we're aiming for an Altadena relocation in a couple of years (saving money and all of that stuff). Thanks especially for the info on the music in Sierra Madre, as that's right up our alley. Oh, and we're about two blocks from the "Colorado" (between the Guitar Center and that used music place) - we've been planning a night of carousing at the Colorado, but have yet to bring that to fruition.

Ned - email checked and read. Please give my love to Chris P.

― I'm Passing Open Windows (Ms Laura), Thursday, 2 September 2004 05:47 (twenty-one years ago)

You're going to let Ned touch your love?

― Casuistry (Chris P), Thursday, 2 September 2004 05:51 (twenty-one years ago)

*shrug* Never let it be said that I am stingy when it comes to love and hugs and other warm and fuzzy things.

― I'm Passing Open Windows (Ms Laura), Thursday, 2 September 2004 08:20 (twenty-one years ago)

LAURA!!! [hug] =)

Ironically I am going to be in Pasadena Saturday morning, but not for a social event. I never even knew you lived here before Ms. List. I can't wait to meet you sometime; I'm your neighbor in Hollywood. I still have some of your emails from last year saved - apologies in how my correspondence was!

― Vic (Vic), Thursday, 2 September 2004 09:26 (twenty-one years ago)

(*late)

― Vic (Vic), Thursday, 2 September 2004 09:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Yay Vic! See what happens when you go away for a weekend. ;-)

Laura, feel free to e-mail yer phone number as well so I can give you a ring.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Thursday, 2 September 2004 14:04 (twenty-one years ago)

Hi Vic! We're going to have to paint the town some evening (and I just moved here a month ago, so you're not too far behind the times).

― I'm Passing Open Windows (Ms Laura), Friday, 3 September 2004 05:01 (twenty-one years ago)

three months pass...

I'd like to know more about Pasadena. Contextualize it for me.

― Lil' Trick Thug (nordicskilla), Thursday, 30 December 2004 16:19 (twenty-one years ago)

bump

― .adam (nordicskilla), Monday, 3 January 2005 18:56 (twenty-one years ago)

i think that i am going to go to the flea market next sunday

― Carl Winslow is WHAT!?!? (deangulberry), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Could one feasibly spend a day and a half there or is it more of a little side-trip from LA?

― .adam (nordicskilla), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:10 (twenty-one years ago)

pasadena is a town ten or so miles northeast of los angeles. it may have been one of la's first rich people communities. there's lots of very nice residential architecture. it's hot there. the norton simon museum is out there, as are jpl and caltech. there's a record store called poobah that's been around for thirty years and has a very old time record store feel--the place to go for japanese kate bush eps and the like. there are a couple of good movie theatres , and good restaurants, and it's a pretty civilized to live. i like being near the ocean though.

a day and a half is probably a bit much.

― dan (dan), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:15 (twenty-one years ago)

doo dah parade

― chaki in charge (chaki), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:18 (twenty-one years ago)

where do you live, dan?

― .adam (nordicskilla), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:18 (twenty-one years ago)

i live in santa monica.

― dan (dan), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:19 (twenty-one years ago)

the rosebowl flea market has some great vintage clothing.

― gygax! (gygax!), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:21 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm am not a collector

(btw g!- did you get that mp3?)

― Carl Winslow is WHAT!?!? (deangulberry), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:22 (twenty-one years ago)

I like vintage clothing. It's very...interesting.

― .adam (nordicskilla), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:23 (twenty-one years ago)

where did you send it DG?!?!?!?

― gygax! (gygax!), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:23 (twenty-one years ago)

i sent it to "gy gax," your jewish gmail alias

― Carl Winslow is WHAT!?!? (deangulberry), Monday, 3 January 2005 19:24 (twenty-one years ago)

one year passes...

We're going to discuss Pasadena again, if you'll join me.

What is the dynamic between Pasadena and LA? Friendly neighbor? Worker and parasite? Bluehair satellite? Misunderstood valhalla?

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:13 (twenty years ago)

no mans land (except goths)

― howell huser (chaki), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:22 (twenty years ago)

But you're a cynic.

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:24 (twenty years ago)

Where do you actually live, Chaki? If you don't mind me asking.

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:25 (twenty years ago)

i rotate between sherman oaks and south central

― howell huser (chaki), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:26 (twenty years ago)

Isn't Spencer from Sherman Oaks?

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:27 (twenty years ago)

nah he lives on the west side

― howell huser (chaki), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:28 (twenty years ago)

I know, I've been to his apartment! But I thought he was birthed there.

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:28 (twenty years ago)

maybe! i was brithed in van nuys so that would make us both VALLEY BOYS however Pasadena is nothing like the valley except the suburb part and we dont have anything as cool as Old Town but it still sucks there and rools here.

― howell huser (chaki), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:32 (twenty years ago)

And exactly when will you be down here, Mr. Adam?

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:33 (twenty years ago)

I won't! At least, not any time soon.

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:34 (twenty years ago)

Punk. (I will be up in SF again next month.)

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:35 (twenty years ago)

You will?

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:35 (twenty years ago)

Yus. Be there or not.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:36 (twenty years ago)

OK!

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:37 (twenty years ago)

Rah!

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:41 (twenty years ago)

In Pasadena, you could visit my girlfriend's sister and her husband and their fat fucking cat. alternately, you could eat at that good mexican place where dey make the guaca at the table and mix in whatever you want!

― Special Agent Gene Krupa (orion), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:49 (twenty years ago)

I'll put that in my notebook.

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 21:53 (twenty years ago)

Pasadena is the crown of the L.A. Basin, the place Angelenos aspire to aspire to be. The Valley is the throne. Just ask HUELL HOWSER(accept no imitations). KABONG!

― tremendoid (tremendoid), Monday, 9 January 2006 22:07 (twenty years ago)

i will remember the name of the restaurant and get back to you in private, adamrl.

― Special Agent Gene Krupa (orion), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:14 (twenty years ago)

So, if one were to have...daily business in Pasadena, would it be feasible to commute from a nice part of LA?

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:16 (twenty years ago)

yes! just a short drive up the 110, my friend!

― howell huser (chaki), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:18 (twenty years ago)

there are "short drives" in SoCal?

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:20 (twenty years ago)

One block to the next.

― account settings (account), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:30 (twenty years ago)

sweet, "dude".

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:30 (twenty years ago)

no seriously its not that far from downtown to pasadena like 20 mins with no traffic

― howell huser (chaki), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:32 (twenty years ago)

I suppose it would be ridiculous of me to even ask about public transit.

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:33 (twenty years ago)

http://www.mta.net/

― howell huser (chaki), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:42 (twenty years ago)

the only downside to Pasadena is that it gets shit hot in the summer.. otherwise, it's definitely one of the nice parts of greater L.A. The downtown area is really quaint, but gets a bit boring after a while.

At least it's not Burbank or Glendale.

― Dom iNut (donut), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:45 (twenty years ago)

..or worse yet, San Fernando, the city.

― Dom iNut (donut), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:46 (twenty years ago)

you hate mexicans!

― howell huser (chaki), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:48 (twenty years ago)

I tried having a look downtown but it all seemed like sparkling white Banana Republics in hacienda-style buildings to me. Granted, I only strolled about for an hour or so.

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:48 (twenty years ago)

I'd like to meet a Mexian. At least they have a decent football team.

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:49 (twenty years ago)

dood go to santee ally

― howell huser (chaki), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:52 (twenty years ago)

are you speaking spanish?

― adamrl (nordicskilla), Monday, 9 January 2006 23:53 (twenty years ago)

So, if one were to have...daily business in Pasadena, would it be feasible to commute from a nice part of LA?

Take the Gold Line! I do it twice a week.

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 02:46 (twenty years ago)

Although lately, I was hoping that this thread would be about this show

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 02:47 (twenty years ago)

http://deseretnews.com/photos/2434545.jpg

― Elvis Telecom (Chris Barrus), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 02:48 (twenty years ago)

The original Pasadena family...

http://www.gasolinealleyantiques.com/celebrity/images/Artwork/tv-family.jpg

― nickn (nickn), Tuesday, 10 January 2006 09:54 (twenty years ago)

one month passes...

haha

o.k. then

― Cousin yogurt beard (nordicskilla), Thursday, 23 February 2006 21:20 (twenty years ago)

Trader Joe's dude, epic salsas.

― Steve Shasta (Steve Shasta), Thursday, 23 February 2006 21:26 (twenty years ago)

I may be finding that out for myself.

― Cousin yogurt beard (nordicskilla), Thursday, 23 February 2006 21:28 (twenty years ago)

no seriously its not that far from downtown to pasadena like 20 mins with no traffic

But what about from the West Side? WITH traffic? ;P

― Cousin yogurt beard (nordicskilla), Thursday, 23 February 2006 21:32 (twenty years ago)

What's the run-down and bordello-y pool hall? Is that the Colorado?

Otherwise, shopping for old screenplays in used bookstores - that's a good pastime there.

― Eazy (Eazy), Thursday, 23 February 2006 21:40 (twenty years ago)

What's the run-down and bordello-y pool hall? Is that the Colorado?

The 35-er?

― The Equator Lounge (Chris Barrus), Friday, 24 February 2006 00:10 (twenty years ago)

The 35er isn't really run down any more, the Colorado still looks sleazy from the outside, and was a pit (tho' a friendly pit) the last time I was in there. I think they only have one or two tables. There's a low-rent rent pool hall up Lake, near Washington, with a good Salvadoran restaurant next door. And Jake's in Old Pasadena has many tables downstairs.

― nickn (nickn), Friday, 24 February 2006 07:09 (twenty years ago)

sounds like the Colorado eazy's talking about. there's an even divier place with one table on Washington near Allen with a mostly latino clientele. A non-Pasadenan friend coincidentally scouted this place for a film project and met the owner a few weeks ago(cool old lady he says), I'd thought it closed down. Jerry's(the one on Lake) is nice if you just want to play pool without all the 'atmosphere'.

― tremendoid (tremendoid), Friday, 24 February 2006 08:12 (twenty years ago)

Talk about Highland Park.

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 19:42 (twenty years ago)

How far to Pasadena? Not far at all, presumably.

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 19:42 (twenty years ago)

not far at all

― gear (gear), Thursday, 2 March 2006 19:45 (twenty years ago)

one can see highland park from my hacienda

― gear (gear), Thursday, 2 March 2006 19:45 (twenty years ago)

do you like living there?

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 19:45 (twenty years ago)

yes. and very close proximity to hollywood, silverlake, los feliz, glendale, pasadena, etc.

― gear (gear), Thursday, 2 March 2006 19:59 (twenty years ago)

I know about all of those except for this "glendale". What's that? I like Los Feliz. Are rents high?

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 20:00 (twenty years ago)

Highland Park is the new Silverlake (or so "they" say). They've also unfortunately started referring to it and the surrounding area as NELA (North East L. A.).

Glendale has a large Armenian community (something like 30-40% of the population) so has many good Middle-Eastern/Armenian restaurants, but otherwise seems kind of dull for a town of its size.

― nickn (nickn), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:10 (twenty years ago)

Right, it's a "town". The whole Greater Los Angeles thing is still very confusing to me.

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:14 (twenty years ago)

I'll be in town June 2-11, probably hitting the flea market on the morning of the 11th.

I'll big-up Eagle Rock even though I haven't been back in years.

― Steve Shasta (Steve Shasta), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:18 (twenty years ago)

What's that?

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:19 (twenty years ago)

It's like Uxbridge... or Berkeley.

― Steve Shasta (Steve Shasta), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:21 (twenty years ago)

As in...?

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:22 (twenty years ago)

glendale is sort of boring, yeah. but eagle rock isn't bad at all.

the rent on my los feliz apt isn't bad, considering how much rents typically are. if you can find a one-bedroom for $1000 you're in luck.

― gear (gear), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:22 (twenty years ago)

North Highland Park.

― nickn (nickn), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:22 (twenty years ago)

I know about all of those except for this "glendale". What's that? I like Los Feliz. Are rents high?

I started working in Glendale last month. As previously mentioned, there's a large Armenian community and plenty of good restaurants. The downside is that there's is really nothing to separate it from other L.A. anonotowns like Burbank or Torrance. The downtown area along Brand Blvd. is choked with traffic on the weekends and parking is tricky at best. Glendale runs it's own bus system which doesn't appear to mesh well with the existing MTA system.

On the plus side, Glendale is also home to Montrose - which is currently my go-to Secret Cool Neighborhood.

― The Equator Lounge (Chris Barrus), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:30 (twenty years ago)

oooh, that sounds cool!

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:37 (twenty years ago)

is Eagle Rock still home to (world famous/genuine/no.1/original/whatever)Tommy's Burger? That and a probably non-existent Bowling Alley and definitely non-existent Montgomery Ward's(where I got my first bike!)are the whole of my meager yet pleasant memories of the 'ER.

― tremendoid (tremendoid), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:43 (twenty years ago)

that whole area feels sort of secret. all those hills.

― gabbneb (gabbneb), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:43 (twenty years ago)

In terms of neighborhoods, I'd be (and this is still at a just-a-bit-more-than-hypothetical stage) looking probably for somewhere In LA proper that is in decent proximity to Pasadena. It's more important that said area functions as a proper neighborhood rather than being hip or anything like that. That said, I wouldn't want to live in a sleepy burb. I currently live in Berkeley and even though there is stuff going on, I miss the feel of being embraced by a big city, even if LA doesn't conform to standard defintions of this. However, safety is also an issue.

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:44 (twenty years ago)

is Eagle Rock still home to (world famous/genuine/no.1/original/whatever)Tommy's Burger?

There is still a Tommyburger in Eagle Rock, but THE Tommyburger is at Beverly & Rampart.

― The Equator Lounge (Chris Barrus), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:45 (twenty years ago)

Nordic, you might want to conside the entire Lincoln Heights, Mt. Washington, Highland Park area. There's easy access to the Gold Line for Pasadena & downtown L.A. travel and traffic is *relatively* calmer than on the west side.

Where's your commute going to be to, Pasadena?

― The Equator Lounge (Chris Barrus), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:49 (twenty years ago)

X-post

There's a Tommy's in Pasadena now, too, but I never got the love.

Will you be working in Pasadena, Adam? There is a train connecting downtown LA and Pasadena. Maybe you could check out a loft-type arrangement downtown, as that would put you closer to Hollywood and the West side.

― nickn (nickn), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:53 (twenty years ago)

I have been accepted into a school there, but I'm sorting through other things before I make a final decision. Loft sounds good!

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:54 (twenty years ago)

Art Center? You don't have to answer if you'd rather not say. And I don't have any connection to it except having taken a class there once.

― nickn (nickn), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:58 (twenty years ago)

...probably...

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 22:59 (twenty years ago)

I went to some film student-y party at a loft right next to the train track(the train was whisper quiet tho), this place looked pretty high end though. Cool places if you can swing it, Downtown is definitely getting luxuried out.
Eagle Rock had/has a huge comic books store too, I remember sleeping over at a friend's whose house was within walking distance, waking up, stuffing myself with chorizo, which I'd never heard of at that point, and trekking to my mecca with a BIG 11 or so dollars in hand

― tremendoid (tremendoid), Thursday, 2 March 2006 23:01 (twenty years ago)

I've always liked downtown, but I suppose saying that is probably a cliche to a lot of Angelenos now. It's true though!

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 23:02 (twenty years ago)

I will be living on student loans -a totally new concept to me-so "high-end" is most definitely out of the question!

― Adam Rice Lacucaracha (nordicskilla), Thursday, 2 March 2006 23:04 (twenty years ago)

Speaking of Eagle Rock and comics, I always liked that this guy lived in Eagle Rock

http://www.bulledair.com/images_focus/concrete/con95.jpg

― The Equator Lounge (Chris Barrus), Thursday, 2 March 2006 23:13 (twenty years ago)

glendale is a better place to live more of everthing

― tim jamison, Sunday, 12 March 2006 14:53 (twenty years ago)

one year passes...

All other problems in the world solved, so now it's time to ban swearing in South Pasadena.

― Elvis Telecom, Thursday, 6 March 2008 16:10 (eighteen years ago)

ban pasadena

― carne asada, Thursday, 6 March 2008 16:43 (eighteen years ago)

south pasadena is not pasadena

― tremendoid, Thursday, 6 March 2008 17:03 (eighteen years ago)

(dead to me, etc.)

― tremendoid, Thursday, 6 March 2008 17:03 (eighteen years ago)

Yeah, I live in South Pas. This type of thing does not surprise me. I love the small townness of the area, and the fact that its safe and quiet, but this type of thing just makes me a little worried about people's sense of perspective.

The burger joint they talk about in the article is a good spot. Never had the chili fries, though.

― B.L.A.M., Thursday, 6 March 2008 17:48 (eighteen years ago)

And South Pas =/= Pasadena. For certain.

― B.L.A.M., Thursday, 6 March 2008 18:17 (eighteen years ago)

And South Pas =/= Pasadena. For certain.

Absolutely. I just didn't want to start a separate South Pasadena thread.

However, South Pas. talk makes me want to go to Yasmeen's for lunch.

― Elvis Telecom, Thursday, 6 March 2008 19:13 (eighteen years ago)

Nice. No need to start a new South Pas thread - we like the relative level of anonymity we enjoy as the area south of Pasadena and north of Alhambra.

― B.L.A.M., Thursday, 6 March 2008 20:17 (eighteen years ago)

I actually don't mind South Pas, I just don't know where to go. Bristol Farms(for special occasions), Wild Thyme (meh) and the Rialto (RIP) are my only touchstones pretty much. not counting a few ill-fated attempts to troll that high school for girls (when I was in high school)

― tremendoid, Thursday, 6 March 2008 20:43 (eighteen years ago)

altadena fish market (???) used to be an epic lunch spot back in the day.

― Steve Shasta, Thursday, 6 March 2008 21:12 (eighteen years ago)

I'm in South Pasadena all the time! Mainly for Videotheque. I like it there but all the people in Buster's and that other coffee shop seem like proper wankers.

― admrl, Friday, 7 March 2008 01:37 (eighteen years ago)

three years pass...

It's nice that Pasadena has its own thread

― Elderflower Gimcrax Flores (admrl), Thursday, 11 August 2011 20:56 (fourteen years ago)

i have never been, still

― clams cassingle (donna rouge), Thursday, 11 August 2011 21:14 (fourteen years ago)

Really? You should. Rose Bowl market, city college market (a real gem), good food, movie theatres. Yeah it's a little white bread in parts but it's nowhere near as fascist as part of the OC and it's prettier than Glendale. I could live there, maybe. Not sure. If I could afford studio space there I would, maybe.

― Elderflower Gimcrax Flores (admrl), Thursday, 11 August 2011 21:55 (fourteen years ago)

eleven years pass...

Just a FYI, the hype over Miya on Lake is well deserved. It's really really good. Also at some point in your life, make sure that you get Indonesian rice and fried chicken at Top Restaurant on E. Colorado.

― Elvis Telecom, Sunday, 28 May 2023 07:21 (three years ago)

one year passes...

Legit great guide. I'm more than 50% in agreement here.

The 18 Best Restaurants in Pasadena
https://la.eater.com/maps/best-pasadena-restaurants-california-los-angeles-south-pasadena-old-town

― Elvis Telecom, Wednesday, 12 March 2025 09:46 (one year ago)

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