Any insider tips for The Arbour?

Free parking behind building on Hudson

What should I order at The Arbour?

Sea bass, duck, seasonal vegetables

When should I visit The Arbour?

Dinner service for romantic fireplace seating

Who should go to The Arbour?

Couples and business diners seeking sophistication

Any insider tips for Nick's South Lake Avenue?

Private dining room seats 13-24 guests

What should I order at Nick's South Lake Avenue?

Butter cake, sea bass, asparagus fries

When should I visit Nick's South Lake Avenue?

Weeknight dinner to avoid crowds

Who should go to Nick's South Lake Avenue?

Business diners and special occasion celebrants

Any insider tips for Urbane Cafe?

Staff often remember regular customers and their usual orders

What should I order at Urbane Cafe?

UC Chicken Banh Mi, Chimichurri Steak, fresh-baked focaccia sandwiches

When should I visit Urbane Cafe?

Lunch and dinner daily, open until 10pm

Who should go to Urbane Cafe?

Health-focused lunch crowds, local professionals, families

Any insider tips for Urban Plates?

Portions are generous enough to share sides among the table

What should I order at Urban Plates?

Chimichurri Steak, Turkey Club, Braised Beef & Mushrooms

When should I visit Urban Plates?

Lunch and dinner daily, less crowded mid-afternoon

Who should go to Urban Plates?

Health-conscious diners, families, corporate lunch groups

Any insider tips for The Stand - American Classics Redefined?

Order ahead through app during peak

What should I order at The Stand - American Classics Redefined?

Short rib sandwich, ahi burger, sweet potato fries

Who should go to The Stand - American Classics Redefined?

Families wanting elevated fast-casual dining

Best American Restaurants in Pasadena (91101)

5 hand-picked restaurants, AI-analyzed and critic-validated

Notable Picks

#1 The Arbour

8.8

$$$ South Lake

Vibes: Date Night Magic Outdoor Dining Oasis Instagram Worthy Wonders

Upscale farm-to-table dining showcasing California's agricultural bounty with rustic elegance. The kitchen delivers expertly executed seasonal dishes like Mediterranean sea bass and duck, while the intimate fireplace setting creates romance.

Must-Try Dishes: Mediterranean Sea Bass, Duck Confit, Truffle Crusted Chicken

What makes it special: Farm-to-table philosophy with sustainable local sourcing

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#2 Nick's South Lake Avenue

8.4

$$ South Lake

Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings

Upscale-casual American bistro delivering refined comfort classics with exhibition kitchen flair. The warm butter cake achieves legendary status while Chilean sea bass and prime steaks showcase culinary expertise.

Must-Try Dishes: Warm Butter Cake, Chilean Sea Bass, Prime Rib Dip

What makes it special: Exhibition kitchen and impeccable hospitality standards

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#3 Urbane Cafe

8.1

$$ South Lake

Vibes: Healthy Haven Business Lunch Power Players Quick Bites Champions Outdoor Dining Oasis

Founded in 2003, owner Tom Holt built this cafe around a hearth oven that bakes focaccia dough fresh constantly throughout the day. The scratch kitchen creates gourmet sandwiches and farm-fresh salads with refined local ingredients in a warm yet vibrant counter-service atmosphere.

Must-Try Dishes: UC Chicken Banh Mi, Chimichurri Steak Sandwich, Cilantro Chicken Salad

What makes it special: Scratch-made focaccia baked fresh all day in open-hearth ovens

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#4 Urban Plates

8.0

$$ South Lake

Vibes: Healthy Haven Business Lunch Power Players Family Friendly Favorites Group Dining Gatherings

Chef-driven fast-casual restaurant serving scratch-made plates, sandwiches, and salads with sustainably sourced ingredients including grass-fed steak and cage-free chicken. The cafeteria-style service model features real plates and server delivery to tables despite counter ordering.

Must-Try Dishes: Grilled Steak Sandwich, Turkey Avocado Club, Chimichurri Steak Plate

What makes it special: Sustainable scratch-made plates with grass-fed and cage-free proteins

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Worthy Picks

#5 The Stand - American Classics Redefined

7.9

$$ Old Pasadena

Vibes: Quick Bites Champions Trendy Table Hotspots Family Friendly Favorites

American classics redefined with made-to-order burgers, creative sandwiches, and over twenty topping options. Fast-casual format with craft beer on tap appeals to millennials and families seeking quality without formality.

Must-Try Dishes: Short Rib Grilled Cheese, Southwest Chicken Sandwich, Ahi Tuna Burger

What makes it special: Twenty+ toppings for burger customization

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