Any insider tips for Mendocino Farms?

First 90 minutes parking free in lot behind restaurant

What should I order at Mendocino Farms?

Not So Fried Chicken, Peruvian Steak, Banh Mi variations

When should I visit Mendocino Farms?

Lunch hours for fresh offerings, weekdays less crowded

Who should go to Mendocino Farms?

Health-conscious diners, lunch groups, craft beer enthusiasts

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

Any insider tips for Tokyo Chick?

Try the Fuji Wasabi sauce for adventurous heat with unique flavor

What should I order at Tokyo Chick?

Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Tokyo Spicy Wings, any drumstick combo

When should I visit Tokyo Chick?

Lunch and dinner, weekends can be busy

Who should go to Tokyo Chick?

Fried chicken enthusiasts, Japanese food lovers, spice seekers

Any insider tips for The Hat?

Order wet fries on the side to control distribution yourself

What should I order at The Hat?

Pastrami Dip (wet), Chili Cheese Fries, Orange Bang drink

When should I visit The Hat?

Lunch rush or late evening until 11pm

Who should go to The Hat?

Pastrami lovers, families, late-night diners, nostalgia seekers

Best Sandwiches Restaurants in Pasadena (91101)

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

Notable Picks

#1 Mendocino Farms

8.3

$$ South Lake District

Vibes: Healthy Haven Business Lunch Power Players Outdoor Dining Oasis Group Dining Gatherings

Since 2005, this farm-to-table chain creates unexpected culinary adventures with sandwiches and salads using Scarborough Farms greens and fearless flavor combinations. The Pasadena location features craft beer, wine on tap, and outdoor patio seating with validated parking behind the restaurant.

Must-Try Dishes: Not So Fried Chicken Sandwich, Peruvian Steak Sandwich, Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada

What makes it special: Unexpected ingredient combinations with farm-sourced produce and craft beverages

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#2 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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#3 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

#4 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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#5 Tokyo Chick

7.9

$$ Old Pasadena

Vibes: Trendy Table Hotspots Quick Bites Champions Instagram Worthy Wonders Solo Dining Sanctuaries

Open Japanese kitchen specializing in crispy fried chicken with five housemade Japanese sauces including Signature Crispy, Ninja Teriyaki, and Tokyo Spicy. Fresh chicken wings, sandwiches, and bento boxes are cooked to order in front of guests with creative fusion flavors.

Must-Try Dishes: Original Crispy Chicken Sandwich, Tokyo Spicy Wings Bento, Chicken Katsu Musubi

What makes it special: Japanese-style fried chicken with five distinct housemade sauces

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#6 The Hat

7.8

$ Northwest Pasadena

Vibes: Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance Quick Bites Champions Family Friendly Favorites Late Night Legends

Since 1951, this Southern California institution serves world-famous pastrami dip sandwiches with thin-sliced tender meat piled high on soft rolls. The retro atmosphere with classic neon signage offers generous portions of American fast-food classics including legendary chili cheese fries.

Must-Try Dishes: Pastrami Dip, Chili Cheese Fries, Onion Rings

What makes it special: 70+ year legacy serving Southern California's most iconic pastrami sandwiches

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