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Bobby's Place
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Bobby's Place
7.8
Local gem serving fresh burgers and all-day breakfast with ingredients sourced from local farmers daily. Known for their French Burger on sourdough and generous portions that keep college students and families coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Burger on Sourdough, Breakfast Tacos, Beer-Battered Onion Rings
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Daily fresh-ground beef at budget prices
Who should go: Budget-conscious families and college students
When to visit: Weekday mornings for breakfast without wait
What to order: French burger, breakfast burrito, onion rings
Insider tip: Online ordering saves 10-15 minutes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant with 20 spaces, fills up lunch/dinner rush. Street parking on Green St usually available
Dress code: Come as you are - flip flops to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Family restaurant buzz - lively but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 15-25 min peak times, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min noon rush, otherwise immediate seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers, salads, breakfast items all day
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie burger, ask about daily specials
Gluten-free options: Accommodating - lettuce wrap any burger, dedicated fryer for fries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual third dates - it's too no-frills for first impressions but perfect once you're comfortable. Great for breakfast dates though
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, they don't take reservations. Worst wait is 25 minutes weekend evenings. Grab a number and browse the shops nearby
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - kids menu, crayons, high chairs, and staff that doesn't mind the chaos. Half the tables are families on weekends
Best For
Better for: Fresh-ground beef quality at In-N-Out prices, all-day breakfast that rivals diners at half the cost
Skip if: You want Instagram-worthy ambiance or craft cocktails - this is about honest food not fancy vibes
Bobby's Place
7.6
Local gem serving fresh, locally-sourced American comfort food with standout burgers and breakfast items available all day. The friendly service and reasonable prices make it perfect for casual working lunches or quick team meals without corporate stuffiness.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Burger on Sourdough, Breakfast Tacos, Sweet Potato Fries
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7
What makes it special: Daily fresh ingredients from local suppliers.
Who should go: Budget-conscious teams and college groups
When to visit: Off-peak hours for faster service
What to order: French Burger, sweet potato fries, breakfast items
Insider tip: Order online for quick pickup during busy hours
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on North Lake Ave, usually spots available. Small lot behind building fills up at lunch rush
Dress code: Come as you are - anything from workout clothes to business casual fits right in
Noise level: Energetic but manageable - easy conversation at your table
Weekend wait: Walk right in - rarely more than 5 minutes
Weekday lunch: 12-1pm gets busy, 10-15 min wait. Order ahead online to skip
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, salads, breakfast options all day
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, ask about daily specials
Gluten-free options: Some options - bunless burgers, salads, check with staff on prep
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second or third dates - it's low-key and unpretentious but not trying to impress anyone. Great if you want to focus on conversation over atmosphere
Can I get a table without a reservation? They don't take reservations - it's first come, first served. Rarely an issue except noon-1pm weekdays when local workers flood in
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, kids menu, and the casual vibe means no one minds normal kid noise. All-day breakfast is a hit with little ones
Best For
Better for: Fresh-made comfort food at chain restaurant prices. Better ingredient quality than typical diners, faster than sit-down restaurants
Skip if: You need to impress clients or want Instagram-worthy plating. Head to Union or Mi Piace for business entertainment
Bobby's Place
7.8
Vibes:
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Family Friendly Favorites
Hidden Gems Heaven
A Pasadena institution since 1964 (formerly Rick's), this family-run neighborhood spot serves straightforward burgers alongside Mexican favorites. Fresh daily ingredients and nostalgic recipes keep locals coming back for comfort food that hasn't changed in decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Burger (on Sourdough), Ortega Green Chile Burger, Combo Burrito
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Family-owned since 1964 with unchanged recipes and local ingredient sourcing
Who should go: Longtime locals, families, students craving affordable comfort food
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner, plenty of parking available
What to order: French Burger on sourdough, beer-battered onion rings, breakfast burrito
Insider tip: Originally Rick's Burgers from 1964, many locals still call it by the old name
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Ample free street parking and small lot - never an issue in this residential area
Dress code: Come as you are - jeans, t-shirts, gym clothes all normal for this casual counter-service spot
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation, family-friendly atmosphere without bar noise
Weekend wait: 5-10 min for food after ordering, no table wait (counter service with casual seating)
Weekday lunch: Quick turnover, 5-8 min typical, popular with nearby workers
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers available, plus bean burritos and cheese quesadillas from Mexican menu
Vegan options: Limited - can modify veggie burger (no cheese/mayo), bean & rice options without dairy
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF buns, but can do burgers protein-style or stick to Mexican rice bowls
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Only if you're both laid-back and nostalgic types - this is genuine hole-in-the-wall comfort food, not trying to impress. Better for early-relationship casual hangouts than first impressions.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's counter-service with first-come seating. Grab a table when you order, rarely crowded enough to have issues finding a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - this is a family neighborhood institution with high chairs, simple menu items kids love, and zero pretension. Locals bring multiple generations here regularly.
Best For
Better for: Authentic neighborhood nostalgia and unbeatable value ($10-12 meals) - this beats any chain for that 'real Pasadena locals' vibe and unchanged-since-1964 recipes. Also superior for quick, satisfying lunch when you want quality over scene.
Skip if: You want craft burgers with premium toppings, modern atmosphere, or Instagram moments - head to Pie 'N Burger or The Burger Parlor instead. Also skip if you need full bar service or date-night ambiance.