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Eden Garden Bar & Grill
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Eden Garden Bar & Grill
8.2
This historic venue transforms dining into an experience with its enchanting garden patio, live music, and belly dancing performances. The fire-grilled kebabs and authentic Middle Eastern dishes are served in a romantic brick-walled garden setting with water features.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fire-Grilled Lamb Kebab, Mixed Grill Platter, Stuffed Grape Leaves
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Live entertainment in historic garden setting
Who should go: Groups seeking dinner and show experience
When to visit: Thursday-Saturday for belly dancing shows
What to order: Mixed grill, hookah, house wine
Insider tip: Garden patio seats 120 with heaters and fans
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking limited, nearby public lot $8 flat rate after 5pm on Garfield Ave
Dress code: Smart casual recommended, especially on show nights - think date night attire
Noise level: Moderate to loud during shows - intimate conversation possible between performances
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation on show nights (Thu-Sat)
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min typical, patio fills up by 12:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive mezze options, veggie kebabs, and falafel plates
Vegan options: Yes - hummus, baba ganoush, tabbouleh, ask for kebabs without yogurt sauce
Gluten-free options: Limited - grilled meats and salads available, no dedicated prep area
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for memorable first dates - the garden atmosphere and live entertainment provide natural conversation starters, though it can get loud during belly dancing shows (9pm Thu-Sat)
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches usually fine, but absolutely need reservations Thu-Sat nights. Bar seating sometimes available for walk-ins, but garden patio books up days in advance for weekends
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older kids (10+) who can appreciate the cultural entertainment. The belly dancing and hookah atmosphere make it more adult-oriented, especially after 8pm
Best For
Better for: The only Mediterranean spot in the area with nightly live entertainment and a genuine garden oasis feel - beats competitors on atmosphere and experience value
Skip if: You want a quiet, intimate dinner or need quick service - try Mediterraneo Bistro for romance without shows or Zankou for faster casual Mediterranean
Eden Garden Bar & Grill
8.1
Historic venue with church-like windows and brick walls housing a vibrant Middle Eastern dining room and garden patio. Evening entertainment includes live music, belly dancing, and hookah service alongside traditional mezze platters and charcoal-grilled kebabs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Eden Mix Grill, Kibbeh Nayii, Lamb Kabobs
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Historic building with European garden ambiance and nightly live entertainment
Who should go: Groups seeking atmosphere and celebration-worthy Middle Eastern dining
When to visit: Weekend evenings for live music and belly dancing shows
What to order: Eden Mix Grill combo, mezze sampler, baklava
Insider tip: Reserve indoor seating if you want to avoid hookah smoke
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Colorado Blvd and nearby lots ($8-15), valet available weekends $12. Arrive 15 min early for street spots after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - most opt for date night attire. Jeans acceptable but pair with nice top. Avoid athleisure
Noise level: Lively to loud during live music (8pm+) - conversation possible but you'll lean in. Earlier dining quieter
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation after 7pm, especially Friday/Saturday with live entertainment. Reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, walk-ins usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - extensive options including falafel, stuffed grape leaves, baba ghanoush, fattoush, muhammara. Easily half the mezze menu
Vegan options: Good selection - most mezze are vegan (hummus, tabbouleh, falafel). Request no yogurt sauce. Grilled vegetables available
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice dishes and grilled meats work, but pita is central to the experience. No dedicated prep area, cross-contamination possible
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially if you want to make an impression - the historic ambiance and live entertainment create natural conversation topics. Garden patio is more intimate; avoid prime show times (9pm+) if you want easier conversation. Best for 2nd-3rd date when you're comfortable with moderate noise
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6:30pm) - usually yes. Weekend evenings - unlikely without 45+ min wait. Bar seating is first-come basis and your best backup plan. Call ahead even on weekdays if arriving after 7pm
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens and tweens (12+) than young children. The hookah lounge atmosphere and late-night entertainment vibe skews adult. Families present but not the primary crowd. If bringing kids under 10, dine before 7pm when it's calmer
How long does dinner take here? Plan 90-120 minutes minimum for full experience with mezze and entertainment. Service can be leisurely Mediterranean-paced. If you're on a timeline, mention it upfront or order strategically (skip mezze courses)
Is the belly dancing every night? Friday and Saturday guaranteed, Thursday occasional. Shows typically 9pm and 10:30pm. Call ahead to confirm schedule. Performers circulate tables - tipping $5-10 expected if they engage your table
Best For
Better for: Choose Eden Garden when you want the full Middle Eastern experience package - food PLUS atmosphere, entertainment, and scene. Superior for celebrations, groups of 4+, and dates where you want memorable ambiance over intimate conversation. Best hookah service in Pasadena with extensive flavor menu
Skip if: You want quiet conversation dining, have mobility issues (outdoor patio has steps), are sensitive to smoke even outdoors, or want quick in-and-out service. For authentic food-focused Middle Eastern without the production, try Carousel or Elena's nearby. If noise is a dealbreaker, this isn't your spot on weekends