Best Happy Hour Restaurants in Pasadena
13 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Pez Coastal Kitchen
Only restaurant in Pasadena specializing in dry-aged seafood techniques
Notable Picks
8.6
Executive Chef Bret Thompson brings innovative sea-to-table cuisine with specialized dry-aging techniques for seafood. The restaurant features an emerald marble bar, shellfish towers reminiscent of Parisian brasseries, and a California-Mediterranean coastal atmosphere.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dry Aged Kingfish Ceviche, Whole Fried Fish of the Day, Chilled Seafood Tower for Two
What Makes it Special: Only restaurant in Pasadena specializing in dry-aged seafood techniques
#2
Sushi Roku
8.4
Contemporary sushi pioneer blending traditional Japanese technique with California innovation and global ingredients. Tucked in a charming Old Town courtyard, the recently renovated space delivers fusion rolls alongside classic preparations in an upscale-casual setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
White Lotus Roll, Katana Roll, Toro with Truffle
What Makes it Special: Pioneering fusion approach incorporating Latin and European ingredients into sushi
8.2
This sake-forward establishment sources fish from Tokyo's famed Tsukiji Market while offering both traditional omakase sets and creative fusion rolls. The spacious interior and extensive sake selection make it ideal for pre-theater dining near the Pasadena Playhouse.
Must-Try Dishes:
Scallop Carpaccio, Monkfish Liver, Ikura Uni Salmon Donguri
What Makes it Special: Direct sourcing from Tsukiji Market in Tokyo
8.2
Century-old craftsman bungalow transformed into trendy gastropub with craft cocktails and global small plates. The eclectic atmosphere features bizarre artwork, cozy lounges, and weekend DJ sets creating vibrant nightlife energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bourbon Burger, Mushroom Toast, Brussels Sprouts
What Makes it Special: Historic 1912 bungalow with unique cocktail program
#5
Fishwives
8.2
New England-style seafood bar earning Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition for dock-to-table freshness within 24 hours. The unpretentious space focuses on quality over ambiance with stellar lobster rolls and an extensive raw bar selection.
Must-Try Dishes:
Portland Maine Lobster Roll, Maryland Blue Crab Cakes, Oyster Selection
What Makes it Special: Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient since 2017
#6
MAMA M SUSHI
8.2
Family-run neighborhood spot serving fresh sushi rolls and traditional Japanese fare with care. Known for creative specialty rolls like the Playboy and Porkchop, plus crispy rice tuna that keeps regulars coming back weekly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Playboy Roll, Porkchop Roll, Crispy Rice Tuna
What Makes it Special: Decade-plus presence with warm hospitality and creative fusion rolls
Located in a historic bank building, this Brazilian churrascaria offers continuous tableside service of fire-roasted meats and an extensive Market Table perfect for business lunches. The Bar Fogo area features all-day happy hour ideal for informal meetings over Brazilian-inspired cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Picanha, Filet Mignon, Lamb Chops
What Makes it Special: Continuous tableside meat service with dry-aged lockers
8.1
A Pasadena salad institution since 1979, built around the Dianne Salad — a Chinese chicken salad that moves over 2,000 orders a week — and the signature zucchini bread that arrives with every plate. It runs as a patio-first, group-friendly lunch spot where the menu leans heavily on composed salads with enough variety to keep regulars rotating. Weekend brunch draws crowds and noise; weekday visits land the same food with a calmer room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dianne Salad, GSR Zucchini Bread, Cornucopia Salad
What Makes it Special: Pasadena institution since 1979, famous for the Dianne Salad — a Chinese chicken salad ordered over 2,000 times per week — and their signature zucchini bread served with every salad.
8
Chef Jose Acevedo brings Wolfgang Puck training to elevated Mexican fare, with a mole that skews sweet and tableside guacamole that regulars swear by. The happy hour crowd packs the patio for carnitas nachos and margaritas at reasonable prices—skip it at dinner if you're watching the bill. Works well for groups who want a polished Lake Avenue spot with strong drink service and manageable noise.
Must-Try Dishes:
Guacamole, Chef Jose's Flan, Enchiladas de Pollo en Mole Oaxaqueño
What Makes it Special: Chef Jose Acevedo's signature carnitas recipe passed down through generations, with hand-made tortillas and hand-squeezed cocktail juices
Worthy Picks
#10
Anayas
7.7
The newest outpost from the established Anaya family brings traditional Mexican flavors to Colorado Boulevard. Happy hour features discounted margaritas and appetizers in a festive, modern setting.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Chicken Fajitas, Shrimp Ceviche Tostada
What Makes it Special: Newest location from established Mexican restaurant family
7.6
Pioneering California-style pizza chain that's been serving innovative toppings like BBQ chicken pizza since 1985. This Old Town location offers a full bar and patio seating perfect for people-watching on Los Robles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Thai Chicken Pizza, Margherita with Burrata
What Makes it Special: Inventor of the BBQ chicken pizza phenomenon
#12
Yard House
7.6
A 130-tap draft house with a scratch kitchen that leans global — ahi poke nachos, cajun jambalaya, plant-based wings — giving the beer-and-screens format more culinary range than most sports bars attempt. The Paseo Colorado location works best for groups who want shareable plates, validated garage parking, and a patio fallback when the main room gets loud during peak hours.
Must-Try Dishes:
Poke Nachos, Spicy Jambalaya, Chicken Nachos
What Makes it Special: Over 100 craft and import beers on tap paired with a scratch kitchen turning out globally inspired bar food like ahi poke nachos and cajun jambalaya.
#13
The Mixx
7.6
Located in the Arts District, this contemporary American bar features a dedicated Taco Program with $3 tacos during their all-day Tuesday-Thursday happy hours. The venue combines New American cuisine with live entertainment, offering craft cocktails and upscale bar food at competitive prices.
Must-Try Dishes:
Happy Hour Street Tacos, Pastrami Burger, Craft Cocktail Tacos
What Makes it Special: $3 tacos during all-day happy hour Tuesday-Thursday