Best Late Night Restaurants in Pasadena
7 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Main Chick Hot Chicken
Nashville hot chicken with exceptional spice customization and notably juicy dark meat
Notable Picks
8.4
Nashville-style hot chicken concept serving juicy, crispy fried chicken with customizable heat levels from mild to supreme. Dark meat sandwiches on Hawaiian sweet buns with comeback sauce have earned a devoted following among Old Pasadena diners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dark Meat Sandwich, Chicken Tenders with MC Sauce, Leg & Thigh Combo
What Makes it Special: Nashville hot chicken with exceptional spice customization and notably juicy dark meat
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
Worthy Picks
#3
King Taco
7.9
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
A 50-year LA institution that built its name on spit-roasted al pastor carved to order and handmade tamales—the kind of no-frills counter-service operation where the food does all the talking and the prices stay low enough to feed the whole family without thinking twice. It runs on volume and muscle memory, which means the core menu hits reliably, but don't expect anything beyond fluorescent lights and plastic trays.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tamales, Sopes, Al Pastor
What Makes it Special: LA's iconic taco chain built its reputation on spit-roasted al pastor and handmade tamales served fast and cheap since 1974
#4
The Hat
7.8
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
7.8
A high-volume Pasadena taco truck that has built its reputation on straightforward street tacos executed consistently enough to sustain a loyal late-night crowd. The window-serve setup and back-lot parking work best for quick pickups or standing around with asada fries after hours. Budget-friendly pricing and a focused menu make it a reliable default for regulars who know what they want.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish Tacos, Al Pastor, Asada Fries
What Makes it Special: Longtime Pasadena taco truck serving high-volume street tacos with a loyal late-night following
#6
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.
#7
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