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The Stand - American Classics Redefined
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
The Stand - American Classics Redefined
7.9
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
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Twenty+ toppings for burger customization
Who should go: Families wanting elevated fast-casual dining
When to visit: Lunch hours or early dinner
What to order: Short rib sandwich, ahi burger, sweet potato fries
Insider tip: Order ahead through app during peak
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Paid lot adjacent ($8 flat rate), street parking limited but free after 8pm
Dress code: Casual - shorts and t-shirts welcome, athletic wear fine
Noise level: Moderately loud - energetic but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min during rush, counter service speeds things up
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, portobello sandwich, extensive salads
Vegan options: Limited - veggie burger can be made vegan, ask for modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes - lettuce wraps available, dedicated fryer for fries
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual second/third dates - counter ordering and sports bar vibe lacks intimacy, but great for relaxed getting-to-know-you over craft beers
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - no reservations taken, first-come first-served. Grab a number, order at counter, they'll bring food to your table
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu, high chairs, crayons provided. Noise level means no one minds energetic children. Best for ages 4+
Best For
Better for: Customization freedom beats Five Guys, craft beer selection tops other burger chains, outdoor seating unlike most fast-casual spots
Skip if: Want table service (try Houston's), need romantic ambiance (Hook Burger better), or seeking true gourmet burgers (Everson Royce Bar)
The Stand - American Classics Redefined
8.2
Since 2003, this fast-casual concept redefines classic American food with made-to-order burgers and grilled chicken sandwiches featuring over twenty topping selections. Located across from Pasadena Playhouse, it offers craft beer and wine on tap with 75 minutes free validated underground parking.
Must-Try Dishes:
ABC Burger, Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Short Rib Grilled Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Highly customizable premium burgers and sandwiches with craft beverages
Who should go: Theater-goers, burger enthusiasts, families, young professionals
When to visit: Pre-theater dinners, weekday lunch, weekend evenings
What to order: ABC Burger, Buffalo Chicken, Ultimate Egg Burger, Short Rib variations
Insider tip: Free parking validation for 75 minutes in garage next to Basecamp Fitness
Logistics & Planning
Parking: 75 minutes free validated parking in underground garage next to Basecamp Fitness - best deal in Playhouse Village
Dress code: Casual comfort - jeans, t-shirts, athleisure all welcome at this fast-casual spot
Noise level: Moderate to lively - fine for casual conversation, not ideal for intimate talks
Weekend wait: 15-25 min during peak theater hours (6-7pm), order-ahead available
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min typical, faster if ordering online for pickup
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burgers, portobello mushroom sandwiches, plus extensive topping customization
Vegan options: Limited - veggie patty available, but verify bun and topping options with staff
Gluten-free options: No dedicated gluten-free buns or separate prep area - cross-contamination risk
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual first dates - relaxed vibe, craft beer selection, and easy conversation over customizable burgers. Skip if you want upscale ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter-service fast-casual. Grab a table when you arrive, order at counter, food brought to you. Peak theater times (6-7pm) may require brief wait for seating.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - build-your-own burger concept appeals to picky eaters, casual atmosphere, reasonable prices. All ages welcome, particularly popular with families ages 5+.
How long does it take to eat here before a show? Allow 45 minutes minimum before curtain at Pasadena Playhouse - 10 min to order, 15 min for food, 20 min to eat comfortably. The free parking validation covers your meal and walk to theater.
Do they have outdoor seating? Yes - patio seating available in Playhouse Village with pleasant street-facing ambiance, ideal for people-watching and temperate evenings.
Best For
Better for: Customization freedom with 20+ toppings, craft beverage selection for a fast-casual spot, convenient theater-district location with validated parking, and consistent quality since 2003
Skip if: You want a traditional sit-down dining experience with full table service, need extensive gluten-free accommodations, or prefer gourmet burger concepts over fast-casual American classics
The Stand - American Classics Redefined
8.2
Established in 2003, this fast-casual spot elevates American classics with made-to-order burgers using a special chuck and brisket blend. The menu spans burgers, sandwiches, salads, and hot dogs with over 20 toppings, plus craft beer and wine on tap.
Must-Try Dishes:
ABC Burger (Avocado Bacon Cheddar), Buffalo Chicken Sandwich, Ultimate Egg Burger
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Elevated fast-casual with house-ground beef blends and craft beverage program
Who should go: Families, theater-goers, and anyone wanting quality without fine-dining commitment
When to visit: Pre-Pasadena Playhouse shows or lunch during weekdays
What to order: ABC Burger on brioche, Fire Fries, Stand IPA
Insider tip: Free 75-minute parking with validation in garage next to Basecamp Fitness
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free 75-min validated parking in garage next to Basecamp Fitness; street parking available but metered
Dress code: Casual comfort - jeans, t-shirts, and sneakers perfectly acceptable
Noise level: Moderate-high - counter-service acoustics but manageable conversation
Weekend wait: 10-15 min for food after ordering, minimal line typically
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min total - quick service model
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger, salads, and customizable options with 20+ toppings
Vegan options: Limited - veggie burger can be modified, salads available without cheese/dressing
Gluten-free options: Yes - lettuce wrap option available for all burgers, gluten-free buns not mentioned
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual-vibe dates - relaxed atmosphere takes pressure off, plus craft beer/wine elevates it beyond typical fast-casual. Skip if you want intimate/quiet conversation though.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter-service ordering. Seating is first-come during busy times, but turnover is quick given the fast-casual format.
Is it kid-friendly? Absolutely - Family Friendly Favorite designation. Casual environment, simple menu kids understand, quick service keeps little ones engaged. All ages welcome.
Best For
Better for: Quality-conscious burger lovers who want fast-casual speed with premium ingredients (house-ground chuck/brisket blend) and craft beverage options. Theater-goers needing reliable timing before Pasadena Playhouse shows.
Skip if: You want full table service, quiet intimate ambiance, or traditional fine-dining burger experience. Choose Pie 'N Burger for old-school counter culture or Lucky Baldwin's for fuller pub atmosphere.
The Stand - American Classics Redefined
7.9
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Fast-casual concept redefining American classics with made-to-order burgers using custom chuck-brisket blend and 20+ stand-made toppings. Counter-service format delivers quality ingredients at accessible prices with creative options like the French Onion Burger.
Must-Try Dishes:
French Onion Burger, ABC Burger, Frozen Custard Shakes
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Customizable premium burgers at fast-casual prices with 20+ toppings
Who should go: Families, burger enthusiasts, quick lunch seekers
When to visit: Off-peak hours to avoid lines, validates parking
What to order: French Onion Burger, build-your-own with custom toppings
Insider tip: Underground parking validation available for 90 minutes
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Underground parking with 90-minute validation - best option. Street parking available but competitive in Old Pasadena
Dress code: Casual - jeans, t-shirts, athleisure all fine. Fast-casual counter service
Noise level: Moderate - can easily chat but expect busy lunch/dinner buzz
Weekend wait: 15-25 min typical - counter service moves fast, most wait is prep time
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min during peak (12-1pm), minimal wait before/after
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie burger option plus extensive customization with 20+ toppings
Vegan options: Limited - can build veggie burger without cheese/mayo, check bun ingredients
Gluten-free options: No dedicated GF buns - limited options for celiac dietary needs
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Casual first date yes, romantic date no. Counter-service format is relaxed and low-pressure, but not intimate. Better for daytime/lunch dates than evening romance
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service. Order at counter, grab a table while food is prepped. Seating first-come during busy times
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly. Casual atmosphere, customizable burgers kids can build how they like, quick service keeps restless kids happy. All ages work well here
Best For
Better for: Customization lovers who want premium ingredients at fast-casual prices. Creative topping combos (like French Onion) beat standard burger chains. Better value than sit-down burger spots with similar quality
Skip if: You want full table service, romantic atmosphere, or craft beer selection. For special occasions or impressive dates, choose a full-service spot. If you need gluten-free, limited options here