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Union Street French Café
Master Critic Review
Union Street French Café
7.8
This charming family-owned café run by Chantal and her husband from Bordeaux serves authentic French breakfast and lunch fare with housemade pastries and daily coffee specials. The intimate space features both indoor seating and a side alley patio, creating a genuine Parisian café experience in Old Pasadena.
Must-Try Dishes:
Canelés de Bordeaux, Croque Madame, Salmon and Spinach Quiche
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.4
What makes it special: Authentic French owners bringing genuine Bordeaux traditions
Who should go: Morning pastry seekers and casual lunch crowds
When to visit: Weekend mornings before 11am for fresh croissants
What to order: Canelés, galettes, avocado toast with French twist
Insider tip: Owner Chantal personally curates the wine selection
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Union and Raymond, 2-hour meters until 6pm, easier spots on side streets
Dress code: Casual café atmosphere, anything from workout clothes to business casual fits
Noise level: Quiet mornings perfect for conversation, moderate lunch buzz but still intimate
Weekend wait: Closes at 3pm - lunch only establishment
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min peak noon rush, no wait before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - galettes with veggie fillings, quiches, salads, pastries
Vegan options: Very limited - mainly salads without cheese, ask about daily soups
Gluten-free options: Minimal - buckwheat galettes naturally GF but limited other options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual morning coffee dates - cozy patio creates intimate atmosphere without dinner pressure, plus built-in time limit since they close at 3pm
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, walk-ins welcome and usually successful except weekend brunch rush 10am-noon - arrive before 9:30am or after 1pm for guaranteed seating
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved children - small space means strollers difficult, but French owners welcome families and have simple crepes kids love
Best For
Better for: More authentic than Pitchoun for casual French breakfast, owners actually from Bordeaux vs corporate French concepts, better prices than Maison Giraud
Skip if: Want full dinner service or cocktails - choose Petit Trois instead, need large group seating - too small for parties over 6