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ZipPicks Awards
Best Happy Hour Wings in Pasadena
Master Critic Review
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
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
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.
Who should go: Groups seeking shareable plates, cold beer, and big screens
When to visit: Happy hour Mon-Fri 3-6 PM for half-price apps
What to order: Start with the Poke Nachos to split, grab the Spicy Jambalaya as a main, and add Gardein Wings if anyone at the table is plant-based.
Insider tip: The late-night happy hour (Sun-Wed, 10 PM to close) has the same half-price apps with smaller crowds.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Subterranean garage beneath Paseo Colorado with entrances on Colorado Blvd and Green St — 90-minute free parking with restaurant validation, no need for street hunting
Dress code: Upscale-casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but the vibe skews a step above dive-bar casual given the open dining room and classic rock soundtrack
Noise level: Loud — 130 taps of draft beer, classic rock on the speakers, and big-screen TVs make this a high-energy room; expect to raise your voice at peak hours, especially in the bar area; the patio is noticeably quieter
Weekend wait: Expect 30-45+ minute waits on Friday/Saturday evenings — the restaurant stays packed even though the surrounding mall is quiet; put your name in early or arrive before 6pm
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait — reviewers consistently describe weekdays as slow and calm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Dedicated vegetarian menu available featuring gardein plant-based protein substitutions across multiple entrees; items clearly marked on menus and nutrition PDFs on the restaurant website
Vegan options: Official vegan menu includes edamame, gardein chicken rice bowl, and multiple entrees with gardein substitutions; dedicated vegan nutrition PDF available on the restaurant website
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — this is a lively sports bar with classic rock on the speakers, TVs throughout, and a high-energy crowd, especially on game nights. Noise levels run moderate to loud, which can make intimate conversation tough during peak hours. That said, the extensive craft beer selection and broad menu give you plenty to talk about, and the outdoor deck offers a slightly quieter option. Better suited for a casual, low-pressure date where you're both into beer and sports than a candlelit evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Yard House is primarily walk-in, with no formal reservation system for standard dining. Weekday lunches and early evenings you'll typically seat right away. Weekend evenings and game nights expect a 20-40 minute wait, especially for larger tables. For groups of 6 or more, call ahead at (626) 577-9273 so they can plan seating. The bar area is usually first-come, first-served with shorter waits.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — there's a dedicated kids menu for ages 12 and under with items like cheeseburger sliders, mac & cheese, chicken tenders, and grilled cheese, all served with a drink and a side. Crayons and coloring pages are available, and restrooms have changing tables. The casual, high-energy atmosphere means kid noise blends right in. Best for families before 7pm on weekends, when the crowd skews more toward the bar scene later in the evening.
Is it good for groups? Yes — Yard House is well set up for groups and is one of the better chain options for larger parties. They have a dedicated group dining program with a Special Events Coordinator who handles parties for birthdays, corporate events, and celebrations. For groups of 6+, call ahead so they can arrange seating. The spacious layout and long communal-style tables accommodate bigger parties more easily than most restaurants. For very large events, submit a group dining request through their website to get custom menu options and reserved space.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — the Pasadena location has an outdoor deck at the Paseo Colorado complex. The open-air seating overlooks the shopping promenade and is a popular choice in good weather. It fills up quickly on weekend evenings and during happy hour, so arrive early if you want to sit outside. Specifics on heating or covered areas are not confirmed — call ahead if weather is a concern.
Best For
Better for: Big groups who want variety — the massive tap list and broad American menu mean everyone finds something; ideal for catching a game with friends or rolling deep for happy hour
Consider Alternatives If: You want intimate conversation or a quiet date night — the volume and energy level make it tough for anything that requires hearing each other clearly
Hours
Monday11am - 11:30pm
Tuesday11am - 11:30pm
Wednesday11am - 11:30pm
Thursday11am - 11:30pm
Friday11am - 12am
Saturday11am - 12am
Sunday11am - 11:30pm