Read the original article on the Pasadena Convention & Visitor Bureau website and learn about more tasty brunch spots in the city, here.
Brunch has always been a classic Southern Californian experience encompassing food, culture, art and human connection -- but this will be especially true on January 1 after The 135th Rose Parade takes over the streets of historic Pasadena.
Check out these top spots curated by the Pasadena Convention & Visitor Bureau and plan where to fuel up for a day of festivities in downtown Pasadena.
1. Bone Kettle
Bone Kettle features a range of Southeast Asian flavors with dishes like oysters and a spicy papaya salad. Pair your meal with some mimosas and sangrias while choosing from Bali Shakshuka, Pandan and Ube waffles, an island rice plate or the famous 36-hour broth.
Don't miss the "French toast menu" with various flavors that can taste even more delicious outside on the restaurant's beautiful back patio.
2. Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery
Agnes used to be a horse stable -- but today, it feels like a welcoming restaurant, market and cheesery immediately upon walking through the large-scale barn doors on Green Street.
Enjoy a blend of flavors mixing Midwestern nostalgia with LA modernity, including dishes like the cornbread eclair, which is served with chicken liver mousse. There's also the meat and cheese board, which feels perfectly curated, and the sticky toffee pancakes and beet carpaccio are also a crowd favorite.
3. Marston's
Marston’s has been a Pasadena staple since 1987 -- set in a charming Craftsmen cottage serving breakfast and lunch in a cozy and welcoming setting. Vintage decor like paintings of scenic landscapes and florals adorn the walls, complemented by bites like their famous French Toast.
4. Hawg Heaven BBQ
Located in Old Pasadena, Hawg Heaven BBQ serves a wide selection of Cali Mex menu items -- including smoky guacamole, BBQ quesadilla, Mexican pizza, brisket sandwich and alligator and bison from the grill. There’s also a small selection of vegan choices, like the vegan tacos made with jackfruit, grilled veggies and butternut squash.
5. True Food Kitchen
True Food Kitchen in Old Pasadena is a bright, clean and healthy option for brunch, with an expansive menu offering choices like lemon ricotta muffins, breakfast tacos, smoked gouda crustless quiche and nourishing smoothies.
6. Sage Bistro
Old Pasadena's Sage Bistro is known for its impressive, carafe-sized house-made Sangria to share (or not!) while enjoying healthy bites like the Sweet Potato Pancakes served with cacao nibs and goji berries, the Cornbread Jalapeño Pancakes, Polenta tots, and Avocado Hash with habanero "cream cheese." This spot is great for large groups, and each dish is made with ingredients from the restaurant's regenerative organic farm.
7. Russell's
Russell’s signature neon sign signals to those who are hungry, from Fair Oaks in Old Pasadena. There's usually a line outside the door each weekend, of hungry visitors and locals who want to try the tasty bites of this town's favorite eatery that recently celebrated 100 years of hosting American diner classic dishes (amongst a slightly ritzy, but approachable atmosphere).
8. Green Street Restaurant
Since 1979, Green Street Restaurant has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner to the Pasadena community. It's still owned by the same family who started it as a one-room, 18-table cafe. Today, the restaurant is a neighborhood staple. Don't miss trying the freshly baked zucchini bread which is a local and visitor favorite.
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