Valentine's Date in Pasadena for Any Time of Day
- Alyssa Little
- Feb 2, 2022
- 4 min read
After a year of Pasadena-living, the hubby and I have found a pretty solid go-to list for date night (or any other excuse to eat a meal not cooked in our coat-closet kitchen). With Valentine's Day right around the corner, what better time to share our Pasadena gems for a morning, afternoon, or evening out on the town.
Breakfast, Brunch, and All Things Waffle-y
Sometimes, you're in the mood for a movie and takeout on Valentine's Day. Not ever really wanting to leave the couch on my days off, the more casual, the better (especially in the morning). For breakfast in Pasadena, there are three perfect choices, although I'm pretty sure two of them are chain restaurants...but as a Bob Evans-loving-Ohioan, I still left them in the top three:
This is what I would consider "upscale breakfast" (even though they're always packed and all over L.A. county). With all-organic options, avocado toast, and $8 smoothies this place makes me feel like a true Californian. BUT they have some killer waffles so my Ohio roots won't be neglected. Order at the register, take a number and wait for your fresh pastries and over-sized English tea lattes. Although I sometimes go by myself with a good book, this is a perfect spot for two with seats under an umbrella or by the mosaic fountain.
Another chain, but on a much smaller scale, this restaurant sits right next to Pasadena's Central Park. Crepes de Paris has a similar flow to Urth Caffe: order at the register then find a seat in the courtyard. With both savory and sweet options, you almost have to take a date for a well-balanced meal. Split the banana crepe and follow it up with the ham and cheese crepe for a light breakfast that can easily be walked off at Central Park.
Saved the best for last! I would gladly eat breakfast here any day of the week. Steaming hot coffee, omelettes, French toast, chicken fried steak -- and let's not forget their homemade banana bread. With full potato-wedges served as home fries and the option to cover everything in peppered gravy, The Reyn practically guarantees leftovers for the rest of your Valentine's Day (just remember to schedule some time for a nap after breakfast).
Lunch (The Most Boring Meal of the Day)
Although lunch is often something that can be skipped if you do a good enough job with breakfast, sometimes your Valentine's Day might include a quick bite to eat with your better half (OR a Galentine's meet-up with a friend). If that's the case, spice up this "meh" time of day with one of these delicious lunch locations:
Look at these happy faces! They just prove that Main Chick is a great spot to take anyone special in your life for a quick lunch. With only chicken and fries taking up the majority of the menu, choose your level of spice and sit outside or take it to go. Made fresh to order, the chicken is always steaming hot, even if you get it naked instead of mild, medium, or spicy! Get an extra side of Main Chick Sauce (and don't disrespect me by dipping anything in ranch).
If you're feeling like you need a health boost, head over to CAVA. I just recently found out that this is a chain too, but it's as close to Brassica as I can get in LA so we're sticking with it. The build-your-own-pita, salad or grain bowl (ew) options are a must for fresh and filling lunches. With different salad bases, proteins and unlimited veggie toppings to choose from, you'll make a salad actually worth eating (I recommend the White Sweet Potatoes or Harissa Honey Chicken). Don't forget to add your hummus and grab a free pita for your side.
For my all-time favorite lunch spot, head over to Holly Street and enjoy the most delicious Chicken Tikka Masala, Garlic Naan, and Vegetable Chow Mien you'll ever have. The portions are large enough for two (just remember to order extra garlic naan for your leftovers). Try some other flavors common to Himalayan cooking with various curry options, yak meat and dumpling appetizers, or join me in hoping the lunch buffet returns after COVID finally disappears.
Dinner: Now it's Time to Get Fancy
Although technically the address for this one is Los Angeles, it's on Colorado Boulevard so I'm counting it...
Get a little dressed up and eat outside under beautifully strung lights and clear skies. With charred steak dinners, fresh handmade pastas, and truffle parmesan fries, this is guaranteed to be a special evening. Take advantage of the occasion and order the best dessert on the menu: Brioche Bread Pudding with creme anglaise, dulce de leche, vanilla crumble, and whipped cream (or if you're in the mood for a classic chocolate Valentine's dessert, try their Belgian Chocolate Pudding before heading home).
Okay, I'm cheating again. This one is in South Pasadena, but well worth the short travel (it has free parking!). Make sure to bring a date with an appetite for this one. Sit at the bar or squeeze into a booth to share the cast iron cornbread or pork nachos before splitting a two-meat combo. Wash it down with a cocktail, blueberry lemonade, or cream soda. Whatever you order, just be sure to top off the evening with a hand-scooped milkshake (remember to ask about their seasonal flavors).
A Girl Can Dream...
Alright, ending it with the ultimate Valentine's Day Dinner destination. Even though this is an absolute long-shot with its $300 dinner for two, a girl can dream. And although I don't think I could ever be rich enough to justify spending that much on a single dinner, I'm finding that a lot of places in Pasadena follow this leader in terms of fixed, three to five course Valentine's dinners. If that's what you're into, check out Santuari, Firefly, or Fleming's Prime Steakhouse (and let me know how it goes)!
Absolutely 100% certain I'd cover every inch of my breakfast with that pepper gravy