Cool Restaurants Around Eagle Rock (Los Angeles, Pasadena: neighborhoods, live, shops)

[RandalJ]

My wife and I are visiting in a few days, and are going to be driving around NE LA to see what neighborhoods we might like to move to from Phoenix in a year or so. I have read the forum for places with interesting, historic neighborhoods with somewhat of a village-like vibe such as Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Mt Washington, Pasadena, North Hollywood, and for this trip we are zeroing in on maybe a seven mile radius from the center of Eagle Rock. Things could change, but I figured for a few days this would be a good starting point for looking around. We'll just kind of drive in concentric circles.

First, I would be grateful if anyone would throw out some cross streets in each of these neighborhoods that would give us an idea of what you like about the area. What I'd like (which may be different from what you like) would be spots with good walking access to things like supermarkets, hopefully a used book and/or music store, pubs, busses, trains, etc. Even if you send us to a bad neighborhood, just as a joke, at least we can all have a good laugh! Though I guess you'd have to be there with us for maximum effect...

Also, are there one or two interesting neighborhood restaurants you are wild about within a few miles of Eagle Rock or South Pasadena centers? Anything casual and eclectic would be really cool.

Thanks in advance.

[smokingGun]

I can't comment on casual eateries on that side of town since usually i dine for business over there, but that area has some rly chill drinking holes if that's your thing. Check out 55 Degrees or City Sip for wine and Verdugo for awesome award-winning beers. They don't have full menus but on certain nights gourmet food trucks make their rounds.

[drunk on kool aid]

Originally Posted by RandalJ

My wife and I are visiting in a few days, and are going to be driving around NE LA to see what neighborhoods we might like to move to from Phoenix in a year or so. I have read the forum for places with interesting, historic neighborhoods with somewhat of a village-like vibe such as Eagle Rock, Silver Lake, Atwater Village, Mt Washington, Pasadena, North Hollywood, and for this trip we are zeroing in on maybe a seven mile radius from the center of Eagle Rock. Things could change, but I figured for a few days this would be a good starting point for looking around. We'll just kind of drive in concentric circles.

First, I would be grateful if anyone would throw out some cross streets in each of these neighborhoods that would give us an idea of what you like about the area. What I'd like (which may be different from what you like) would be spots with good walking access to things like supermarkets, hopefully a used book and/or music store, pubs, busses, trains, etc. Even if you send us to a bad neighborhood, just as a joke, at least we can all have a good laugh! Though I guess you'd have to be there with us for maximum effect...

Also, are there one or two interesting neighborhood restaurants you are wild about within a few miles of Eagle Rock or South Pasadena centers? Anything casual and eclectic would be really cool.

Thanks in advance.

In Eagle Rock, Auntie Em's Kitchen and Casa Bianca (thin crust pizza) are pretty popular eateries. Galco's Soda Pop Stop has a huge selection of soda and beer.

Pasadena has tons of places to eat. Old Town Pasadena which is centered around Colorado Blvd. and Fair Oaks Ave. is the de facto destination for food and shopping. It is also serviced by the Gold Line light rail. If you are in Old Town, you can amble over to the corner of Colorado and Orange Grove, and check out the beautiful Norton Simon Museum.

Colorado Blvd, heading east of Old Town Pas, and Lake Ave. which intersects it are the primary streets that have the most shops. Colorado Blvd has several record shops (Canterbury, Penny Lane, Poo-Bah) and new/used bookstores (Vroman's, Cliff's, Book Alley) spread out over a mile or so. Pasadena has several thrift shops (Salvation Army, Out of the Closet, Goodwill) that have the cheapest used books and music, but, of course, they are not organized.

Pasadena has many supermarkets all over the city, including two Whole Foods, two Trader Joe's (including the original), Ralphs, Vons, Food 4 Less, etc.

The South Pasadena farmer's market (Thursdays, 4-8 PM) is very lively and has lots of food stalls as well as produce. It's right off the Gold Line and will put you right in the center of a small, tight collection of restaurants and coffee shops. South Pasadena has two supermarkets (Vons & Pavilions) located inexplicably across the street from each other on Fair Oaks Ave. and Monterey Rd. The second Trader Joe's in history is located a short distance west of the Gold Line station on Mission Rd.

Unless others chime in, I'd recommend using Yelp to help you find specific restaurants and shops.

Good luck.

[RandalJ]

Hey, thanks a lot Smoking and Drunk. God, that sounds like a good idea...

[Troof]

I highly recommend Daisy Mint in Pasadena... bring your own bottle of wine, beer, etc... food is crazy good.
Daisy Mint - Pasadena - Pasadena, CA

Awesome in Pizza (Silverlake) - Tomato Pie Pizza Joint
http://www.yelp.com/biz/tomato-pie-p...-los-angeles-2

If you are a beer snob, Lucky Baldwins in Pasadena is an essential stop...
Lucky Baldwin's - Pasadena - Pasadena, CA



And a friend told me about this place yesterday and recommended it... sounded like a good spot.
Cliff's Edge - Silver Lake - Los Angeles, CA