30 Best Cocktail Bars in Pasadena

“Absolutely loved this place. We will definitely be coming back. We got Citrus Salad, Carne en su Jugo & Carnitas Wow, just Wow!!!!!“

“I've been here twice now! The first time I went it was absolutely perfect and I was so excited to go again. The food was wonderful both times with every dish tasting amazing! The cocktails are incredible too - I'm still dreaming of my lemon drop martini! The only thing on my second visit was that it was really cold and I had to keep my jacket on the whole night, and the noise was just a tiny bit too loud so I had to yell to hear my friends... I'll definitely go back but I hope my next visit is more like the first time I went!“

“Our second time in, first time inside...what a fantastic place! Our food and service was stellar! Thomas, our server, was extremely intricate to our heck of a time as was Claudia's surprise visit! We'll be back and we'll be back after that as well!“

“Excelente comida y atención“

“The food was delicious. I can't wait to go back and try some of the other offerings. I loved everything about the food, kitchen staff, design of the space, choices in the furnishings and wares, and cleanliness of the spaces. The slight discomfort I felt was with the cashier's ability to fulfill the drink orders; I had to remind the cashier, one by one, on each of the drinks we had ordered. I was a bit stressed when there was opposition to my reminders. As if I would make up untruths regarding if I ordered a Coke. Anyway, I didn't let it spoil my experience. Beautiful place!“

“I've been wanting to try this for a while as I've been to their Los Angeles location and was really satisfied with the food there. I went to happy hour with my brother and cousin and we ordered an assortment of tacos and drinks. While everything was fantastic, standouts include the Lobster Taco and the Dos Gringas. They also dropped a basket of nacho chips with a dip that was great. The service was also amazing, very attentive waitstaff was nice. We had requested some ingredients to be put on the side and they were very accommodating. Definitely want to go back and try some dinner items as well as their desserts.“

“Beautiful speakeasy in the heart of Old Town Pasadena. The vintage mixed with modern decor and sultry but tasteful BDSM wall art makes this place one of a kind. The cocktail experience no longer requires a minimum (previously 3 drinks) and the food pairings are thoughtfully curated.Planning a visit? Head over to Pie Hole and head down the stairs on your left. Find the washroom, take one last look and don't forget to flush.*If you have a party of more than 6, your seating may be split so plan accordingly.“

“amazing food, service and ambiance!“

“ITS A GREAT PLACE TO EAT,DRINK, AND LISTEN TO LIVE MUSIC 5 DAYS A WEEK!!“

“When in Pasadena we love coming here!! The staff is always so kind and attentive! The Cactus crew has delighted in ordering the "Mixed green salad +chicken" and the the slam dunk "George Burger" which fulfills the need for bacon of course. The vibe is sooo chill with low lights, muted blue and family heirlooms like the phone pictured below. The logo alone sells this place! A dog with with a top hat AND monocle! sign me up! not only is all this great, but they have live music (wink wink may 28th...Tuesday night) -Cactus Crew“

“The asparagus fries. Crispy & not greasy. You can appreciate the asparagus flavor. We split the Thai spicy salad. It was spicy, but the Thai basil & the peanut dressing were the stars. It didn't need the chicken. The best was the ribeye melt. The meat was cooked perfectly.The sourdough was crusted with parmesan. With a side of horseradish that was perfectly paired for this sandwich.“

“The food is amazing. I highly recommend this bistro.“

“Great food and service. Loved the the rooftop dining!“

“This was our first visit to El Metate. I was impressed with all the menu options. The service was excellent , and the food was delicious.“

“All food is very good, some items are great. (My steak this time was a little tough.) Service is always top-notch even though we were there on Mother's Day and the place was packed. Noise level was high and music added to the cacophony. We're lucky to still have this fine restaurant in Pasadena!“

“Food was good but heavy! This is a loud restaurant and is good if you're wanting a bar style environment with food and drinks. Hence the name - pocha. One of the owners or managers was walking around checking on customers which was so nice. Overall, I enjoyed the food and service was decent but it was a little too heavy for me so I probably won't return.“

“Great music!!!! Great hang!!!!“

“I’ve been 3 times in the past 3 weeks. Service and food is fantastic! Highly recommend Smitty’s Grill.“

“Hostess and waiters are friendly and very attentive.“

“Delicious happy hour - the short rib tacos were delicious and the sliders were very solid. The alien pool party cocktails (not on the happy hour menu) are so stellar. Other good dishes include the dynamite tater tots and the Burrata and tomato salad.“

“Very good food, and great cocktails. Wait staff was friendly and accommodating. We enjoyed our experience.“

“STEPH JUDGEMENT: A casual, comfortable bar with weekend happy hour FTW! We'd been to the Blind Donkey in downtown Long Beach a few times but had no idea there were other locations. We'd come out of an art show at the Armory nearby and wanted to grab a drink and a snack in the area before heading back. While wandering around, I happened to spot their sign down a side street and we decided to investigate. The ambiance was open and inviting, with many windows letting in the sunshine--very different from the Long Beach location, which is cool but underground. There were a bunch of fun and interesting signs and items on the walls, and they also had a parklet outside. It was fairly busy on a Sunday afternoon--the people perhaps drawn in by their weekend Happy Hour, but their prices seemed reasonable overall anyway. We decided to sit at the bar and I got an old fashioned and the hubby a whiskey sour, and we decided to share a grilled cheese sandwich. Everything was excellent, especially the sandwich, which was pressed panini-style and served with pickle chips that were an unexpected and awesome accompaniment--the little zing of acid really livened up the cheese and bread. The bartenders were cool, and it was a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We wouldn't hesitate to return the next time we're in the area.“

“We drive between Phoenix and Monterey Bay, Pasadena is an excellent half way stop. We have eaten here several times. We don’t go back to places we don’t enjoy. The happy hour is excellent! $3.99 cheeseburgers (not a huge burger, but perfect sized!), and a couple of bucks off of draft beers. We will be back!“

“This restaurant has the BEST fish tacos ! They are very lightly breaded with lots of fish! They are freshly made so you wait a little. The Aguachile was delicious! The location is great because it's upstairs with a view towards Colorado Blvd. There is convenient parking in the back. The prices are very reasonable and they have tacos at half price on Tuesdays!! we just found this place and have been there three times already in two weeks! Love this place! This is now our to go place for Mexican seafood!“

“Great live music! Daily and weekend sports and excellent German beer on tap“

“Was invited for a friend’s 50th birthday party recently. Great atmosphere,stylish interior, friendly and efficient servers, and awesome DJ’s spinning 80’s classic dance tunes!!!“

“It was our first time eating here and it did not disappoint! We were overwhelmed by the menu options as they all looked so good. The staff were very nice especially a young lady. Will definitely be back and recommend it to family and friends.“

“Henry the bartender is one of the best ! His drinks are better then any I’ve had and his presence is what makes your bar area so inviting. I’ve come out there many times and you never disappoint! You have a forever customer! Oh did I mention the food is superb and taste fresh and is perfectly portioned!“

“Dog Haus is one of Pasadena's very best burger and dog restaurants. Delicious fresh food prepared in an open kitchen right in front of you. Thet serve a variety of dogs and sausages, burgers, sliders, great sides, and milkshakes. They also have beer and ale available. Super friendly staff, the restaurant is always clean and inviting. Highly recommended.“

“Our waitress Genevieve was extremely nice and knowledgeable!! Great ambiance! Food n drinks! Definitely coming back !“