Flavorful food and great cocktails in an Orleans-vibe atmosphere. I had the braised chicken with peanut sauce. It was super tender. Why can't I carmelize sweet potatoes that good? Husband had jalapeño flank steak. The angel biscuit was straight out of the oven. OMG.
Neil B.
Came here because of the photo of the sticky toffee pudding but I was really in the mood for a steak. Thankfully I read a review that said the hanger steak was their favorite dish here so that's what sold me on it. The server also suggested the biscuit and I'm glad that we did because it was one of our favorite things. I kind of wish we would have taken her suggestion on getting the gumbo, but oh well I guess we'll try that next time. I really enjoyed the steak. It was cooked to a nice medium rare and had an excellent char. I also enjoyed the California winter cocktail. I would like to come back here and order their recommended items.
michael
The best food I have ever tried in all of
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Justin S.
Absolutely loved this place. Food, service ambiance all terrific. The desserts just a B- but else wacky good. Ox tails amazing as was the fish. We will be back soon
Sylva M.
Service was excellent food was ok but very specific taste nd cocktails not good I won't go again
HenryM
Hostess is the nicest and most helpful person and she tried to help with everything she can. also there was another person who sometime brought the food out and talked to customers and he was super nice as well. Inside is super loud and chairs are very unformattable but they helped us to sit outside (thank you) service was very slow and time between salad and main course was over 30 minutes and not to mention that they forgot the biscuit and they brought it with main course after we asked for. my wife ordered OX tail but it was super salty and spicy and after first bite she couldn't touch it, I left it on the side and ordered another dish for her but nobody came to check on our food and ask why she didn't touch her food, at professional establishment after bring out the food they come and check on guest to ask about their food. When they brought our bill, I noticed they charged us for 2 extra items that we didn't ordered and when I asked them she said "Oh cool, I'll fix it", I just want to let you know it is not COOL to charge customer extra and proper answer will be " I'm sorry or I apologize" and then fix the problem. how come you forget our biscuit but don't forget to add couple extra items to our bill? This is not cool, I'm sorry.
JeVarn O'Neal
Wow! What an experience. It's a definite must. My wife and I did the tasting menu and were blown away. Each course was unique and delicious. The service was fantastic as well. If you're looking for something new and unique, you've got to try Henry Parsons Project!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Sarah U.
TL;DR: Lovely menu, excellent food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service! Needs some small creative tweaks in order to pick up momentum and be the hot spot it has the potential to become. -- My husband and I had a wonderful time at Henry Parsons Project! My only regret is that I didn't come hungrier because all of the menu offerings sounded SO good! We'll definitely go back to try more items. HPP's menu features upscale southern dishes, so in terms of cuisine, they fill a void in the Pasadena fine dining scene that was created when White Horse sadly had to close during the pandemic. We ordered two glasses of wine (a white and a red), the crawfish étouffée which was like a warm hug, and the marzipan cake with blood orange marmalade for dessert. Yum! We had a lovely conversation with Loretta, who was working behind the bar at the time, and our server (Jimmy, I believe?) was friendly, informative, and attentive. Henry Parsons Project flew under our radar for a long time--in part, I think, because their Instagram presence needs an overhaul. With some small adjustments and the right catalyst, I think HPP could gather the momentum it needs to become a lasting gem in Pasadena's saturated food landscape. We passed by two diners out on the patio as we entered the restaurant. Inside, only two tables were taken up--one with a couple, the other with a family with 2 young children. We were the only ones seated at the bar. In other words, the place was pretty quiet for a Thursday evening. Part of the problem (if you consider it a problem; some may not) is that they also maintain a substantial catering business, and it seems like that side of the enterprise is pulling time/energy/focus away from the dine-in restaurant efforts. For example, there was an interesting lobby area off to the side with some musical instruments set up, so I asked if they ever feature live music during restaurant hours. The answer was no, that the space is just used by some of the restaurant staff who like to jam together after hours. I was definitely surprised by this! Given the vibrant music posters all over the restaurant walls, a clear love of music by the owners/staff, and the ample amount of space they have for a band set-up, it feels like a real missed opportunity. Alas, live music or not, HPP could definitely turn that side area into a proper restaurant lounge space with some cozy furniture, low tables, several two-seater high top tables, etc. I'd love to see this place be as bustling as places like Magnolia House and Edwin Mills!
PReg
We thoroughly enjoyed the Henry Parsons Project. The food was sublime, the wine list very nice, and the service was excellent. Would highly recommend. We especially liked the small plates, being able to have a little taste of many menu items.
ElizabethH
A restaurant that feels like it's got potential but is trying to figure itself out. Great wine and drinks list and the menu sounds great but uneven results. Lovely goat cheese salad with nice textures and super fresh farmers market tomatoes. Eh grits that were oily and needed more seasoning. Angel biscuit was easy but a little burnt and shrimp and grits were a little off, specifically the shrimp were a bit burnt. Nice Andouille. Restaurant is way too loud, hard to hear the waiter asking us questions. Nice decor.
Food was delicious we did a tasting menu that was amazing gave us a little bit of everything and didn't skip the warm biscuits!! The hostess was so sweet and the waiter came ready with perfect drink Recs. We sat outside but lots of heaters out there that kept us toasty without eating in our coats! Came back a week later for more biscuits and to try the gumbo! Totally worth it!
Rose K.
Absolutely loved coming here and will be back again. We had the chicken paté appetizer, hangar steak, and shrimp and grits and the flavors were phenomenal! We especially loved the sauce for the steak, how the greens were dressed, and how buttery the grits were. Service was amazing too of course. Angel was so sweet and Xavi and Will who were working the kitchen came out to say hi and were so kind! Can't wait to try other dishes! The price point wasn't as high as we had thought either. There is ample parking and the surrounding area isn't too busy!
Michael
Always fantastic meals here. It's a low key spot and we always enjoy it. The fare is seasonal, so come back as it does change every few months. You won't be disappointed.
Kimberly M.
Though I know good food when I see and taste it, I'm not one to swoon over food. The biscuit at this place is the exception. Eating that damn thing was like religious experience. Wtf just happened? That's not to say the other food on the menu wasn't remarkable, it was. Everything we ordered was so tasty, well prepared, well seasoned and fresh! We tried the kale salad, the shrimp and grits, and the pasta. All four dishes were excellent. We will be back, and you should go too! Friendly service, fair prices. I'm surprised it's not harder to get a res. This place hasn't been hyped up to the point of being impossible to get in. So go before the word gets out.
Megan O.
Came here with my family and was pretty excited to try some new cuisine. The servers were really nice and the ambience was quirky and interesting, since it looked like a Spanish building but there was really fun abstract artwork and candles lining the walls. Out of the appetizers we ordered, I enjoyed the crispy oyster and brussels sprouts, flavorful chicken pate platter, and the huge buttery and flaky biscuit. The gumbo unfortunately was very bitter, I only took one bite and couldn't eat anymore of it. And the jiang bing crepe was unique, very thick and creamy, but I only liked it cause of the potato chips. Out of the entrees, I thought the crawfish etoufee tasted okay. It had so much crawfish, but it was kind of bland, not spicy or flavorful at all. They did really well in braising their oxtails, but we didn't like the flavor that much. And lastly I regret not ordering the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. We ordered the dos leches chocolate cake and it was bad, tasted really weird.
Flavorful food and great cocktails in an Orleans-vibe atmosphere. I had the braised chicken with peanut sauce. It was super tender. Why can't I carmelize sweet potatoes that good? Husband had jalapeño flank steak. The angel biscuit was straight out of the oven. OMG.
Came here because of the photo of the sticky toffee pudding but I was really in the mood for a steak. Thankfully I read a review that said the hanger steak was their favorite dish here so that's what sold me on it. The server also suggested the biscuit and I'm glad that we did because it was one of our favorite things. I kind of wish we would have taken her suggestion on getting the gumbo, but oh well I guess we'll try that next time. I really enjoyed the steak. It was cooked to a nice medium rare and had an excellent char. I also enjoyed the California winter cocktail. I would like to come back here and order their recommended items.
The best food I have ever tried in all of
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Absolutely loved this place. Food, service ambiance all terrific. The desserts just a B- but else wacky good. Ox tails amazing as was the fish. We will be back soon
Service was excellent food was ok but very specific taste nd cocktails not good I won't go again
Hostess is the nicest and most helpful person and she tried to help with everything she can. also there was another person who sometime brought the food out and talked to customers and he was super nice as well. Inside is super loud and chairs are very unformattable but they helped us to sit outside (thank you) service was very slow and time between salad and main course was over 30 minutes and not to mention that they forgot the biscuit and they brought it with main course after we asked for. my wife ordered OX tail but it was super salty and spicy and after first bite she couldn't touch it, I left it on the side and ordered another dish for her but nobody came to check on our food and ask why she didn't touch her food, at professional establishment after bring out the food they come and check on guest to ask about their food. When they brought our bill, I noticed they charged us for 2 extra items that we didn't ordered and when I asked them she said "Oh cool, I'll fix it", I just want to let you know it is not COOL to charge customer extra and proper answer will be " I'm sorry or I apologize" and then fix the problem. how come you forget our biscuit but don't forget to add couple extra items to our bill? This is not cool, I'm sorry.
Wow! What an experience. It's a definite must. My wife and I did the tasting menu and were blown away. Each course was unique and delicious. The service was fantastic as well. If you're looking for something new and unique, you've got to try Henry Parsons Project!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
TL;DR: Lovely menu, excellent food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service! Needs some small creative tweaks in order to pick up momentum and be the hot spot it has the potential to become. -- My husband and I had a wonderful time at Henry Parsons Project! My only regret is that I didn't come hungrier because all of the menu offerings sounded SO good! We'll definitely go back to try more items. HPP's menu features upscale southern dishes, so in terms of cuisine, they fill a void in the Pasadena fine dining scene that was created when White Horse sadly had to close during the pandemic. We ordered two glasses of wine (a white and a red), the crawfish étouffée which was like a warm hug, and the marzipan cake with blood orange marmalade for dessert. Yum! We had a lovely conversation with Loretta, who was working behind the bar at the time, and our server (Jimmy, I believe?) was friendly, informative, and attentive. Henry Parsons Project flew under our radar for a long time--in part, I think, because their Instagram presence needs an overhaul. With some small adjustments and the right catalyst, I think HPP could gather the momentum it needs to become a lasting gem in Pasadena's saturated food landscape. We passed by two diners out on the patio as we entered the restaurant. Inside, only two tables were taken up--one with a couple, the other with a family with 2 young children. We were the only ones seated at the bar. In other words, the place was pretty quiet for a Thursday evening. Part of the problem (if you consider it a problem; some may not) is that they also maintain a substantial catering business, and it seems like that side of the enterprise is pulling time/energy/focus away from the dine-in restaurant efforts. For example, there was an interesting lobby area off to the side with some musical instruments set up, so I asked if they ever feature live music during restaurant hours. The answer was no, that the space is just used by some of the restaurant staff who like to jam together after hours. I was definitely surprised by this! Given the vibrant music posters all over the restaurant walls, a clear love of music by the owners/staff, and the ample amount of space they have for a band set-up, it feels like a real missed opportunity. Alas, live music or not, HPP could definitely turn that side area into a proper restaurant lounge space with some cozy furniture, low tables, several two-seater high top tables, etc. I'd love to see this place be as bustling as places like Magnolia House and Edwin Mills!
We thoroughly enjoyed the Henry Parsons Project. The food was sublime, the wine list very nice, and the service was excellent. Would highly recommend. We especially liked the small plates, being able to have a little taste of many menu items.
A restaurant that feels like it's got potential but is trying to figure itself out. Great wine and drinks list and the menu sounds great but uneven results. Lovely goat cheese salad with nice textures and super fresh farmers market tomatoes. Eh grits that were oily and needed more seasoning. Angel biscuit was easy but a little burnt and shrimp and grits were a little off, specifically the shrimp were a bit burnt. Nice Andouille. Restaurant is way too loud, hard to hear the waiter asking us questions. Nice decor.
Restaurantji Recommends
Food was delicious we did a tasting menu that was amazing gave us a little bit of everything and didn't skip the warm biscuits!! The hostess was so sweet and the waiter came ready with perfect drink Recs. We sat outside but lots of heaters out there that kept us toasty without eating in our coats! Came back a week later for more biscuits and to try the gumbo! Totally worth it!
Absolutely loved coming here and will be back again. We had the chicken paté appetizer, hangar steak, and shrimp and grits and the flavors were phenomenal! We especially loved the sauce for the steak, how the greens were dressed, and how buttery the grits were. Service was amazing too of course. Angel was so sweet and Xavi and Will who were working the kitchen came out to say hi and were so kind! Can't wait to try other dishes! The price point wasn't as high as we had thought either. There is ample parking and the surrounding area isn't too busy!
Always fantastic meals here. It's a low key spot and we always enjoy it. The fare is seasonal, so come back as it does change every few months. You won't be disappointed.
Though I know good food when I see and taste it, I'm not one to swoon over food. The biscuit at this place is the exception. Eating that damn thing was like religious experience. Wtf just happened? That's not to say the other food on the menu wasn't remarkable, it was. Everything we ordered was so tasty, well prepared, well seasoned and fresh! We tried the kale salad, the shrimp and grits, and the pasta. All four dishes were excellent. We will be back, and you should go too! Friendly service, fair prices. I'm surprised it's not harder to get a res. This place hasn't been hyped up to the point of being impossible to get in. So go before the word gets out.
Came here with my family and was pretty excited to try some new cuisine. The servers were really nice and the ambience was quirky and interesting, since it looked like a Spanish building but there was really fun abstract artwork and candles lining the walls. Out of the appetizers we ordered, I enjoyed the crispy oyster and brussels sprouts, flavorful chicken pate platter, and the huge buttery and flaky biscuit. The gumbo unfortunately was very bitter, I only took one bite and couldn't eat anymore of it. And the jiang bing crepe was unique, very thick and creamy, but I only liked it cause of the potato chips. Out of the entrees, I thought the crawfish etoufee tasted okay. It had so much crawfish, but it was kind of bland, not spicy or flavorful at all. They did really well in braising their oxtails, but we didn't like the flavor that much. And lastly I regret not ordering the sticky toffee pudding for dessert. We ordered the dos leches chocolate cake and it was bad, tasted really weird.