Where To Eat In Pasadena?
As many times as I’ve been to L.A., I’ve never been to Pasadena. The one time that I do go, it was snowing and raining the entire time. Yes, you read that correctly. I went to California during a snowstorm. Allegedly, it hadn’t snowed since 1989 and I felt like I was in some type of vortex. Just wondering if I could’ve worn my cute clothes that I packed instead of my rainboots and coat for the week.
Anyways, I stumbled upon some eateries that weren’t in downtown LA on TikTok. Downtown LA and I have a love/hate relationship, that’s why I said that. TikTok has become my new search engine. Don’t judge me.
I went to Howlin Wray’s, Popping Yolk Cafe and Millie’s Cafe. My favorite spot was Popping Yoke Cafe because everything I had was super tasty and you get a bang for your buck. I didn’t like Millie’s Cafe and Howlin' Wray’s long was insane for some FRIED CHICKEN?! Read more below of each location.
There are very few foods I would wait in hours-long lines for, but Howlin’ Ray’s, the hot chicken shop in the Chinatown Far East Plaza, is one of them. They have two locations: Chinatown and Pasadena. I went to the Pasadena location and they had a line wrapped outside of the building. Husband and wife team Johnny and Amanda fell head-over-heels in love with Nashville-style hot chicken and decided to bring their passion back to L.A. The spice levels of the chicken vary in heat beginning at Country which has no heat and ending with Howlin’ – with a 10++ heat level which uses some of the hottest peppers on the planet! I got the ‘country’ since I don’t like spicy and it was good!
Pictured: The Sando. Shake Fries; Banana Pudding
Popping Yolk Cafe
Popping Yolk Cafe was only a six minute drive from the Sheraton Pasadena Hotel on Colorado BLVD. They serve large portions for a great price. I loved this cafe so much that I ordered their California Omelette to go. This meal isn’t pictured. The area is also cute to go shopping and check out other eateries. Pictured: House French Toast: Deep-Fried Toast, Mixed Berries, Maple Syrup, Condensed Milk
Millie’s Cafe
Millie’s Cafe was very busy, but the ambiance was great. You should make reservations in advance. I was a little disappointed in my meal at this cafe. I usually like my steaks well-done and I felt like this was overcooked. I loved my biscuit with jam and home fries though.
Pictured: Steak and eggs with biscuit
