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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Pasadena

Dessert and American food

A dessert that honors classic American recipes without relying on excessive sweetness.

Based on 702 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Clifton's Gourmet BBQ image 1
Clifton's Gourmet BBQ image 2
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Barbecue restaurant

Interior feels like a time capsule with a sweet smoky air that draws attention. Takeout-only setup suits the quiet neighborhood, allowing eating inside or on car hoods. Menu features smoky sweet sauces, tender ribs, flavorful brisket, and standout peach cobbler.

Desserts are delicious and consistently very tasty. They come in petite sizes but pack great flavor, with the Cobbler standing out enough to consider for a wedding dessert.

Brisket stands out with its tender texture and rich flavor. Gumbo offers a spicy, hearty mix of chicken, shrimp, crab, and sausage. Mac and cheese tastes homemade and pairs well with greens and ribs.

People are saying

"The peach cobbler here is amazing, truly the best I ever had."

"The American Food here, especially the brisket, is so tender it falls apart."

"The desserts here are so delicious and tasty."

Good to know

1

Clifton's Gourmet BBQ is takeout only, with no dine-in options available.

2

They offer a variety of menu items, including BBQ, gumbo, and cobblers.

3

Expect a casual atmosphere; eating in your car is common here.

02
Pez Coastal Kitchen image 1

Modern tropical design creates a beautiful, comfortable space with tasteful decor and plush sofa seating. Atmosphere blends vacation vibes with occasional live jazz, though music choices can feel jarring. Many dishes encourage sharing, supporting conversation in a relaxed setting.

A citrus olive oil cake stands out with its refreshing sweet and tangy flavor. This dessert offers a unique twist on traditional cakes.

Baby back ribs melt in your mouth. Crab cakes stand out, especially in the eggs Benedict.

People are saying

"The seafood here is so fresh and delicious."

"The American Food here, like the pork chop and baby back ribs, is superior and melt-in-your-mouth good."

"The olive oil cake dessert is delicious and not overly sweet."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends, to secure a good table.

2

Dinner for two typically costs around $200, so plan your budget accordingly.

3

The restaurant offers a happy hour menu with discounted small plates.

03
Parkway Grill image 1
Fine dining restaurant

Elegant dining space blends old-school charm with art deco murals and soft lighting. Atmosphere stays classy and romantic, enhanced by a jazz trio and a long bar. Private rooms offer cozy, comfortable seating for special occasions.

Chocolate lava cake stands out as a rich, decadent dessert option. Other sweets like the warm butter cake offer a sweet and satisfying finish to meals.

Crab cakes appear often but sometimes come out slightly overcooked. Appetizers like shrimp corn dogs and lamb lollipops feature regularly. Meat entrees like the Ribeye Steak carry a high price but may not meet expectations.

People are saying

"The food here is excellent, fresh, and flavorful."

"The desserts here are rich, velvety, and utterly divine."

"The American Food here, especially the lamb shank and crab cakes, was great."

Good to know

1

Valet parking is available, but street parking is also an option.

2

Reservations are often available, even for last-minute requests.

3

Happy hour specials are offered, but specific times were not mentioned.

04
Arroyo Chop House image 1

Steakhouse offers a timeless old-world atmosphere with dark wood furniture and a fireplace creating an elegant, romantic vibe. The space includes a standard mirror back bar and a pleasant outdoor area surrounded by flowers. Guests enjoy classic cocktails and extraordinary steaks in a setting that balances old school charm with attentive service.

Chocolate soufflé stands out with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and raspberry drizzle. Waitstaff respond quickly with dessert when needed.

Porterhouse steak and rib eye feature prominently with rich flavors. The mac and cheese pairs well, and the half-half bread stands out as a notable side.

People are saying

"The American Food here, especially the steaks, is perfectly cooked."

"You have to try the soufflé for dessert; it's delicious."

"You have to try the warm, fresh garlic sourdough bread."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least one week in advance for dinner service.

2

Valet parking is available for guests at the restaurant.

3

Expect the restaurant to be busy during weekend dinner hours.

05
BadAshBakes image 1

Small, beautifully designed bakery with marble decor and plush couches creates a cozy yet crowded atmosphere. Bright, clean space feels welcoming but tight seating and layout cause some discomfort. Customers enjoy great music and lively conversations while savoring high-quality baked goods.

Variety of desserts and pastries offers a solid range of flavors. The atmosphere includes great music and lively conversations, enhancing the dessert experience.

Cookies come in chocolate chip, s'more with marshmallow center, and peanut butter varieties. Cinnamon rolls and pumpkin loaf add to the American baked goods selection.

People are saying

"These cinnamon rolls are ridiculously soft and gooey."

"The cinnamon roll is fluffy, gooey, and perfectly balanced."

"This American Food's cinnamon roll is fluffy, soft, and gooey."

Good to know

1

Cinnamon rolls and matcha rolls are only served in the morning.

2

Arrive early or visit on a weekday to avoid a long wait.

3

Parking is straightforward with shared parking in the lot right out front.

06
Crab Grabber手抓海鲜 image 1
Seafood restaurant

Seafood restaurant offers a casual and fun vibe with a spacious interior suited for groups. A free snack bar with diverse options complements the fresh seafood dishes. Decor mixes sailor and traditional Chinese elements but shows signs of wear.

Free desserts include red bean soup, mung bean soup, ice jelly, and taro soup. A snack bar offers sesame balls and jellies alongside salads and pickled veggies.

Cajun seafood stands out with its rich flavor and pairs well with appetizers. Fried chicken wings come crispy outside and juicy inside.

People are saying

"The garlic butter seafood combo was delicious with crab and shrimp."

"They offer free desserts like red bean and taro soup."

"The unlimited cold dishes include salads, duck feet, pig ears, and desserts."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers a free buffet of samples during promotional periods.

2

Parking is free at the back of the restaurant with plenty of spots available.

3

Seniors aged 80+ can eat free up to $30, which is a nice perk.

07
Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery image 1
Traditional American restaurant

Space combines modern industrial design with wood accents and an open kitchen, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Indoor and outdoor seating areas include a patio with heaters, supporting a relaxed vibe. A small retail section offers cheeses, wines, and snacks, blending dining with shopping.

Mango sticky rice and pineapple cobbler stand out as memorable desserts. The cornbread eclair is rich and indulgent, making the dessert menu worth exploring.

The Cornbread Eclair stands out as a delicious and beautiful dish, often described as a culinary masterpiece. Bratwurst comes with tater tots, sauerkraut, and house-made pickles, offering a solid American food option.

People are saying

"The cheese board and tater tots are amazing date spots."

"You have to try their cornbread eclairs with chicken liver mousse."

"The banana pudding dessert was amazing."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended at least a week in advance due to high demand.

2

Expect a 4% automatic charge added to your bill for health insurance.

3

A 25% tip is preselected on the card machine for all bills.

08
Plate 38 Kitchen And Bar image 1
New American restaurant

Converted coffee shop with outdoor tented seating and a full bar featuring big screen TVs creates a casual, lively atmosphere. Patio seating faces street noise and car exhaust, adding an urban edge. The vibe mixes dog-friendly amenities with a quaint, industrial feel and energetic service.

Strawberries, cream, and pound cake create a take on strawberry shortcake that stands out sharply. German chocolate cake offers a delicately crafted and tasty option among the desserts.

Big juicy hamburgers and a savory prime rib sandwich stand out. The menu also includes mac and cheese, steak and eggs, and salmon and eggs.

People are saying

"The ricotta lemon pancakes were light and incredibly flavored."

"The American Food, like the truffle mushroom burger, was excellent."

"The desserts here, like German chocolate cake, are delicately crafted and tasty."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all night on Mondays, making it a busy time.

2

The happy hour menu offers smaller portions at higher prices.

3

Bring cash to avoid a 4% credit card fee.

09
Alexander's Steakhouse Pasadena image 1

Steakhouse offers an elegant, refined atmosphere with soft lighting and black and white decor that creates a cozy, intimate setting. The space feels wide and open yet comfortable, encouraging meaningful conversations. Known for top-notch steaks and expertly crafted cocktails, it attracts diners seeking a sophisticated dining experience.

Desserts include panna cotta, soufflé, and crème brûlée. Special occasions get a complimentary dessert and drink, plus a birthday card and champagne. Small hors d'oeuvres appear throughout the meal.

Aged porterhouse steak offers a soft texture and pairs well with bone marrow spread. Mac and cheese stands out enough to buy for takeout, alongside dishes like shrimp cocktail and wagyu rice.

People are saying

"The Wagyu steak here is perfectly marbled and rich with umami."

"The American Food here, especially the steak, is cooked to perfection."

"They even gave me a free dessert for my birthday!"

Good to know

1

Reservations are required at least a month in advance, especially for dinner.

2

Expect high prices, with steaks averaging around $100 each.

3

Private parties of 10 or more can be accommodated in multiple rooms.

10
Holy Saints! image 1
Restaurant

Small, quaint restaurant with an open kitchen that creates a vibrant atmosphere but can get smoky. Offers seasonal, unique dishes with larger portions than typical upscale spots. Seating is limited, so reservations are recommended.

Desserts include apple pie with puff pastry and pecan pie with a stodgy crust. The strawberry shortcake is recommended when in season.

Apple pie features a flaky crust and perfectly cooked apples, topped with whipped cream. Chocolate chip cookies have a homemade Chips Ahoy taste and ideal consistency.

People are saying

"The Waldorf salad here is amazing and flavorful."

"The duck dish here is excellent; I will be dreaming about it."

"The desserts here are excellent and the staff is kind."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended due to limited seating.

2

The menu features seasonal dishes prepared by a Michelin-rated chef.

3

Street parking is available and can be paid via text.

11
Hawg Heaven BBQ & Gastro Pub image 1

Live jazz music and cover bands create an intimate atmosphere with great vibes. The space shifts into a small club after dinner, attracting those who enjoy generous portions of BBQ and Mexican dishes. Noise levels can be high, making it lively but sometimes overwhelming for families with children.

Desserts feature in-house preparation with a bread pudding that stays true to its roots, avoiding common additions like caramel sauce. Presentation matches what you'd find in a fancy restaurant.

Brisket stands out with its tender and flavorful quality, melting in your mouth. Ribs, pulled pork, and burgers also offer strong flavors, while the cornbread adds a nice touch.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be delicious and amazing."

"The brisket here is tender, flavorful, and absolutely phenomenal."

"The desserts here are made in-house, like fancy restaurant desserts."

Good to know

1

Sunday brunch is available from 1-3 pm, and dinner starts at 5:30 pm.

2

Happy hour offers two-for-one well drinks at the bar before 7 pm.

3

Music acts are scheduled throughout the week, providing diverse entertainment options.

12
The Raymond 1886 - Modern American Cuisine & Craft Cocktails in Pasadena image 1

Outdoor patio with fireplaces and intimate indoor rooms create a spacious, inviting setting. Atmosphere shifts from romantic and old-world indoors to lively and sometimes noisy on the patio. Known for phenomenal craft cocktails, it draws those seeking a refined yet relaxed dining experience.

Lemon dessert stands out with perfect tartness and a silky smooth texture that melts in your mouth. The cinnamon roll appears twice on the menu, enjoyed both as an appetizer and dessert, showing its versatility and appeal.

Tater tots come with very tasty sauces and stay perfectly crispy. Eggs Benedict and crab cake Benedict arrive with creamy hollandaise and precise cooking. Entrees like Branzino and prime rib are cooked well and paired with fitting sides.

People are saying

"I loved the beautifully prepared food, especially the fish, cheese, and meats."

"The American Food here has a charming atmosphere, perfect for a date."

"The lemon dessert is silky smooth and melts in your mouth."

Good to know

1

Happy hour features $10 cocktails, including the popular Medicina Latina.

2

Wine Wednesdays offer special deals on select wines.

3

Valet parking is available for $8, with limited street parking options.

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