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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Guide to Mid Central

Food

A long day leaves no energy for cooking. The only thing that matters is getting a plate of food in front of you.

Based on 702 Opinions
+699
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Updated May 2026
01
Teddy's Cocina image 1
Teddy's Cocina image 2
Teddy's Cocina image 3
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Restaurant

Spacious spot with a laid-back vibe and big screen TVs for sports fans. Food is fresh and flavorful, arriving hot and fast even with big orders. Casual atmosphere feels genuine but can get warm inside due to no air conditioning or outdoor seating.

Food arrives quickly, hot, and complete even with large orders. Dishes are fresh and burst with flavor, consistently delivering delicious and incredible taste.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be fresh, flavorful, and plentiful."

"The vibe here is so cool and genuine."

"The food here, especially the tacos, is packed with flavor."

Good to know

1

They offer a 10% discount for Pasadena City College students.

2

Free parking is available in the rear lot, but spaces are limited.

3

Tuesdays feature $1.99 street tacos and $5 margaritas.

02
Chaaste Family Market image 1

Family-owned market offers authentic Filipino soul food in a warm, welcoming space that feels like a family kitchen. Enjoy handmade Turon and generous portions served cafeteria-style. The tight, well-stocked area buzzes with genuine happiness and good vibes.

Food here features authentic Filipino dishes that taste like they come straight from the Philippines. The menu includes handmade Turon and other traditional foods, all cooked to mouthwatering perfection with fresh ingredients.

People are saying

"You have to try their handmade Turon desserts with unique flavors."

"I found authentic Filipino food that reminded me of home."

"I found the Filipino food here to be authentic and amazing."

Good to know

1

They only sell halo halo from Thursday through Saturday.

2

You can order turon ahead of time for fresh preparation.

3

Parking is convenient and available nearby.

03
Wok Master image 1
Chinese restaurant

Small Chinese spot serves generous portions of hot, tasty food with strong vegan options. Casual, quiet vibe suits relaxed meals. Friendly, fast service adds to the great value experience.

Food comes out super hot and consistently delicious with generous portions. The menu offers great value and fast, friendly service keeps the experience smooth.

People are saying

"The food here is so tasty and packed with flavor."

"This lunch spot's food is super delicious and satisfying."

"This Chinese food is amazing and so affordable."

Good to know

1

Wok Master shares its parking lot with other businesses, so parking may be difficult during peak hours.

2

The cost of $35 for two plates was reasonable in Pasadena.

3

The restaurant offers great options for vegans, especially since it shares a lot with Drink Erva.

04
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 1
Barbecue restaurant

Bright, clean space with authentic Texas-style barbecue offers large, flavorful portions served fresh. Lively setting with a full bar and many TV screens keeps the vibe laid-back and welcoming. Enjoy relaxing to 80's music while dining in or grabbing takeout.

Food comes out fresh to order and rich in flavor with large portions. BBQ tastes satisfying whether dining in or grabbing takeout.

People are saying

"I thought the brisket was immaculate and mouthwateringly good."

"This Barbecue is the best I've had in my life."

"The food here is smoky, moist, and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking is available across at Vons, which solves the parking problem.

2

The wait might be a bit long depending on the number of people.

3

It could get crowded, so I recommend making a reservation if they allow that.

05
Zephyr Mediterranean Grill & Cafe image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Converted house offers a cozy atmosphere with covered outdoor seating and heaters. Food serves authentic Lebanese and Armenian flavors with unique Mediterranean tastes. Casual vibe includes a hookah lounge and a back lounge for gatherings up to 50 people.

Food features authentic Lebanese and Armenian flavors with unique Mediterranean tastes not found in typical spots. Dishes come across as delicious and true to home.

People are saying

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

"The Mediterranean food here is delicious and authentic."

"The outdoor seating here is mostly covered and comfortable."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has no indoor seating available.

2

Parking is available at the rear of the restaurant.

3

The menu offers a variety of Armenian, Turkish, and Syrian foods.

06
Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena image 1

Japanese spot boasts fresh ingredients and generous portions served fast. Upscale interior with covered patio and multiple TVs creates a chill, relaxed vibe perfect for quiet meals or late-night dates. Seating fits medium crowds but is a bit tight.

Food arrives quickly with generous portions and features fresh ingredients. Dishes are consistently delicious and affordable.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"You have to try the frozen beer; it's a must-try."

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour deals on beer are available.

2

Lunch deals offer great value for money.

3

Parking is limited to one hour in the back lot.

07
Lee's Hoagie House image 1
Sandwich shop

Small sandwich shop shines with fresh bread and a self-serve pickle bar. Offers unique chicken hoagies at reasonable prices in a cozy, family-run spot. Quick, friendly service adds to the relaxed, welcoming vibe loved by locals.

Food features fresh ingredients and offers exceptional quality at incredibly reasonable prices. Service is quick and friendly, complementing the solid, family-run atmosphere.

People are saying

"The food here is loaded and flavorful."

"The chicken sandwich here is juicy and packed with flavor."

"The breakfast here feels like you're being welcomed as family."

Good to know

1

A pastrami sandwich costs $12.99.

2

The restaurant has a big parking area.

3

The restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and early dinner.

08
El Jarocho Taco Stand image 1
Mexican restaurant

Tiny taco stand offers freshly made tacos with homemade tortillas and spicy red salsa. Locals love the well-seasoned meats and cheap prices. Food delivers fantastic Mexican flavors in a clean, low-key setting.

Food here is consistently excellent and delicious, with a strong focus on Mexican flavors. The dishes come from wonderful people and deliver a simply fantastic taste.

People are saying

"I found the tacos packed with flavor and really super."

"The red salsa here is incredibly spicy and flavorful."

"The food here is delicious and seasoned great."

Good to know

1

They accept cash or Zelle as payment methods.

2

The dinner cost $12.50 per person.

3

The taco stand has been in the same location for over 3 years.

09
Kulturas image 1
Restaurant

Lively spot with Mexican dishes like shrimp ceviche and Birria Bites. Enjoy signature margarita pitchers and good music while watching sports on TV. Space feels chill and comfortable, perfect for casual dining and pregame fun.

Food features delicious Mexican dishes with shrimp ceviche standing out. Service and drinks match the food's quality, creating a solid dining experience.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, with amazing Latin flavors."

"The Mexican food here is delicious, especially the birria tacos."

"The happy hour here has great deals on drinks and appetizers."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers.

2

Taco Tuesdays feature special pricing on tacos.

3

Marguerita Mondays provide discounts on margaritas.

10
Dumpling Wei Pasadena image 1
Chinese restaurant

Space offers a cozy atmosphere with moody lighting that feels warm and inviting. Food serves authentic Chinese dumplings and handmade noodles in big portions at fair prices. Service stays friendly, keeping the vibe casual and genuine.

Food features authentic Chinese flavors with big portions at reasonable prices. Dishes avoid Americanized styles and come with friendly service.

People are saying

"The food here is authentic and reminds me of Shanghai."

"The handmade dumplings and noodles here are delicious."

"The braised beef soup had tender, juicy beef."

Good to know

1

Free parking is available, along with meter parking.

2

Expect no wait times during weekday evenings.

3

The restaurant offers big portions at reasonable prices.

11
Go Go Sushi image 1
Conveyor belt sushi restaurant

Sushi spot shines with fresh sushi bar and friendly service. Warm, lounge-like vibe sets a chill atmosphere. Staff handle dietary restrictions with care, making every visit smooth and tasty.

Food stands out for its consistent excellence and delicious presentation. Staff accommodate food intolerances with respect and care.

People are saying

"I loved the delicious Japanese food, especially the fresh sushi rolls."

"The sushi here is always fresh and delicious for a great date spot."

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour pricing is available from 11:30 am until 3 pm.

2

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

3

The menu offers a variety of sushi and hot dishes.

12
Cluck2Go image 1
Chicken restaurant

Small space with a casual vibe and packed dining area. Food is quick, tasty, and generous, especially the B combo. Known for authentic Hainan chicken with flavorful rice and unique pickled veggies.

Food arrives quickly and stays high quality and tasty. Portions are generous and satisfying, especially the B combo which offers a lot of food and flavor.

People are saying

"This food is so delicious and addictive, I couldn't stop eating it."

"Parking is available and the Hainan chicken is tasty."

"The takeout chicken and sauces were really good together."

Good to know

1

Parking is available on the street, but check for one-hour limits on weekdays.

2

The meal is reasonably priced, making it a good value.

3

Expect large portion sizes, suitable for a light dinner.

13
HaiCha image 1
Bubble tea store

Cozy space with comfortable seating and calming music invites relaxation. Fresh, beautifully presented Taiwanese dishes delight the palate. Free wireless chargers and Wi-Fi make it perfect for study or casual hangouts.

Fresh and beautifully presented Taiwanese dishes stand out here. The owner shows enthusiasm recommending drinks and snacks while managing the bar.

People are saying

"I found the tea here to be fresh, flavorful, and wonderfully smooth."

"I thought the bubble tea here was the best I ever had."

"The owner's friendly chatter really made my day with the food."

Good to know

1

HaiCha opens before 11 AM.

2

Getting to HaiCha is very easy and there is street parking right outside the shop.

3

HaiCha has restrooms for customers.

14
Plate 38 Kitchen And Bar image 1
New American restaurant

Converted coffee shop offers 5-star food with excellent service in a lively, casual setting. Outdoor tented seating and a full bar with big screen TVs create an energetic vibe. Patio seating is dog-friendly but faces street noise and car exhaust, adding an urban edge.

Food here is consistently delicious with a 5-star quality that stands out. Every dish comes with excellent service that matches the high food standards.

People are saying

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

"The dinner spots here are so accommodating and friendly."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

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.

15
Chrisโ€™ Korean BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue shines with authentic flavors and large portions served fast. Tables with cookers create a smoky atmosphere under dim lights and soft music. TVs show live sports, making it a family-friendly spot with both indoor and outdoor seating.

Food comes out fast with quick service and large portions. Dishes offer real, flavorful Korean BBQ that feels authentic and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is delicious, especially the brisket and galbi."

"The Korean food here is great; the staff is super attentive."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The dinner price is $38.99 per person for all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue.

2

There is a small parking lot behind the restaurant, plus street parking available.

3

There is no wait line even on a Saturday night, but the place can get busy.

16
Flame Broiler image 1
Korean restaurant

Clean, calm spot serves healthy, flavorful food with big portions and moderate prices. Enjoy brown rice and tofu bases with standout sauces like green and fiery spicy. Sauce is served by staff, keeping the experience neat and organized.

Food here is simple, healthy, and flavorful with sauces that stand out. Portions come big and hot, offering a quick, fresh meal that avoids heaviness or greasiness.

People are saying

"I found the food here delicious and fresh."

"This Lunch Spot felt like a healthy choice."

"I felt like I was eating a healthy choice."

Good to know

1

Parking in this part of town is generally difficult.

2

The parking lot in the shopping center fills up quickly.

3

Flame Broiler offers beef and chicken options.

17
Lupita's image 1
Mexican restaurant

Cozy spot serves authentic dishes like menudo and fish tacos with fresh salsas on the side. Food is always tasty and balanced, making each meal satisfying. Prices stay affordable, and portions are generous, perfect for casual dining.

Food features freshly made Mexican cuisine with consistent quality and balanced preparation. Dishes come out tasty and deliver solid flavor every time.

People are saying

"The Mexican Food here is served by the friendliest staff."

"The Date Spots here have flavorful, plentiful dishes that are worth the price."

"I thought the Mexican food here was amazing and flavorful."

Good to know

1

Parking can take up to 15 minutes to find, so plan ahead.

2

Combo plates cost about $13 and are large enough to share.

3

The menu offers a nice variety, catering to different tastes.

18
Tops image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small burger shop offers greasy tasty food with generous portions served fast. Casual, easygoing vibe with mom and pop feel creates a diner sanctuary. Outdoor and indoor seating make it a cozy spot for chili cheese fries and breakfast burritos.

Food here is greasy tasty with generous portions served quickly, usually under 10 minutes. The quality remains high with excellent hamburgers and fast food that stands out for its flavor and service.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great, especially the American classics."

"I found the chili cheese fries to be massive, enough to feed four people."

"I loved the bacon cheeseburger; it was perfect."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging once the lot is full.

2

The portions are massive, with small chili cheese fries enough for four people.

3

The drive-thru is often busy during weekday lunch hours.

19
King of Ramen Pasadena image 1
Ramen restaurant

Small family-run ramen shop offers a casual, quiet atmosphere with creamy broth made in-house. Food delivers an explosion of euphoric flavors with consistently good quality. Friendly service in a tucked-away strip mall makes it an affordable, high-quality dining spot.

Food delivers an explosion of euphoric flavors with consistently good quality and delicious taste. Service complements the food well in a friendly, family-owned setting.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and high quality."

"The ramen here is so good, my son demanded we come back regularly."

"This family owned spot serves authentic ramen with delicious, slow-cooked broth."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended on weekends due to limited seating.

2

You can order for pickup in-store, online, or over the phone.

3

The restaurant serves authentic ramen with homemade broth.

20
Tea Spots image 1

Cozy cafe offers lavender scent and free WiFi for quiet chats and work. Food arrives fast in generous portions with tasty, affordable snacks. Drinks come in large buckets, perfect for long visits.

Food comes in generous portions and arrives very quickly. Plates are massive and include a lot of tasty items, paired with great drinks and coffee.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be excellent and generously portioned."

"I thought the Thai Milk Tea tasted amazing."

"It's a great Work Friendly spot with lots of power outlets."

Good to know

1

Expect a hidden $0.25 service fee added to your bill.

2

A 10% tip is automatically added on the kiosks, so check your total.

3

Parking is available in a tight lot, so arrive early.

21
Bubble Puff & Tea Cafe image 1

Spacious tea house near campus offers ample seating and a calm vibe perfect for work or socializing. Food is surprisingly good, with tasty dishes and delicious boba. Fun machines add a playful touch to the relaxed atmosphere.

Food here stands out for being surprisingly good compared to similar spots. The menu includes tasty dishes alongside delicious drinks and boba.

People are saying

"I loved the fruit teas and specialty drinks here."

"The bubble puffs here are a unique and delicious dessert."

"The food here is surprisingly good and delicious."

Good to know

1

Ordering is only done at a kiosk.

2

There is lots of free street parking near the shop.

3

The store has plenty of seats available.

22
Fika Fika Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small, bright space offers cozy atmosphere perfect for study or chats. Food and drinks show clear effort and quality, ideal for working with a bite. Seating is plentiful but some cement seats can be uncomfortable, while noise stays low enough to keep a friendly vibe.

Efforts show clearly in both the food and drinks here. Options suit those wanting a spot to work while enjoying a bite and a drink.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was amazing and worth trying."

"The ube latte here is exceptionally good and visually appealing."

"It's a great spot for studying or just hanging out."

Good to know

1

They stop serving food an hour before closing time.

2

Street parking has a one-hour limit, except on Sundays.

3

There is limited seating available for dining in.

23
Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters image 1

Large open room with exposed brick offers a cozy, lively vibe for coffee lovers. House roasted beans and visible roasting add a unique touch. Pastries are limited but well-prepared. Noise and no wifi make it tough for focused work.

Limited to pastries and beans, the food is good and prepared quickly. Options are few but include some very nice items.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was great and tasty."

"The Cafe de Olla cold brew is incredible."

"I thought the coffee here was excellent."

Good to know

1

Parking at Jameson Brown Coffee Roasters can be very challenging.

2

There is no WiFi available for customers.

3

The shop is closed on Sundays.

24
Pasadena Plaza image 1
Shopping mall

Mall centers on a large Vons with varied food options including a poke bowl spot. Atmosphere is laid back and clean, perfect for casual shopping and dining. Parking can be tight and crowded on lower levels but easier above.

Food options include a great food court with a variety of choices. The area offers good food in a casual shopping and dining setting.

People are saying

"I came to this mall to visit Vons, which I found to be a beautiful store."

"I visited a poke restaurant at Pasadena Plaza."

"The food here was great."

Good to know

1

Parking can be limited during holidays, so arrive early.

2

The top-level parking on Walnut Street is less crowded.

3

There is an elevator from the upper parking level to Vons.

25
Rosarito image 1
Mexican restaurant

Mexican restaurant serves huge portions of fresh, authentic dishes like menudo and birria in a quiet, old school vibe. Live music adds charm while quick service keeps the place busy and affordable. Friendly staff create a pleasant atmosphere for all guests.

Mexican food comes in huge portions that are fresh and real. The menu is huge and food arrives quickly with a friendly and pleasant atmosphere.

People are saying

"The menudo here is authentic and flavorful."

"The food here is well-seasoned and authentic."

"I can never get enough of their addictive chips and salsa."

Good to know

1

The menu features a variety of traditional Mexican dishes, including menudo and chili relleno.

2

Prices are reasonable, with meals averaging around $12 for tacos and sides.

3

Chips and rice with beans are included with most orders.

26
Carl's Jr. image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot with an old-school interior offers quick, hot meals featuring fresh BBQ burgers. Clean and calm atmosphere suits late-night diners seeking a mom and pop feel. Overall, it delivers a peaceful dining experience with speedy service.

Food comes out quick and hot with a focus on freshness and delicious BBQ burgers. The environment stays clean, supporting a good dining experience.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be fresh and always warm."

"I found the burgers here to be really tasty."

"Theresa's service at this fast food place was so sweet and attentive."

Good to know

1

Expect high prices for meals, with some items costing over $20.

2

The restaurant is generally clean and well-maintained.

3

Drive-thru wait times can be lengthy during peak hours.

27
Heidar Baba image 1
Persian restaurant

Cozy interior and family-friendly atmosphere make it great for quiet dinners. Authentic Mediterranean dishes offer generous portions with excellent quality. Free music and a dedicated spot for salah add to the comfortable experience.

Food here offers authentic Mediterranean dishes with generous portions that stay true to traditional recipes. Quality is consistently excellent and delicious.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"I experienced authentic Persian halal food here."

"The salads here are really fresh."

Good to know

1

The meal costs around $25 with tax.

2

Portion sizes are generous and can serve two people.

3

There is available parking nearby.

28
Jack in the Box image 1
Fast food restaurant

Fast food spot serves fresh, hot meals with quick, reliable drive-thru service. Crowded and noisy at midday, it turns tense after dark. Space feels open and clean but lacks a unique vibe.

Food comes out fresh to order, hot, and not greasy. The drive-thru offers consistent speed and quality, with meals that look carefully prepared rather than rushed.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, hot, and delicious."

"The fast food service here is amazing and attentive."

"I found the tacos to be fresh and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The drive-thru is consistent with speed and quality food.

2

Extra charges apply for anything other than coffee.

3

There is very little to no wait time at the drive-thru.

29
Pasadena Noodle & Grill image 1

Pho spot shines with authentic broth and grilled meat options. Cozy, inviting vibe suits those craving simple, flavorful Vietnamese dishes. Meals balance quality and healthiness for a satisfying experience.

Food offers a variety of flavors with clean, flavorful broth and well-made dishes. Meals are consistently delicious and satisfying, combining quality and healthiness in every bite.

People are saying

"The Vietnamese food here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"I found the banh mi sandwiches here to be delicious."

"The food here is great and tastes amazing."

Good to know

1

Call ahead to order regular lunch items to avoid long wait times.

2

The menu offers a variety of options, including pho and grilled meat dishes.

3

Portion sizes are generous, providing good value for the price.

30
Fatburger & Buffalo's Express image 1
Hamburger restaurant

Massive portions of fresh beef burgers satisfy hungry crowds near college. Food arrives fast and tastes great, keeping customers happy. Clean interior and loud, energetic vibe make it a lively spot for students and workers alike.

Food comes out fresh and fast with consistently great taste. Burgers and hot food stay delicious and satisfying every time.

People are saying

"These burgers are delicious, satisfying, and very filling."

"I found the food to be fresh and delicious."

"I thought the American food here served the best cheeseburgers ever."

Good to know

1

The location is right across from Pasadena City College, making it convenient for students.

2

The restaurant offers massive portions, ideal for hungry diners.

3

The dining room is kept clean, providing a pleasant atmosphere.

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Mid Central, Pasadena

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