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Loved by locals

Unique spots in Old Pasadena

Made for those who find the standard retail experience uninspired and actively seek out the unconventional.

Based on 628 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Plushumi The Plushie Workshop LA / Pasadena image 1
Plushumi The Plushie Workshop LA / Pasadena image 2
Plushumi The Plushie Workshop LA / Pasadena image 3
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Cozy modern art studio offers a family-friendly vibe with clean, well-lit space. Unique plushie-making uses beginner-friendly knitting devices for a fun, hands-on experience. Perfect for groups and special occasions with a cute, engaging atmosphere.

The plushie-making activity offers a unique and fun hands-on experience. The overall vibe is cute and engaging.

People are saying

"Making your own plushie is a super cute and fun activity."

"It's so romantic how they help you customize your plushie every step of the way."

"I found the experience to be fun and unique."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required for the plushie-making experience.

2

The workshop is beginner-friendly and suitable for all ages.

3

Each child gets to take a plushie home after the session.

02
Neighbors & Friends Cafe image 1

Cozy cafe offers a community-centered vibe with a warm atmosphere and a communal table for connection. Unique menu features Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Cheezecake and almond-based vegan cheese. Customizable charcuterie boards add distinct, artisanal options.

Menu offers unique flavors and pairings like Vegan Strawberry Shortcake Cheezecake and almond-based vegan cheese. Customizable charcuterie boards to go add to the distinct options available.

People are saying

"This local spot has amazing food and delicious, handcrafted drinks."

"I loved the gorgeous and delicious charcuterie boards."

"The vegan cheesecake and almond cheese had super unique flavors."

Good to know

1

The cafe is cashless, so bring a card for payments.

2

Most menu items are Halal or have Halal options available.

3

The cafe offers a fridge stocked with free food for those in need.

03
Delight Pastry image 1
Pastry shop

Cozy, elegant interiors create a charming European cafรฉ vibe. Pastries boast unique layers and flavors like matcha pistachio and rose lychee. Displays show beautifully flaky pastries such as croissants and tarts, all set to modern, trending music.

Pastries feature unique layers and flavors like matcha pistachio and rose lychee. Each item offers a distinctive taste rarely found in most bakeries.

People are saying

"I found the pastries here to be freshly made and super delicious."

"The croissants here are so flaky and flavorful."

"The pastries here have such unique flavors, like matcha pistachio."

Good to know

1

The spiral croissants are available from 9:30am to 10am.

2

Parking garage across the street costs $10.00.

3

Street parking is available but can be challenging.

04
KAVIAR Restaurants image 1
Japanese restaurant

Life-size Samurai sculptures and trendy decor create a cozy vibe. Lavish sushi and a DIY handroll class offer a unique dining twist. Creative cocktails like the Emerald with ignited rosemary add fragrant smoke and flavor.

Lavish sushi presentations and a DIY handroll class create a unique dining experience. The Emerald cocktail features ignited rosemary for a fragrant smoke effect, adding to the distinctive vibe.

People are saying

"I experienced the best sushi I ever had."

"This is a great date spot for flavorful sushi and amazing atmosphere."

"The sushi here is so fresh and beautifully prepared."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy hours.

2

Brunch service starts at 10am on weekends.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted.

05
Chak De California image 1
Modern Indian restaurant

Modern Indian spot shines with live drumming and a live DJ mixing Indian and pop tunes. Spacious, upscale space features gorgeous paintings and a unique menu with authentic dishes from Chak De California. Warm vibe suits intimate dinners and big groups.

Live drumming and guest musicians create a fun and unique vibe. The menu features many unique and delicious items, including authentic Indian dishes from Chak De California.

People are saying

"The Indian food, especially the chicken tikka masala, is so creamy."

"I found the food here delicious and flavorful."

"The menu had many unique and delicious items."

Good to know

1

Live DJ performances occur on Fridays and Saturdays, enhancing the dining experience.

2

A new lounge with a Punjabi DJ will open soon, adding to the entertainment options.

3

Parking can be challenging nearby, so plan accordingly before your visit.

06
Wanderlust Creamery image 1
Ice cream shop

Ice cream shop inside a food hall offers unique travel-inspired flavors with Asian influences and vegan options. Fun atmosphere with free samples encourages trying creative, high-quality scoops. Seating is limited but the experience is worth it.

Flavors feature Asian-inspired and travel-themed tastes like Mango Sticky Rice and ube pandan tres Leche. Each option offers a creative and unique twist on ice cream.

People are saying

"The ice cream flavors here are inspired by travels and unique Asian influences."

"The vegan friendly flavors are inspired by global travels and taste delicious."

"The ice cream flavors here are so unique and globally inspired."

Good to know

1

Wanderlust Creamery offers a variety of unique flavors inspired by different countries.

2

Vegan options are available with non-dairy ingredients.

3

Prices are high for the portion sizes, with scoops costing around $10.

07
NOSTALGIC CAFE image 1
Coffee shop

Vintage-style dรฉcor and mid-century modern furniture create a cozy, moody vibe. Whimsical touches like a grandfather clock and vinyl player add charm. Unique comfy chairs and distinctive coffee make it perfect for relaxing or working.

Whimsical decor includes a grandfather clock and vintage vinyl player that match the nostalgic theme. Unique comfy chairs and distinctive coffee and teas add to the experience.

People are saying

"This cafe feels so cozy and welcoming, like a vintage escape."

"It's a beautiful, relaxing reading spot with great coffee."

"The unique decor and comfy chairs make it a great study spot."

Good to know

1

Seating is very limited, especially for groups larger than two.

2

They accept all electronic payment options.

3

Finding street parking is challenging, but there are nearby parking lots.

08
Miopane image 1
Bakery

Super elevated space buzzes with early lines and a lively vibe. Artisan flaky croissants and flavor-packed fillings shine alongside soft, flavorful bagels. The Burnt Onion Cream Cheese bagel offers a unique smoky twist that stands out.

Bagels have a soft, flavorful texture that stands out. The Burnt Onion Cream Cheese bagel offers a smoky, charred onion flavor that is very distinct.

People are saying

"These Taiwanese bagels are soft, chewy, and stuffed with generous fillings."

"You'll need patience for the long lines, especially for croissants on weekends."

"These bagels have a unique soft-chewy texture and great flavor."

Good to know

1

Expect long wait times, especially on weekends, with lines starting as early as 8am.

2

Street parking is available, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

3

There is a limit of four items per person, so consider bringing a friend.

09
Ladies and Gentlemen - A Cocktail Experience image 1

Speakeasy entrance sets a hidden basement vibe with sleek vintage decor. Cocktails shine with unique flavor combos and edible presentations like PB and J. Intimate atmosphere pairs well with house music, perfect for special occasions.

A speakeasy entrance leads to cocktails with unique flavor combinations and fun presentations. Drinks like the PB and J cocktail offer an edible cocktail experience that stands out.

People are saying

"I've never had a better old fashioned cocktail."

"The upscale entrance through the bathroom is a unique speakeasy experience."

"The cocktails here are unique, with smoky infusions and floral notes."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required to secure a spot, especially on weekends.

2

You must order cocktails in sets of three, costing $75 each time.

3

The entrance is through a hidden door in a fake restroom.

10
Maestro Restaurant image 1
Mexican restaurant

Outdoor patio shines with live mariachi music and warm lighting, perfect for a lively vibe. Unique menu offers distinctive desserts and tempting Mexican dishes. Comfortable seating inside matches the sleek design, though it gets quite loud with excited chatter.

Menu features many tempting and unique Mexican dishes. Staff create amazing options, including distinctive desserts rarely seen elsewhere.

People are saying

"The Mexican food here is amazing, especially the enchiladas."

"The service for dinner spots was so attentive and welcoming."

"The Mexican dishes here are amazing and unique."

Good to know

1

Mariachi entertainment is available on Thursdays, with boleros on some Saturdays.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted appetizers.

3

Reservations are recommended for busy nights, especially during live events.

11
Salt & Straw image 1
Ice cream shop

Small space with limited seating pushes for takeout and street-side eating. Unique flavors like olive oil and honey lavender offer a layered tasting experience. Fresh waffles made in front of customers add an interactive vibe to visits.

Flavors stand out for their unique combinations like olive oil ice cream. Each option offers a distinctive tasting experience that changes periodically.

People are saying

"I tried some truly unique ice cream flavors, like Pear Blue Cheese."

"I thought the ice cream here was awesome and one of the best."

"This ice cream shop has the most creative and delicious flavors I've ever tried."

Good to know

1

Parking is limited to street parking only.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere, especially during weekends.

3

Two double scoop cones cost a bit over $20.

12
Odd One Out Tea Pasadena image 1
Bubble tea store

Small shop offers unique flavors with silk boba topping for a special texture. Staff provide samples to help pick the perfect blend. Prices reflect the craft blending and quality ingredients used.

Blending technique creates a distinctive character unlike anything else. Unique topping called silk boba offers a QQ texture different from jelly or traditional boba. Selection includes both classic and unique flavors made with quality ingredients.

People are saying

"I found the milk tea here to be my new favorite."

"It's got unique flavors with a perfect balance of sweetness and texture."

Good to know

1

Drinks range from $8 to $10, which some find expensive.

2

The shop has no seating, making it unsuitable for hanging out.

3

Expect no wait times during visits.

13
LT9 Teas . Desserts . Foods - Old Town Pasadena image 1

Minimalist design with natural light and plants creates a cozy, calming vibe. Unique egg waffles topped with handcrafted mochi and crystal boba offer a special treat. Limited seating includes a comfy couch with outlets, perfect for studying or relaxing.

Unique egg waffles come with condensed milk and a variety of toppings like milky jelly, handcrafted mochi, cheese foam, organic oats, and crystal boba. The place offers distinctive combinations and a great selection of bobas.

People are saying

"The milk teas here are perfectly sweet and full of flavor."

"This Lunch Spot's Hainan chicken is tender and flavorful."

"Their unique egg waffles are a treat to try."

Good to know

1

There was a parking lot for $10 all day right next door.

2

The kitchen closed at 8pm, even though the store was open until 9pm.

3

The lunch special is available Monday through Friday from 11 AM to 3 PM.

14
Gold Bug image 1
Jewelry store

Shop feels like a museum of curiosities with unique jewelry and eclectic oddities. Atmosphere is immaculate and curated, inviting slow, careful browsing. Offers both high-end and affordable gifts with a focus on artistic, bespoke items.

An amazing assortment of unique jewelry and one of a kind items fills the shelves. The store offers eclectic oddities and curiosities that make it easy to spend hours exploring.

People are saying

"This place has the coolest, most unique items I've ever seen."

"It's the most curated store with unique gifts and treasures."

"It's full of unique oddities and curiosities."

Good to know

1

Video and photos are not allowed at Gold Bug.

2

Gold Bug hosts special events and parties throughout the year.

3

The shop sells unique gifts, including bones and insect taxidermy displays.

15
Oakobing image 1
Dessert shop

Small dessert shop serves creamy shaved milk ice with unique flavors like Injeolmi and Black Sesame. Cozy spot with bright, modern interior and soft music creates a relaxed vibe. Perfect for enjoying distinct, flavorful treats in a cool setting.

Shaved ice offers a unique creamy texture unlike typical versions. Plenty of unique flavors provide a distinct dessert experience.

People are saying

"The shaved ice desserts here are so light and refreshing."

"The shaved ice here has a unique, creamy texture unlike any I've tasted."

"I ordered the green tea bingsu with mochi and red bean."

Good to know

1

Parking is not available; consider nearby metered parking.

2

Expect a long line, especially on weekends.

3

Only credit and debit cards are accepted for payment.

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Old Pasadena, Pasadena

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