Bar Chelou

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1. G

   Gloria

   Los Angeles

   3 reviews

   4.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall4food5service5ambience4

   The friendly and competent service and the thoughtfully prepared wine list were the stand outs for me. Many of the dishes we tried incorporated lemongrass or other Vietnamese flavors, creating a tasty French colonial cuisine. We mostly at the vegetables, all were lovely. The rainbow trout was also exceptional. The rice pudding was the best dessert on the table, and lucky for my dining partner, gluten free.
   

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2. AL

   ALaFrance

   Los Angeles

   8 reviews

   5.0

   8 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Cocktails were SUPERB and the rainbow trout was one of the best fish dishes we have had in a while! River was a fantastic server with the best recommendations!
   

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3. C

   Charly

   New York Area

   2 reviews

   5.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   The food at this restaurant was incredible. Highlights were the snap pea and carrot dishes. The pork chop was increíble too. Cheesecake was hands down best dessert (and we tried 3!). Wonderfully creative flavor profiles in all the dishes. Restaurant was very loud.
   

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4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Los Angeles

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service4ambience4

   Now that it’s been months after their opening, this restaurant has found its groove. Though when it is busy, you may disappear into the noise and crowd, but rest assured, your host did not forget about you. The food is meticulously crafted and some may find it lighter, but I find it just right in taste. Their cocktails are mixed well and tasty, and rotating wine selection a nice grouping. Their pork chop is my pick, and the chocolate tart is a must for any visit!
   

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5. S

   Surf65

   Los Angeles

   3 reviews

   2.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall2food2service4ambience1

   You definitely need to have a taste for this food, be open minded
   

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6. C

   Charlotted

   Chicago

   10 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Love this place, went for the second time and brought 4 friends who all loved it too! Some of the best food in LA/Pasadena!
   

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7. JP

   JenniferP

   Philadelphia

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Best food I’ve had at a restaurant in a long time!
   

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8. A

   Austin

   Los Angeles

   8 reviews

   1.0

   8 reviews

   Dined on May 21, 2023

   overall1food2service1ambience2

   Complete mess. Service was awful. Never even knew who are server was because new people kept showing up. We didn’t immediately order alcohol so i think that turned them off and then from there it was impossible to get our water glasses filled. We kept asking random people for it and finally after about 10 mins a bidder dropped off a bottle. Setting the really bad service aside, the food was very very very overpriced and underwhelming. I waited a week to post this review and i can’t even remember what i ordered LOL that’s a problem when dropping 500 on dinner. I remember a pork chop that i laughed at when it arrived because we were all wondering where the rest of it was and scallops that were flavorless and olives that are better at Whole Foods. I have zero problem spending money, but there is a difference between spending money and wasting money. Unfortunately this restaurant is a complete waste. Save yourself the trip and the $ you’ll have a better time going hungry.
   

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9. SB

   SuzanneB

   Los Angeles

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on May 19, 2023

   overall4food4service5ambience3

   Food and ambience was interesting. Service was Excellent. I would come back again to try more things.
   

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10. CA

    CAKatie

    Los Angeles

    34 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on May 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We chose Bar Chelou as it is next to the Pasadena Playhouse and we were seeing a show. I would choose it again when not seeing a show, as well. Efficient, friendly and knowledgeable service from the staff. Seems like they have a team approach as we had service from a couple different servers, all smiling and helpful. The food? Delicious and creative. The sprouting cauliflower was amazing with a Sichaun au poivre sauce that made me almost lick the bowl. My husband’s Merguez was flavorful and had great textures. I loved the pork chop, served sliced with a cabbage almost - but not quite - sauerkraut. The semi-freddo was so fresh with lots of flavors complimenting each other. Great bar menu. We both had a Sazerac. Fun atmosphere, as well as great cuisine.
    

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11. p

    peytonius

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was delicious! I can’t wait to go back
    

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12. AM

    AthenaM

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Waiter was perfection, food was delicious, portions were too small for the price but like I said, service and food was great. Just bummed to have spent $40 on a meal that left me hungry
    

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13. LA

    LA9CC

    Los Angeles

    54 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    54 reviews

    Dined on May 17, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience2

    The menu of food seems fairly limited, but the more significant issue regarding the menu was the slim selections of wines by the glass. My pork chop was good. The decor seemed pretty drab.
    

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14. s

    sherbear

    Los Angeles

    13 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    LOCATION: Tucked away at the Pasadena Playhouse. Such a charming space - but I would've never seen / found it if it didn't come recommended by a friend! SERVICE: The front desk, bar and wait staff were all very helpful. INTERIOR: So well done and had such a welcoming, homey French vibe. FOOD: Very creative, flavorful, delicious and the presentation was on point. We were floored by the flavors of two particular dishes: Bluefin Tuna Crudo and the Trout Entree w/ Corn Rice. My husband is a chef and hard to impress but he was definitely taken aback by how good those two dishes, in particular, were. We even asked our server to please compliment the chef on the dishes (which we never do) b/c we were so floored by the tastiness! We also ordered the clam toast (yum), snap peas, and pork chop. All were really flavorful. My only two comments would be that the snap peas were a bit overwhelming with all the flavors and sauce / toppings that it was quite far off from a "refreshing / clean veggie dish" we thought we were ordering. And the pork chop presentation was beautiful but the meat was a bit dry / tough. But, overall, we were still super satisfied with our meal. NOISE: I'd say this place was definitely on the louder side which was the only drawback. Perhaps they were trying to drown out the sound with all the white curtains around the restaurant (it was a bit over-curtained looking) but it wasn't helping b/c it was quite loud. But nothing that would keep me from going back. I posted all my experience / the dishes we ate on my instagram stories but refused to share the name of the place b/c I want this place to be my hidden gem / secret. I definitely plan on being a repeat customer!
    

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15. F

    Fred

    Los Angeles

    15 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful place especially for pre theater dinners.
    

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16. c

    christinek

    Los Angeles

    33 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    A great addition to the Pasadena dining scene. Favorite dishes were the crispy potatoes, bluefin tuna, and pork chop. Enjoyed the cocktails and adventurous wine list. Friendly service, too!
    

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17. TK

    TimK

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Bar Chelou continues to be one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles!
    

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18. S

    Sasha

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall2food2service3ambience2

    Took a while to be acknowledged or given menus once we were at our table. Food was not that tasty, overuse of creamy sauces on everything made dishes feel one note. Margarita was diluted and tasteless. Would not recommend. Music choice was not great. Overall felt like European tourist food and vibe.
    

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19. S

    Smitty

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Busy during plays at the Pasadena Playhouse. We waited 20 minutes for our 7:30pm rezzie in the bar. No bigee. Understandable. Service started a bit slow when we were seated, but the waitress was nice and attentive, but not overly so. The meal was truly outstanding. All of our dishes were quite creative and the various flavors were off the charts. Fun, cool, if pretty loud, bistro atmosphere. The place got re-packed after the curtain went up at 8:00pm next door, so, clearly, Bar Chelou (pronounced Bar "SHElou", we were informed) is THE hot spot in Pasadena. Make your OT rezzie at least 10 days ahead. We look forward to going back when there's no play at the Playhouse and when we can sit outside on the patio in the Summer. Truly, the best meal we've had this year in Pasadena and surrounding environs.
    

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20. GA

    GenealA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything on the menu that we had was delicious. The steak. The potatoes, all the vegetable dishes especially cauliflour,clam toast appetizer
    

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21. YF

    YvonneF

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    Not a fan of the small plate craze (I like the rhythm of thought-out courses) but each dish was delicious, the cocktails were great, and the service was friendly and not rushed.
    

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22. j

    jeant

    Los Angeles

    5 reviews

    4.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    Great food and nice service. Only complaint is the noise level was high.
    

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23. MP

    MPRJMR

    Los Angeles

    3 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience5

    Food wasn’t great—overpriced. Not great options. Some items (potatoes) burned. No bread served with meat platter. Unattractive presentation.
    

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24. HK

    HKCY

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great food. Fantastic slight asian twist to euro cuisine. Wish there are more entree selections but majority of the dishes were very unique and delicious.
    

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25. j

    jasper

    New York Area

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    the food is imaginative and delicious. The portions- and, particularly, the portions of the vegetable dishes are pretty skimpy.
    

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26. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    So deliriously delicious!!! Every dish was inventive and delicious and fun. I would go on a date, with friends, with (frankly) anyone because it is THAT good. 12/10
    

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27. K

    Kiki

    Los Angeles

    33 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    33 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall3food2service3ambience3

    The only very close and easiest option if you want to catch a drink and bite before a show at the Pasadena Playhouse. Staff is very nice and friendly. Not the most comfortable seating but they seem to have just taken over a lot of what the former restaurant used for the space. While French cuisine is known for its healthy respect for salt, unfortunately several of the dishes we ordered were overpowered by salt--no nuance to the overall flavorings of the dishes. In contrast, the carrot salad, which our waiter recommended, was great. Overall.
    

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28. PF

    PasadenaFoodie

    Los Angeles

    32 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    32 reviews

    Dined on May 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Love this place and really want it to last in this space as nothing has since I’ve lived here. Have visited twice on my way to Pasadena Playhouse play. The food is divine and very interesting! I hope they switch up their menu often as I have been twice and have tried most of the things on the menu. Pasadena is a small place so frequent menu changes are necessary IMO.
    

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29. MG

    MatthewG

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3

    Food was on point, cooked to perfection on every dish, a true artisan put some love into their craft. Cocktails were amazing as well, but the cuisine is why you would visit.
    

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30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience2

    The food, cocktails and water me was off the hook. Didn’t have any mains but the five dishes we shared were so unique and quality of the ingredients so high and delicious. Taste, texture and presentation!!! 5 star. The table was a little small to hold all the food but we juggled and that would certainly not stop me from coming again. I’ll definitely be back and with a bigger group so we can taste more yummy things!!!
    

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31. PK

    PrincieK

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Truly the most memorable dining experience I’ve ever had in LA. It wasn’t just the food that blew me away. Bar Chelou gives a level of hospitality that is so hard to come by these days.
    

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32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Every dish was a masterpiece
    

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33. JC

    JeffC

    Los Angeles

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Outstanding food, drinks and service. Shared size starters make this a great group dining experience.
    

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34. S

    Stevie

    Seattle

    37 reviews

    4.0

    37 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Bar Chelou has been receiving great buzz, so we were eager to try it. The service was outstanding, and our waitress was entertaining and enthusiastic. Our cocktails were great and the wine we had with dinner was solid. We both had the trout which was outstanding and the roasted potatoes should not be missed. The carrots were a bit disappointing as we didn’t expect shredded carrots and the flavor was bland. We will return, but a caution that the menu is limited, restricted to a few main dishes that may not appeal to all diners. We hope that they open the patio.
    

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35. v

    vincer2d2

    Los Angeles

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 29, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4

    This is an experience, not just dinner. Crispy potatoes are a MUST!!
    

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36. HM

    HMill

    Minneapolis

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4

    Great food, great drink. All around nice experience and one of the good spots in Pasadena!
    

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37. S

    Silvia

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food was excellent! The flavors are incredible. The waiter’s suggestions were right on.
    

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38. DV

    DonV

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Bar Chelou has many sharable small plates, plus entrees. The food is wonderful, especially the salads. It is pricy but worth it. The best food I have had in LA. I highly recommend it.
    

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39. EB

    EveryBiteaDelight

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had a wonderful dinner before attending a concert at the Pasadena Playhouse next door to the restaurant. The food was delicious and the service was very attentive and friendly.
    

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40. PH

    PeppyHolmes65

    Central Coast

    17 reviews

    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of the best experiences I have ever had! Food was delicious, unique & service superb! The Ibérica pork chop to die for and the Boquerón's excellent. A wonderful experience for sure!
    

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