Diners' Choice: Lively restaurants in Pasadena

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that have the most vibrant bar scenes in Pasadena? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Arroyo Chop House

4.8

4.8 (2472)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

A modern take on the classic American steakhouse, Arroyo Chop House is one of only a few restaurants in Southern California that serves exclusively USDA Prime beef. This strikingly handsome restaurant, inspired by the Arts & Crafts architectural style for which Pasadena is famous, is clad in rich mahogany and the cozy booths are bathed in seductive light.

Our steaks are aged and hand cut daily and then perfectly seared in a 1,500 degree oven. Traditional steakhouse side dishes include creamed spinach, baked potatoes, asparagus spears with hollandaise sauce, and Arroyo Chop House's famous onion rings. We also offer live Maine lobster and fresh fish, Alaskan King Crab legs, fresh oysters, and shrimp. Compliment your meal with a bottle from our award-winning wine list and finish the night with one of our delicious desserts such as a Grand Marnier soufflé, warm apple pie, butterscotch pudding or chocolate pecan pie.

Top review

Karo

Dined 3 days ago

Staff was amazing. Food and Steaks were cooked to perfection and tasted amazing.

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4.8

4.8 (1910)

$30 and under

Argentinean

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Please note, that our outdoor seating is first come first serve. If you have a reservation through OpenTable, you will be seated, however, please allow a few extra minutes to ensure that we can properly sanitize your table.

Argentina is world famous for its cuisine. From homemade salads, pastas and fish to an abundant selection of our signature grilled meats, Malbec Argentinean Bistro brings you the best authentic cuisine prepared on our genuine Argentinean grill.

For reservations of parties larger than 6, please reach out to the restaurant directly. We will require a credit card hold to secure large party reservations.

Top review

Dan

Dined 7 days ago

Fantastic and great service! It was my wife’s birthday and we had an amazing dinner and evening

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Popular dish

Arroz Con Mariscos For One

Nick's South Lake Ave

4.8

4.8 (3256)

$30 and under

American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Classic American comfort food, crave-able bar snacks, plus unique cocktails, an extensive wine list in an upscale yet casual environment. Our exhibition kitchen highlights the talents of our passionate culinary team.

Nick’s is dedicated to perfecting the dining experience through continuous innovation, offering the highest quality food and beverage, and executing impeccable standards of hospitality. The deeply instilled Nick’s culture is personified by its Ladies and Gentlemen – professionals who share a single focus and are inspired and committed to offering great service and creating positive memorable experiences.

Nick's Pasadena will reopen on April 12, 2021 for dinner starting at 4pm. We look forward to serving you!

Top review

IelenVIP

Dined on Jun 23, 2025

Great staff good food, always very cordial and caring.

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4.8

4.8 (32)

$30 and under

Californian

Highland Park

About the restaurant

Nestled in the heart of Glassell Park, Wife and the Somm is a charming neighborhood bistro that invites you to indulge in a world of culinary delights and exquisite wines. Step inside and be greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance, where the aroma of fresh, seasonal ingredients fills the air. The ivy-covered walls and cozy interior create a sense of intimacy, while the spacious patio and front courtyard offer a delightful al fresco dining experience.

Husband-and-wife team Chris and Christy Lucchese, passionate about food and wine, have curated a menu that showcases their love for fresh, locally sourced produce and expertly paired wines. Their ever-evolving seasonal offerings feature an array of shareable plates, from handmade pastas and charcuterie boards to roasted baby beets with whipped feta and toasted almonds. Each dish is a testament to their culinary artistry, designed to tantalize your taste buds and complement the carefully selected wines.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

A great time as always! Love the vibe, the people, and the food!

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Experience

Somm Table

Ruth's Chris Steak House - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (4062)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Now Open: We look forward to serving you soon.

Ruth's Chris Steak House in Pasadena, CA serves the finest USDA Prime beef available, broiled at 1,800° and served on 500° plates, so your steak stays hot, juicy and delicious from first bite to last. Enjoy our New Orleans-inspired appetizers, USDA Prime steaks, fresh seafood, signature side dishes and homemade desserts. All this while you enjoy our warm, inviting atmosphere and Ruth’s Chris’ genuine hospitality. So whether you’re a regular or have just been wondering what all the buzz is about, Ruth's Chris is the perfect excuse to enjoy the perfect night out. Dinner is served nightly, reservations are suggested and private dining and offsite catering may be arranged.

Top review

ThessVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Great food Thank you for making my birthday celebration another memorable one with my family❤️

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Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ - Pasadena, CA | Old Town

4.7

4.7 (1658)

$31 to $50

Japanese

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Founded in Tokyo in 1996, Gyu-Kaku has become the world’s #1 Japanese BBQ brand! Thanks to our devoted fans we have reached over 700 locations worldwide. Each day, hundreds of thousands of people gather around the table-top smokeless grill, a centerpiece of our dining concept, enjoying selections of premium meats, just off the grill, and other freshly prepared foods from our kitchens, inspiring laughter, conversation, and a magical dining experience.

Our authentic yakiniku (grilled barbeque) dining experience crowns you the chef. Share a variety of delicious appetizers and premium cooked meats over a flaming grill, paired with Japanese sake, frosty cold beers, or other alcoholic and non-alcoholic options of your choice. We're the perfect spot to enjoy time with friends and family, organize an office party, or to spend quality time with your significant other!

Before you go, don't forget to taste our best-seller Harami Skirt Steak or Prime Kalbi Short Rib among other must-try dishes!

Top review

Mayra

Dined on Jun 7, 2025

I’ll be completely honest we’ve loved this chain restaurant we’ve been to most of the LA locations and unfortunately, this one is the only one that’s the grill has just not been working. We got moved once because the girl kept on shutting off and in the middle of cooking the food multiple waitresses had to come and help us to fix the grill because the gas was just turning off. Everyone was super nice helpful but the off on experience was a little annoying. Overall the food was amazing. The value of the food was great but a little annoying.

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Experience

Prix-Fixe BBQ Courses for Everyone: Starting at...

Magnolia House

4.7

4.7 (353)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Located in a 100-year-old Pasadena craftsman bungalow, Magnolia House is a hideaway for those in the know – unique cocktails and a small plate menu from around the world. Stop by for handcrafted drinks, a boutique selection of wines, and local craft beers on tap while the menu boasts market-driven selection of seasonal shareable plates.

Top review

Maribel

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

Always excellent food and service in a beautiful location.

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Experience

Martini Mondays

Experience

Bourbon & Burgers Tuesdays

Experience

Wine Wednesdays

Alexander's Steakhouse - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (2315)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Alexander's Steakhouse Pasadena reimagines the modern American steakhouse with refined Japanese influence woven into the menu. With one of the largest selections of imported and domestic Wagyu, every meal is a captivating experience filled with delightful surprises. From our signature bread service to the playful touch of cotton candy, every detail elevates your dining journey.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the beautiful Pasadena City Hall as you dine in our elegant atmosphere. Discover Bull & Barrel, our hidden bar, featuring rare and exotic whiskeys. Wine lovers can explore our renowned program, offering exceptional selections by the glass.

As a recipient of OpenTable's Diner's Choice, we invite you to indulge in Wagyu excellence, Japanese-inspired creativity, and impeccable hospitality—making every visit a memorable one.

Top review

Chiresse

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

Alexander’s was such a great restaurant, especially if you want and love a great experience.

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Experience

Join Us for Social Hour at Bull & Barrel Bar!

Experience

Prime Rib Sundays

Fleming's Steakhouse - Pasadena

4.7

4.7 (1508)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Your Pasadena Fleming's is conveniently located on the corner of Marengo and Colorado Boulevard. Fleming's in Pasadena is an outstanding choice to enjoy an exceptional Prime steak, glass of wine or handcrafted cocktail. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, hosting a business dinner or simply wanting to enjoy a night out - we will create a safe and memorable evening in our Dining Room. If you prefer to enjoy your fine dining experience at home, you can order and pay for lunch or dinner online and then pick up curbside or select from one of our delivery partners.

Top review

Edward M.

Dined on Jun 19, 2025

Excellent service, food, and views. Demetrio, Jorge, Sterling. Great views of the San Diego Bay. Authentic Italian food with great flavors and spices. Highly recommended.

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Sliced Filet Mignon Sandwich

Sushi Roku - Pasadena

4.6

4.6 (1228)

$30 and under

Sushi

Pasadena

About the restaurant

Sushi Roku combines the finest, freshest fish from pristine waters around the globe with the kind of artistry that can only be provided by a mature sushi chef ensuring superlative traditional sushi, together with a splash of California innovation. Sushi Roku is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from Latin America (e.g. jalapeños) and Europe (e.g. olive oil) into its edible works of art. This unique culinary experience that bridges past and present is the result of an eagerness to embrace new ideas and a profound respect for tradition. Sushi Roku’s bold and diverse menu also offers an array of hot and cold specialty appetizers and an extensive selection of exotic entrées.

Top review

candie

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

Best sushi in LA. Quality is always the same, great service, delicious dessert and cocktails.

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