Arts & Entertainment

Named for the days when it served well drinks for $.35, the 35er Bar became a Route 66 mainstay after opening in 1963. Family owned and operated since then, the bar features more than a dozen beer varieties on tap with a strong focus on local and regional breweries; more beer options are served up in cans and bottles. A small menu of simple pub grub (nachos, fish ‘n’ chips, chicken wings, chili cheese fries) helps fuel the libation consumption. Numerous televisions keep you up to date on sporting events; for those into music, the downstairs area is open Thursday through Saturday nights and features a DJ.

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri  3:00-7:00pm.

Long after its start in Berkeley and then West Hollywood in the 1920s, Barney’s Beanery opened its Pasadena location in 2006, becoming a favorite on Colorado Boulevard for its rock ‘n’ roll-pop culture décor and dozens of beers on tap. Patrons also like the plentiful TVs showcasing sporting events, loud music, and a real bus installed indoors. The extensive menu is centered on American fare but also includes pizza and “south of the border” selections. Kids feel right at home here too: pool tables, a small selection of arcade games, and that psychedelic bus can occupy them long enough for parents to enjoy a couple of drinks.

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 3:00-7:00pm.

If it’s whiskey you’re after, Blind Donkey is your spot. Here you’ll find a premier Whiskey Bar (65+ in stock), a solid lineup of craft spirits, and a curated draft beer list that’s in constant rotation. The bar’s food menu features standard pub fare and 10 different kinds of French fries. The open-late establishment encourages you to while away the hours with chess, shuffle board, and other games; its regular Wednesday Trivia Night is a big draw. 

Happy Hour: Mon–Fri 4:00–7:00pm; Sat-Sun 1:00–5:00pm. 

An always-packed fixture in Old Pasadena’s night club scene, Club 54 features two levels plus a basement lounge, three bars, two dance floors, three live guest DJs each evening, and state-of-the-art lighting and sound. VIP seating in spacious booths and bottle service are available upon request.

Happy Hour: Thu-Sat 6:00-10:00pm.

Modeled after a Bavarian Bier Haus, Der Wolf features 20 German and German-inspired craft beers, some unique to Der Wolf. Bavarian-inspired dishes – think sausages, spätzle mac, pretzels, and schnitzel – are served on communal tables under imposing chandeliers. Make sure to visit the Der Rathskeller bar downstairs: It features an incredible array of murals that calls both on mythological creatures, Teutonic battles, animals, and brand imagery from craft distilleries.

Happy Hour:  Mon-Fri 5:00-7:00pm; Sat-Sun 1:00-3:00pm.

Fall, 2020 note: Currently closed due to COVID-19.

A night-life venue and restaurant, IX Tapa features classic dishes from Mexico’s west coast, from familiar entrée favorites to a large offering of bar bites. With over 7,000 square feet of space grandly appointed by LA-based design firm AKAR Studios, IX Tapa boasts live music, dancing, and a complete schedule of entertainment options.

Happy Hour: Tue-Fri 4:00-7:00pm.

A true pub with a rotating and curated beer selection to prove it, Kings Row Gastropub feels like a friendly neighborhood joint, complete with frequent live music, shuffleboard, and a small but solid menu of tasty artisan food. Choose your drink from a menu that specializes in small-craft and local brewers and Belgian ales (handcrafted cocktails and wine selections are on hand too) and grab a spot at one of the three seating areas: the open-air “patio” bar, dining room, or outdoor beer garden.

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4:00-7:00pm.

A locals’ favorite and long-time mainstay in Old Pasadena, Lucky Baldwins Pub opened in 1996 as an authentic British pub. The laid-back venue serves up more than 60 unique and rotating beers on tap. Throughout the year, Lucky Baldwins also celebrates European drinking festivals, including its renowned Belgian Beer Festival, IPA festivals, and Oktoberfest. Hungry drinkers can also find a full kitchen serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner pub grub.

Happy Hour: Mon-Fri 4:00-6:00pm. 

Operating since 1973, Old Towne Pub is tucked into one of Old Pasadena’s alleyways and serves as one of the district’s late-night live music venues. Bands showcase classic rock, hard rock, reggae, punk, and anything in between. The bar offers a selection of local brews and well drinks.

For over two decades, Q’s Billard Club has been a neighborhood restaurant, sports bar, and late-night hang-out, located above Barney’s Beanery. Q’s features a delicious menu, 10 pool tables, more than 45 TVs, three outdoor patios, a DJ spinning your favorite music, and a friendly staff to assist you.

Happy Hour: Mon 6:00-7:00pm, Thu-Fri 6:00-7:00pm.

With a name that recalls the Prohibition, The Speakeasy also operates like the “secret” bars from that era: It requires a password to enter, which patrons can obtain by emailing or calling the venue in advance. Once inside, expect a lounge bathed in red light, excellent cocktails, 250 beer selections, and DJ music.