Sierra Cup
Envisioning itself as a “family night club”, this self-proclaimed frozen yogurt/coffee/cupcake shop kicks it up a few notches with a free Nintendo Wii lounge where customers can play on one of two giant flatscreens, free Wi-Fi and an outdoor patio with cabanas and free live music on the weekends. Frozen yogurt comes in classic sweet flavors of chocolate and vanilla and Sierra Cup’s own tart and blueberry flavors. 409 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. (626) 301-4214. Sun-Thurs. 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m. Street or lot parking. Yogurt/Coffee Shop.
La Petite France Bakery
This unassuming French bakery serves up international sweets like chocolate rum balls, baklava, Mexican wedding cookies, cream puffs, croissants, fruit tarts and bite-size tarts like lemon meringue, apple and chocolate pecan that will leave thoughts of guilt—and only having one—behind. Ask to view the booklet of special occasion desserts like trees and teapots made from cream puffs. A variety of made-to-order sandwiches are also available in case there is room after dessert. 411 E. Huntington Dr., Arcadia, (626) 445-0392. Parking lot. Bakery.
Chang Thai Bistro
The inventive décor—hanging bamboo reeds and large mirrors—and food compete for attention at this trendy restaurant that is perfect for a date or outing with friends. The very reasonable, large-portioned pad thai does not disappoint, but the sizzling prawns, a mild dish that lives up to its name, is a distinctive treat on their extensive menu that includes plenty of vegetarian options. 614 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia. (626) 357-9658. Sun-Thur. 11 a.m.-10 pm. Fri. and Sat.11 a.m-10:30 p.m. Lunch specials Mon-Fri. until 3 p.m. Street or lot parking. Free delivery within three mile radius, $10 minimum. Thai.
Red, White and Bluezz
Crispy smoked gouda mac ‘n cheese or free-range French cut chicken breast in a Godiva white chocolate beurre blanc is just the tip of the decadent iceberg at this jazz club that serves wine, cheese, charcuterie and chocolate flights in addition to live jazz music every night and during Sunday brunch. 70 South Raymond Ave. Old Pasadena, (626) 792-4441. Dinner daily 5 p.m. Brunch Sat. and Sun. 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Street or structure parking. Wine Bar and Grill.
Bean Town
Shelves of board games and brick walls adorned with tin signs transport you to a simpler time, with the exception of the customers on their laptops. Much more than coffee, food includes breakfast burritos, sandwiches, wraps, salads, filled pastries, bars, huge cinnamon rolls, homemade soups and Fosselman’s ice cream. 45 N. Baldwin Ave, Sierra Madre, (626) 355-1596. Sun.-Thurs. 5:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 5:30 a.m.-midnight. Street or lot parking. Coffee Shop.
Hyper Coffee
A variety of fresh paninis, salads, smoothies, wraps, bottled teas, juices and desserts like crème brulee cheesecake bars accent the coffee menu. A sometimes quiet, tent-covered outdoor patio feels like someone’s backyard, defying expectations of a “hyper” atmosphere. Free Wi-Fi is also available in this quaint little getaway. 203 S. First Ave, Downtown Arcadia, (626) 445-0880. Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-8 pm. Sat. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Sunday. Street parking. Coffee Shop.
Restaurant Lozano
A menu peppered with Italian and Mexican dishes satisfies a variety of palates. The crispy goat cheese quesadilla with baby spinach, caramelized onion and white mushrooms served with a mild red chipotle sauce is only one example of Lozano’s elegant creativity. Stay updated on their website about special event meals and winemaker dinners that pair each course with a specific winemaker’s libation. 44 N. Baldwin Ave., Sierra Madre, (626) 355-5945. Lunch Mon.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner Sun.-Thur. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. Street or small lot parking. Regional Californian and American.
Spices Thai Food
A small counter, six chairs and a small table with a couple stacks of magazines comprise this take-out spot that has a large menu and some good values, like combos that come with an entrée, rice, soup and a fried dumpling for $6.95. The yellow curry is the only curry not deemed spicy but the delectable dish still brings some fire. 402 S. First Ave., Arcadia, (626) 446-7703. Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Closed Sunday. Street parking. Delivery $1, $10 minimum. Thai.
Thai Classic
Framed Asian tapestries adorn the walls of this small, casual eatery that feels like someone’s home and serves homemade and made-to-order dishes like volcano fried chicken Thai style with garlic and herbs. Tuna salad, an owner-recommended dish, features flash fried tuna over a shredded green apple and red onion salad. 1011 S. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. 626-294-9914. Open daily 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Lunch daily 11 a.m.-3p.m. Street or small lot parking. Free delivery within three mile radius, $12 minimum. Thai.
Chandra
Customers enjoy colorful plates of food among a mixture of dated décor in this local favorite. The usual suspects are on the menu as well as various fish “fried to a crisp” and most entrees are less than $10, while lunch is about half that, perhaps explaining why some locals eat here multiple times a week. 400 S. Arroyo Pkwy., Pasadena, (626) 396-9819. Sun.-Thurs. 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Lunch specials Mon.-Fri. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Parking lot. Free delivery within three mile radius, $10 minimum. Thai.
Pad Thai
You can’t go wrong with the namesake dish at this colorful restaurant accented with pink booths, bright blue table cloths and red napkins. The garlic pepper mushroom entree, pan fried mushrooms with a garlic black pepper sauce, is a favorite among vegetarians, says owner Ratana Song, who also recommends the seafood house special soup. 3500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 568-9288. Daily 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Lunch specials Mon.-Fri. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Parking lot. Thai.
Cameron’s Seafood
From the smell of fish to the stuffed fish and old fishing photographs on the walls, it is clear that Cameron’s is the place to go if you’re craving something water-dwelling, whether from the restaurant or fresh seafood market. The large selection of fish includes ahi, threshar shark, swordfish, and dozens of others in addition to oyster dishes, shrimp and scallops. 1978 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 793-FISH. Lunch Mon.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Dinner Sun.-Thurs. 4 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Brunch Sunday 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Market Sun.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Parking lot. Seafood.
