LSU Traveling Tigers Guide: Pasadena, CA

As LSU heads to the Golden State to face off with UCLA at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, the possibilities for an ultimate vacation are endless. With 300 days of sunshine, rich culture, luscious landscapes, and global cuisine Pasadena is the perfect place to have an adventure.
 
Pasadena’s walkable entertainment districts, enchanting gardens and scenic hiking trails, and plenty of global cuisine highlight the city’s diversity and culture. What are you waiting for? The enticing sights, sounds and flavors of L.A.’s historic gem await.

Food

With 600+ restaurants, Pasadena’s culinary scene is bursting with diverse flavors, featuring cuisine from around the world. You know it’s a serious food town when there are more restaurants per capita than New York City. When looking for a bite to eat in Pasadena, remember the 3 B’s - booze, burgers, and brunch.

If you’re looking for a bar to watch the September 4^th UCLA vs. LSU game, the 35er is our top choice. There are 15 TVs positioned everywhere and the walls are decked out in flags, jerseys, and other sports swag. Other great choices include Lucky Baldwin’s, Barney’s Beanery, and  Congregation Ale House’s outdoor patio bar. 

Did you know Pasadena is where the cheeseburger originated? Burgers are a staple of Pasadena’s restaurant scene and every year, eateries across the city compete for the title of best burger. You can get a taste of some of the top burger joints by checking out places like the comfort food hotspot, Smitty’s Grill, or White Horse Lounge with its Southern hospitality values, and of course, Pie N Burger where you can wash it down with an old-fashioned milkshake.

Brunch is the cure for everything. Whether you’re looking to fuel up a big day or relax on a lazy morning, Pasadena has you covered. For fresh fruity cocktails and morning mimosas on the patio, Foothill Restaurant and Magnolia House are the go-to spot. We also recommend swinging by Maestro for a Mexcal style boozy brunch. For those who are more interested in a bountiful breakfast, you can’t go wrong with stuffing yourself at American classics like Millie’s, Marston’s, or the Raymond 1886. A real hidden gem, though, is Amara’s, the only place to get an authentic Venezuelan breakfast that is guaranteed to keep you full until dinner.