Shadow

We will be in Pasadena for the Rose Parade and would like to have lunch in the area before we go to see the floats post parade. Our grandstand seats are on Holliston/Colorado..near Hill Street. What will be open? Any ideas?
Thank you!!

Shadow

I just thought someone might have been before and have some thoughts..I just wonder if many restaurants would be open to take advantage of so many people out and about in Pasadena that day? Or, maybe they want to avoid the craziness? Never having been I really don't have a clue.

ltr

I am guessing the grandstands are on the north side of the street in front of a church. Is your parking area on the north or south side of Colorado Blvd? This will make a difference when you leave the area. You will not be able to cross the parade route, so these restaurants are assuming you are north.

Your location is located in the last half of the parade route. I would not try to back track through the traffic to reach a restaurant in old town Pasadena. This will be a crazy area because that is the general direction of the Rose Bowl so you will run into parade goers leaving the area and Game attendees arriving.

Instead, I would suggest a couple of restaurants east of your location on Foothill Blvd that will probably be open. Maria’s Italian Kitchen and right next door is a sushi restaurant we like. Maria’s address is 3537 E Foothill Blvd. Just west and across the street is a good Chinese restaurant called Panda’s Inn. There are several chain restaurants on Foothill Blvd. as well.

Shadow

ltr..thank you for you very thougful reply...all are noted. I have another thougth...we are going to go to PCC and park the car there for the Park and Ride to the Post Parade float viewing...do you know if there are any restaurants right there are nearby PCC (Hill/DelMar area?) Or do you think we could drive up to Foothill and back to the PCC area ok or will that be too crazy?
Thanks so much,
Shadow

tennislvr1

No, not really anything worth going to near the PCC area except for Burger King, etc. Its a college area and I can't honestly say I know of any restaurants near there worth recommending.

Ltr's suggestion of Maria's kitchen is fine..you would be heading in the direction of the post parade. The other thought is to head the opposite of the parade and go to Lake Avenue (not as far as Old Town). You would go SOUTH on Hill and then turn right on Del Mar and then go to Lake Avenue. There are some great restaurants on Lake...my favorite is Green Street Restaurant. Corner Bakery (a chain) in on Lake too. Green St. is going to be on your right and Corner Bakery on your left.

Let me know if you want directions to either one...they are both west of PCC, so you will be avoiding some traffic. But keep in mind, you are visiting Pasadena on its BUSIEST day of the year. Enjoy the crowds...everyone loves the parade. I've seen almost every one since I was born!

p.s. dress warm. Everyone thinks its warm because you see the sun at the parade. Its quite cold on the bleachers!

ltr

I also thought of Green Street restaurant, but I wasn't sure if they turn Del Mar into a one way street after the parade. I love their Dianne Salad!

IT isn't too far to go back to PCC to catch the shuttle. It might be easier than to try to find a parking space at the viewing area.

Don’t forget sunglasses. The south side of the street is shaded but the sun will be shining in your eyes on the north side. If you have access to a throw blanket, you might want to bring it because the bleachers can feel pretty hard after sitting on them for a couple of hours. I would also pick up snacks at a store so you don’t miss any part of the parade waiting in line for food someplace. They do have vendors selling ball park type stuff, but if you bring your own, you will have things you enjoy.

Have a great time!