Things To Do
Bánh Mì Mỹ Tho
The best banh mi in the area, hands down. Lines are long, and they're cash only. Our favorite is the #8, but don't sleep on the egg rolls.
Chengdu Taste
Top tier Szechuan cuisine on Valley Boulevard.
You Kitchen
Our favorite dumpling spot. That being said, we think the beef roll is one of the best (and that's saying something, since beef roll fans argue the best is right next door at 101 Noodle Express, cash only). If you're local, we recommend buying a bag of frozen dumplings! You won't regret it.
Claro's Italian Markets
Iconic Italian deli in Southern California serving up classic subs, assorted cookies, and now a fancy gelato bar. Michael's go-to is the Spicy Mike and Mariesa's is the Great Grandpa Joe. Much like You Kitchen, we recommend taking a tour of the prepared frozen foods section. But instead of dumplings, consider taking home some delicious baked ziti or eggplant parmesan!
Din Tai Fung
Inside the mall and the wait is literally hours long, so here's the play: get to the mall with purpose, put your names down, accept your fate, wander around the stores, and come back in time WITH YOUR ENTIRE PARTY PRESENT, and enjoy an excellent dumpling experience. You of course need to get the Xioa Long Bao, and you also gotta get the green beans.
Blossom Market Hall
Fun food hall with a variety of vendors! We personally love the oxtail stew at Caribbean Gourmet, a restaurant that started as a stall at our favorite farmers markets.
Villa's Tacos Los Angeles
If you're in LA, you gotta get some tacos! This spot always has a long line, so get there early and bring cash.
Gus's BBQ - South Pasadena
The barbecue is solid, and the sides are equally delicious. We love the mac and cheese!
Moo's Craft Barbecue
Honestly, though, if you're looking for barbecue, go here. Originally a secret backyard barbecue spot, Moo's moved into its brick-and-mortar as the city started reopening and has been on the ascent ever since. Everything is amazing, from the smoked brisket to the house made sausages to the elote salad.
Mazal
Vegan and vegetarian friends, rejoice! LA is a veritable paradise of veggie eats, including this natural wine bar specializing in vegetarian Mediterranean food.
Highland Park Brewery
Can't wait to try Highland Park Brewery beers at the wedding? Get a head start and hang out at the Chinatown location, and then head on over to the Los Angeles State Historic Park!
Homage Brewing
Or, if you want to keep sampling our local brews, head away from the park and down the street to Homage! Specializing in fruited sours and saisons, Homage also has a delightful food menu and usually some very cool tunes spinning.
Highly Likely Highland Park
For the brunch fans among us! Very lovely open air space with fresh, light brunch fare. You can hang out in Highland Park and window shop on Figueroa, if you're so inclined.
Otoño
Mariesa-approved Spanish food! Pricey, but when the pan con tomate hits, it feels worth it.
Sage Plant Based Bistro & Brewery Pasadena
Again, veggie friends, we got you covered! An extensive menu and some light controversy as of late, since they'll be offering meat dishes soon.
The Derby
Open since 1922, the Derby is an iconic part of LA fine dining history. Located near the Santa Anita Park, you're liable to run into locals and jockeys alike.
江戸前鮨 㐂扇 Sushi Kisen
Sushi fanatics, you cannot beat Sushi Kisen! The Premium Sushi Dinner is one of the best deals in town - insanely fresh fish, beautifully prepared by the chefs.
El Sereno Community Garden
Mariesa's community garden! Open hours are Saturday, 8am to 12pm, so early birds might luck out.
The Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens
One of our favorite botanical gardens in Southern California, and where Michael proposed to Mariesa! Advanced timed entry reservations are required for all visitors. We think it's well worth it.
Eaton Canyon Falls Trail
If you're looking to immerse yourself in the LA lifestyle, then plan on a taking a hike, literally! Eaton Canyon takes you to a set of waterfalls, which should be really flowing with all of the rain and snow we've had recently. Make sure you heed the signs and stay on the lower falls!
In-N-Out Burger
C'mon, why are we even here in this notes section? But hey, while you're reading this: it's iconic, it's delicious, and we will fight you on this.
Zelo
A Bates Family favorite! Cornmeal crust, semi-deep dish pizza with fresh seasonal toppings!
Lacy Park
Beautiful park in San Marino (built on top of a fresh water lake, look it up!). Free for San Marino residents, $5 for visitors.
Garfield Park
Another adorable park in South Pasadena! Free for all, every day of the week.
Mount Lowe Railway Trail
If you'e a more serious, intrepid hiker, this is a fun one. An out-and-back hike, the trail takes you to the ruins of an old hotel from the 1800s, an abandoned funicular, and a spectacular view of the region.
Rose Bowl Stadium
Get your morning run in around the Rose Bowl! The loop is 3.1 miles, and you'll get close to another iconic part of Southern California, where they hold the annual Rose Bowl after the Rose Parade on New Year's Day.
Two Kids
Excellent coffee and pastries on Mission in South Pasadena. Next to a cute vintage cookbook shop and other boutiques!
Little Flower
Brunch fans, this is another option! We used to grab breakfast here after our long runs around the Rose Bowl. They make all of their breads, pastries, AND candies. Highly recommend!
CAR Artisan Chocolate - Manufactory & Cafe
Eater LA claims their pain au chocolat is the best in the city, and we have to say, we agree! If you strike out, the ham and cheese croissant is also outstanding.
Bhanu Indian Cuisine & Market
Tucked inside a market, this restaurant never misses. The best deal is the thali, but hey, trust your gut. You won't be disappointed.
Kitchen Mouse Cafe
Again, for the brunch set! Vegetarian meals in a very cute setting. The chilaquiles are top notch!
Bar Chelou
Another Mariesa-approved Spanish restaurant! Located inside the historic Pasadena Playhouse, this fusion spot skews more Basque than Spanish and has an incredible drink list.
Capri Club
A total scene, an excellent vibe. The apertivos are fun, and we think this place serves up the best martini in town (tied with Musso & Franks!).