Where to Eat, Shop & Stroll in Old Town Pasadena
Old Town Pasadena has a special way of blending old-world charm with modern energy. Whether you're meeting up for brunch, doing a little retail therapy, or just want a change of scenery for your weekend walk, this neighborhood always delivers. Here's how I like to spend a day here and a few spots I always recommend.
📌 Prefer a quick read? Scroll down for the short summary version!
Eat: From Brunch to Dessert
Start with food. If you're here in the morning or around brunch time, Granville is a favorite for its farm-to-table comfort food and relaxing patio seating. For a more upscale dinner, Union offers handmade pasta in a cozy space that feels intimate without being stuffy.
Craving something a little more casual? Dirt Dog on Green Street is fun and bold (think bacon-wrapped hot dogs and elote fries). For a sweet treat or a nostalgic drink, stop by Float, tucked into the historic Fair Oaks Pharmacy. Their root beer floats and house-made sodas are perfect for a summer afternoon.
If coffee is your priority (it often is for me), Intelligentsia is always a solid pick, or try Coffee and Plants for something a bit more relaxed and Instagram-worthy.
Shop: Big Names, Local Finds
Shopping in Old Town is the best kind, walkable and filled with variety. The main stretch of Colorado Boulevard has plenty of recognizable brands like Anthropologie, Madewell, Sephora, and Apple, but I always suggest venturing a little off the main drag for something more unique.
Gold Bug is a must-visit for unusual jewelry, art, and gifts you won’t find anywhere else. It's the kind of place where you’ll want to buy something for yourself and for a friend. Homage Pasadena is another gem: modern, curated, and perfect for anyone who loves design, candles, or thoughtful home goods.
Don’t skip Vroman’s Bookstore, either. It's been around since 1894 and remains one of the best independent bookstores in the country. You’ll find everything from new releases to gifts and stationery.
Stroll: Walk, Watch, and Soak It In
What makes Old Town special isn’t just what’s here, it’s how it feels. The streets are walkable, the buildings have stories, and there’s always something happening in the background.
Grab a drink and take your time. The alley behind One Colorado is especially charming, with string lights and occasional live music or pop-up events. On weekends, there are often markets, street performers, or antique finds tucked into small plazas and corners.
Even if you don’t plan much, simply walking around Old Town is its own kind of therapy. The mix of old architecture, local pride, and small surprises around each corner is what keeps me (and so many others) coming back.
Quick Summary: Where to Eat, Shop & Stroll in Old Town Pasadena
Eat
Brunch at Granville or dinner at Union
Grab a hot dog at Dirt Dog or a float from Float
Coffee from Intelligentsia or Coffee and Plants
Shop
Main brands: Anthropologie, Apple, Sephora
Local favorites: Gold Bug, Homage Pasadena, Vroman’s Bookstore
Stroll
Explore alleyways and One Colorado
Catch weekend events, live music, or just enjoy the historic streets