STEPPING OUT IN PASADENA
When stepping out at night in Pasadena it can be hard to choose. So many varied possibilities await: Bar Celona, as its name implies, takes its cues directly from Spain. Specializing in tapas, this bar, restaurant and lounge serves tantalizing small bites like patatas bravas, chicken and beef empanadas, and a happy hour size paella. At night, Bar Celona heats up with live bands, flamenco dancers, and regular DJ sets. The Blu Room housed in Pasadena’s historic Hotel Constance, is a chic, ultra-modern space with a trendy ambiance. Beneath appropriately azure-hued space-age lighting, The Blu Room serves meticulously crafted cocktails, and a selection of Asian-fusion small bites. If moving your feet is in your plans you might check out the dance floor at Old Pasadena’s Ix Tapa Cantina and Lounge. The restaurant serves traditional Mexican food daily, but every night of the week there is something different. Along with a weekday happy hour, there are theme nights like salsa dancing on Tuesdays, College Cantina Thursdays, and live mariachi shows every Friday and Saturday.
BLU ROOM, HOTEL CONSTANCE
GET HAPPY IN PASADENA
It’s easy to get happy in Pasadena at one of the city’s many happy hours. For an elegant experience at a classic American steak-house, with hints of Japanese influence, visit Alexander’s Steakhouse. “Social Hour” is Monday through Friday 5:00 – 6:30pm with reduced prices on menu items such as roasted Shishito peppers, Wagyu goyza, and hamachi shots. For an equally sophisticated experience in a classic historic space, try The Raymond Bar 1886. Located in a 19th century historic house, bartenders bring an old school attention to the craft of cocktail preparation, including over 100 varieties of Manhattans. Enjoy Happy Hour Tuesday – Friday from 4– 7 pm. On South Lake Ave., you’ll find Magnolia House, another historic turn of the 20th century house with a can’t miss happy hour. This charming location provides a regular selection of small plates, and special “happenings” such as Tuesday’s “Manhattan and burger for $15” or “Wine Wednesday’s” half price bottles. If mezcal is what makes you happy, Maestro, a recent addition to Pasadena with over 100 mezcals and tequilas is a true “Mezcaleria”. Happy hour is 4:00 – 6:00pm, Tuesday – Friday, and 11am – 2pm on weekends.
MAGNOLIA HOUSE
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