Altadena Guidebook
Food Scene
Altadena is famous for being a "mom and pop" kind of place, while also hosting some seriously up-scale dining — world-famous chefs who have come here to start their own restaurants. We are also close to Pasadena, Eagle Rock and the greater San Gabriel Valley which is the epicenter of an Asian food renaissance making national headlines!
The best restaurant in Altadena and an official Neighborhood Gem. The staff treats everyone like family, and if you tell them you're staying with Ellen and Ken they REALLY will treat you well! We adore El Patron, and so does most of Altadena — we always run into someone we know while dining there as it's that kind of place. However, there are often long wait times, so the best time for breakfast is 10-11 am; lunch is 3-5 pm; dinner is after 7:45 till 9 pm closing.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
El Patron Mexican Food Restaurant
2555 Lake AveThe best restaurant in Altadena and an official Neighborhood Gem. The staff treats everyone like family, and if you tell them you're staying with Ellen and Ken they REALLY will treat you well! We adore El Patron, and so does most of Altadena — we always run into someone we know while dining there as it's that kind of place. However, there are often long wait times, so the best time for breakfast is 10-11 am; lunch is 3-5 pm; dinner is after 7:45 till 9 pm closing.
If you’re a vegetarian — and into nostalgia — there is our 60s-era hippie health-food and supplements store, organic produce purveyor and lunch counter. You can get a huge plate of veggies, brown rice, and legumes for just a few bucks. And John, the owner, is adored by the community.
9 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oh Happy Days
2283 Lake AveIf you’re a vegetarian — and into nostalgia — there is our 60s-era hippie health-food and supplements store, organic produce purveyor and lunch counter. You can get a huge plate of veggies, brown rice, and legumes for just a few bucks. And John, the owner, is adored by the community.
It's the best pizza in the area, hands-down, and has been in the same location for decades. Delivery is available, although it's probably faster if you just go there, order, and wait 20 minutes.
Pizza Joe's
2287 Lake AveIt's the best pizza in the area, hands-down, and has been in the same location for decades. Delivery is available, although it's probably faster if you just go there, order, and wait 20 minutes.
If it's comfort food you're craving, Fox's is the place to go. Newly renovated, it's now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday Brunch is a must.
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fox's Restaurant
2352 Lake AveIf it's comfort food you're craving, Fox's is the place to go. Newly renovated, it's now open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday Brunch is a must.
This place has seriously good food, with pricing to match. Owned and operated by two chefs who previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, it's one of the best eateries in the city of LA. Don't let the lack of a sign throw you - everyone here knows where it is. Reservations are a must.
16 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
ALTAeats
1860 Allen AveThis place has seriously good food, with pricing to match. Owned and operated by two chefs who previously worked in Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe, it's one of the best eateries in the city of LA. Don't let the lack of a sign throw you - everyone here knows where it is. Reservations are a must.
Hands-down the best Indian food in the city of Los Angeles! The owner and chef made a name for himself in LA's trendy West Side, then chose to open his own place here. Featuring made-to-order specialties from all regions of India, you will never find a 'lunch buffet' at the Mint Leaf. Because space is limited, go to the website and use their custom OpenTable link to make a reservation. Best dinner time is 5:30 to 6pm.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mint Leaf Indian
2535 E Washington BlvdHands-down the best Indian food in the city of Los Angeles! The owner and chef made a name for himself in LA's trendy West Side, then chose to open his own place here. Featuring made-to-order specialties from all regions of India, you will never find a 'lunch buffet' at the Mint Leaf. Because space is limited, go to the website and use their custom OpenTable link to make a reservation. Best dinner time is 5:30 to 6pm.
The hipster haven is the perfect place for a special evening with friends or a business-related dinner with a client you want to impress. One of three restaurants owned and operated by LA's legendary Claude Beltran, the handcrafted menu changes with the seasons. If it's a weeknight you can walk in at any time; weekends fare better with a reservation.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bacchus' Kitchen
1384 E Washington BlvdThe hipster haven is the perfect place for a special evening with friends or a business-related dinner with a client you want to impress. One of three restaurants owned and operated by LA's legendary Claude Beltran, the handcrafted menu changes with the seasons. If it's a weeknight you can walk in at any time; weekends fare better with a reservation.
Our favorite area amenities
Altadena has first-class banks, grocery stores, dry cleaners and more all within walking distance.
Bryan's has been serving the community for decades with fast, efficient and friendly service. We trust them with all our dry cleaning needs
BRYAN'S Cleaners & Laundry
2336 Lake AveBryan's has been serving the community for decades with fast, efficient and friendly service. We trust them with all our dry cleaning needs
This is everything you want in a neighborhood hardware store! They know Amazon exists, and to counter that they carry just about EVERYTHING anyone could want or need *right now*. Add to that a knowledgeable and friendly staff who greet you at the door, asking what it is you need, and you get a satisfying experience.
Altadena Hardware
849 E Mariposa StThis is everything you want in a neighborhood hardware store! They know Amazon exists, and to counter that they carry just about EVERYTHING anyone could want or need *right now*. Add to that a knowledgeable and friendly staff who greet you at the door, asking what it is you need, and you get a satisfying experience.
Steve's Pet's Store
2395 Lake AveIf you're traveling with your dog, Steve's has everything you need and then some
You may not know Aldi, a fixture in Europe and other parts of the US. They made a name for themselves by providing quality products at bargain prices, because of their buying power. (Note: they own Trader Joe's!) As such, you'll find many of the same TJ's products for much lower prices; look for the 'knock-off' product labels.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
ALDI
2246 Lake AveYou may not know Aldi, a fixture in Europe and other parts of the US. They made a name for themselves by providing quality products at bargain prices, because of their buying power. (Note: they own Trader Joe's!) As such, you'll find many of the same TJ's products for much lower prices; look for the 'knock-off' product labels.
Our newest Altadena market - installed on the site of an old Ralph's - is also one of our biggest surprises. Instead of being an embarrassment, this place actually has great products at even greater prices. Who knew?
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market
2270 Lake AveOur newest Altadena market - installed on the site of an old Ralph's - is also one of our biggest surprises. Instead of being an embarrassment, this place actually has great products at even greater prices. Who knew?
If it's a TJ's you want, we have 3 of them equidistant from our home! This one is special, though: it's the VERY FIRST TJs EVER BUILT. Come for the food, stay for the history.
238 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trader Joe's
1566 Colorado BlvdIf it's a TJ's you want, we have 3 of them equidistant from our home! This one is special, though: it's the VERY FIRST TJs EVER BUILT. Come for the food, stay for the history.
Hoopla! is a neighborhood treasure, owned and operated by neighborhood legends Lori & Scott Webster. It's one of those irresistible kinds of places where you can spend an hour just browsing. Hint: the hand-made 'brittle' candies are to die for!
Hoopla! An Emporium Of Good Things
2591 N Fair Oaks AveHoopla! is a neighborhood treasure, owned and operated by neighborhood legends Lori & Scott Webster. It's one of those irresistible kinds of places where you can spend an hour just browsing. Hint: the hand-made 'brittle' candies are to die for!