Headed to the Rose Bowl for CONCACAF Cup? While you likely already know about the blockbuster tourist activities around L.A., block off plenty of time for Pasadena itself. Here are some of our favorite places nearby for a fix of soccer culture, food, drink — and even a scenic hike.
1. The Rose Bowl
This is the venue for all the game action. Pro tip: Get here early. Some stadium parking lots and an interactive Fan Fest open at 2 pm PT. There are also free fan shuttles to the game running from the Parsons Engineering Building in Old Town Pasadena. 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626-577-3100; rosebowlstadium.com
2. Lucky Baldwin’s Pub
Lucky Baldwin’s is your quintessential British pub: There’s always a soccer game on their multiple TVs, and for big games they attract quite the local crowd. In addition to serving up just about every match on TV, they also happen to offer a much deeper selection of beers than you’d associate with a traditional pub. 17 S. Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626-795-0652; luckybaldwins.com
3. Neo39
Sneakerheads, this is your spot. Located on Colorado Boulevard — the same street the Rose Parade goes down — this boutique carries the leading sneaker brands and latest releases. Head straight to the back wall for the Jordans. 39 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626-683-1257; neo39.com
4. The Pie Hole
Just a few doors down from Neo39, the Pie Hole offers amazing coffee and, unsurprisingly, a range of pies both savory and sweet. For the former, try the shepherd’s pie or chorizo breakfast option; for the latter, go for Earl Grey or seasonal fruit. Pro tip: Sit outside for excellent people-watching. 59 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626-765-6315; thepieholela.com
5. Coolhaus
Located in the same communal building as The Pie Hole, Coolhaus offers up one of the best ice cream sandwiches you can have in L.A. After starting off as food trucks (a few still cruise the city), Coolhaus opened two retail locations due to popular demand. The concept? You build your own: Pick your type of cookie and your flavor of ice cream and let Coolhaus construct your dream ice cream sandwich. 59 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626-486-2700; eatcoolhaus.com
6. Der Wolfskopf
This newcomer to the Pasadena scene is the place for hard-to-find German beer, with an always-surprising, rotating selection on draft. Be extra nice to the bartender and you may get a coveted invite to the secret bar in the basement. 72 N. Fair Oaks, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626-219-6054; derwolfskopf.com
7. The Blind Donkey
Here’s a whiskey-lover’s paradise, with offerings from Scotland, Japan, Belgium — and plenty of domestic ones, too. They’ve also got shuffleboard, and who can resist shuffleboard paired with whiskey? 53 E. Union St, Pasadena, CA 91103; 626-792-1833; theblinddonkey.com
8. Lucky Boy Drive-In
This Pasadena landmark serves burgers, fries and the like, but you come here for breakfast burritos. Loaded with eggs, cheese, hashbrowns and meat, these creations are massive. (Get the bacon, seriously.) 531 E. Walnut Dr, Pasadena, CA 91105; 626-793-7079; luckyboyburgers.com
9. Pro Soccer
If you need a last-minute jersey or a ball for a pick-up game outside the Rose Bowl, head here. They stock just about anything that you could want or need. 82 North Los Robles Ave., Pasadena, CA 91101; 800-688-8088; prosoccer.com
10. Union
Getting a reservation at this farm-to-table, Italian gastropub can be tricky, but it’s well worth the effort. Arguably the best restaurant in Pasadena (with the attendant, slightly higher prices to boot), it’s also one of the best in the L.A. area, hands down. As a bonus, it’s just a few doors down from the Blind Donkey, so you can grab a pre-dinner drink there before heading to Union. 37 E. Union St., Pasadena, CA 91103; 626-795-5841; unionpasadena.com
11. Sturtevant Falls
Located a few miles east of Pasadena in the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, Sturtevant Falls offer one of the best hikes in the area. A mellow 3.7 miles end with a 50-foot waterfall; head up Santa Anita Avenue to forget you’re near a big city. Make sure you bring cash for parking and get there early! 701 N. Santa Anita Canyon Rd., Sierra Madre, CA 91025; 626-574-1613; www.fs.usda.gov/angeles
