Hey, Hawkeye fans, hit these 9 spots in Pasadena before (or after) the Rose Bowl game - Los Angeles Times
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Hey, Hawkeye fans, hit these 9 spots in Pasadena before (or after) the Rose Bowl game

The main dining room of La Grande Orange Cafe, a popular Pasadena hangout.

The main dining room of La Grande Orange Cafe, a popular Pasadena hangout.

(Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)
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Welcome to Pasadena, renowned for its skin, sin and wicked impulses. No, wait, that’s Las Vegas. Pasadena is actually a lovely city of libraries and churches. It’s where locals go to recover from Burbank. If Pasadena ever has a racy thought, it probably has to do with horses. The wildest thing here are the feral parrots.

Still, Iowa fans in town for the game will find Pasadena a lot more freaky than Keokuk or Altoona. Don’t say you weren’t warned.

Here are some suggestions on worthy hangouts. There are some uncommonly jumpy joints and first-rate cuisine, including Racion and Union, two restaurants on Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Restaurants list. Here’s your Rose Bowl playbook. Now go make us proud:

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THE COLLEGE CROWD

The 35er

No one will confuse this old dive with a library. Worn and beery, the perfect place for a pep rally. You don’t need to use your indoor voice here. Order two beers at a time, sing a fight song, send a selfie to your ex, rejoice. 12 E. Colorado Blvd.; (626) 356-9315, www.35erbar.com.

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Barney’s Beanery

Weird name, great vibe. It’s a roomy roadhouse with decent grub and TVs everywhere, similar to the chain’s other outlets in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Burbank, Westwood and Redondo Beach. Looking to kick back? Go upstairs and shoot a game of pool at Q’s Billiard Club. Most newcomers don’t even know it’s there. 99 E. Colorado Blvd.; (626) 405-9777, www.barneysbeanery.com.

Barney's Beanery in Old Town Pasadena is a popular place to grab a drink and watch a game, or a debate.

Barney’s Beanery in Old Town Pasadena is a popular place to grab a drink and watch a game, or a debate.

(Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times)
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Kings Row Gastropub

You won’t catch the PTA meeting here either. A buzzy party atmosphere has made this the go-to place for college kids for the past several years. Late-night Uber drivers make a lot of coin off Kings Row. 20 E. Colorado Blvd.; (626) 793-3010, www.kingsrowpub.com.

Inside Kings Row Gastropub in Old Town Pasadena.

Inside Kings Row Gastropub in Old Town Pasadena.

(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

Lucky Boy

It’s not a drinking establishment, but you will find a succulent and blimpy breakfast burrito — roughly the size of your hotel pillow — for $6.65. Reach into your jeans, pull out all the crumpled singles, then sit down for one of the most satisfying breakfasts in town. 640 S. Arroyo Parkway; (626) 793-0120.

MOMS AND DADS

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Vertical Wine Bistro

What’s the current equivalent of yuppies? Whatever it is, you will find plenty of slight, rich locals here, nibbling from home-style small plates and attacking the impressive wine list. Looking for a spot to spend New Year’s Eve? This might be it. 70 N. Raymond Ave.; (626) 795-3999, www.verticalwinebistro.com.

Vertical Wine Bistro in Pasadena. The dining area and the wine shelf at the restaurant.

Vertical Wine Bistro in Pasadena. The dining area and the wine shelf at the restaurant.

(Lawrence K. Ho / Los Angeles Times)

Arroyo Chop House

Smells like money and charred beef. This clubby steakhouse is one of the most popular restaurants in the area, with first-rate service and consistent food. It’s not stuffy, but not for penny pinchers either. 536 S. Arroyo Parkway; (626) 577-7463, www.arroyochophouse.com.

The dining room of the Arroyo Chop House restaurant in Pasadena.

The dining room of the Arroyo Chop House restaurant in Pasadena.

(Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

La Grande Orange Cafe

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In an old train station, this busy bistro is as pleasant and friendly as a golden retriever. Locals love it for its dinner specials and family vibe. Grab lunch, then hop aboard the nearby light rail train for a 20-minute ride to Chinatown. 260 S. Raymond Ave.; (626) 356-4444, www.lgostationcafe.com.

Magnolia House

Good chance you’ll meet your soulmate at this popular watering hole – better chance you won’t. Either way, it’s a good choice. Magnolia House manages to be both a hot spot and a hideaway. A twinkly, drink-driven ambiance makes it another worthy option for New Year’s Eve. 492 S. Lake Ave.; (626) 584-1126, www.themaghouse.com.

The Langham Huntington

Well-off dentists from Davenport, Iowa, will bring their second wives to this grand old hotel to impress them – and it will probably work. In the lovely lounge, order a Bloody Mary and ogle all the attractive trust-funders. Approach with caution. 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave.; (626) 568-3900, www.langhamhotels.com.

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Exterior view of the Langham Huntington hotel in Pasadena.

Exterior view of the Langham Huntington hotel in Pasadena.

(Kathy M.Y. Pyon / Los Angeles Times)

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