Chow Down on Classic American Food at The Stand

 

The Stand opened in the Pasadena Playhouse District this March; taking over the former TLT location. Although Pasadena already has it’s fair share of burger places, The Stand is still worth a trip. This fast casual spot takes the iconic American burger and piles it high with tasty toppings.

 

They’re a little slow on the trend uptake and prefer to choose food trends with staying power, so the menu won’t exact replica of the crazy food fads you’ll see on your Instagram page. Expect reinvented classics and playful food combos like the French Onion Soup Burger – their take on French onion soup with gourmet touches like a double parmesan crusted bun, gruyere cheese, red wine braised onions and crispy red onion strings. Little details like the house-made cheese sauce, a blend of cheddar and pepperjack, is what I imagine nacho cheese tastes like in heaven.

 

 

The Stand is known for their customizable “Stand Burgers”, “Stand Dogs” and “Standwiches” plus 25 original toppings ranging from Garlic Mushrooms to Cilantro Lime Aioli. If you’re not sure where to start, Assistant Manager Aubree Wilson, recommends the El Capitan Burger, which comes with braised short rib, house made pickled peppers and onions, fresh guacamole and chimichurri. She also suggests the Business Burger which features housemade porchetta, bacon, pickled peppers and onions, garlic mushrooms and sweet chili aioli.

 

“For toppings, I always add a runny egg,” she said. “For me, the bigger the mess the better the burger.”

 

The menu is designed and executed by Culinary Director Jason Wishengrad and recently underwent a makeover. Some of the newest items include a Ginger Slaw which features red ginger, green apples, onions, two kinds of cabbage and cashews. This Asian inspired side gives a slight kick to the Ahi Tuna offerings on the menu and makes a refreshing accompaniment to burgers and dogs.

 

 

The Stand’s philosophy is to accommodate a wide range of diners and, in the spirit of appealing to everyone, they even have a housemade veggie burger. The Westside Veggie comes with swiss cheese, garlic mushrooms, grilled onions, burger sauce, lettuce and tomato on a wheat bun. The patty is a combination of rice, garbanzo beans and other vegetables.

 

 

Choose from a selection of beer, old fashioned sodas and wines. Try a Dr. Brown’s Cream Soda for a sip of nostalgia or order a Stone IPA to complement your meal. End your visit on a sweet note with the Stand’s Wisconsin-style frozen custard and fruit cobblers.

 

The Stand is located at 36 South El Molino Avenue. Visit www.thestandlink.com/home for more information.