[Images courtesy Visit Pasadena]
Hosted on Union Street between Raymond Avenue and Fair Oaks Avenue, the event brings together 11 of Pasadena’s most popular restaurants, each showcasing their newly built or upgraded street-side dining patios. These patios were made possible through a $1.5 million federal grant secured by Congresswoman Judy Chu and administered by the Pasadena Community Foundation to help the city’s restaurants recover and thrive.
But make no mistake—this isn’t just a celebration of infrastructure. It’s a full-blown celebration of taste.
At Bodegón 69, you might find rich Peruvian staples like lomo saltado and arroz con pollo—dishes known for their signature blend of Latin, Asian, and Andean flavors. Bone Kettle, beloved for its bold Southeast Asian cuisine, brings its signature 36-hour broth and Indonesian-inspired bites to the table.
Craving Mediterranean? Cafe Santorini promises classic Greek favorites such as grilled lamb souvlaki, roasted vegetables, and rice pilaf, all served in the heart of Old Town’s historic charm. Nearby, Chado Tea Room will offer its famed tea sandwiches, butter cookies, and perhaps a sip or two from its menu of over 200 global teas.
Japanese cuisine enthusiasts can explore OSAWA’s menu, which features authentic sushi and shabu shabu, while Perle offers French-inspired elegance with modern California touches—think black truffle pasta and vegetarian coq au vin.
Pez Coastal Kitchen will spotlight seasonal seafood with California flair, including dishes like charred octopus and bluefin tuna with truffle-lime vinaigrette. Soh Grill House, known for its premium Korean barbecue, adds sizzling ribeye and bibimbap to the mix, while The Blind Donkey contributes whiskey bar favorites like triple-fried fries and stacked burgers.
For those who love classic Italian-American fare, The Kitchen Italian Café & Pizzeria will offer pizza, pasta, and hearty subs in the spirit of East Coast red-checkered-table nostalgia. And at Union Restaurant, handmade Northern Italian pastas crafted with local California ingredients round out the lineup.
Many of these restaurants are expected to offer exclusive, one-day-only dishes or drink specials designed especially for the Streetfest crowd.
And that’s not all. Pasadena’s favorite retro burger truck, Pie ‘N Burger, and sweet treat stop La Michoacana will be on hand, along with a beer garden hosted by Cerveceria del Pueblo and Wild Parrot Brewing Co. Yes—Elroy the Parrot will be making an appearance.
The entertainment lineup includes live music throughout the afternoon. Kicking off the event at 1 p.m. is Makoto Taiko, a Japanese drumming ensemble. Other performers include Combo Macho, The Far West, and De Lux, each bringing their own rhythms to complement the festival’s upbeat energy.
From 1 to 4 p.m., community booths will feature appearances by the Pasadena Playhouse, Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and the One Arroyo Foundation.
While the event celebrates growth and revitalization, it also acknowledges resilience. The Streetfest comes just months after the Eaton Fire, which devastated parts of neighboring Altadena and disrupted business across the region. Many restaurants that weren’t physically damaged still experienced significant economic impacts in the weeks that followed.
“This is the time that if you want to go eat, go out and spend some money in Pasadena,” said Nader Kaiser, owner of Marina restaurant, in the aftermath of the fire. The Streetfest reflects that call to action—a way for the community to come together and support local restaurants not just by showing up, but by sitting down, raising a glass, and digging in.
The event is hosted by the City of Pasadena’s Economic Development Division and supported by Dine Brands Global—headquartered in Old Pasadena—as well as Visit Pasadena, the Old Pasadena Management District, and Sunstone Investment Group.
Admission is free, and public transportation is encouraged. The Metro A Line’s Memorial Park Station is just a three-minute walk from the festivities. Nearby parking is available at the Schoolhouse, Marriott, Del Mar, and De Lacey garages. Note: the Union Street entrance to the One Colorado Garage will be closed during the event; use Raymond Avenue and Exchange Alley for access.
Whether you’re craving sushi or soul food, tacos or truffle pasta, this festival is a chance to rediscover why Pasadena’s restaurant scene is one of Southern California’s most delicious destinations.
