We are so happy Claude Beltran opened this gem so close to our house. The restaurant itself is beautiful with the original brickwork, high ceilings and rough wood finishes. The space is roomier than Claude and Co. which was great. We started with the shrimp fritters (fabulous) I had the scallops -- perfectly cooked -- and the The Spouse had chicken which came with a great and unexpected chilequile side. We finished with the chocolate mousse cake -- a generous portion (a must for me). Wine selections are excellent and reasonably priced and the help was friendly but not overbearing. It's now "our" neighborhood restaurant, can't wait to go back. read more

We decided to give this a try after hearing about it from friends but were underwhelmed, to say the least. The space was kind of attractive in a pared-down, urban-chic kind of way -- high ceilings, bare floors, a wall decorated simply with a line of old doors. (Hope the paint peeling off them isn't lead-based,) The wine list didn't accurately describe the offerings so it took longer than it should have to choose what we wanted -- and we had to return both entrees. The fried chicken had obviously been sitting for a while and under its soggy coating, the meat wasn't fully cooked (disgusting and unhealthy.) Then we discovered that the fish had not been cooked as requested (which we'd been told was the norm anyway), so it had to go back for more time in the oven. There also seems to be quite a variation in portion size. The orders at the table next to us included two different fish dishes, one of which came out on an almost empty plate with two tiny vegetables as garnish while the other was served on an overflowing plate. And even though we ordered two of the same things they did, neither of our plates came out looking like theirs. It wasn't late, but it seemed as though they had just started to run out of food. The only dish that was a success was the side of grilled vegetables. Seems to me that issues like this are basically caused by laziness -- cooks should pay more attention to what they throw onto a plate and waitresses shouldn't deliver dishes that obviously are not fresh. The whole thing was just amateurish. I can't figure out why people look forward to new openings by Claude Beltran -- to us he's had a lot more misses than hits. read more

I absolutely LOVE this restaurant! The ambiance is amazing, the staff are wonderful and the food is absolutely delicious, creative and beautifully presented. I also love attending their monthly jazz series called BacchusLive! This restaurant is definitely a must "go-to" ! Highly recommended! read more

Unfortunately another burnt dinner. Everything was going well until our last dish--the Cauliflower. The cauliflower was burnt and the overall dish was extremely salty. And I really love salty food. We actually had to send it back, which is really rare for me, and I didn't want a replacement. We received a very polite and nice explanation of why our dish turned out the way it did. Unfortunately we lost our appetites after that. The dishes we ate prior to that was the Burrata salad, fried chicken (tasty but very small portion) and Chow Mein which were all pretty good. read more

I really want to love this place. We are locals and it is so fantastic to see the neighborhood change and have businesses that we want to frequent coming in. I never understood why this area was unnoticed for so long because there are a lot of people in Altadena, Bungalow Heaven, Historic Highlands, and North Pasadena Heights, with money to spend who will definitely support great local businesses. Always seemed like such an under-served market. Lavender & Honey is doing a great business, as is Lark Cakery, etc. Anyway, I was so excited to try Bacchus. They fit us in last minute for an anniversary dinner on a Wednesday. The restaurant was about half full and I like the ambiance. A lot of work was done to restore it and I love the exposed, antique brick. It is quiet and dark, in a good way. We were greeted with gratis half flutes of sparkling rose. A definite plus. Also delivered were gratis small bites of capacola, mozzarella, and an Italian olive. Salty and tasty. The appetizer special of beef tenderloin carpaccio was delicious. Dinner fell a little flat. I ordered the paella and my husband had the fried chicken and waffles. His said the flavor was pretty good, but it was definitely "over fried". The fried breading tasted borderline burnt and like the oil was a little old. Such a bummer. My paella was not traditional Spanish paella that is creamy and a little wet. It was saffron rice (that was under-seasoned) in a skillet with 3 large shrimp and chorizo placed on top. The shrimp were cooked well, but needed more seasoning. The rice was a bit bland unless you got a bite with rice and chorizo - that was well balanced because the chorizo was so salty. Dessert was delicious, but it was an icebox cake from Lark around the corner. I liked it, but I could have bought that on my own. I expected the dessert to be made in house. Service by Kat was great and the wine list was also great -- lots of options and decent by the glass prices. I think the $25 corkage is high. I write this review in the hopes that it will be read and be truly helpful, not to be negative. I genuinely want this place to be great and I would love to frequent it often. I think the neighborhood definitely needs and can sustain similar small businesses. But, it was not a cheap meal and the main courses were both not up to par. We will definitely give it one more try because maybe it was an off night. But, if we have a similar experience, we likely won't return. read more

Went there a couple of weeks ago for my husbands and I anniversary. Everything was really good and I think the best part was the desert. Some type of donut dipped in sugar and cinnamon served with 2 sauces. TO DIE FOR!! Definitely will be back!! read more

This place is lovely, the space is chic and vibrant. The staff is friendly and very helpful. The food is delicious. I cannot wait to visit this place again. read more

I had the Asparagus and Yellow Beet Salad and the Spring Vegetable Pasta. I thought that the salad was excellent and that the pasta was very good. The salad had a unique blend of flavors and colors. The Mahon cheese and the lemon vinaigrette added a great final touch. The Spring Vegetable Pasta was very good, but did not leave me raving like the salad. The pasta almost melted into the sauce. read more

The service here is absolutely awful. My family and I have patronized other restaurants by Claude Beltran (the chef) and were told by him personally to come to this particular location. Upon arrival we were told there was no space for us even though there were several tables open. The hostess said there were reservations coming in 30 minutes, but she made absolutely no effort to make accommodations for us. She did not suggest pushing tables together, offering an outdoor seat, or adding chairs to a smaller table. The definite feeling was that certain assumptions were made about me and my family because we did not look or dress a certain way. After leaving a note for Mr. Beltran, we left the restaurant with a very bad taste in our mouths. We will not be coming back and we will advise our friends and family never to patronize this establishment either. read more

Amazing food and service. The charcuterie plate was delicious, the salads were incredible, and the scallops were the best I've ever tasted. The waitress and host were both friendly and helpful. Overall I had a great experience here. read more

Went on Thursday 4/16. Service was great. Very personable, even the bus boys. The pozole was mediocre and the chicken piccata looked awful and was not very good. My burger was good but appetizers were not great. Just disappointing from Claude. read more

I've been wanting to try Bacchus' Kitchen for quite a while and when Travelzoo came up with a voucher for dinner I jumped at the opportunity. What a quaint spot. Saturday evening at 7pm the restaurant was bustling. We had a reservation and we were promptly seated. Star was our server and she knew the menu quite well. For starters I had a yellow beet salad and my wife had the trout salad. Our server paired my perfectly cooked Steak and Frites with a wonderful Cabernet. My wife had the Beef Bourguignon. Everything was delicious. This neighborhood gem is highly recommended and we cannot wait to go back with friends. read more

I just completed my first experience at Bacchus Kitchen and I must say the fact that I had to RUN home to the restroom about 10 minutes after finishing my entree is a really bad sign. I was in the neighborhood and was too tired and didn't feel like driving to Houston's for dinner and waiting for a table. So what the heck, how about I try something new and with convenient parking right on the side of the restaurant and having just opened I thought it was a good idea. It was also early and because I didn't have a reservation I thought I had a good chance of sitting down. $60 dollars later I am hugely disappointed, a) I have a stomach ache b) I needed to use the restroom after c) ROI for what we had just wasn't there. Food: it was just okay but way too expensive for what you get. I had the pork tenderloin and to say that I was less than appealing for $26 is an understatement. There are a lot of really good restaurants in Pasadena that would be better for that price point. We also had the risotto which was better I will give them that (and cheaper at $14). Quality of food: disappointing, one of my three tenderloins was pink in the inside, think ahi tuna with the center being pink and raw. I couldn't find the waitress for 10 + minutes so I just ate it thinking "they must know what they are doing for $26 right" and didn't want to complain. I did bring it up to the waitress later and she said she spoke to the kitchen and next time "tell us something" --- check!! Rather than tell them next time I thought I would share my experience with my fellow yelpers and let you decided for yourself to try the restaurant. I wish I had my money back and I had stuck to my original Houston's choice. I should listen to my instincts and knew better when I sat down I didn't think it would be a good idea to eat there and I was proven right. I am still thinking to myself how can that have been $60!!! I mean really upset about it. I could have eaten at Union for less and know I would have had a good meal. Urgh!! Sorry guys it's a big miss for me. read more

We tried this place out a few months ago. It is a super cool space.....and the food and wine were really good. The staff was very friendly and knowledgable. We will definitely go back again- hopefully in the very near future. read more

It's early and they are still working out kinks. Ambiance not bad. Service was great. Food was not crazy about. Seared foie w/ mango strips? Japanese ginger ice wedge very hard to cut and eat. Lots of potential, just need some time. read more

Fabulous! Great food and service...it was a little loud but otherwise loved it! And walking to the restaurant from home makes it that much better. Welcome to the neighborhood! read more

Great place, great ambiance, great food, great service, great jazz! Overall I would say........wait for it........yes........ it's a great place! Thank you Bacchus Kitchen for the great experience!!!! read more

Yum. Great food, great atmosphere, great local place. Prices are decent...it's not a place for the kiddos, it's place to go on a date or out with friends. read more

Excellent food and service. We are definitely coming back! We enjoyed the cheese and charcuterie plate and salads. The atmosphere is also very nice. read more

Great pork chop and every bite seasoned and juicy . Service was friendly and excellent. Ample adjacent parking and nice North Pasadena location . Definitely will return read more

Terrific little neighborhood gem. We've eaten here probably 10 times or so over the past year, and it's been solid to excellent every time. Some of the entrees will occasionally smack of an effort to make varying ingredients blend together -- and it doesn't always work. But more often than not, the kitchen does justice to the ingredients. Also has an under-the-radar burger that is quite good. read more

Great food and service at a fair price. Portions were plentiful and the beef bourguignon was excellent. Charcuterie was decent but the bread it was served with was better. read more

Amazing food with unexpected pairings in flavor and dish selections. Also have fantastic wine bar. It's become our local favorite--even served us 15 minutes before closing and while the kitchen only had limited availability our meal was fantastic and the service matched. We love Bacchus Kitchen! read more

A wonderful meal and great, attentive service! There were 5 of us and we all loved our entrees. The charcuterie and cheese appetizer was delicious too! Kat was a wonderful server! read more

Great cuisine in a memorable and attractive setting. No loud music. You can carry on a conversation. Possibly one of Pasadena's very best locations. read more

The White pasta was so good the people where very nice. The restaurant was very clean. Thank you read more

Bacchus' Kitchen + Wine Bar - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Excellent food, charming space, reasonable prices. Would never have found this place had a friend not given us a gift certificate.

A nice candle lite atmosphere.. Perfect for date night or a nice dinner with friends. Food is out of this world amazing! Service is top notch! You feel like a VIP every time we go! Highly recommend! If you haven't gone to this secret gem your missing out! Go! ASAP! read more

Hands down one of the best local spots in this part of Pasadena. The food is always amazing. Last time I had the scallops and they were just perfection. The ambiance is sweet and laid back and all of the waiters I have had are welcoming and attentive. It's my neighborhood go-to when I want to treat myself to a delicious meal and good glass. . Did I mention the wine list? It's never disappointed. And they serve Seed bakery bread, which is a treat read more

Mixed review on this one. I would give the food five stars but the service only two and the atmosphere only two. Went last night for the first time based upon Zagat rating, on line menu, and convenient location. Made a reservation through Open Table. Walked in and waited at the host station by ourselves for at least five minutes. Not even a greeting from anyone. Finally someone came around and offered us a choice of two tables. Set up with the tables made for a bit of awkward conversation. They were all lined up in a row with very little space between. I was not really interested in my neighbor's politically point of view, but I had little choice in the matter. Also the place was so dark that the little candle on the table was hardly enough to see your food much less the menu. Several diners were using their phone flashlight to order. Neighboring table complained and the staff said the main chandelier was broken but additional candles were not provided either. I heard every word of every complaint. Anyway, once seated we looked at the menu and found a lot of good choices. Wife is gluten free and she was happy to see their indicator for this on a number of menu items. We had lots of time to read the menu because no wait staff stopped at our table. They were walking all around us?? Finally (at least 10 minutes later) asked a slow moving bus boy to send over our server. Server came and answered some questions but did not offer any specials and did not offer to take a drink order. By this time I was not letting that server leave without taking our order (who knew when or if we would see them again). Server did the classic move of not writing anything down. Problem was they started directing another wait staff behind me as I was speaking. Finally excused themselves to address some issue. When they came back I had to repeat the order again. Ordered the cheese and charcuterie plate to start. Not sure what it takes to slice up cheese and meat on a plate but was a while before it showed up. Once it got there we were ravenous. Excellent quality cheeses and the fig compote was amazing (wish there was more!). So five stars for that. Finished our starter and then waited and waited for our main. Had to ask a passing wait staff for water refills as none came on their own. Mains finally came and we were very happy with the fish special and the seared scallops. Both prepared excellently. Scallops came with a cauliflower purée that was really good. So not ready to return here unless they can figure out the service. Too bad because the food is really good. read more

My family and I came here when we dropped my brother off for school. We probably wouldn't have chosen it had it not been for Yelp because of the neon sign out front but inside was a very elegant yet cozy atmosphere. Our server was delightful and friendly and made sure she found out what a kind of citrus was on my salad when I asked about it. The food was delicious! I love that a lot of it was made with seasonal ingredients. I ordered the citrus salad and the plate of seasonal vegetables, both of which were perfectly portioned to make a quite a satisfying meal! The wine was also delicious. I would recommend this place to anyone looking for a nicer dinner in the area. read more

Bacchus kitchen is a fantastic restaurant. The food is fantastic. Brandon is the best. It's a local Restaurant with big city taste. Highly recommend for a date night, family gathering or special event! read more

This was my 2nd time going there. The restaurant was empty and we were told there we no tables available only the bar. Both times we felt the staff was very haughty. We left. It really is not run well. They act too hip for this area. Very disappointed! read more

Great service, nice decor, good draft beers but limited, cheese/meat plate and winter salad very taste. Entree a little salty, but will go back to try other entrees read more

Cute Addison to the neighborhood but other than the burger meals are often lacking in flavor - went once with 6 people and every dish was flat read more

First time to Bacchus. Food was great. Service above and beyond, with some familiar faces from the Eatery.

The ambiance and service were great. My scallops were overdone and we're gritty. For the price I expected better quality. Perhaps it was an off night, I will give them a second chance in the future. read more

Food was amazing! The Italian beer was really good... must try if you are looking somewhere in Pasadena to eat!

I came with friends for a birthday last night and had a wonderful time. AMAZING service so we left an extra tip. Thank you for making my friends birthday fabulous. All the food was very very good. Scallops and steak were perfect. Great wine suggestions. The ambience was my favorite subdued lighting. Will definitely go back. read more

So after my 4-star outing here the prior month for the inaugural "First Wednesday" -- the name of the event for the lovely and very talented Nina Lares and her stellar jazz band -- I came back for the second of her events. I made a reservation for 6:30 even though I didn't think I would need it (which I didn't as there was only 1 other table with customers) and checked in with the pleasant hostess about 6:25. She seated me and the bus boy came over about a minute later with ice water. I told him I was the only person at the table so he wouldn't waste a second glass and waited for the server. And waited. And waited. After about 7 or 8 minutes the very tall male waiter walked into the room (actually all 1 room seperated by draperies), stopped about 15' away, looked right at me, then turned and walked out. I made eye contact several times with the female server in the other part of the room as she was back and forth waiting on her table, still the only other one with customers in the entire place that I could see. So he would not think I was waiting for a 2nd person, I even hid the other menu, but to no avail. The male server walked back in about 5 minutes later and again stopped at the entrance to my section. I was tempted to beckon him over, but since I should not have to do that, have never had to do that before in my long life, and by now was curious just how long they were going to ignore me, I just looked at him. He looked at me and again turned and walked away. I was going to wait for 20 minutes before leaving but I was starving and the longer they ignored me the madder I got and the less I wanted to give them any money and the less I would have enjoyed the wonderful music so left after about 17 or 18 minutes. I apologized to the trio for leaving and was going to say something to an employee on the way out, but there was nobody to be found. No hostess, no server, no bartender, no manager. So I just walked out, vowing never to return there or go to either of the award-winning chef's other 2 Pasadena restaurants. Makes no difference how good his food his, if the staff (other than the busboy, who also came back to refill my water glass) can't be bothered to wait on customers, it's a moot point. But rather than just complaining, I always like to offer suggestions to fix their problems, so here it is: have the waiter and busboy trade jobs. P.S. -- So you do not miss Nina and her wonderful musicians, my suggestion for you is to show up on the first Wednesday of the month and just have a drink or 2 while you enjoy the excellent music. (But walk to the bar to get it yourself). P.P.S. -- So I then went to a different restaurant and told the hostess what had just occurred. She replied, "That's terrible! The rule of thumb is that a server goes over within 1 minute, 2 at the most." Which really puts my experience in persepective. P.P.P.S. -- I did a short Facebook post at my subsequent dinner with a brief blurb about my issue with Bacchus and here is what a friend posted in reply: "They lost our reservation for an anniversary celebration for a group and then said that they would make good later and screwed us again!" So it's very obviously not just me. No wonder there was only 1 table with customers. As a further indication the issue is with Bacchus, the next place I went to a short drive away was so packed I couldn't get in, and the place I wound up at was very busy, too. UPDATE: The manager called me back the next morning and was very sincerely very apologetic. She said it was "inexcusable" and the 2 servers that night, the one in particular who was supposed to be serving me, were going to be counselled and reprimanded when they got to work Thursday night. And to be fair to him, it was the female server, NOT the tall male server, who was supposed to be waiting on me. (Then again, how much effort would it have taken for him to talk to me for 10 seconds and go grab her?). The manager said if I wanted to give them another chance or try either of the head chef/owner's other 2 Pasadena restaurants she would make the arrangements and comp the full meal as a way of apologizing, giving me her personal cell phone number to make sure it got taken care of. So she gets credit for that as manager's very rarely take the time to reach out to customers. Especially angry ones. read more