Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Kathleen's Restaurant

    4.0 (180 reviews)
    Open 11:00 am - 7:30 pm

    Kathleen's Restaurant Photos

    Business Info

    KATHLEEN'S RESTAURANT ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Outdoor seating

    More like Kathleen's Restaurant

    Recommended Reviews - Kathleen's Restaurant

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Enchiladas
    Talmadge M.

    Kathleen's has graciously hosted our Pasadena City College Football Alumni luncheon for a few years now and they always treat us like family. I had a taste for enchiladas and I wasn't disappointed! I asked my waitress about them and they came highly recommended so I ordered them. Kathleen is a queen and they do a wonderful job serving their customers.

    Dave H.

    One of the best kept secrets in Pasadena. Hot and new for the last 40 years! Still managed by the friendly owner Kathleen who still attends to all the guests with her very friendly personality and wonderful hospitality. A true restauranteur at heart which is hard to find these days. Her partner does all the fresh baked items and desserts that range from banana bread, zucchini bread, pies and cakes all made fresh! Amazing staff and service too! You always tell a great restauranteur by their staff and knowing that they have been there a long time and still take pride in the service, food and tending to regulars by name. Open mostly for breakfast and lunch and early dinner. Opens early and closes early always steadily busy with its regular and mixed Pasadena clientele from all walks of life. Wonderful selection on the menu including a bar and breakfast fiesta specials including some Mexican breakfast favorites and a wonderful looking Belgian waffle and French toast. Their blt and avocado sandwich was excellent along with its shoestring fries. Their onion soup is probably one of the best in LA - not so beefy but a good mix of onions, melted cheese and homemade croutons. I'd come back for just the French onion soup and their spinach salad but want to try everything on their menu from their cod tempura fish & chips to their kebabs and steak! Plus plenty of salads, burgers, sandwiches and California cuisine! I think i found a new favorite place to dine! Perfect for breakfast or brunch and they have a dining room off to the side that can accommodate larger parties. Very kid friendly too! I've passed by Kathleen's for so many years and always thought it was an upscale restaurant but was so pleased to see how casual, friendly and great food was hidden behind its wooden front facade. They even have some outdoor patio dining in the back making them pooch and dog friendly. Their casual dining room and menu make it a perfect restaurant for everyone. The zucchini bread loaf was generous and delicious! I wanted to get the banana bread but it was already sold out! PS $1 mimosas for breakfast? What a deal! I will definitely be back many times. What a gem , hole in the wall wonderful dining experience for breakfast or lunch. Just nearby the Reyn restaurant but i think is way better! Prices are just a buck or two more but the quality of Kathleen's food and service is much better than most coffee shops or diners. Plenty of parking in the back.

    Watery coffee. But David will keep it hot and filled for you so that you forget how watery it is.
    Otilla F.

    Believe the reviews about unfriendly energies, sub standard food, and the place being egregiously tired. Needs to be bulldozed down, it is so old and dated. If you are not geriatric and caucasian, please please please save yourself a bewildering headache. I made the most terrible mistake of coming here with my family. I am embarrassed to have celebrated an impromptu event there. Goes to show, Yelp is not always right. Trust your gut people. Never again. The servers are nice but, yes, robotic, as others have said. The one star is for David. He is a gentleman of the highest degree in that decrepit dark cesspool of a restaurant. He needs to resign and set his sights much higher. I wanted to leave 10 minutes in but my party didnt want to be rude. Oh, and if you're wondering: 1. Nothing from the griddle until the weekend. Don't ask for pancakes or waffles. Nothing. I have no idea about the mimosas either. Nothing was offered. 2. In case you forgot, if you're black or brown, turn around. Dont go in. Please.

    Cheeseburger

    See all

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of My O.
    0
    31
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    The service and the ambiance were great. The breakfast was good. It's a nice place for a quick brunch and it's good. I would return.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David C.
    1252
    838
    5105

    11 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Modlyn S.
    146
    13
    2

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    3 years ago

    Fresh food, good service. Had forgotten about this place now its or go to. Rosemary Chicken Sandwich.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Victor H.
    0
    143
    172

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Great food and super friendly service! Make sure to save room for dessert - the cheesecake is amazing.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of E J.
    298
    48
    70

    11 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 17
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    3 years ago

    Excellent lunch. Sandwiches generous and sides very good - especially the potato salad.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Yvette B.
    9
    56
    184

    11 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dave P.
    1
    55
    24

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of L K.
    10
    25
    1

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 2 of 5

    Ask the Community - Kathleen's Restaurant

    Are they known for their burgers?

    their burgers are thick and juicy. can be ordered the way you like it.

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Copa Vida

    Copa Vida

    4.1
    (2.2k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    I met with a friend here on Thursday morning and enjoyed the food! Upon arrival, you order and take…read morea seat with an assigned number. The girl taking our order was very sweet, but I must have missed the part when she said the drinks are picked up at the counter. When we received our food, we asked about the beverages - the waiter mentioned those are picked up at the counter. The barista was kind enough to remake the espresso shot for my friend since it had been sitting out for over 10+ minutes :) The food is tasty! We sat outside (perfect weather - overcast) and we shared an order of the avocado toast and the French toast plate. Good coffee, great portions with aligned price points. The inside is quite large, but it felt like something was missing... warmth/ decoration. Aside from that, Definitely recommend stopping by - I'm surprised I hadn't popped in sooner!

    I was so lucky to find this place after searching relentlessly for a coffee shop with Wi-Fi in…read morePasadena. I went to the Starbucks on fair Oaks (only outdoor seating, no outlets), that really fun one on Raymond, and I walked around for about an hour before I found Copa Vida in downtown. They had amazing coffee, outlets, Wi-Fi, and really wonderful personalities. I loved their service and I definitely had to give them a shout out. Their patrons are just as friendly. I would come back here anytime, it's like a family with really good quality, service and food

    Photos
    Copa Vida
    Croque Madame
    Croque Madame
    Copa Vida

    See all

    Nick's South Lake Avenue

    Nick's South Lake Avenue

    4.5
    (2.2k reviews)
    1.1 mi
    $$$

    Nice atmosphere, classy-chill vibes, but not I absolutely have to dress up, but you can I guess…read more Anyway to the most important part, the food, I tried some of my friends Deviled Eggs, which were the best I have ever had, but I am kind of whatever about deviled eggs to be honest, so take that for what's it's worth. However, the Original ribeye melt was to freaking die for soooo good, excellent! This place is a little on the pricey side, but everything is going up fast currently so there's that. But I must say, you owe yourself, treat yourself to something nice every now and then. The service was nice, the atmosphere was superb, and the food was excellent. I hear the drinks are great as well, not really a drinker so I would not know, I normally get a water and unsweetened ice tea everywhere I go. I'm just a Yelper, foodie, explorer, and pop culture enthusiast from Los Angeles making his way in world, all the best to you and yours, enjoy

    Aesthetically pleasing of course…read more Prosecco not served here. None, zero. The champagne they market is rough. No Cava either. Fine with me, but.... My steak; first cold, second time salty, third time a bland rubbery set of what looked like two hamburger patties slightly bigger than a quarter-coin. (Sad) Dessert was good. Nick's, you are a hype. It was a Saturday night. I didn't pick the spot. I had no choice. I don't think I'd come back, ever. Adriana, our server with the right attitude. Chef seems to over complicate things on the menu. I wanted a Caesar with my steak, as a side. Nope, not at Nick's. If it's about upselling, you got me. Yeah- no. Nick's is not really for me. Oh, the restroom situation is a bad situation. It's tucked away on the second floor and up a stair case where a server almost crashed against me with cocktails in his hands. Terrible..... Never again.

    Photos
    Asparagus Fries | A Nick's Original
    Asparagus Fries | A Nick's Original
    Nick's South Lake Avenue
    Nick's South Lake Avenue

    See all

    Oh La La

    Oh La La

    3.8
    (595 reviews)
    0.7 mi
    $$
    Large group friendly
    Grab-and-go

    This was my first time coming to this restaurant. I haven't been to Pasadena in forever! So much…read morehas changed and I saw this restaurant on my instagram feed. So we decided to give it a try. I'm really picky with it comes to scones. But these scones were perfect! Soft on the inside, nice outer crust. Both the maple and blueberry scones are full of flavor. I think the maple is my favorite. The lovely girl that was helping us gave us a chocolate chip cookies for free! Which was so sweet of her. We told her we came a long way to try this restaurant out. I can't wait to go back and try their French onion soup. And other pastries too.

    We've ordered from this bakery a few times in the past, mostly for their jamon buerre. I believe it…read morewas off the menu for a while (correct me if I'm wrong), but i saw it available once again so I decided to grab two today. Our previous experiences were great, however this time was extremely disappointing. For the price (~$16 per sandwich on Toast), you would expect more substance but this was how it was looking. One measly slice of ham and cheese, and the butter barely tasted present. I'm bummed that such a great recipe has been reduced to this poor excuse of a jamon buerre. Had I known this was what I was going to receive, then I would've spent the money on groceries to make SEVERAL mediocre ham sandwiches instead. The two stars come from the attitude of the server, Karla. She was extremely friendly and that was the only highlight of today's visit.

    Photos
    Oh La La
    Oh La La
    Oh La La

    See all

    The Reyn

    The Reyn

    4.2
    (1.2k reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    Great simple diner! Service is very friendly and fast, solid food all around, and a buzzing…read moreatmosphere. Putting into my rotation of local spots for breakfast. Get a side of banana bread to go.

    As someone with Celiac disease, I try very hard to ask questions kindly and respectfully when…read moredining out because cross contamination can make me seriously ill. Unfortunately, this was a really disappointing experience. The woman taking our order did not seem to know what Celiac disease or gluten even was, and became visibly annoyed when I asked basic questions about food preparation and cross contamination. When I asked about the prep station and whether gloves or utensils could be changed, she refused to ask the cooks. From what I was told, nearly everything shares the same grill. The only item that might potentially be safe would be eggs cooked in a separate pan, but without changing gloves or utensils, even that would not actually be safe for someone with Celiac disease. I ended up not eating at all. I actually left my party and waited in the car because I wanted to cry. It was embarrassing and honestly heartbreaking to feel like asking questions to protect my health was treated like an inconvenience. I completely understand not every restaurant can accommodate Celiac, but kindness, honesty, and basic understanding go a long way. I hope the staff can receive better education about food allergies and cross contamination in the future.

    Photos
    Inside
    Inside
    French toast with the Leo's breakfast
    French toast with the Leo's breakfast
    Sour dough toast

    See all

    Sour dough toast

    Kathleen's Restaurant - tradamerican - Updated June 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...