Maybe the best bacon I have ever had and I don't say that lightly. I ordered the big breakfast and for the French toast. The food was great. You can tell they use quality ingredients. The French toast was soft but not too soggy it was right on the verge. Even though the coffee is about $4 it is strong and the service is great so your cup won't go empty. I will definitely be coming back and I would recommend trying this place for breakfast when in Pasadena. read more

Russell's - French Toast - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Told us 30-40 minute wait. It was an hour, they took people ahead of us, including a guy with a pet dog. Jerks.

A Pasadena institution, and a regular spot for networking breakfasts because (1) their pancakes are divine; and (2) service is prompt and on point. I don't drink coffee, but I've heard many people rave about their coffee, too. Parking is plentiful nearby. Prices are reasonable. It's a win! read more

Love Russell's! This place is so great and you can't really go wrong. I had ordered the ham steak with hash (hash is okay) and poached eggs and I got it with an English muffin (it was TINY). It was pretty yummy but wouldn't get again. HIGHLY recommend getting the breakfast burrito which my husband ordered. It was PHENOMENAL. I've gotten the croque before and that's yummy as well. read more

Russell's - The ham steak with hash and poached eggs with an English muffin (it was TINY). - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Russell's didn't disappoint. It's a place where they make simple ingredients and make it really good. Honestly American breakfast are all similar and in most cases taste the same so how can "good" can they get. Eggs, pancakes, chicken fried steak, hash browns, etc your typical american breakfast. So why is there a line? Well first of all lol, Russell's is super small which adds on to this line BUT if you actually try it, they're actually very good. We had the chicken fried steak(like come on you gotta get chicken fried steak), Croque madame, and the Special spud with a side of corn beef. There isn't really much to describe about but everything is seasoned well and everything tasted great. What actually were the standouts(compare to your typical American breakfast) were their hash browns which were super crispy just the way I like it and their corn beef. So the corn beef is actually pretty unique because it's almost like their hash brown where it is crispy on the outside(like the skin/ the top) of it and I find that really good. Idk if it's worth a long wait...but since all the shops are close by, you could possible go look around a bit to help you with the wait. I recommend Russell's especially if you love a good old fashion American breakfast. read more

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This is the best breakfast in la, and i would argue in the country. The omelettes are perfect and i recommend the waffle

This restaurant is perfect for early morning eats. On weekends, they seem to get busy around 8:30AM, so arrive early if you don't want to wait. Portions are large and splittable and the staff is friendly. I really love the decor (replicas of famous artwork paired with crimson paint and wood) and the ambient music (the best of classical music). read more

I always get great treatment from Josue. The food is delicious. I usually get a small salad and spaghetti. The ambiance is great.

I. Ate. Everything. I don't know how I did it, but by the time we got inside the restaurant, I was famished and ready to eat. I ordered a Big One, with a Belgian waffle, bacon AND sausage, hash browns, and over medium eggs. I finished it. WHUT. I thought the Belgian waffle was tasty, crunchy on the outside and soft on the side. The powdered sugar topping was a good addition. Bacon slices are THICK which I didn't expect, I just had to cut them up since I can't bite into them with my braces. Hash browns nicely soaked my over medium eggs. Sausage was cooked well. Also, blood orange mimosa. YES. Thank you. It was a relatively long wait for a Sunday brunch, which makes a lot of sense since we didn't get there before 8am, and it was more like 9:30am. That's my first hint for the Yelp world: get there EARLY to avoid waiting there for 30+ minutes. In fact, by the time we were seated, the wait time for two people jumped to 1 hour and 30 minutes. I'm not sure if it was worth waiting for 1.5 hours, but I was happy to wait 30 minutes. Whew. Parking is conveniently in the structure right behind the restaurant, and they validate parking! All in all, worth it... if you come early. read more

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Came here on Christmas Eve for breakfast with a friend. Was very impressed with the staff; they were very attentive and made sure my coffee cup was never empty. They followed health protocols well which made me feel safe about eating there. There is a LOT of food per order so come here ready to eat. I got an omelette with bacon in it and they definitely did not skimp out on bacon. Their sourdough bread is really good too. read more

Russell's - ABC Omelet - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Have been eating at Russell's for decades approximately twice a month. The food is great and staff are polite friendly and professional. For the past year or so I have been eating solo and bringing take out to my wife who is not currently ambulatory. So today I was "served" by a person who later stated he was the manager and owner. He took my order for blueberry pancakes and a side of sausage and a to go order of blueberry waffles to go. He asked me repeat my order. I did which is fine because Russell's can be loud. His tone was not friendly and seemed to be annoyed about something. I didn't think anything of it. However when he brought my food I took a bite of the pancakes and found out they were plain and not blueberry filled. No big deal I thought. I summoned the owner/server and said hey I ordered blueberry pancakes and these are plain. His rude and surely reply was "no you didn't" You only ordered blueberry in the waffle. Instead of choosing to apologize for the mistake or acknowledging there might have been a miscommunication between us, he stated again you didn't order it. I was peeved stated "are you calling me a liar. He then said I was not respecting him. He then kicked me out. He also refused to validate my parking stating that validation is for customers. I'm not too proud to admit we exchanged insults on the way which I regret. I feel sorry for his wonderful staff because his attitude sucks. read more

What can I say? Everything is great here! Great service, food, across the menu is spectacular and waitstaff is wonderful. Just get there early or prepare for a wait, but so worth the wait. Small, intimate tables, so not good for large groups, which is the only down side to this great place. read more

The food was amazing and more than I expected. We ordered the big one and a waffle . Service was top-notch. He was attentive all of our needs. The ambience was amazing. We got there early about 730 and were able to walk in and get a seat . We will be regulars from now on. read more

My new favorite breakfast place! I'm not usually a waffle person but these waffles are amazing! The service is always exceptional. Waits can be long but worth it. read more

My favorite place over the years. Small incremental improvements on a greta traditional diner breakfast joints. Awesome. A gem.

You can never go wrong with Russell's. It's our happy place. Always cozy! Belgian chocolate chip waffles are amazing and if you get the big breakfast they'll split it up for you in plates if you're sharing which is the best thanks to our server and the cooks. read more

Russell's - Belgian Waffle Breakfast - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Food is okay, service needs to improved. You will wait more than an hour. Inside is very cramped. Besides that no other problem.

3.5/5 Came here for a brunch day with my bff and I'm glad this is around Pasadena where it's easy to kill one hour of wait time. That's about what you'll be waiting on a Sunday morning at 10:30 for a party of two. The place is small, but the ambiance is nice. Breakfast was pretty good. The Belgian waffles were delicious. I wasn't a fan of the French toast, I thought they could've added more cinnamon to the batter. Everything else was your average breakfast. I did enjoy the hash browns, but they were no different than any other hash browns. Honestly this place was a little overhyped for me. Maybe it's the location, ambiance, or history of this place but I don't consider it much better than other American breakfast places. read more

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Ordered breakfast from Russell's delivered through DoorDash and unfortunately was totally disappointed. Delivery service was great and looking at the timeline they were not the issue. The food was very subpar though. Ham and cheese omelet was overcooked and dry, "Russell's Famous Hash Browns" were so oily they were flat, and the sourdough toast barely had any butter on it. My husband did enjoy his French Toast though. Two breakfasts cost me just under $50!! Definitely not worth the money and I don't see myself ordering from here again. read more

Russell's - Ham and Cheese Omelet, Russell's Famous Hash Browns, Sourdough Toast - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I was just remembering this place and the bad experience that my daughter and l had many years ago. We sat down and waited for service for a very long time even though people around us who arrived later were being attended to. This was about 20+ years ago and I remember that when the server finally came over to us, she was very rude. Yet, the first time that we ate here before this, we went with a blonde friend and we were treated much differently. I don't know if this is still how non-white looking people are treated (I'm actually part Irish) at this establishment as we never returned, but it's fair to note that it's something for which to watch out. read more

Quick service. TASTY, healthy, hearty meals! I always get the veggie burrito, either with sausage or without. It's fairly priced and the service at the bar is unbeatably fast! Coffee is right in front of you, basically as soon as you sit down! read more

Russell's - inside area - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Russell's is a MUST when it comes to American Brunch food. Located in Pasadena, this diner establishment gets busy QUICK. Seeing as this is Olde Towne technically, you need to park in one of the structures and its very difficult to find street parking. This place doesn't just serve brunch food but breakfast, lunch and dinner! When you arrive, check in at the podium inside and take a number. If you're lucky, there won't be too much of a wait. If you come during rush hours, good luck!!!! They will give you a little buzzing pager to let you know when your table is ready. The service here is wonderful! All of the staff are super warm and welcoming! They are very quick with their service and get right to you :) They also come and check up on you throughout your dining experience. At the table, there are jams, as well as the various hot sauces. The food is AMAZING and MASSIVE! Not gonna lie, I have a bit of trouble finishing it but it's so good that I end up eating every last bite. My favourite here is the Croque Madame with a side of hash-browns. The Belgium waffles are so fluffy and crisp and definitely worth having to unbutton my jeans for a bit hehe! All of my friends that I have taken here have loved this place and I definitely think it is worth a try. read more

Russell's - Croque Madame w/Hashbrowns - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

What a hype of a restaurant! I have heard a lot about this place in Pasadena from different people, that their breakfast are "really good" or "amazing". Well, after such a LONG time, for the first time I went to this "famous" place and I ordered a vegetable breakfast burrito. Man what a disappointment! :-( The burrito was one of the most insipid and boring burritos I've had. Don't get me wrong, it did have stuff inside, but man it had no flavor. No salt, no pico de gallo, no special creamy sauce, a bit too darn dry, plain boring. The server said all they had to add to it were a bunch of hot sauce bottles on the table. Is just sad that so many people just don't know what really good food is, and I'm not talking about expensive food. Fantastic food does not have to be super fancy nor expensive, fantastic food only needs some love. Some of my friends also mentioned "the hash brown is really good". Well, I disagree. Hashbrown was okay, but again, lacking a little bit of flavor and just a tiny bit too oily. I'll be honest with you, McDonnald's hash brown is just as good, if not better. Sorry. And last, the menu selection is just pretty darn poor, and again, boring. No hot mocha on the menu either. I am a big time breakfast person and my visit to Russell's has been a major major let down. I have paid the same at other breakfast places but with much much better, more flavorful and attractive food. read more

Russell's - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I just had an overnight stay in Pasadena and this place came up as the number one search for breakfast! Staff: so accommodating! I sat up at the bar and my coffee cup was never more than half empty! I placed my order and my food literally came out in 5 minutes! They make sure you have everything you need without being overbearing. Food: delicious! I had the Russell's scrambled and it was great! It's a nice option if you like omelets but 3 eggs is too much for you. The other reviews I read spoke highly of their waffles too!! It'll force me to come back just so I can try more things on their menu. Parking: the restaurant is attached to a parking garage and they validate. Also, if you park on the correct side of the garage, the stairs lead you right next to the restaurant. Free parking...I'll take it! I will definitely be back! read more

Russell's - Russells Scrambled - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I loved the waffle. I always get my food to go, they are always quick and the food is great. Staff is always friendly.

Always great service and delicious food. I had the French toast combo and it was delish.

Russell's is a classic Pasadena breakfast spot. One of the OG ones for me that I can remember. Friends brought me to Russell's many years ago and it's still going strong. I usually go with the french toast breakfast ($11.25) which comes with 6 pieces of delicious french toast, egg your way and bacon or sausage. It is a heavy but delicious breakfast. They really make their french toast excellent and it has been that way for decades. You can also get just the french toast for ($9.25)... that alone is a great breakfast. I've gotten just that on several occasions. Their omelettes are good too. The denver is a classic and at ($13.25) is not cheap but you will certainly take some home as its a 3-egger. The omelettes come with hash browns and toast. Service has always been good for us at Russell's. I see people have complained that it can be spotty and sometimes lacking. That has never been our experience and we have been going to Russell's since the 90's... If you arrive late for breakfast, you're gonna have to wait. It's just the way it is at any popular breakfast joint. There is booth, counter or table seating. The classic artwork on the walls and chandeliers are a nice touch. Paid lot parking is the usual. Metered street parking nearby is rare. read more

Food and service was excellent. I went in a weekday and there was no line. I can't wait to go back and have breakfast again. Coffee was delicious, too. read more

Great menu, great decor, great service, great staff and great taste. Hash Browns are special. I said to myself isn't this just fried potatoes? Not here, these potatoes taste different, better. Parking is validated so don't rush. Walking of your big meal in Old Towne is the right touch for a date or just friends. read more

Background On Visit: Wanted to have brunch and thought Russell's would be a great option for that. Credit Cards: They're accepted! Wait Time: Depending on the time you go, it might be a long wait. Just recently, we had to wait about 45 minutes. Russell provides you a pager so just wait for that annoying sound and vibration. Location/Parking: Located between Union St. and Exchange Alley. Parking can be found in nearby parking structures. Ambiance/Decor: Your typical old fashioned diner feel with modern furnishings and plenty of paintings (along the walls) to look at. It also has a classy vibe with the small chandeliers dangling from the ceiling. Service: Service was great! Our waiter was friendly and attentive. Food came out at a decent rate also. Food Of Choice: Russell's and meat lover scramble. Even though it looked basic, it was quite yum. Definitely loved how it wasn't laced with tons of sodium. It was just right for me. Others might find it a bit bland, but that's alright. What was also great about these brunch items is that it came with your choice of toast, english muffin, or bagel and cream cheese. I was quite impressed that they offered the bagel and cream cheese, because normally other places don't offer that. We also decided on the biscuit and gravy for a dollar more. It was also quite delish. Diner For Thought: Definitely coming back to try other items on the menu. read more

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Best brunch we've had in Pasadena! Fun and flavourful takes on traditional breakfast items. Belgian waffle is top notch. Their eggs are cooked perfectly and nicely seasoned. Nice and fluffy with a good taste. The habanero kill sauce they used was perfect and the sides were delicious! Make a reservation if you are going during peak times. read more

Russell's - Belgian Waffle Breakfast - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I like your breakfast plates and have been coming here for years... but I just picked up the nastiest turkey sandwich. Your turkey meat is not tasty and You put way too much mayonnaise ! Please change this sandwich. Soggy wheat bread ! read more

Finally opened for indoor dining. With a wet day, It's nice to have breakfast inside the restaurant. The restaurant is open for indoor dining at 50% now. The wait is getting long again with typical wait time of 20 to 30 minutes in the morning. With more staff working, the service is very efficient in additional to being very friendly. Food was coming out fast when we had our breakfast this morning. What I missed the most here during covid locked down was their Belgian waffle and breakfast burrito. Unlike the soggy and stale waffle served in other breakfast restaurants, the waffles here are fresh, crispy and tasty. Another item that's good to go with the waffle is their muffin, very moist and fluffy. A warm muffin in the morning is just what I need to get started. There many other good breakfast items here too. Their specialties include Croque Monsieur, Croque Madame, Belgian Waffle, French Toast, and Gourmet omelets. They are all good. This restaurant has been the local's favorite since 1930. I love that Russell's validates parking and parking lot in same structure as the restaurant. read more

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Discovered this place like ten years ago on accident and fell in love with their Belgian waffle. They have good breakfast food, good service in a small space with diner vibes. There is a parking structure nearby. The wait used to be an hour so plan accordingly. read more

Russell's - Belgian Waffle the best! - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

Breakfast is always good, nice brunch drinks too. The wait scam be long, but not a lot of places open early in Pasadena for breakfast read more

Well I arrived here at 7:15 a.m. on a Saturday and there already was a 15-minute wait. So you have been warned. Otherwise, the veggie burrito and the waffle were sublime; service was great. I do not like that they only serve half-and-half in those toxic little single serve Mini Moo cups, though. Not very eco-friendly and it makes your coffee taste like garbage. They need to have real half and half served in a pitcher, like all great diners do. read more

We loved this place! We came about 45 min before closing and they were able to seat us in 20 min., and by the time we ordered they were set to close in 15 minutes! We thought, "great! We're going to be rushed out, this/that is no longer available" service but, NO!!! Totally complete opposite! Our server was patient and gave us time to look over the menu. Food came out perfect and neat, not just thrown on the plate. I ordered the tuna melt and it's was perfect and not too greasy. My kids shared and order of their spaghetti because it was a huge serving and they loved it. My husband ordered a chicken sandwich and he had no complaints and, my brother ordered their corned beef hash and he loved it! Over all, great service! Food was good and nicely presented and the ambiance was great as well. Will definitely come back!!! read more

Was recommended this place for breakfast, tried it last Saturday for brunch. The food was delicious and they served it very fast, we really like the food specifically the French Toast , coffee and the hot chocolate were good as well. The only thing is making me take two stars is the way their waiting list works and the attitude of the young slim hostess that sat us down. You sign up just with your name and wait outside, it seems they don't have a system where there can text you which is ok, I don't mind waiting outside. They told us one hour wait, ok we were willing to wait (we were sitting outside), when a table is ready, they go outside and call people by their name, supposedly if some people are not there they go to the next name (according to guy that was calling the names). After waiting about 45 minutes I saw they called a party of 3 people that had arrived about 15 or 20 minutes after us (we were 2 only), that was weird since they arrived after us. We still waited like 10 more minutes and I decided to walk in and ask this girl how much longer, she said "soon". I asked her in a good way how come other people that arrived like 15 minutes after us were already called 10 minutes ago. This is what she said "if they were on the list and we call them and they were not outside if they come back we have to honor their place in the list and at sit them down" That doesn't make sense to me! I just said "ok" and went back outside. After about more 10 minutes this girl called my name and took us to a table with a not so nice attitude, once we got to the table she just slammed the menus on the table and walk away. This was extremely rude and upsetting! This was not a good start, but I tried to enjoy the rest of the brunch, luckily the guy that was our server was nice and attentive. We will be back for sure, hopefully next time we don't encounter any attitudes from staff that ruins it for the rest of the team. read more

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The potatoes were great and crispy . There was a lot of flavor on my burrito however it was dripping in oil. I couldn't finish it because it just kept spilling all over my hands. The prices are OK for what it is. I truly don't understand the hype about this place. The food was mediocre the staff was fabulous and the location is fabulous. I would never come back here again and I don't understand why there's a line out the door. read more

Russell's - American Near Me - Pasadena, California

THE BEST PANCAKES AND SAUSAGES, EVER, yum! yum! Parking is difficult...had to park a couple of blocks away on Holly and Fair Oaks, but worth the short walk.. Service was A+! Staff is very helpful. read more