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    Russell's

    4.2 (2.1k reviews)
    Closed 6:30 am - 2:00 pm

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    RUSSELL'S ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Recommended Reviews - Russell's

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    bacon, eggs, hashbrowns
    J Warren R.

    The crispy, thick bacon is absolutely the best! Eggs and crispy hashbrowns hit the spot. So did the French Toast -- great way to start the day, Russells has been a staple of Pasadena since 1935. With the quality of food and service it is easy to see why. Inside it feels like a fancy railroad dining car with crimson walls and prints of famous European artists. Service was very good, fast, friendly. Coffee was well brewed, fresh and tasty.

    Margaret K.

    Ambiance-10 Service-10 Quality-10 Cleanliness-10 This was our first time dining at Russell's. The place was full at with many people waiting outside. We only hade to wait 25 minutes at 12:30. As we were seated I noticed everyone was eating from the breakfast menu. Sadly though, I do not like breakfast, so my husband and I shared a burger. We appreciated that they cut our burger and half, split the fries and served us with two plates. I'd give the cheeseburger a 4. It was a bit on the dryer side. However, I'm sure all the breakfast choices must be all 5's since that was what everybody else was eating. If you are a breakfast lover, you must try this adorable, charming establishment!!!

    Abigail U.

    I've been here a couple of times and have experienced excellent service. The food is delicious and great portions. It gets busy by 8:30am and it's about 30-45min wait time. But if you're an early bird you should visit before 8am, as there was no wait time when I arrived one time at 7:30am. They validate parking for the parking behind the restaurant.

    I love the red walls.
    Nikki B.

    Russell's has been serving hearty breakfasts in Old Town Pasadena since 1930. My brother loved to come here but I've never been until recently. The décor is a little more upscale than your typical diner, and the menu features American-French cuisine. My friend and I were seated in a booth in the back. I was happy to see a variety of Champagne cocktails on the menu instead of just the standard mimosa. We opted for the Kir Royale and each ordered a side of fruit because we didn't want anything heavy. The Kir Royale was perfect and the fruit was fresh and sweet. Our server was a very nice lady. My friend and I enjoyed our light breakfast and our conversation since we hadn't seen each other in a while. Side note: This place is very popular so a 90-minute dining limit is enforced. *Adjacent parking garage.

    Mushroom, Spinach & Cheese Omelet
    Mari J.

    Back after many years and it did not disappoint, great breakfast, I had Cheese Omelette with English muffins so delicious. Service by Ryan was outstanding and promised to be back. Theres issues line so be prepared but its worth it! Parking structure can validate the tickets for 90 minutes

    Evan K.

    You really can't go wrong with a classic American breakfast and Russell's be serving up all the classics. To cut to the chase we got their "The Big Breakfast" which came with french toast, sausage, hash browns, toast and eggs. One the side we got their belgian waffle as well. I would say everything was really good and very solid. My favorite part of the meal was their sausage though. It was super flavorful, juicy and one of the best I've had in a while that was memorable. I would most definitely go back in the mood for a reliable breakfast in Pasadena but nothing here wowed me besides the sausage.

    Ben F.

    Russell's is a classic. Old bones, old stories, old menus, and old flavors. I find this recurring theme at all the well loved restaurants from the last century who have somehow survived it all. They just exist in their mediocrity for all of time and leverage the fact that they haven't changed as a selling point. To me, that's all I taste. It's not nostalgic, it's just stagnancy. Dry eggs, under seasoned, nothing noteworthy or exceptional. Not hating, I love the oldies. I just keep running into this same experience of being underwhelmed. I've had the same at Marston's, Bill's, Buck's, Joanie's, basically any spot with someone's name in the title. Maybe I'm jaded, but I distinctly remember the quality of all of these spots in the 90s. Did my tongue degrade over the years? Or is it that the rigidity of these recipes and menus haven't kept up with the breakfast scene? Who knows. It was still lovely, but took forever because it's so popular, and cost an astronomical amount for basic breakfast options. I'm glad I got to experience it.

    Angie R.

    Expect a long wait time--but brunch here is worth it. It's located on the main street of Fair Oaks, with paid parking available in the structure right behind it. There's limited seating outside while you wait. To be honest, the space isn't the most accommodating for larger body types, as the tables are bolted to the ground and can feel a bit tight. The restaurant itself is small, but the food makes up for it. You can really taste the freshness in the orange juice, and the overall vibe gives a nostalgic, old-school diner feel with the red seats and classic presentation. It's the kind of place that feels like a step back in time. I ordered the waffles, and my partner got the pancakes--both were great and didn't disappoint. The portions were generous and satisfying. I'd recommend coming with a party of four or fewer, as space is pretty limited.

    Interior
    Brad S.

    Wonderful breakfast today at Russell's. While visiting Pasadena, I wanted to check out this diner that has been open since 1930. I love the vibe of the place, professional, but still a diner so not too fancy. Nice artwork on the walls. I had the breakfast burrito with bacon sausage and cheese served with hashbrowns. It's a large serving so I took half home and was still full. Great place and I would highly recommend and return.

    Pancake
    Jazmine S.

    The BEST pancakes I've had in a LONG time. We came for a super late brunch. We had a 30-min wait on a busy Saturday but totally worth it. The inside has a great atmosphere with the decor, paintings and music. We were waited on quite a bit, and everyone was super nice and fast. The food was delicious; those pancakes are perfect. Eat them hot and fresh!!

    Menu
    Natalie L.

    Tried Russell's in Old Town Pasadena for Saturday brunch--definitely expect a wait. Got there around 10:15 and waited ~35 mins, so hop on the waitlist ASAP. Service was amazing. Our server was quick, attentive, and genuinely friendly. As for the food, the hash browns were easily the best I've ever had--loaded with bacon, onions, bell peppers, and cheddar cheese. Everything I love all in one dish, cooked perfectly. We also shared a bit of everything, and the French toast really stood out--warm, fluffy, and incredibly aromatic. If 10 is the max, I'd give it an 11 just for the service.

    Christina G.

    I loved it here! I went in the morning today (Monday) around 10:30am and there was a line. It went by quick though, under 10 minutes. My friend and I shared the mushroom cheese & spinach omelette with a side of hash brown and pancakes. I enjoyed all of it! Russell's has been on my list for quite some time, glad I finally checked it out. I didn't have a chance to try the coffee but definitely will return soon. Great location and awesome service. Welcoming and attentive. Cute decor too... retro, but artsy

    Interior
    Mona A.

    This is basically our ICU's unofficial post night shift breakfast spot. After twelve hours of alarms and no sleep, Russell's just hits the spot. I can't personally speak to the drinks, but my coworkers love them. The croque monsieur and croque madame are really good, and they make a solid veggie and cheese omelette too. Service is always fast and friendly like family, which honestly matters when you're exhausted. They also validate parking for the structure behind the restaurant, which makes it easy. We've come here for birthday breakfasts too and it's always a good time. Cozy diner vibes and strong coffee. We love Russell's

    Ultimate Breakfast Burrito

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    Amazing food, quality and prices, but the service was really slow, because they're busy. But definitely we coming back

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    2 months ago

    Best waffle you will ever have. Great ABC omelette, bacon, and hash browns - BUT THE WAFFLE IS OUTWORLDLY!

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    6 months ago

    Are you kidding me russells? Is a Pasadena tradition? Their food here is fantastic. The service is great. Been there forever

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    It was really good. Good service good food good atmosphere. Definitely coming back. It's a cute little spot

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    Page 3 of 54

    Russell's Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Russell's

    I'm looking for a venue to do a breakfast meeting for 20 people can you accommodate that for the LA County Firefighters Association?

    Unfortunately we cannot accommodate a party that large as our restaurant is quite small. The biggest table can only accommodate six guests.

    Do we need reservations and what time is recommended for Saturday?

    Hi Stacey, unfortunately we do not take reservations. In weekends as early as possible as the wait can get very long after 8:00 am… 

    What is the wait times for 10.00 AM on weekdays?

    Hi Lee. On the weekdays it a hit and Miss thing. Sometimes there is no wait at all and sometimes it’s about 10 to 20 minutes at most.… 

    What is the usual wait time for a table for 2 on Saturdays at 11:00 am?

    Between 30 minutes to an hour.

    What time do you stop serving breakfast on Sunday?

    Hi Jessica, Breakfast is served all day until we close at 2:00 pm… 

    Will you be open on Monday, January 2?

    Hi Amanda. Unfortunately we will be closed on Monday, Because of the Rose Parade. Frank

    What time do you stop serving breakfast?

    We serve breakfast all day until closing at 2:00 pm.

    Do you have outdoor seating for brunch ? And do you take reservations?

    We do, but only two tables are available. As for reservations, I am sorry but we don’t take reservations.

    Can you add an online wait list via Yelp?

    Nathalie, Unfortunately we can’t as we don’t have that service. However, I will look into it.… 

    Do you have to show proof of vaccination?

    Hi Tanisha. Proof of vaccinations are not required. Frank… 

    Does it take credit card?

    Yes

    Are there gluten free options?

    We do not have gluten free breads or pancakes, but a lot of our entrees are gluten free.

    Do they have turkey sausage or turkey bacon?

    Because of COVID changes I would suggest you call them 1 626-578-1404.

    What are your vegan options, if any?

    Hi Melinda. I can’t say that we have any vegan options except for our oatmeal for breakfast. Non meat and dairy dishes are made in the same kitchen so there are cross contaminations.… 

    Do you let people BYOB?

    You can bring your own wine and corkage fee is $15. However, you can’t bring your own beer.

    Do you serve bottomless mimosas?

    Hi Stephanie. We do not serve bottomless Mimosas.

    Do they serve breakfast all day?

    We served breakfast daily until 4:00 pm.

    Do they have the pies from Russell's in Long Beach, specifically mile high peanut butter pie?

    No Becky. We do not have the original Russell’s Pie from Long Beach as we do not have the capacity at this location to make “mile high” pies. If you like “mile high” pies, they do serve them at Pie n Burger on California. It’s exactly the same… 

    Do they have bottomless mimosas for brunch?

    We don’t have bottomless mimosas. You will get your own little small bottle of sparkling wine when you order mimosa, raspberry royale, kir royale or Bellini.

    Will they fit a group of 10?

    Yes, but the wait will be very long as we would have to put a few tables together.

    View All 22 Questions

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    Family-owned & operated
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    Absolutely loved Old Town Caffe! The food was delicious, fresh, and made with care. The croissant…read moreegg and sausage sandwich was a standout--the croissant was perfectly flaky and buttery, and the sandwich was so satisfying. The French toast was delicious and perfectly sweet, and the açaí bowl was fresh, refreshing, and loaded with great toppings. What made the experience even better was the amazing service. Everyone was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and attentive. You can tell they genuinely care about their customers and creating a great experience.

    Yesterday was my first time stopping by, and all I came in for was a matcha. Unfortunately, my…read moreexperience at the counter was not very pleasant. When I ordered a matcha, the employee asked if regular milk was okay, and I said oat milk was fine. However, I was never informed that oat milk was an additional $1 charge. She also never asked what size I wanted and then told me to pay. When I looked at the screen, I saw that the total was $7 for a large. I only wanted to spend around $5-$6, so I asked if I could get a small instead. I was surprised to see that the price was still the same. When I asked why, she then explained that oat milk was a $1 up charge and she didn't charge me on the large order for oatmilk. I don't mind paying the extra dollar, but I feel customers should be informed about an additional charge before being charged for it. Also, if getting a large was actually the better deal, I would have appreciated being told that. What made the interaction more frustrating was that the employee seemed distracted and dismissive while her coworker was talking to her. I ended up getting the small, even though I was confused about the pricing. The matcha itself was good, but unfortunately, because of the customer service experience, I don't think I'll be returning. I don't expect anything special--just clear communication about pricing and to be asked what size I'd like before being charged.

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    Millie's Cafe - Pasadena

    Millie's Cafe - Pasadena

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    It was a hot day but we ate outside anyway. Service was attentive, polite (don't let the uniform…read moreT-shirts fool you!) and the food came out faster than I expected based on the number of customers. One of my party had a dog and they brought out a dish of water. Our food was made perfectly, including getting all the special request right the first time! Delicious and not overpriced.

    We came to have brunch on a Saturday afternoon and thank goodness they have this waitlist…read moreavailable. Put our name down close to 11am and it was it was 30-45 min wait. So we were able to kill time until then! Located next to Honey & Lavender, parking lot available in the back, not that small! Once seated, we got to order the California Benedicts and the Country Fried Steak. It actually didn't take too long for our order to arrive, which we were surprised they are very quick and efficient with service! Although, the food was very underwhelming. California Benedict was pretty basic, or just the bare minimum actually. It was okay, ingredients don't really stand out. My bf's country fried steak, he was disappointed that the steak didn't even look fried. He wasn't really a fan of his order lol. I thought the potatoes were pretty decent, although I wish they were cut smaller into like breakfast potatoes. They were so chunky, but also wish they could be fried more. Overall, I feel like we chose the wrong items from this place lol, but these were the items highlighted on the Yelp page? Maybe it didn't help that we were seated next to the kitchen or a cart full of dirty dishes bc I just kept smelling that as we were eating.

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    Fika Fika Coffee - My Kyoto Cherry Rose tea at 25% sweetness - very light and refreshing with lots of rose flavor - loved it!

    Fika Fika Coffee

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    Fika Fika is a great shop to get a fragrant floral tea and a small bite to eat. The menu has…read moreadjusted slowly over time, but they maintain a solid coffee and tea selection, with some food options and (at the Pasadena location) about 16 flavors of gelato. On this weekday I came for the Jasmine Milk Tea. Last time this was under the Tea Latte section, but they menu changed and there is now a dedicated Milk Tea section. And also there is a Jasmine Latte with Espresso in it, but that is under the Espresso section. I was able to get it chilled but without ice. The lowest sweetness level was 50%, but I asked nicely and they estimated they could make a 25% for me. It turned out wonderfully, extremely floral, barely any sweetness so the Jasmine aroma and taste were the dominant ones. In the food side I selected the popcorn chicken. I can take some heat but only a small bit, so I asked for the spice powder in the side. I just looove the texture of the popcorn chicken. You can see in the picture that it's a very thin breading, almost not there, but the texture seems almost as if an invisible rice flour was tossed in the outside. Still juicy in the inside, and small pieces to make every bite pop-able. The chicken comes with a ranch sauce, though to me it's a second thought. Add a hint of spice or even have the chicken as is, no ranch is needed.

    TL;DR: I've been here a handful of times and keep coming back for the work-friendly atmosphere,…read moresolid rewards program, and flavored lattes. Traditional espresso drinks, however, aren't their strong suit. Pros: Plenty of seating, lots of outlets, reliable Wi-Fi, and a comfortable space to work or study. They also have a solid rewards program if you visit regularly, plus various avocado toast options and Asian-inspired ice cream if you're looking for more than coffee. My favorite drink is the brown sugar latte (I'd recommend 25% or 50% sweetness), followed by the Thai tea latte. Cons: Traditional espresso drinks feel more modernized than authentic. On my most recent visit (Friday around 10:20 a.m.), I ordered a cappuccino that took 15 minutes to receive and was surprised it only came in 12 oz or 16 oz. I was expecting a smaller cup like other places. The 12 oz tasted more like a latte with extra steamed milk than a classic cappuccino. The ube and hojicha lattes were decent, but I've had better elsewhere. Parking in front is limited to 15 minutes, but there's additional one-hour parking in the rear.

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    Dots Cafe - 9 Mini cup cakes!

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    This has been on my list of places to go for quite a while, but honestly I keep forgetting about…read moreit. Went for a birthday lunch with two friends, and we were all excited to try it. I ordered the Italian chopped salad and dalgona coffee, one ordered the chiliquilies with Carne Asada, and the other ordered the chicken fried steak. Both of those were on the brunch menu. The portions were huge, the food was delicious and the service was great. The inside interior is decorated so cute. Very relaxing, just really cute. They're huge dodger fans, which is fine with me. The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because we were very disappointed with the cupcakes. We ordered one each after our meal, a red velvet, Carmelita, and a lemon curd. They were so dry and honestly had no flavor. I was shocked and really disappointed because I've heard amazing things about the cupcakes. The lemon curd had absolutely no lemon flavor at all in the cupcake. It was a very dry white cupcake. The Carmelita was just basically a chocolate cupcake with tiny caramel candies on top and the chocolate cupcake itself was very dry. I didn't try the red velvet, but my friend said the same. It was just very dry and planned in flavor. We will definitely be going back because the food was amazing. Probably will not order cupcakes though.

    One of my favorite local cafe in Pasadena. Conveniently located next to 210 fwy entrance/exist…read more Love the cupcakes, it's tasty, reasonably priced, and pretty! Perfect as a gift or gatherings. They have doggie cupcakes, too, which my pups love. Inside of the cafe is clean with cute decor. Great options for breakfast and coffee.

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    Magnolia House

    Magnolia House

    3.9(1.6k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Pasadena is one of my all-time favorite cities and they have some great restaurants. We hadn't been…read morein this side of town in a while, so I asked my son to find us a new spot to try today. We ended up at Magnolia House for a late lunch/early dinner. They also serve breakfast/brunch only on weekends. Walked in around 4:30pm and we were greeted by Brian, one of the managers. Brian was the standout star of the whole experience! His energy was exceptional and he is such a great conversationalist. He checked on us several times throughout our meal and made sure we were doing well. He on his own was HANDS DOWN a five star human being. At first, he wanted to seat us in the back corner but I told him the table was too small and he accommodated us with a bigger table. Our server Kiana came up to the table with a pleasant smile and greeting to take our drink orders. I got a glass of cranberry juice along with some water. My son got the American Dream cocktail along with some water. We skipped on dessert. From 4-6pm, they have a happy hour menu with some of their cocktails and shareable plates. The portions are just a bit smaller and the prices are a little lower. It's a good way to sample different items. I think we got a good variety of food to enjoy. To start, we got the Little Gem Salad. It was such a unique combination of flavors and SUPER delicate/light. My son and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The next starter was the Zucchini and Feta Fritters, which was good but not the best out of everything else we ordered. The zucchini was a bit mushy but the batter it was fried in was crispy. Another starter we shared were the Moroccan Spiced Chicken Wings. These wings are gigantic and very flavorful. They definitely pack some heat, so be careful. I don't think the A/C was NOT working to begin with, so the place was already hot. The wings made us sweat even more. For entrées, we got the burger and the pork belly. Brian said they are known for their burger and after taking the first bite, it's clear as to why. It was absolutely PERFRCTION. So delicious! The bun, the meat, the cheese, the onions, and the crispy bacon...all of it mixed together into the perfect burger. I had wanted to add some mushrooms and avocado to it, but Kiana said they were unable to do it. I also asked for lettuce and she said that would be an extra charge. What extra charge for lettuce? We still got charged for avocado when the bill came, but they took it off once we mentioned it. The pork belly was also very tender, flavorful, and crispy. It's just hard to compete with the burger! We also got an order of the Belgian Fries to share and we were both pleasantly surprised at how good they were. The fries are salty and cut pretty thick. The sauce that came on the side was so yummy. We asked for a small extra cup to-go. All in all, the food was great and we liked everything. The vibe of the restaurant wasn't really all that for me. Brian genuinely made up for anything that was lacking in the atmosphere. He is such a wonderful asset to the restaurant and their company. The restaurant itself has been here for about 15 years now and it used to be a very old house. You can tell when you look around. They did a good job with the renovations, but you can see the different areas/rooms. I think they tried to keep the casual comfort of a home, while making it a slightly elevated experience. It was very clean everywhere, especially the bathrooms. They have one gender neutral bathroom, one for men, and one for women. No private parking, so you'll have to park on the street and put money in the kiosk. They also had an outdoor seating. Pretty BIG, only took picture of one side. They also have 2 small TVs. In the bar area and inside their cute lounge. I normally like to try new places, especially when I'm in Pasadena, so I'm not sure if I'll come back here. Maybe if Brian is working, it would definitely be worth stopping by again! Thank you all..

    Magnolia House was the place to go 10-12 years ago. But the last 3 times I've been here recently,…read moreit just really doesn't have the charm or class it used to have. Service is really really slow. You may see 5 or 6 waiters on staff...but they aren't stopping at tables to check up on guests. Alot of them are just hanging around the bar or front desk chitchatting with friends. The food quality dropped tremendously. It tastes like bland bar food now. $19 for 2 meatballs laying in tomato paste....and they were not even room temperature. Felt like they had these already prepared and sitting somewhere, just waiting for the next guest to order them. Got a mojito that may have been mistaken for a "virgin" drink....cause no one at our table could taste any alcohol in it. They all said it was watered down mint with ice. I wish this place would go back 10 years and make it like "the spot you want to go to"....versus the spot you now avoid.

    Photos
    Magnolia House - Now Serving Coffee Monday - Friday at 7:30am

    Now Serving Coffee Monday - Friday at 7:30am

    Magnolia House - Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 - 6:30PM. Enjoy $5 wine & local draft beers, $6 well drinks & $6 House Sangria, and more

    Happy Hour Monday through Friday from 4 - 6:30PM. Enjoy $5 wine & local draft beers, $6 well drinks & $6 House Sangria, and more

    Magnolia House - Private Lounge Area - For event inquiries, send an email to: events@themaghouse.com

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    Private Lounge Area - For event inquiries, send an email to: events@themaghouse.com

    Russell's - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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