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    The Blind Donkey

    4.0 (715 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 1:00 am (Next day)

    The Blind Donkey Photos

    Business Info

    THE BLIND DONKEY ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

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    Recommended Reviews - The Blind Donkey

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    For what it's worth and whiskey sour
    Danielle S.

    Tried this place out since it's close to our hotel. We ordered a For What its Worth and Whiskey Sour. The kitchen closes early so we weren't able to get a snack or food to munch on. The interior is very dark and intimate. The whiskey sour was on the sour side and the for what its worth was smooth and sweeter. If I were to order another drink I would stick with for what its worth.

    Entrance
    Benedict A.

    Walking back to our vehicles after dinner we thought we'd come try this whiskey bar out. A very interesting name that caught our attention when we were initially walking to dinner. Inside looks kinda divey. Bartender even said that this place is kind of between a dive bar and a cocktail bar. The bartender was ok. Not bubbly at all. Had a great poker face. Initially seemed aloof and off putting. But I get it cuz I'm like that at work also. So I get it. He's just misunderstood!! They are predominantly a whiskey establishment. I love how the back of the bar had all their whiskey bottles on display. Looks really nice. There's plenty of seating here. Multiple types of seating too. Bar top at the bar. High top tablee. Regular tables with chairs. Even couch like seating areas. It was pretty dead when we were there on a Sunday evening. Drinks were good. He definitely knows what hes doing. Never figured out why this place is called Blind Donkey. But a solid whiskey establishment

    Hatchet job
    Boris M.

    We visited Blind Donkey on a Friday evening. The place wasn't too crowded yet, and we managed to find a spot at the bar. It's open seating throughout, and all orders are placed directly at the bar. We tried the Hatchet Job (Mezcal, Campari, Lemon, Simple Syrup) and the Pineapple Daiquiri (Rum, Pineapple, and Lime Juice). Both drinks were well-balanced and enjoyable. Service was good, and the atmosphere was relaxed--nothing too fancy, which was a refreshing change given the area. Overall, it's a pleasant spot for a quick, laid-back drink. Highly recommended if you're looking for a casual place with good cocktails and a friendly vibe.

    Inside
    Alejandra F.

    Just good vibes in here, nice bar, good whisky, nice staff, actually clean place, the restrooms were very clean, we had a very good time here, is a good place for a drink on a Weekend.

    Blind donkey
    Steph H.

    STEPH JUDGEMENT: A casual, comfortable bar with weekend happy hour FTW! We'd been to the Blind Donkey in downtown Long Beach a few times but had no idea there were other locations. We'd come out of an art show at the Armory nearby and wanted to grab a drink and a snack in the area before heading back. While wandering around, I happened to spot their sign down a side street and we decided to investigate. The ambiance was open and inviting, with many windows letting in the sunshine--very different from the Long Beach location, which is cool but underground. There were a bunch of fun and interesting signs and items on the walls, and they also had a parklet outside. It was fairly busy on a Sunday afternoon--the people perhaps drawn in by their weekend Happy Hour, but their prices seemed reasonable overall anyway. We decided to sit at the bar and I got an old fashioned and the hubby a whiskey sour, and we decided to share a grilled cheese sandwich. Everything was excellent, especially the sandwich, which was pressed panini-style and served with pickle chips that were an unexpected and awesome accompaniment--the little zing of acid really livened up the cheese and bread. The bartenders were cool, and it was a pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon. We wouldn't hesitate to return the next time we're in the area.

    A good Old Fashioned.
    Steve W.

    Union St. in Pasadena is a great place to stroll, eat, and drink. One of its charms is The Blind Donkey, a friendly, easy-going refuge for a cocktail. Our party enjoyed sitting at a table with excellently-prepared drinks: Manhattan, Old Fashioned, a Mexcal concoction, a Gin cocktail-- plus a bowl of mixed nuts. There's nothing pretentious here-- just an amiable atmosphere with servers who know how to mix their spirits well. Plus, they have a top-notch supply of your favorite libations. It's also a great stop before or after going to dinner at one of the restaurants along Union.

    Georgina Z.

    Best French fries. Triple fried and jalapeno ranch! Cool relaxing vibe with a huge selection of whiskey

    Nice selection of whiskey

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    4 years ago

    Cute spot for a date night or just to hangout. Carne asada fries are delish and so are the old fashioned drinks!

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    4 years ago

    Been coming here since college. Great service and good spirits. Definitely check it out if you are bar hopping down Union.

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    Page 7 of 18

    The Blind Donkey Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Blind Donkey

    What days & times are happy hour?

    Mon - Friday 5pm - 7 pm Sat & Sun 1 pm - 4 pm

    Are you allowed to bring your own board games and then just order drinks and chill?

    Are hats allowed?

    Yes

    Is the place okay for a 12 and 14 year old?

    I wouldn't maybe maybe during the day but it's very bar then food service. I'd call to see if kids can even be in there.

    What time does the kitchen close?

    10p

    Is there a cover charge?

    No

    View All 12 Questions

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    10 1/4 Pasadena - Last word

    10 1/4 Pasadena

    4.4(89 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    10 1/4 is a hidden cocktail bar located underneath Freddie's 35er, a popular Dodgers bar. To get…read morehere, not only do you have to go to the back of The 35er and go down the stairs, you ignore the tiki bar in front of you and make an immediately right U-turn. You reach a phone booth, pick up the phone, and wait for someone to buzz you in. This bar is different from the other two bars as it's smaller, more intimate, and focused on craft cocktails. On nights and weekends though, it can still get busy. We ordered a variety of drinks and liked the menta milk punch ($18), last word ($18), and queen's park swizzle ($16). This was my first time here and I would be interested in coming back and also check out the tiki bar too. This is a cool place to go as part of your bar hopping in Old Town Pasadena.

    We went here on a Wednesday night which I can imagine is much quieter than on a weekend…read more I heard about 35er from a coworker but when I saw they have a speakeasy downstairs, we had to check it out. When you enter the 35er, you take the stairs (closer to the back door) and there's a phone booth. Pick up the phone and the bartender will ask how many in your party before letting you in. The space is small. Some reviews mentioned tiki bar and this is not a tiki bar, it's a speakeasy. They have a cocktail menu and a full bar for well/cocktails. Great place for a small group.

    Photos
    10 1/4 Pasadena - Bar

    Bar

    10 1/4 Pasadena - The sconces are PRECIOUS

    The sconces are PRECIOUS

    10 1/4 Pasadena - Jungle bird ($16)

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    Jungle bird ($16)

    Ladies and Gentlemen - Snacks for drinking

    Ladies and Gentlemen

    4.2(252 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$$$

    Wow what a gem in Old Pas. My husband and I were so excited to check this out, we love hidden…read morespeakeasies. Have fun finding it! Definitely make a reservation though. If you're looking for a cute place with amazing drinks that are all designed with inventive cocktails inspired by different countries, this is so worth checking out. Pricey but so worth the experiences and drinks. We started off our night here to celebrate our wedding anniversary. The staff was so beyond nice and welcoming. The inside is absolutely gorgeous and the ambience is the perfect date night setting. Brandon, our server, was so beyond nice! Open to answering our questions and giving us pretty good recommendations! We got the Japanese milk bread and patatas bravas as snacks. The milk bread was complemented perfectly with the two butters we got - one sweet and one savory. The patatas bravas, omg, they were so delicious. Made with scallions and sriracha aioli, hard to dislike, when paired with perfectly crispy potatoes. As a gin lover, i was so intrigued by the sands of time, and let me tell you it did not disappoint. Who knew gin paired so well with the different herbals and ingredients paired in this drink?! So delicious and you can brew the drink longer to really let the flavors settle! The presentation, 10/10! I liked it so much I got it twice. My husband started off with the duck fat old fashioned. He's a huge lover of old fashioneds and was intrigued. He loved how smooth it was. He then got me and my best friend which is close to a Manhattan and loved the Asian twist to it. We laughed at the presentation, it was perfect. Definitely interested in trying the omakase drink experience, will definitely be back!

    Cool speakeasy hidden away in downtown Pasadena. I won't spoil exactly how to find it, but it's…read morehidden somewhere inside the Indiana Colony Market. Make a reservation, since I saw a large group were turned away due to a reservation issue. The ambiance and service were both great, and our server was very attentive throughout the night. The cocktails on the menu was creative and thoughtfully curated. Everything was well-crafted, though personally I tend to prefer stronger cocktails over infused-style drinks, so they felt a bit lighter to me. I ordered the Beauty and the Beast cocktail, which was presented in a unique pretty flower-shaped glass. We also ordered the Hot Honey Pizza, but it ended up taking quite a while, so unfortunately we had to cancel it. Overall, cool and unique spot worth checking out.

    Photos
    Ladies and Gentlemen - Hot honey pepperoni pizza, really good!

    Hot honey pepperoni pizza, really good!

    Ladies and Gentlemen - Beauty and the beast

    Beauty and the beast

    Ladies and Gentlemen - Old fashioned

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    Old fashioned

    The Speakeasy - Christmas decorations!!

    The Speakeasy

    4.1(692 reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    I came to this magical little place with my girl friends to celebrate a birthday. Only the three of…read moreus but we wanted a drink to end the night with a vibe. Boy did we win the jackpot! We came in around 6:30. They had just opened but the atmosphere was ready! Dark and moody with candles on the table, it was the perfect spot to grab a drink and catch up. Jeremy was our bartender and he was fantastic. Super chill and friendly and made us some amazing drinks based on a few preferences. Our "bartenders choice" drinks were amazing, so much so that our "drink to end the night" turned into two drinks and some appetizers. We ordered taquitos and mozzarella sticks. Overall all three of us ladies loved this place! We definitely plan to be back! Let Jeremy make you a drink - you won't regret it. He makes them custom for you and he definitely knows what he is doing. *they do ask for a password which you can request on their website... but I would do that 24-48 hours before you plan to visit. We didn't have that days password and simply asked the front door.

    The Speakeasy is a hidden cocktail bar located in Old Town Pasadena. To get here, look for the "New…read moreYork Deli" sign and you'll likely see a person standing out front. You will need to reach out to the bar via email to get the password, but you can also get a hint from the person at the front. We got our hint and successfully guessed it, gaining entry. The interior has dark lounge lighting with tables throughout. I got the gotham standard manhattan ($16) which was strong and spirit forward. We came right when they opened so it was very empty, but the bartender mentioned it gets really packed and lively on weekends. If I came back and was able to guess the password I'd stop by when it's more energetic for a different vibe.

    Photos
    The Speakeasy - All reds

    All reds

    The Speakeasy - Interior, love the vibes

    Interior, love the vibes

    The Speakeasy - Inside

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    Inside

    Magnolia House

    Magnolia House

    3.9(1.6k reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    I've heard some good things about this place and from other fellow yelpers friends, it must be…read moreworth it. Had a dinner reservation with some girlfriends celebrating two of their birthdays. The restaurant itself isn't too big but it does a pack a nice punch. Cute patio out front that takes some of the sidewalks and streets. Plenty of heat lamps which helped with the chilly nights. We got seated at one of the tables on the patios which was nice. Didn't really utilize inside area except for the restroom which it's quite cute in there. The rooms were pretty well decorated and executed. Nice bar area too. Like mentioned, we got seated on the patio and the heat lamps were great. Down to the menus, it's quite limited on dishes. Seemed like there were more shared plates versus the entrees. Drinks, it was fairly decent with their cocktails and wine. Service at the beginning was great. The staff were amazing and very friendly. We didn't order right away as we were still waiting for the last one to show. But did start off with some drinks. It didn't take that long for the first round which was nice. Food wise, the shared plate was a mixture of everything. Some of the olives, which is exactly what it is. The Belgian fries, nice thick cut fries with shredded pecorino cheese and a nice aioli sauce. We ended up getting a second order of it. The albacore tuna crudo was a hit which was really tasty. Chili ginger relish, mint and shallot, can't go wrong with that. Lastly the meatballs, tasty and very great for sharing. Entrees, the pan seared sea bass which I loved. Portion is pretty tiny which also seemed like they were a shared plate. Almost tapas styled. Nice chimichurri sauce and a side salad. The chicken Milanese also with a side salad of arugula. Simple dish but quite tasty. One of the salads that was somewhat hyped up by the waitress but it was just a salad. Decent but nothing major to rave about...lol... also the confit oyster mushrooms was major hit. Something that simple but quite tasty. And lastly the pan con tomate, rustic sourdough with tomatoes and burrata. Tasty as well. Overall the meal was good. From there, the second round of drinks did take a long time to arrive and with then plates that we shared, trying to get someone to clear the plates was another thing. Took a long for someone to clear the table before more items came. Even when the entrees came, all the empty starter plates were still there. And if someone did clear the plates, some was still left on the table. Finishing off the night, we did have the dessert which we tried all three. As it was two of our girlfriends birthday, they brought out a little bubbly for us to celebrate with the dessert. That was quite sweet and nice. Honestly opinion with the dessert, they were just ok. Nothing major to rave about. We tried all three on the menu and they were just ok. Overall, the food was great. Service was nice and the staffs were all very friendly. It did take a while for plates to get cleared from the table and second round did take a while, but it was manageable. It was a sweet gesture with the bubbly with the dessert which was greatly appreciated. The place is nice and great for catching up. Menu is limited and portions are quite small. You would have to get a good amount for sharing. Entrees, depending on what you order is small as well. But we enjoyed ourself.

    Come here for the drinks, vibes and brunch…read more Their breakfast options are better than their dinner service. I can't eat here for dinner as a vegetarian, they have little to no options. Would it kill them to add a veggie burger? Service is consistently awful. I've been here half a dozen times and I've never had good service. Drinks and water are never refilled unless I ask. It takes forever to get our order and once we do our server disappears. Seriously so bad. But I keep coming back for their good food.

    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

    The 1894 - Gets super busy - Friday evening around 530pm

    The 1894

    4.5(72 reviews)
    0.8 mi
    $$

    If you love books, wine, and that cozy intellectual vibe, 1894 is an absolute must-visit in…read morePasadena. This bar is tucked inside Vroman's Bookstore (already one of the most charming and iconic bookstores in the area) so the entire experience feels like stepping into a warm, literary universe. You can browse for a new book, take in the bookstore's atmosphere, and then walk straight into the bar. Honestly, it's the perfect outing. What makes 1894 truly special is how intentionally it celebrates literature. Everything in the bar pays homage to the bookstore. The drink menu is full of clever, book-inspired names. You'll find cocktails like Pride and PearJudice Pride, Fifty Shades of Earl Grey, and other fun literary twists. Every drink feels like a little wink to readers, writers, and book lovers, and it adds such a unique charm to the experience. The vibe is super quaint and warm, dim lighting, and a creative atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. The wine is on the pricier side ($19-$21 per glass), but the quality delivers. Customer service was excellent. One of the bartenders spent time chatting with us. He pointed out a chalk artwork behind the bar a dramatic portrait he drew himself featuring expressive, literary-style faces, like Edgar Allan Poe, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, etc. It fits perfectly with the creative, bookish aesthetic of the bar. If you're into books, wine, and unique experiences, 1894 is a spot you absolutely can't miss. Perfect for a date, a solo unwind-with-a-book moment, or a fun night with friends who appreciate a good story and a great drink.

    Cute little place inside Vroman's to get a glass of wine and read! I saw that they have live jazz…read moremusic on Thursdays sometimes so I hope to check that out. Good ambiance!

    Photos
    The 1894 - French Pilsner and truffle popcorn

    French Pilsner and truffle popcorn

    The 1894 - 2 drinks trying to get "picked up"  Floral Spritz & Pride & Pearjudice

    2 drinks trying to get "picked up" Floral Spritz & Pride & Pearjudice

    The 1894 - The Warm Brie & Baguette with honey - absolutely fantastic!!

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    The Warm Brie & Baguette with honey - absolutely fantastic!!

    The Blind Donkey - whiskeybars - Updated June 2026

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