Metro to the Rose Bowl and some great happy hours
Drinking and driving isn’t cool
Aside from being anti-incumbent, YTsWorld is a huge fan of happy hours, especially ones on the Metro, particularly the Goldline, since YTsWorld is based in NELA. Ultimately, public transportation is good and more politicians should be supportive.
Anyway since the Goldline will probably transport many Rose Parade and Rose Bowl fans over the next few weeks, it’s time to cover some of the best happy hours on the Goldline.
We’re going to start off at Le Grande Orange at the Del Mar Station for a number of reasons. First, the bar of Le Grande Orange offers a view of Goldline trains that is a pretty cool Metro experience. It feels so, well, not LA. Of course this is Pasadena, not Los Angeles, but I think you understand what I mean. Aside from the view, Le Grande Orange has been known to offer specials for Metro riders that can show proof or ridership.
Overall, the happy hour deals at Le Grande Orange are worth a visit, but not the best in the area. But the location, the view, and the quality make Orange tasty.
After Le Grand Orange, if you don’t mind a little extra walking. Head south down Raymond Blvd to Del Mar and the Congregation Ale House, which just opened a branch in Pasadena. They only offer a $1 dollar off their taps during happy hour, but they always have a $3.00 tap special. And on Mondays it’s happy hour all day. Thus, on Monday, the Ale House is the place to pray to the barley gods.
From here, if you have an all day Metro pass you can now either head back to the Del Mar Station and take the train to Memorial Park, or you can just walk up Raymond or Fair Oaks, past Central Park, to Old Town.
Once in Old Town, there are countless options.
Lucky Baldwins on Raymond just before Colorado — in the alley — is a must stop, although LB’s focus on craft beers makes happy hour a little more expensive. Also try the Fish and chips, and enjoy the killer outdoor patio.
After LB’s, stay in the alley and walk towards Fair Oaks and stop at the 35er, especially on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday when Deb is working happy hour. They always have some of the best happy hour deals in Old Town and Deb plays a great jukebox.
If you’re really cheap and/or heading to the Rose Bowl, head north up Fair Oaks a couple of blocks and stop by 72 North. Typically, 72 North offers the best food and beverage happy hour deals in Old Town. If you’re purely focused on saving money, this is a pretty good bet. While there, step out back and stop by one of Pasadena’s hidden drinking holes, the Old Town Pub. It’s historical, man.
If you’re in town for a while, there are many other places to add into your rotation.
For instance, the YardHouse’s happy hour, east down Colorado — just a few blocks away from the heart of Old Town — draws a great crowd, offers an outstanding selection of beers and martinis plus some of the best happy hour prices in the area. Most would agree that the Yardhouse offers the best overall happy hour experience in the Old Town area.
I could go on, as there are still many more places to cover, but this list provides a few of my top picks for Rose Bowl fans. Additionally, keep your eyes open. There are a number of small restaurants, many of which serve beer, that also offer some great deals in the area, but the atmosphere in these establishments is less entertaining.
And when you’re out hitting happy hours, don’t forget to tell them YT sent you. There could be some secret specials for such fans.
Don’t like our happy hour picks? Tell us about your favorite happy hours in the Old Town Pasadena area.
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