Skipping the sun: Belgian Fest and soccer at Luckys

I choose Belgian beer

Its like summertime today in Southern California, but am I taking advantage of the gorgeous weather?

No. I'm watching soccer at Lucky Baldwins and participating in Belgian Fest, which goes on through at least Feb 28. Love watching the European football fans, but I could care less who wins.

Anyway, I'll probably finish my LB trip out on the patio so I can enjoy the weather a bit before heading back to the office, where I'm sure I'll be oh so productive.

There a lot of great beers on tap at LB's, but if you are not familiar, just start out with the Maredsous 10, and everything else will fall into place. Trust me. I'm a doctor, or at least I've played one for Halloween.

Lots of fun at Old Town Pub - Nightlife Hot Spots

No charge!

Stopped by the Old Town Pub in Old Town Pasadena Sunday night. What perfect timing.

Several interesting musical performances. A few magic tricks. And two almost naked girls dancing.

What more do you want?

Rate your favorite nightlife hot spots and photos

Great fish and chips

This is my comfort food

As I was a bit tense after leaving the dentist, I decided to stop by Lucky Baldwins for a few quick drinks. And, once I could feel the left side of my mouth again, I realized I hadn't yet eaten much today, and I ordered some fish and chips.

I'm not a big fan of the food at LBs, but the fish and chips is always good. In fact it was the best fish and chips I've had in some time!

Suddenly I'm feeling so much better.

Lunch and more at Lucky Baldwins

Thank you Kenigshoeven

Maybe that's not the way you spell it, Keningshoeven, but its the reason I am now in serious trouble.

Still, gotta love Lucky Baldwins. By the way, LB's Belgian Fest starts on Nov. 13.

Rolling at Barneys Beanery

YT ain't done yet

Obviously the day can only go down hill from here. So I'm parked here at Barney's Beanery.

Texas and Alabama getting down at the 35er

Having a little fun together

We can all get along together, at least the Texas and Alabama fans could today at the 35er. We'll see about tomorrow.

Best Pasadena happy hours for BCS fans, Part 1

Mai Kobe a great Old Town Happy Hour

So, you're in town for the Alabama-Texas National Championship game.

That's great, but since you blew your wad on flights, hotels, tickets, etc., it might be nice to save a little money when eating and drinking, right?

There are a ton of happy hours in Old Town Pasadena, but I'm going to focus on two great ones to get you started. Likewise, I'm picking these two for the food and drink specials.

In Old Town (just south of Colorado on Fair Oaks), MaiKobe is possibly the best food and drink happy hour. Yes, it's Japanese food, but it's not just sushi, and the beer is really cheap. Likewise, the bartenders are great. Befriend them and they will take care of you, even brew up some special shots for you, but you have to be cool. And you have to tip.

Possibly my favorite happy hour in the Old Town area, however, is the YardHouse at Paseo Colorado - just two blocks east of 'Old Colorado'. The happy hour menu is extensive, varied and well-priced. The beer isn't the best deal, especially if you only drink Lite beer. However, if you like to try new beers, there are more than 100 on tap. For my favorite IPA's, such as Racer 5, the happy hour prices are a great deal.

And, the YardHouse offers a nice crowd, as its a very popular stop for those that work in the area, because of its happy hour.

Stay tuned, I'll be covering more of Pasadena's best happy hours, etc. for BCS visitors. Also, have any questions, desires, etc.? Leave a comment, and I'll respond. Shoot, I might even provide a guided tour if anyone is really interested in drinking the best of Old Town.

The importance of urinal ads

That means you!

Typically, when I go pubbing I take the train. Old Town, Little Tokyo, East LA, LA LIVE, Hollywood, etc. - without any driving - via LA's Metro subway? (Yes a train to West LA and the Ocean would be killer, but....)

Until then, when out hitting your favorite bars, clubs and restaurants - too intoxicated to drive - dial up #TAXI from your cell phone.

I don't know what it is........but sitting in the back of a cab is always a little bit more fun the back of a squad car. But maybe that's just me.

Music at the Old Town Pub

Bad picture but great music

Enjoying some angry woman music at the Old Town Pub here in Old Town. And I mean angry. Ill try to get the name later.

Anyway, the Old Town Pub is one of the best places to catch the local music scene in Pasadena. It's small, quaint. Personal. And the Pub usually offers a great vibe, even if there isn't any band playing.

Oh, yeah. And the pub is also just a short walk to the Metro Goldline.

Finding a morning drink in Old Town

Screw driving

Took the train up to Old Town to meet Wong and to buy these cool hemp shoes I saw the other day. Since I arrived early, I thought I'd check out some early morning drinking holes in Pasadena's Old Town.

First stop Barney's Beanery. 7 days a week you can stop here for a drink starting at 7:30AM. Barney's also has a huge menu, so you can grab a little bite to eat if you're into more than just liquid meals.

The french toast is my favorite.

Just around the corner is another great early morning drinking hole, Lucky Baldwins. However, you can't have a screwdriver at Luckys, which specializes in beer. Still, if you want some beer, bangers and mash, and to watch some European soccer league action, Lucky's is the place to be in the wee morning hours.