Best of Pasadena 2024: Top Spots to Drink

T. Boyles Tavern

Down an alleyway and behind the rustic brick façade, this popular sports bar on Catalina Avenue features a full selection of cocktails and beers on tap at reasonable prices. If you get peckish during a game, order the pickled eggs, pulled pork, or fish and chips and, of course, another round of drinks. facebook.com/TBoylesPubPasadena/

Basin 141

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A modern American gastropub in Montrose with an all-ages location in Monrovia, the elevated bar food ranges from cast iron chicken tortilla soup to truffle mac-n-cheese. The drinks are craft cocktail focused, with local and global breweries represented. Bottomless brunch is available on Saturdays and Sundays. Basin141.com

Avignone’s

This dimly lit, seductive bar-lounge screams date night, but no-one will judge you for pulling up a stool solo and sipping a citrusy Cosmo from the original craft cocktail menu. For a classic cocktail, try the stiff vesper with vodka and gin. Avignone’s also makes seasonal, rotating farmer’s market concoctions, or just grab a wine or beer. avignones.com

The Mixx

For stiff martinis, sweet sangria, and contemporary American fare from flatbread to salmon or rib-eye, this is one of the few places where you can also see a variety of live acts from pop and rockabilly and Latin jazz. The Mixx also hosts a Taco Tuesday. Who doesn’t love a $5 happy hour? Themixxclub.com

Magnolia House

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Owned by the Bicos Brothers from San Marino (John and Chris, who also own Gus’s regional BBQ), this popular modern bar in a 100-year-old Craftsman bungalow is a cool place to grab a craft beer, glass of wine or cocktail, and share small plates of food. Themaghouse.com

Monopole by WineRx

Imbibers gather around wooden communal tables amid racks of old-world wine bottles while partaking in blind tastings, learning about boutique producers from various regions and nibbling on cheese. Located in Pasadena’s theater district, patrons spill out onto the sidewalk after a tasting. facebook.com/monopolewine

Kings Row Gastropub

With a cozy brick interior and a British pub vibe, this is one of the best stops for a burger and a brew. Check the chalkboard behind the bar for what’s on tap. There’s also ample patio space for seating on a sunny afternoon. kingsrowpub.com