I have the biggest crush on Lincoln. Situated at the border between Altadena and Pasadena in a former machine shop, this delicious and stylish new restaurant from Little Flower Candy’ Co.‘s Christine Moore is my go-to spot for laid back lunches and pastry fixes. Three visits in and I still can’t get enough.

The menu, which is comprised of breakfast dishes (served all day!), sandwiches, and salads, strikes a balance between familiar and innovative. Whether you’re in the mood for classic or creative fare, there’s something for everyone here.

One of the highlights of dining at Lincoln is scoping out the pastry counter. Chef Cecilia Leung always has an enticing spread of cookies, cakes, scones, breads, and muffins available at all hours of the day. Try as I might, I can never limit myself to just one treat (as you’ll see below).

Pro Tip: Follow Cecilia on Instagram to see what irresistible delights she’s currently baking and serving.

On my first visit to Lincoln with Diana, I indulged in an awesomely messy Reuben made with pastrami, Thousand Island dressing, gruyere cheese, and sauerkraut on toasty white bread. The menu promised rye, but I didn’t mind the switcheroo.

Reubens are one my all-time favorite sandwiches, and Lincoln’s rendition didn’t let me down. Every bite was satisfyingly savory, tangy, crisp, and gooey.

To supplement my sandwich, I procured a very lovely salted dark chocolate cookie. It possessed what I consider to be the ideal texture—crisp around the edges and chewy within.

Because I’m always thinking of my dear, sweet Astronomer, I picked up a cheddar scallion scone to take home for him. Crumbly and rich, the scone tasted equal parts cheesy and herby.

On my second trip to Lincoln with Sarah, I indulged in the excellent huevos rancheros. Comprised of tortilla chips, blistered cherry tomatoes, tomatillo salsa, white beans, cilantro rice, a runny egg, and cotija cheese, this dish managed to satisfy without weighing me down. Quite the feat for huevos rancheros, I’d say.

Sarah selected the carrot fritter with lemon creme friache, onion strings, and greens. A Ranch-esque dressing tied everything together. Now, this is a salad I can rally behind.

Following our mains, we shared six stupendous sweets including a fig and goat cheese scone with a fetching honey glaze…

…a sticky bun that was as sticky as billed (just ask our molars)…

…a great (and adorable) cafe au lait cake with a sweet coffee glaze and whipped cream quenelle…

…a sandy-textured and terrific tasting matcha snickerdoodle…

…a moist and buttery gateau Basque with raspberries…

…and finally, a slice of olive oil cake with browned butter buttercream that was so good that it had me rethinking my stance that olive oil cakes are dull.

I also purchased a pain au chocolat to take home to The Astronomer’s mother who was visiting from Alabama. She polished off the whole thing.

On my latest trip to Lincoln with Diep and Tien, I settled on the spicy shrimp bowl with herbed rice, greens, peanuts, and harissa. The rub on the tender shrimp had a definite kick, while the greens and rice were well-dressed in a yuzu-spiked vinaigrette. Light and healthful, this dish set a nice base for the onslaught of sugar and butter to come.

While not quite as excessive as Sarah and me, the three of us shared five pastries this afternoon including a do-over of the matcha snickerdoodle. The kaffir lime and ginger scone, with its spicy interior and tart glaze, was excellent.

We also really enjoyed the ham and cheese croissant—buttery, flaky perfection.

My favorite treat on this visit was the coconut cake with passion fruit curd, which reminded me of The Astronomer’s and my wedding cake. I purchased a slice to-go for my boo, of course.

And lastly, a most satisfactory apple tart packed with plenty of fruit and cinnamony spice.

Lincoln + The Gastronomer = ❤

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Lincoln
1992 Lincoln Avenue
Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: 626-765-6746

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