When A Hamburger Today discovered burger “greatness” in my neighborhood a few months back (“Classic Burger Joint Greatness at Jake’s of Pasadena“), I immediately bookmarked the spot with a future lunch date in mind.
I’ve walked past this ruby red, burger-slangin’ hut in Old Pasadena dozens of times over the years, but it wasn’t until reading this piece of positive reportage that I was motivated to sit down for a meal. It was just the nudge I needed.
I am not sure what Jake’s menu was like when it first opened its doors in 1947, but these days it’s a build-your-own-burger situation supplemented by a half dozen composed “Signature Burgers.”
When my lunch date and I entered the restaurant, we were greeted with order forms on clipboards and pencils to make our mark. A friendly waiter slash cashier picked up the forms from our table as soon as we finished filling them out.
In addition to burgers for each of us, Nastassia and I shared a basket of truly fantastic onion rings ($3.49). The batter, crazy-crisp with nary a trace of grease, made these irresistible.
Hamburger traditionalists through and through, Nastassia and I both ordered the Jake’s Original Burger ($6.99), “a Pasadena tradition” according to the menu.
The O.G. burger came with a loosely packed all-beef patty, lettuce, onion, tomato, pickles, and Thousand Island, all neatly piled onto a toasted and buttered sesame seed bun. Nastassia added a slice of cheddar to hers, while I requested grilled onions. We were both pleased as pie with our homey and well-constructed burgers. The caramelization and sear on the meat was especially awesome.
Now that Jake’s is properly on my radar, I’ll definitely be back for a leisurely lunch when I need a special weekday treat or while shopping in the neighborhood. The pickings can be slim in Old Pasadena, so thank goodness for another solid choice.
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Jake’s of Pasadena
38 West Colorado Boulevard
Pasadena, CA 91105
Phone: 626-568-1602
One year ago: {swoon} Persian Ice Cream at Saffron & Rose
Two years ago: Hakata Ramen Shin Sen Gumi – Los Angeles (Downtown)
Three years ago: The Elephant Walk – Boston (Cambridge)
Four years ago: Rush Street – Los Angeles (Culver City)
Five years ago: Halong Hype
Six years ago: Lẩu Cá Kèo Mưa Rừng – Ho Chi Minh City
Seven years ago: Philly Soft Pretzel Factory – Philadelphia
You know, I’ve lived in Pasadena for good portions of my life (about 2/3, give or take) and I’ve never eaten at Jake’s. I’m a hamburger traditionalist, too, and that looks delicious.
Hurrah for a good sear! Looks like a great classic burger. I can definitely dig it!
There’s nothing better than a crispy, hot, well-seasoned onion ring. I love them so much I barely even saw the burger in this post. I will go seek these onion rings out!!