Oct 2013

Jake’s Burgers – Pasadena

Jake’s of Pasadena – Pasadena

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.

Jake's of Pasadena - Pasadena

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.

Jake's of Pasadena - Pasadena

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.

Jake's of Pasadena - Pasadena

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.

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

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3 thoughts on “Jake’s Burgers – Pasadena

  1. 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.

  2. 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!!

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