Exploring Legendary Sierra Madre

The charming foothill city has a lot to offer. 

By: Fiona Eustace, Images by Corey Pope

The quirky Bean Town coffeehouse and bakery serves private-label coffee and baked-daily pastries amid a rustic ambience of brightly colored mugs, bricked walls, and plush couches.

45 N. Baldwin Ave., 626-355-1596,beantown.cafe

Wistaria Restaurant and Bar boasts a contemporary menuand minimalist decor. Sit in the dining room, at the cocktail bar, or on an outdoor patio shaded beneath ethereal trees. Wistaria’s popular Sunday brunch menu ranges from ricotta pancakes to corned beef hash. For an intimate candlelit dinner, choose from spicy pork spaghetti or roasted salmon with farro.

44 N. Baldwin Ave., 626-355-3155,wistariarestaurant.com

Leonora Moss flower delivery and shop is a local staple for elegant gifts andbreathtaking flower arrangements. A brightly lit interior with a lingering scent of rose shelves handcrafted clothes, trinkets, greeting cards and jewelry. In the back you’ll find the flower studio, where you can choose from an array of beautiful arrangements.

9 Kersting Court, 626-355-1180,leonoramoss.com

For modern desserts in a retro storefront, locals head to Mother Moo Creamery,known for its unique flavors of small-batch organic ice cream. Look for triple milk, salty chocolate, malted cookie crunch, raw honey, and more on the menu written in chalk. Scoops are small but to be savored as Mother Moo uses only the freshest locally sourced ingredients.

17 Kersting Court, 626-355-9650,mothermoo.com

Faubourg boasts a charming European setting with modern French cuisine. Blue shutter windows and intimate tables set the stage for a culturally innovative menu that includes ahi tuna salad with plums; tarte aux légumes (vegetable pie) with goat cheese; and a smoked salmon club. There’s also an extensive wine list.

74 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., 626-836-5700,dinefaubourg.com

Key to preserving the timeless charm of this small mountain community is the venerable Sierra Madre Playhouse. This nonprofit theater hosts award-winning productions of the American experience from renowned and emerging playwrights.

87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., 626-355-4318, sierramadreplayhouse.org