Founded by brothers Chuck and Larry Jones, Jones Coffee Roasters sources approximately half of its coffee from the family farm in Guatemala. The menu includes espressos, cappuccino and drip coffee, along with homemade bagel chips and granola. Their wide variety of coffee blends, such as the Pasadena—a full-bodied combination of Ethiopia, Kenya and Sumatra coffees—are carried in local restaurants and retailers, including Whole Foods. 1006 Mission St., 626-564-9291, jonescoffeeroasters.com
Open since 1946, Gus’s BBQ is a family-owned local landmark that pays tribute to the South with favorites such as fried chicken, gumbo, shrimp and grits, and cast iron cornbread with jalapeño jelly and honey butter. All of their meat, which runs the gamut from baby back ribs to brisket, is seasoned overnight and slow-cooked over pecan logs for up to 16 hours. The dishes are complemented by a wide selection of whiskies, wines, cocktails, and local craft beers. 808 Fair Oaks Ave., 626-799-3251, gussbbq.com
The South Pasadena Historical Museum is a designated South Pasadena Historic Landmark that was constructed circa 1887. The two-story redwood building was formerly a general store, and over the years it has also been a hotel, ticket office, bicycle shop, telegraph station, chapel and school. In 1942, it became the site of a foundry known as Meridian Iron Works, which remained there until the 1970s. The City of South Pasadena acquired the property and undertook extensive rehabilitation in 1886, and nowadays the museum displays a permanent collection of artifacts from the city’s earliest history. It is open Thursdays from 3 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. 913 Meridian Ave., 626-799-9089, sppreservation.org
Shakers is a popular hometown diner that has been serving quality food since 1971. Breakfast is served all day and the menu offers classic American fare ranging from sandwiches to burgers and salads. All of the dishes are made from scratch, including their famous zucchini bread and carrot cake. Shakers has also been featured in countless movies and television shows such as Old School, “Scandal,” and “The X-Files.” 601 Fair Oaks Ave., 626-799-9168, shakersrestaurant.net
Located just below the 110 Freeway in the shady arroyo, Arroyo Seco Golf Course offers a range of activities for every age and skill level. In addition to an 18-hole, a par 3 course, golfers also enjoy a full driving range, 9-hole miniature golf course, putting and chipping practice areas, a golf shop and, an on-site restaurant. Golf clinics offer private and group lessons, while on Wednesdays and Thursdays the Blue Guitar Room features live musical performances by South Pasadena musician Brad Colerick and friends. 1055 Lohman Lane, 323-255-1506, arroyosecogc.com
A popular after-school hangout, Hi-Life Burgers offers a tasty selection of burgers, sandwiches, hot dogs and Mexican food. Dishes to try include the pastrami burger, which features multiple layers of beef and pastrami with mustard and pickles, the Greek chicken salad drizzled in made-from-scratch red wine vinegar and olive oil dressing, and the newest addition to the menu: the Oreo milkshake. 1326 Fair Oaks. Ave., 626-799-5401
Inspired by the Campo de’Fiori market in Rome, Fiore Market Café bakes fresh bread daily and offers a special sandwich of the day, like rosemary chicken or pork belly with fig jam and arugula. For dessert, the Magic Bar features a wafer crust and is topped with sweetened condensed milk, coconut, white chocolate chips, chocolate chips, pecans and sea salt. Many of the fresh vegetables and herbs used in the dishes are sourced directly from the on-site garden. 1000 Fremont Ave., 626-441-2280, fioremarketcafe.com
Located in a historic building, Fremont Centre Theatre is a non-profit theatre that presents professional performances on an intimate community stage. Established in 1997, the theatre is under the co-artistic director leadership of veteran actor James Reynolds and his wife Lissa. Over the years, it has been the venue for many critically acclaimed productions, including the late Pulitzer Prize-winning author and playwright Ray Bradbury’s Pandemonium Theatre Company. The theatre is committed to promoting diversity and has been honored by multiple organizations, including The Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle. 1000 Fremont Ave., 626-441-5977, fremontcentretheatre.com
Tomato Pie Pizza Joint makes authentic New York-style pizza using a filtered water system that contributes to great-tasting dough. Their number one seller is The Grandma, a margherita pizza with whole peeled tomato, garlic, basil, spots of mozzarella cheese, and an original pecorino Romano crust. Other offerings include spaghetti marinara with Sicilian-style sauce and meatballs, garlic knots, fresh salads and chocolate cannoli. 1130 Mission St., 626-399-0459, tomatopiepizzajoint.com
From Native American artifacts and sterling silver jewelry to vintage clothing and magazines, Hodgson’s Antiques has all types of treasures, old and new. Owners Peggy and Leonard Hodgson have more than 40 years of experience buying and selling antiques, and have been featured on History Channel’s “Storage Wars.” 1005 Mission St., Suite C, 626-799-0229, hodgsonsantiques.com
Nicole’s Gourmet Market & Café is a charming French eatery that offers indoor and al fresco dining. In addition to cheese and charcuterie plates, they serve a variety of sandwiches including the Croque Madame, which features French ham, Gruyère cheese, fried egg, nutmeg, and Bechamel sauce. The marketplace carries an assortment of French cheeses, wine, caviar, truffles, and other novelties. 921 Meridian Ave., Unit B, 626-403-5751, nicolesgourmetfoods.com
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