Lake Avenue in Pasadena, California is a shopper’s paradise. The trendy area is home to a number of popular restaurants if you need to fuel up for shopping or want to spend an evening with some of California’s hippest people. Lake Avenue is known as Pasadena's equivalent of Rodeo Drive. You will find both chain stores and unique designer shops. You can browse for books, try on shoes and clothes and hunt for kitchen gadgets. Two European-style shopping arcades stuffed with boutiques are across from Macy’s. Restaurants are generally casual and many offer patio seating.
If you are craving a slice of pizza, a wide variety of pies are served on special silver trays at Bona Corso’s. Founded in 1930, the upscale pizzeria is a Lake Avenue landmark. Try the "Godfather" if you’re really hungry. You can also choose from a variety of other Italian dishes in this casual restaurant on North Lake Avenue.
Celestino Ristorante & Bar on South Lake Avenue is owned by the Drago brothers. Menu choices include Florentine-style T-bone, black and white ravioli filled with shrimp, a variety of fresh seafood and homemade pastas. The restaurant, with its extensive wine list, offers dining rooms, full bar and garden patios and is popular for lunch, groups and a romantic evening out.
Burger Continental on South Lake Avenue features burgers, Mediterranean combination plates, Armenian and Greek specialties, and burgers, pizza and pita sandwiches. Mediterranean dishes include steak, chicken and lamb kebabs. You can watch belly dancers and listen to Greek and Mediterranean bands while you eat.
Cafe 140 South offers California cuisine with choices including wood-fired pizzas, burgers and oakwood grilled meats and seafood. Popular menu items are the blue corn tostada salad, oakwood grilled chicken and seared ahi tuna sandwich. You can dine outside under a patio umbrella and people watch or in the modern, casual dining room. Its bar offers full menu service at the counter or tables.
The Slaw Dogs on North Lake Avenue is the place to go for an all-beef, turkey, chicken or veggie hot dog or burger accompanied by a host of topping choices. You can choose three toppings from a long list that includes sauerkraut, horseradish mustard, garlic salsa and spicy sesame mayo. Lunch specials are offered and happy hour is from 3 to 5 p.m. weekdays. If you really like the food, you can buy a Slaw Dogs T-shirt or ball cap.
