Address: 492 S. Lake Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
Phone: (626)584-1126
The Basics: This lounge is one of Pasadena’s best kept secrets. While it’s rather small and extremely hard to find, once you find your way (it’s located in between two large retail stores and the sign is barely visible), you’ll fall in love with the place even before having a drink. The reason for such lack of visibility traces back to the 1920’s when the Magnolia Lounge served as a speakeasy. So no only do you get a cool and chic lounge, you get history along with your drinks.
Because of the lounge’s size, it tends to get packed. If you’re claustrophobic and/ or hate being crowded you have two options: either start your night out at Magnolia (get there early), or go on a Sunday evening… for some odd reason in SoCal Sunday is quickly becoming the new “Friday Night”.
Despite of its looks, you’ll be surprised to find out that the prices at Magnolia are rather affordable- in drinks, appetizers and mini-entrees.
Finger Food
Unlike other Lounges that serve food, the one served at Magnolia Lounge is not bad, at all. The “Onion Ring Volcano” is a must. Even if you’re not into onion rings, you must give these a chance. Trust me, the only thing close to onion rings I used to eat where those in a bag of “Funnyons”, however after trying the “Onion Ring Volcano” I quickly changed my mind. They were simply delicious; undoubtedly their Magnolia’s Smokey BBQ sauce had a lot to do with it.
Si estás cuidando la linea or you’re just planning on consuming all your calories on your drinks, then the “Magnolia Salad” is for you. It’s the perfect summer salad, nice and fresh: lots of nice crispy romaine lettuce, granny smith apples, walnuts, grapes, chicken, and a surprisingly delicious bleu cheese vinaigrette.
If you don’t know what to choose from their relatively small food menu, you can never go wrong with the “Magnolia Cheeseburger”.
What to Drink: While their mojitos are good, if you want something memorable, go for the “Pomegranate Mojito”; if you want something sweet, the “Key Lime Pie” will do the trick; if you want a good strong drink that doesn’t taste like rubbing alcohol, the “Martini Monti” is the way to go.
