Playhouse Village

Playhouse Village

The artsy Playhouse Village is home to the renowned Pasadena Playhouse along with museums, galleries, eateries, and a smattering of independent shops.

Pasadena Playhouse Plaque photographed by Jessica Yeh

HISTORIC ARTS DISTRICT

Playhouse Village

The Playhouse Village also serves as a canvas for an eclectic and robust public art collection. Visitors love the splashes of color in the form of painted utility boxes and wall murals that span across the sides of historic buildings. Creatives, writers, performers, and artists all flock to the Playhouse Village to spark their inspiration.

Places to Eat

Start your day off with a loaded breakfast burrito from Lucky Boy. Or head to Urth Caffé and Tender Greens for some wholesome fare. Anaya's, El Portal Restaurant, and Yahaira's are all solid choices for sit-down Mexican cuisine. Try Tarantino’s Pizzeria for old school Italian, or Tardino Bros. Ginger & Spice (Vietnamese), Oji Sushi & Sake Bar (Japanese), and Chim Thai (Thai) add their own Asian flare to the Playhouse Village's global offering.

El Portal mexican restaurant
Family at Canterbury Record Store looking through old records, cds, and videos in Playhouse Village Pasadena California

Shopping

Canterbury Records was founded in 1956 and continues to carry a vast selection of new and used vinyl spanning all genres. Collectors also frequent The Battery Books & Music to scour their inventory of used books, music and movies. Wollhaus Artisan Yarn & Tools is a cozy crafter’s paradise. And you can find nearly every style of hat imaginable at World Hats Mart.

Things to Do

Founded in the late 1800s, Vroman's Bookstore is Southern California’s oldest and largest independent bookseller; they regularly bring in renowned and rising star authors and guest speakers for talks and signing events.

Pasadena Playhouse Sign
monopole wine

Nightlife

The Mixx is a restaurant and bar with an ongoing line-up of live music. Monopole by WineRX—equal parts wine shop and wine bar—boasts a dynamic events calendar of tastings, pairings, and musical entertainment. Or if you’re looking a for a lowkey night, check into the Ice House Comedy Club for a good laugh and a drink.

Discover more things to do at https://playhousevillage.org/.

Asian

Star Leaf

Star Leaf Interior

Award winning Star Leaf Group creates a fine dining experience that combines ingredients and spices that will teleport guests across the Pacific to a tropical...

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Located in the Playhouse Village, T. Boyles Tavern is a roomy tavern offering a variety of beer and pub food, live bands and lots of TVs to watch the big game.

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Tendon Tempura Carlos Junior is an intimate restaurant that specializes in fresh tempura. Chef Carlos Pinto went all the way to Japan from his hometown in Peru...

Bakery/Café

Tepito Coffee

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Mike de la Rocha and Emmy-nominated actor Richard Cabral first began serving their coffee last year, when they took over a space inside Vroman’s Bookstore. Now...

American

Urth Caffe

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Organic Food and Coffee. Urth Caffé is a cafe in the Playhouse District, it occupies the ground floor of a Mission Revival building. They specialize in...

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USC Pacific Asia Museum. USC Pacific Asia Museum is the only university museum in the United States dedicated exclusively to the arts and culture of Asia and...

Bookstore

Vroman's Bookstore

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Oldest Independent Bookstore Founded in 1894, Vroman's is the oldest bookstore in Southern California. It is located next door to the Landmark Theatres in...

Bakery/Café

Wake and Late

Wake and Late

Wake and Late is a quick, modern breakfast spot for gathering with friends or loved ones. Choose from an intimate menu of bagels and burritos. Bagels are made...

Spa & Wellness

Well Studio

Well Studio

Holistic Wellness Studio. Located in the Playhouse Village, Well Studio provides a haven for those on a journey towards holistic well-being. Founder Colette...

Gift Shop

Wollhaus

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Looking for a place for hand-spun yarn and crafting supplies? Wollhaus is the place for you and any serious artisan. Find sewing supplies, tools, specially...

Mexican

Yahaira's

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With the immeasurable love of this father and the indescribable energy of his daughter, Yahaira's Cafe was created. Yahaira's Cafe's Mexican cuisine embodies...