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
Playhouse Village Arcade Alley Sunset

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/.

Record Store

Canterbury Records

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Founded in 1956, Canterbury Records is LA’s oldest surviving record shop. The family-owned, independent store has long catered to music lovers of all genres....

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Chim means to taste in Thai. Chim! “The Tastes” of Thai Street Food is about bringing the simplicity of good eats on the street of Thailand. Every dish on the...

Bakery/Café

Dash Coffee Bar

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Dash Coffee Bar is the place to kick off your morning. They offer espresso, cold brew, refreshers, matcha, tea, baked goods, snacks, and more to get you going....

Mexican

El Metate Cafe

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El Metate Café. El Metate Café is an family-owned authentic Mexican sit-down café located in the Playhouse Village. It is great for breakfast, lunch and...

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At the Gourmet Cobbler Factory, you can expect quality delicious homemade cobblers and pies mixed with only the best and freshest ingredients paired with ice...

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Green Street Café serves Mediterranean food to the Playhouse Village of Pasadena. Their cuisine ranges from gyros to kebabs, to full platters filled with...

Bakery/Café

Hello You're Welcome

Hello You're Welcome

HYW is a place where cultures converge through food heritage, incorporating the flavors of Rwanda, South America, Morocco, and Sicily into their donut lines...

Bakery/Café

Home Brewed Bar

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Cold Brew Coffee Shop. Home Brewed Bar specializes in artisan cold brew coffee and tea, and non-dairy milk, boba from all over the world and each cup is...

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Legendary Comedy Club. Since opening in 1960, many well-known comedians have graced the Ice House Comedy Club stage. As the oldest comedy club in the nation,...