14 Fantastic Spots for Breakfast and Brunch in Pasadena, CA

Looking for the best breakfast and brunch in Pasadena, California? From classic pancakes to mimosas and breakfast arepas, we’ve got you covered.

Breakfast and brunch are kind of a big deal around here—especially on weekends. In Pasadena, we have our go-to spots for everything from bacon and eggs to avocado toast, chilaquiles, and eggs Benedict. Some places have been around for decades. Others are newer and quickly earned a following thanks to good food, strong coffee, and great vibes.

As locals, we take our time eating through Pasadena’s food scene and love sharing the places that stand out—so you can plan your own tasty itinerary.

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Need a solid spot you can count on any day of the week? Russell’s in Old Pasadena always delivers. Want something a little different? Try the breakfast arepas or cachapas at Amara Café. Twohey’s in South Pasadena does old fashioned pancakes right. And if you’re into egg sandwiches, Dot’s Cafe might just become your new favorite.

Russell’s in Old Pasadena has been voted the best breakfast in Pasadena in past years by the community—and it still holds up. This classy diner remains a local favorite for breakfast and brunch any day of the week.

Expect a short wait in the mornings, even on weekdays. They recently expanded the space with more seating, which helps, but it’s still a popular spot for a reason.

Their full breakfast menu includes standouts like the Croque Madame, a solid list of omelets and egg dishes, pancakes, and Belgian waffles. We usually go for the veggie and gouda omelet—light, fluffy, and packed with veggies. And one of our favorite things? You can swap toast for a pancake or waffle for a small extra charge. Most places won’t let you do that.

Amara Café is a go-to for flavorful Venezuelan breakfast and brunch in Old Pasadena—without the frills of full table service.

This small café serves Venezuelan favorites that are filling, comforting, and full of flavor. The popular Pa’l Pana arepa is love at first bite—packed with high-quality ingredients and made with care. Another standout is the Galipan Cachapa plate, a traditional corn pancake with queso fresco, pico scrambled eggs, black beans, and your choice of meat. It’s a great way to try a typical Venezuelan breakfast.

Pair your meal with a latte, cortado, or hot chocolate, and if you have room, grab some of their authentic Spanish churros.

You’ll order at the counter and get a number on your receipt. Then wait for a table—seating turns over pretty quickly. Your food will be brought out when it’s ready.

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Dot’s Cafe isn’t just about the coffee—though their fantastic brews served in the prettiest cups (I love their branding!) are reason enough to stop by. Their dessert bar is full of tempting treats, and their breakfast (and lunch) menu is legit.

I’m pretty obsessed with their breakfast sandwiches and grab one to go regularly. They’re served on soft brioche buns and always hit the spot. Dot’s also knows how to scramble eggs right—fluffy, rich, and cooked just the way you want them. From their scrambled toast to the breakfast sandwich, every bite has been a win. And their bread? Made in-house and noticeably fresh.

We haven’t made it back yet for the pancakes and other breakfast items, but based on what we’ve tried—and their baked goods—we’re already fans. If you’ve had anything from their pastry case, then you already know there’s not much they can’t do.

Dot’s has indoor seating where you can enjoy your food and coffee, but it’s not a full-service restaurant. Just order at the counter, then grab a seat and relax.

Agnes Restaurant and Cheesery is one of our favorite spots in Old Pasadena—for both dinner and brunch. If you’re looking for a unique breakfast made with care and standout ingredients, Agnes delivers.

The brunch menu made us want one of everything, but with just two of us, we had to rein it in. We started with the Crème Brûlée Toast, which was unlike anything we’ve had before—sweet and savory with goat cheese, burnt honey, and a touch of orange on a slice of homemade bread.

The Cheddarwurst, a house-made bratwurst stuffed with cheddar cheese, was packed with flavor and just the right amount of spice. The cheese oozes out in the best way, and it’s easily one of the best breakfast sausages we’ve had.

But the Braised Bacon Benny stole the show. It’s rich and filling, with creamy eggs and hollandaise, maple-glazed pork belly, and a flaky cheddar biscuit. If you order it, consider splitting it and pairing it with something sweet—like their sticky toffee pancakes.

We knew brunch at Agnes would be something special, and it absolutely is. We can’t wait to go back and try more.

Twoheys is known for serving some of the best pancakes in South Pasadena—especially their Old Fashion Pancakes, which are soft, fluffy, and have a cake-like taste that’s hard to beat. They also offer buttermilk pancakes with a tangier flavor, but we always go for the old fashion.

The Biscuits and Gravy, Brioche French Toast, and Chicken and Waffles are all solid picks, too. And if you’re in the mood for a dessert-style breakfast, the ice cream and waffle combo totally satisfies that craving.

Looking for something on the lighter side? Their Avocado Toast on sourdough is as fresh as it is pretty.

Twoheys is a good spot for a family-friendly breakfast or brunch, with plenty of options for everyone.

The Raymond in South Pasadena is a historic cottage-turned-restaurant known for its fantastic weekend brunch—a local favorite.

One of our favorite ways to enjoy it is sitting on the outdoor patio with a mimosa and a cup of coffee, starting with one of their freshly baked pastries before the main dishes arrive. On our most recent visit, we shared a cinnamon roll that was like a croissant and a roll in one—flaky, buttery, and just sweet enough. We devoured it.

While the mimosas aren’t bottomless, they’re some of the best we’ve had. The touch of house curaçao gives them a nice twist from your typical brunch mimosa.

Their most popular dish, Eggs Benedict, comes with an avocado spread that adds even more richness, and the English muffin is perfectly toasted—not soggy. We also ordered the steak and eggs, which were flavorful and cooked just right. Both dishes came with some of the best breakfast potatoes we’ve had—small, crispy on the outside, and soft inside.

Weekend brunch at Magnolia House is a go-to in Pasadena if you’re after craft cocktails, mimosas and a solid food menu. It’s perfect for a brunch date or a catch-up with friends.

Set in a transformed Craftsman home, Magnolia is now a cozy bar with a welcoming vibe. The outdoor seating out front works well for groups, while the indoor space feels more intimate.

The menu can make it hard to choose. We’re big fans of the chicken and waffles—light, crispy Belgian waffles served with real maple syrup that instantly stands out. The Eggs Benedict comes with a flavorful twist: chorizo instead of ham. And their side potatoes? Perfectly crisp and well-seasoned.

If you’re craving a Southern-style breakfast in South Pasadena, head to Gus’s BBQ—you won’t regret it. Start with the Cinnamon Bun Skillet—soft, gooey, and made for sharing. Skipping the skillet? Their pancakes are a great alternative—big, fluffy, and easy to split. We’ve taken leftovers home and happily eaten them the next day.

On weekends, the Chicken and Waffles (Saturday and Sunday only) is a must. The fried chicken is some of the best we’ve had, and the waffles are light and airy—a perfect combo. The Southern Style Eggs Benedict is another favorite, but if you’re not into spice, order the Classic Eggs Benedict and swap the English muffins for their homemade biscuits. You won’t regret it.

Lately, we’ve also been loving the brisket egg tacos—so flavorful and satisfying.

Brunch here can definitely be on the indulgent side, but you’ll leave full and happy. No need for lunch after this one.

In the Pasadena Commons on Lake Ave, Mercado offers a modern Mexican brunch on weekends, with margaritas and a small but solid breakfast menu. While the list is not a long menu, anything with carnitas is worth ordering (especially with a margarita on the side).

We went the sweet and savory route by sharing the Canela French Toast and the Chilaquiles Verdes con Huevos y Carnitas. Both were tasty, but the chilaquiles stood out. One tip: order your eggs sunny-side up—we went with over-medium and wished we hadn’t.

To drink, we tried the raspberry grapefruit margarita of the day and a refreshing pineapple agua fresca. Both hit the spot on a warm afternoon.

Foothill Restaurant offers a boozy brunch in Pasadena on weekends, sometimes with live music to set the mood. Grab a spot in their outdoor seating area and enjoy mimosas by the carafe or a solid bloody mary.

The brunch menu isn’t huge, but that just makes it easier to land on something good. If you like heat, go for the Chilaquiles with a poached egg—just make sure they don’t overcook it. The Buttermilk Pancakes are perfect for sharing, and you can’t go wrong with the Standard Breakfast if you’re craving something classic.

Millie’s Cafe is located on Washington Blvd., just a few doors down from Lavender and Honey. This is their second location—the original is in Silver Lake.

There’s usually a crowd out front—and for good reason. Millie’s serves up a solid, family-friendly brunch with a big menu, great service, and a modern, clean vibe.

We saw plates of chicken and waffles, French toast, breakfast burritos, and more flying out of the kitchen. I ordered “The Usual”—eggs, bacon, potatoes, and French toast—while my husband went with the Heavenly Hash (corned beef hash with eggs, potatoes, and a biscuit). Everything was great, and we’re already planning to go back to try more.

Also, don’t sleep on the latte—I wasn’t expecting much, but it had a strong kick and didn’t disappoint.

Tip: Use the Yelp waitlist to check current wait times and add your name before heading over. It’ll save you from standing around too long.

Urth Caffé is one of the busiest breakfast and brunch spots in Pasadena—and for good reason. While it’s known for great coffee and desserts, the food menu holds its own. This European-style café serves a wide range of morning favorites, including Belgian waffles, acai bowls, yogurt parfaits, avocado toast, and our personal favorite: the oatmeal bowl.

On our last visit, my husband went straight for the oatmeal, and I tried the huevos rancheros burrito. We also split a pumpkin waffle (a fall seasonal item), which was incredible. Their coffee drinks are always a hit—perfect alongside anything on the menu.

They also offer plenty of plant-based, gluten-free, and vegan options. It’s an ideal spot to meet friends or grab a weekday breakfast with a colleague.

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