This summer, my wife and I decided it was time to switch things up with our family outings. Instead of hitting the usual parks and movie theaters, we thought, "Why not explore the food scene in Pasadena?" After all, nothing brings people together quite like good food. With two kids in tow, finding spots that cater to both curious adult palates and picky little eaters was a bit of a challenge—but also part of the fun. What followed was a weekend full of laughter, delicious bites, and a few sticky fingers along the way.
Breakfast Bliss at a Local Café
Our food adventure kicked off with breakfast at a cozy café we’d heard about from friends, Lavender & Honey. The place had that laid-back, family-friendly vibe we love, and the menu was equal parts simple and sophisticated. My wife ordered their signature lavender latte, which smelled amazing, while I grabbed a classic cold brew to jolt me awake. For the kids, we ordered a couple of their toast creations—one smothered in Nutella and bananas, the other with avocado and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a little kick.
The kids devoured their toast (the Nutella one, of course), and we took our time sipping coffee and chatting. It was one of those rare moments when everyone seemed perfectly content. The staff was super friendly, too, even when our youngest accidentally spilled a glass of water all over the floor.
Farmers’ Market: Snacks and Sunshine
After breakfast, we headed to the Pasadena Farmers’ Market. It’s one of our favorite places to visit, especially in the summer when the produce is at its peak. The kids love sampling fruit from the vendors while my wife and I browse for fresh ingredients to stock up at home.
There was a lot of excitement over the peaches this time. One farmer insisted we try a slice, and let me tell you, it was so juicy it practically dripped off my chin. We ended up bringing home an entire bag. The kids also got to pick out some colorful carrots, which they were surprisingly excited about, and we snagged a jar of locally made honey.
One highlight was the fresh-squeezed lemonade stand. They offered all kinds of fun flavors like mint and strawberry, but we kept it classic for the kids. There’s something about cold lemonade on a hot day that just screams summer, doesn’t it?
Lunch with a Side of Nostalgia
For lunch, we decided to go with a spot that had plenty of outdoor seating: Pie 'n Burger. This place is a Pasadena institution, and for good reason. It’s been around forever, and stepping inside feels like walking into a time capsule from the 1960s.
I ordered their classic cheeseburger because, well, how could I not? My wife couldn’t resist the tuna melt, and we got a grilled cheese for the kids to split. But what really stole the show were the milkshakes. Thick, creamy, and served in those metal mixing cups—they were pure nostalgia in a glass. My oldest declared the chocolate shake "the best thing ever," which is high praise coming from a kid who’s usually obsessed with ice cream.
The patio area was perfect for the kids to stretch their legs a bit while we sat back and enjoyed the food. There’s something special about sharing a meal with your family at a place that’s been part of the community for so long.
Sweet Treats in Old Pasadena
After lunch, we strolled through Old Pasadena, which is always such a fun area to explore. The kids love checking out the little stores and street performers, and we love the mix of old and new architecture.
Our walk led us to a little gelato shop called Carmela Ice Cream. My wife had read about it online, and it didn’t disappoint. The flavors were more unique than your average ice cream shop, with options like lavender honey and salted caramel. I went for the salted caramel (because how could I not?), while my wife tried the Earl Grey tea flavor. For the kids, it was all about the classic chocolate and vanilla swirl.
Watching them try to eat their gelato before it melted was both hilarious and heartwarming. My youngest ended up with chocolate all over his face, but hey, that’s part of the experience, right?
Dinner Under the Stars
As the sun started to set, we made our way to a popular outdoor dining spot: The Patio at Café Santorini. We wanted dinner to feel a bit more special since it was the end of our day-long food adventure.
The restaurant's Mediterranean menu was a hit with everyone. My wife and I shared a plate of grilled lamb chops and a salad loaded with fresh veggies and feta. The kids, after some initial hesitation, ended up loving the wood-fired pizza. There was even live music in the background, which added such a nice touch to the whole evening.
We ate slowly, savoring each bite and reflecting on the day. The kids talked about their favorite parts (the lemonade and gelato, naturally), while my wife and I agreed that we couldn’t have asked for better weather or a better way to spend time together.
The Takeaway
As we drove home with full bellies and happy hearts, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for days like this. Sure, organizing a food tour with kids can be a bit of a gamble—they’re unpredictable, and sometimes you end up with more crumbs than memories. But this day reminded me that it’s worth the effort.
Pasadena gave us the perfect backdrop for our summer eats adventure. From cozy cafés to bustling markets, nostalgic diners, and elegant outdoor patios, there was something for everyone. Most importantly, it gave us time to connect as a family, sharing laughs and delicious food along the way.
So, to any other parents out there wondering if it’s possible to mix foodie adventures with family time—go for it! You might just discover some new favorite spots and make memories you’ll cherish for years to come.
