Chad and I have made a decision - we're moving to Pasadena. It's clean and beautiful and allows us to get a bigger house without compromising our safety. Naturally, finding a quality neighborhood dive is up there in importance with a quality doctor, dentist, and Jeep/Chrysler/Dodge dealership for regular car maintenance. Unfortunately, Pasadena doesn't have much to offer in this department.
Although it saddens me that my soon-to-be home Pasadena lacks in crusty bars, I'm so thankful to have the Buccaneer in adjacent Sierra Madre.
One faithful Saturday afternoon in March, Chad and I trek out to the east side to see what this pirate-themed bar is all about. Side note, I'd never been to Sierra Madre before; it is totally cute and a pleasure to walk through after cocktails at the Buc. Also, there's ample street parking!
Although it saddens me that my soon-to-be home Pasadena lacks in crusty bars, I'm so thankful to have the Buccaneer in adjacent Sierra Madre.
One faithful Saturday afternoon in March, Chad and I trek out to the east side to see what this pirate-themed bar is all about. Side note, I'd never been to Sierra Madre before; it is totally cute and a pleasure to walk through after cocktails at the Buc. Also, there's ample street parking!
Upon entering, you'll notice the bad ass wall mural behind the bar - the artistry bears a striking resemblance to the cover art of Manowar's 'Gods of War'. During our experience here, the patrons were very friendly and seemed to all know each other. There is plenty of seating, TVs (if you're into sports or something) and drinks are inexpensive, as expected.
Make sure to order a screwdriver, so you don't get scurvy!
Make sure to order a screwdriver, so you don't get scurvy!
If pirates aren't your thing, you have approximately two other options in the Pasadena vicinity - 1881 Club and the Colorado Bar.
1881 CLUB - From the outside, this place truly looks like a filthy good time. It's behind a sketchy recycling plant behind the friendly neighborhood Vons, and you probably wouldn't know it's there because it's marked only by a tiny sign on the roof and a whiteboard out front announcing its LA Weekly award as 'Best Dive Bar in Pasadena'.
The space itself is pretty dumpy, with empty cardboard boxes stacked everywhere. They have a pretty cool digital bowling game, which consumes most of the time during our visit.
1881 CLUB - From the outside, this place truly looks like a filthy good time. It's behind a sketchy recycling plant behind the friendly neighborhood Vons, and you probably wouldn't know it's there because it's marked only by a tiny sign on the roof and a whiteboard out front announcing its LA Weekly award as 'Best Dive Bar in Pasadena'.
The space itself is pretty dumpy, with empty cardboard boxes stacked everywhere. They have a pretty cool digital bowling game, which consumes most of the time during our visit.
I was a little surprised by the pricing - two beers cost $11...I could get two cocktails and a shot of Jack for that price at the Prime Time. But, as advertised on the whiteboard out front, they do have the coldest beer in Pasadena, so maybe they tack on some coin for that feature.
The bartender is nice enough, but something about the spandex exercise pants she's wearing throws me off. This bar probably won't be my future go-to.
The bartender is nice enough, but something about the spandex exercise pants she's wearing throws me off. This bar probably won't be my future go-to.
COLORADO BAR - The Colorado Bar isn't really a dive; it's pretty clean and spacious with dim lighting and lots of tables and seating. The one time I came here, it was vacant, so I can't vouch for the clientele, but I would guess it never gets too rough. Actually, Yelp just confirmed it for me; young, hip people frequent this bar...mental note, come in the afternoon.
The bartender is friendly and the prices are fair. Also, I am happy to report that this bar still carries a classic disc-style jukebox with a solid music selection. Yay!
A couple doors down, you'll find a fun little record/video store. I foresee drunken shopping sprees in my future.
There you go - the Pasadena dive bar scene all in one review.
The bartender is friendly and the prices are fair. Also, I am happy to report that this bar still carries a classic disc-style jukebox with a solid music selection. Yay!
A couple doors down, you'll find a fun little record/video store. I foresee drunken shopping sprees in my future.
There you go - the Pasadena dive bar scene all in one review.
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