City Fetes Resurgent Local Dining with Street Party on Sunday

Pasadena will host a free community celebration of its vibrant culinary scene Sunday with the Dine Out Pasadena Streetfest, showcasing new outdoor dining platforms funded by a $1.5 million federal grant and marking the local restaurant industry’s continued recovery from January’s devastating Eaton Fire.

The event runs from 1 to 7 p.m. on Union Street between Raymond Avenue and Fair Oaks Avenue in Old Pasadena, and will feature 11 restaurants with new or refurbished outdoor dining setups, food trucks, live music, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the city’s expanded on-street dining program.

Representing Mayor Victor Gordo, deputy chief of staff Vannia De  La Cuba called the new patios “a celebration of who we are as a community.”

“Our restaurants are the heart and soul of Pasadena,” she said. “Thanks to this federal support, we’ve completed this beautiful outdoor dining project that truly reflects our city’s diversity and strength.”

Federal Investment Transforms Local Dining Scene

The streetfest represents the culmination of the pilot Dine Out Pasadena grant program, which provided eligible restaurants up to $45,000 each to construct or upgrade outdoor dining platforms. Congresswoman Judy Chu secured the $1.5 million in federal funding through the Congressional Earmark Initiative, with the City Council approving the appropriation in February 2024.

“During the pandemic our restaurants were forced to think creatively in order to continue serving patrons and keep their business afloat while adhering to public safety protocols,” Chu said during a Friday press conference announcing the event. “The experience of a global pandemic taught us all so much, including that dedicating more public space for outdoor dining is a recipe for success, especially here in Pasadena.”

The program created 14 new and improved outdoor dining areas across Old Pasadena and other neighborhoods. The City of Pasadena partnered with the Pasadena Community Foundation for implementation of the Dine Out Pasadena program, with the foundation playing a vital role in the disbursement of program funds to local eligible businesses.

Restaurant Recovery Following Eaton Fire

The celebration comes as Pasadena’s restaurant industry continues rebuilding after the January Eaton Fire, which began Jan. 7 and destroyed four restaurants along Lake Avenue in Altadena: Fox’s, Side Pie, Miya, and Everest. The fire consumed 14,021 acres and destroyed 9,418 structures, claiming at least 18 lives before being fully contained Feb. 1.

Many if not most Pasadena area restaurants experienced significant business disruption even if not directly damaged by the fire.

“The community was not in the mood to go out and eat or drink. There’s nobody coming to the restaurant,” said Nader Kaiser, owner of Marina restaurant, in January. “The restaurant business is very fragile. This is the time that if you want to go eat, go out and spend some money in Pasadena.”

Claud Beltran, owner of Bacchus Kitchen, described the fire’s immediate impact: “First week was pretty empty. We couldn’t open for three days because of water contamination. That was a big impact and we got that straightened out, but still people weren’t really coming.”

Event Programming and Participants

Eleven restaurants will participate with on-street dining setups: Bodegón 69, Bone Kettle, Cafe Santorini, Chado Tea Room, OSAWA, Perle, Pez Coastal Kitchen, Soh Grill House, The Blind Donkey, The Kitchen Italian Cafe & Pizzeria, and Union Restaurant. Many will offer exclusive, one-day-only dishes and drink specials.

Food trucks including Pie ‘N Burger and La Michoacana Truck are also set to participate, along with a beer garden featuring Cerveceria del Pueblo and Wild Parrot Brewing Company (complete with an appearance by Elroy the Parrot).

The entertainment schedule includes:

• 1:00 to 1:45 p.m.: Makoto Taiko Japanese drumming ensemble
• 1:45 to 2:00 p.m.: Remarks from special guests and elected officials
• 3:00 to 3:45 p.m.: Combo Macho
• 4:30 to 5:15 p.m.: The Far West
• 6:00 to 6:45 p.m.: De Lux

Community booths from 1 to 4 p.m. will feature the Armory Center for the Arts, One Arroyo Foundation, Pasadena Conservatory of Music, and Pasadena Playhouse.

Economic Impact and Sponsorship

“Pasadena’s restaurants are essential contributors to the local economy,” said David Klug, the city’s Economic Development Director. “The Streetfest will bring diners to the heart of the city to support restaurants that make Pasadena unique.”

Dine Brands Global, which relocated its headquarters to Old Pasadena in 2023, serves as the lead sponsor. CEO John Peyton said, “Pasadena is more than just the home of our Applebee’s, IHOP and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop headquarters—it’s a community that’s part of our story. This event is all about coming together with our neighbors, supporting fellow restaurateurs, and celebrating the spirit of dining out.”

Additional sponsors include Visit Pasadena, the Old Pasadena Management District, and Sunstone Investment Group.

Transportation and Access

Organizers encourage using public transportation, with the Metro A Line Memorial Park station located a three-minute walk from the event. The Union Street entrance to the One Colorado Garage will be closed during the event, with drivers directed to enter from Raymond Avenue and Exchange Alley.

Parking is available at four nearby city-owned garages: Schoolhouse Garage (33 E. Green St.), Marriott Garage (171 N. Raymond Ave.), De Lacey Garage (45 S. De Lacey Ave.), and Del Mar Garage (198 S. Raymond Ave.).

The event is hosted by the City of Pasadena Economic Development Division and admission is free.