Pie ‘N Burger
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The Details:
913 East California Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91106
Phone: (626) 795-1123
Mon-Fri 6am-10pm
Sat 7am-10pm
Sun 7am-9pm
The Los Angeles Foodie Rating:
The Summary:
Walking through the doors transports you back to 1963, the year that Pie ‘n Burger first opened. Not much has changed since then, and the burgers are amazing. Pie ‘n Burger doesn’t make top 10 lists nearly as often as it deserves to. I am unsure of the reason. Perhaps it’s because it remains a beloved favorite spot of Pasadena locals, and they don’t feel the need to blab about it. Or maybe it’s because this quaint burger shack isn’t trendy enough to win votes on sites like Citysearch. Whatever the reason, it’s fine with me because it means that there aren’t lines down the block to get one of the best hamburgers in Los Angeles.
The Place:
Pie ‘n Burger is old timey. It has stood in its present location on California Boulevard in Pasadena since it first opened its doors in 1963. The current owner, Michael Osborn, used to eat there when he was a kid, and after getting a job there in 1972 he never left. He has made it his mission to keep this historic burger joint as true to its roots as possible. Read more about Pie ‘n Burger’s history here.
A curiosity can be found in the tiny bathroom at the back of the restaurant. The doll-sized sink is operated by a food pedal. I don’t know what it amuses me so much, but I’m tickled every time I see it.
There is a long counter that runs the length of the restaurant, just in front of the cook top and soda fountain. Other seating is available at tables that sit against the back wall. It’s not a big place, and when it’s busy diners patiently wait near the front entrance for a seat.
The Food:
It’s called Pie ‘n Burger, so that’s what you get. I love the cheeseburger with everything, some fries (thicker than fast food fries but thinner than steak fries, and oh so crispy), and a chocolate milk shake to wash it all down. The pecan pie is the star of the pie menu, and if you don’t care for pecan pie, give this one a try just to be sure.
The sodas (including items like Diet Coke) are all still mixed by hand at the soda fountain. They don’t make a big deal out of it, but it gives the soft drinks a distinct flavor that you don’t often find elsewhere. To be honest, there’s not much more to say about the food other than the fact that it’s one of the best hamburgers I’ve ever had. The menu is simple, and the burgers, fries, shakes, and pies are all top notch.
The Service:
At least one waitress has worked there since Pie ‘n Burger first opened its doors, and it’s safe to say that the entire staff knows what they are doing. The service is neither sweet nor sassy. It is efficient, and the entire restaurant runs like a practiced machine. This is a good thing because it means that your burger and fries arrive quickly, and as you are nearing the end of your meal, a server will politely offer coffee and pie. Take them up on that offer. You’ll be glad you did.
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Map To Location:
