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Edwin Mills by EquatorCWorth Trying

Name: Edwin Mills by Equator
Address: 22 Mills Pl, Pasadena, CA 91105, Pasadena, United States
Rating: 4.4

22 Mills Pl, Pasadena, CA 91105 · New American restaurant, American restaurant, Bar · 4.4/5 Google (969 reviews)

Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating

Lively Old Pasadena spot for cocktails, live music, and brunch; food quality is mixed and service can swing from warm to frustrating.

Why it gets a C for overall quality

Edwin Mills by Equator shines as a lively social destination with exceptional alley charm and live music atmosphere, strong cocktails, and attentive service on good nights. However, polarized food execution—burgers and brunch excel while some entrees disappoint—combined with recent service inconsistency and closing-time rushing, prevents a higher grade. Best visited for the vibe and drinks rather than as a serious dining destination.

Restaurant Summary

Down a brick-lined alley in Old Pasadena, the room feels warm and bustling with art on the walls and live jazz drifting from the patio. Guests praise attentive servers on good nights—"they swapped my cocktail with no hassle"—though some report closing-time rush and uneven hosting. It is a lively meet-up spot with gram-worthy cocktails and a social vibe. The cooking leans New American bar-food with brunch flair rather than theatrics—think hearty burgers and pancakes, Nashville-style chicken sandwiches, and chilaquiles. Staple comfort items land best, while a few entrees (like the snapper) draw criticism for greasiness or odd prep. If you are here for music and drinks, you will likely have a good time; strict foodies may find execution hit-or-miss. Families do fine here thanks to approachable dishes like burgers, fries, pancakes, and simple pastas. Noise sits in the lively range during music sets, but indoor tables away from the band are manageable. There is no dedicated kids menu noted, yet the menu includes several kid-friendly choices and accommodating sides.

At a Glance

Live jazz and alley patio create a distinctive vibe
Cocktails and happy hour deals are a strong draw
Food execution is inconsistent across dishes
Reports of rushing guests near closing time
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

live_jazz_in_alley
bottomless_mimosas_brunch
hidden_alley_ambiance

What People Love

Feel-good live jazz outside
Friendly service on strong nights
Juicy burgers with secret sauce
Cozy, art-filled space off the main drag
Bottomless mimosas ritual

Points of Concern

Kitchen inconsistency—fried fish and some mains criticized for oiliness or low seasoning
Service variability—host issues and closing-time rushing reported
Large-party handling can be unreliable; one 12-top mishandled
Pricing is moderate, but a few feel portions or quality do not match on off nights
Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$30-40 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Lean into burgers, chicken sandwiches, and pancakes; request veggie swaps if low-carb
If trying seafood, ask about preparation style that night

Perfect For

Live-music date night with cocktails
Bottomless brunch with friends
Casual birthday meetups
Pre- or post-shopping drinks in Old Pasadena

Location Insights

Area: Historic, walkable district with boutiques and nightlife; draws locals and visitors for dining and live entertainment.

Safety: Generally safe, well-patrolled, high foot traffic; occasional late-night bustle typical of entertainment areas.

Nearby: Near shopping streets, parking garages like De Lacey, and other bars; frequent live music in the alley setting.

Playhouse DistrictThe Playhouse District is a lively neighborhood centered around the Pasadena Playhouse, featuring a mix of theaters, galleries, trendy restaurants, and bars. It attracts a creative crowd and those seeking a vibrant urban atmosphere with a focus on arts and entertainment.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–22:00 Tuesday16:00–22:00 Wednesday16:00–22:00 Thursday16:00–23:00 Friday16:00–23:00 Saturday11:00–00:00 Sunday11:00–22:00

Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating

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