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Pasadena › Pasadena › Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery
Agnes Restaurant & CheeseryA-Worth Trying
40 W Green St, Pasadena, CA 91105
· Traditional American restaurant, Bar, Brunch restaurant
· 4.4/5 Google (529 reviews)
Reservations · Delivery · Takeout · Outdoor seating
Inventive, cheese-forward Modern American spot with standout brunch and boards, lively ambiance, and occasional service and surcharge frustrations; great for indulgent hangouts if you accept premium pricing.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Agnes delivers solid A-grade performance through strong food quality anchored by memorable cheese boards and creative brunch dishes, paired with exceptional setting appeal featuring warm design and patio charm. However, inconsistent dish execution and recurring service delays on peak nights prevent grade A territory, while premium pricing without proportional portion sizes tempers overall value perception for some diners.
Restaurant Summary
The room feels warm and bustling, a hybrid cheesery and dining room with exposed brick, high ceilings, and a cozy patio. Guests describe a "casual but nice" rhythm, with servers typically kind if occasionally stretched on peak nights. Cheese boards and bubbly start many meals on a celebratory note. In the kitchen, the cooking leans creative and cheese-forward rather than strictly traditional. Think chicken liver eclair, beet "carpaccio," and playful brunch hits like sticky toffee pancakes and grits carbonara. When it clicks, flavors are indulgent and memorable; when it misses, dishes can feel too rich or concept-first. Families fare reasonably well thanks to familiar brunch staples like pancakes, fries, eggs, and tots, though no dedicated kids menu appears in current info. Adventurous items may not suit picky eaters; stick to the simpler sides, sandwiches, and pancakes for the safest bets.
At a Glance
- Stylish, welcoming space with patio and market-front charm
- Cheese boards and inventive brunch dishes stand out
- Peak-night waits and pacing issues even with reservations
- Premium pricing with visible surcharges and auto-gratuity for groups
- Some dishes feel overly rich or polarizing
What Sets It Apart
- cheese_centric_program
- creative_brunch_menu
- market_and_restaurant_hybrid
- atmospheric_patio
What People Love
- The indulgent, cheese-forward menu
- Creative brunch favorites like sticky toffee pancakes
- Friendly staff on regular nights
- The atmospheric patio and market-meets-restaurant vibe
Points of Concern
- Holiday overbooking and long waits reported; service pacing can falter on peak nights
- Portion sizes on boards and some mains feel small for price
- 4% health surcharge and auto-gratuity for large parties can surprise guests
- Allergy handling inconsistent per isolated reports; confirm with server
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$45-62 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Pair a Cheese Board with champagne to start
- For lighter balance, choose Green Oak Lettuces or Beet 'Carpaccio'
- Dessert-size planning: Seasonal Sorbet offers a cleaner finish than pies
Perfect For
- Leisurely brunch with friends
- Date night with wine and cheese
- Celebrating an occasion with indulgent bites
- Sampling inventive savory pastries and snacks
Location Insights
Area: Historic Old Pasadena hub with boutiques and nightlife; draws locals and visitors for dining and strolling.
Safety: Generally safe, well-lit with steady foot traffic; typical busy weekend crowds.
Nearby: Near shops, bars, and galleries; patio and sidewalk seating fit the pedestrian district.
Old PasadenaOld Pasadena is a lively historic district featuring a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment venues. It is popular for its walkable streets, trendy restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife scene, attracting a diverse crowd including locals and visitors seeking a dynamic urban experience.
Green StreetGreen Street is known for its eclectic mix of eateries and boutique shops, offering a more intimate and community-focused dining experience within Old Pasadena. It is favored for its relaxed atmosphere and quality food options.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:00–21:00
Tuesday11:00–21:00
Wednesday11:00–21:00
Thursday11:00–21:00
Friday10:00–21:30
Saturday10:00–21:30
Sunday10:00–20:00
Available: Reservations, Delivery, Takeout, Outdoor seating
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