I'm told Pasadena has a great night-life, but if you want to find out about it this is not the place.I like going out at night, I really do. I just happen to like staying at home even more. I used to go out quite a bit (some might say too much). These days, however, if it means getting dressed and driving somewhere, I need a compelling reason.
That reason came recently in an opportunity to meet with a friend who shared some of her business expertise with me. She suggested McCormick & Schmick's happy hour. Not only did that get me dressed, it got me out of the house.
When I saw the menu I was shocked, shocked, I tell you! The prices are outrageous! They have $1.95 chicken sandwiches, cheeseburgers and more. These sandwiches are not teeny nor are they horrible, and they come with fries! There's also a $4.95 happy hour menu with fancier fare, like salmon cakes and oysters. It is beyond my comprehension.
My friend and I enjoyed ourselves. We ate until we were full. We each had more than one drink. The service was good. I paid for everything and the bill was less than $30. (Yes, I am a good tipper.)
What is wrong with these people?
25 comments:
Shhhhhh!!!!! Dont let the cat outta the bag!!! :)
Another good money saving restaurant nearby (well, sorta nearby) is Polkas Polish restaurant in Glendale/LA. Im in there often! All their food is excellent. For $15 you get a nice meal. Soup, salad, main course and a dessert. Beer is great too. Nice and cold and refreshing.
Its the first exit off of the Glendale freeway, just south of the 210. The exit is called "York". Get off the fwy there and head west a couple blocks until you reach the main intersection. The have a white POLKAS van parked on the corner of a little mini mall. Very small place, but feels like home and the food is like home too.
dave - 1916home.net
Hope you are doing well Petrea!
Definitely a place the Restless Chef is going to have to check out!
Yes, P, I've heard about the "dollar value" meals at McDonalds & Schmick's.
And, the time to be happy hour. Whatever it takes to get people outta their own kitchen to eat.
They had never appealed to me before, but you are just the latest one to give me a raving review of the joint.
Gotta get over there soon!
Oysters? Say no more.
Wow! How long will it take for me to get there? ;)
Petrea this shot is fabulous. Very Eric.
What's even better is that the menu changes from time to time so you get variety too.
just passing by to say hello, voila. :)
And being that it is basically across the road from Fuller Seminary means that there is always a theological discussion happening at a table, or a group of students trying to "study". There is nothing students love more than cheap eats, and a place to vent.
Wow! I'd love a place like that in my neighbourhood or near work! By the way, la photo est très sympa !
And from the looks of that great photo -- it has cool, old Los Angeles-style ambiance, too. I'm so there.
great shot Petrea. was this your martini?
Ha ha, Dave/1916, I thought the same myself (about the cat and the bag). It wasn't over-crowded and I like that. But I want them to keep doing it. Thanks for the tip about Polkas.
Lynn, come on over! It's just a pond after all. And thanks for the "Eric" word. I take it as high praise.
This is a good place for a few people to hang. Y'all come on down (from Altadena, San Dimas or wherever).
Maria: this was the first "dirty martini" I ever tried. I liked it, but I think I'll stick with "clean."
If you feel so bad about not paying enough money, you could donate a print of your winning photo (a "dirty" martini?) to the restaurant. It's worth a lot.
I've been to their Burbank restaurant. The food was quite good, but they crammed far too many too many tables into the place. It was crowded, noisy. You could bare squeeze your way through the tables.
Regardless, I'm going there to happy hour tomorrow. Some sort of "Professional Networking Event."
I think this happens with a lot of establishments in close proximity to a university. Poor students, nice proprietor, win-win. Ben says its right across the street from Fuller, and that's where a good friend of mine just got a professorship. Will have to let the cat further out of the bag. . .
Glad you had a nice night out AND got some business done (and love your newish avatar).
-Kim
Seattle Daily Photo
i have alway wanted to try a dirty martini, maybe i will just have to make a trip down there and try one.
just say when and i will find a sitter in a heart beat and meet you for a cocktail - i also need a great reason to get out of the house and i can't think of a better one. "a la tien"
That is the place to go! What a great night out! Nothing better than a good time and a small bill. Lol!
Thank you, Dina. I just might do that. Maybe they'll trade me for a martini or two. Where is your cutie pic, I wonder?
Vanda, are you going to the Burbank one or the Pasadena one? We might follow you to Pasadena...
Kim, have you told Ben about your friend?
Now Maria, Miss Havisham and all you other locals, I can see what's happening here. It's obvious we need a blogger happy hour. If you're interested, email me the dates you CANNOT come, and I'll post an invite in a few days. Okay?
This was one of my old haunts when I used to work at the Pasadena courthouse. Those were the days! Ate lunch here at least once a week, and had many happy happy hours :) Hope you are well!
That's actually the little secret a few of us had at the firm in Pasadena for years. DIRT CHEAP good food and great beer. My favorite secret spot for all the years I've worked in Pasadena. Usually best for business drinking, or a secret date... shhhh! In fact, I'll be going next week for Happy hour!
Refreshing to know this sort of thing still exists SOMEWHERE...
I remember a little "hole in the wall" near where I once worked. This was some years ago, but 2 could eat for about 5$ and the food was awesome... They (mom and pop operation) didn't care for anything fancy and you could tell they were INSANELY HAPPY with their little establishment.
It was infectious.
Burbank one, sorry.
It's definitely a winner, this happy hour. Some of the hors d'oeuvres are better than others, but some are yummy, the drinks are cheap, the booths are comfy, and the waiters are pretty good, even when busy. Overall, it's a great value and an excellent time.
I haven't been for a while, but now I think I'm reminded of why I used to go. I need to get my booty back in that booth!
Hi Pont Girl. I met a woman last night whose daughter was once a Vegas showgirl and is now a judge. She sounded interesting! I wonder if you've met her in court!
Skrip, I guess I let the cat out of this bag. But I think it's okay. We ought to encourage businesses who do business this way.
Ted: infected with happiness. Nice virus.
Vanda, I'll be interested to hear about it and will check toadberry.
Hi Christina: Yes, some are better than others. And I forgot to mention there's no take-out (for good reason)! But overall, it's excellent.
This isn't in response to the economy; M&S has had this Happy Hour menu for years! I love to enjoy the fare sitting on the outdoor patio listening to the nearby fountains.
Post a Comment