Street dining platforms on Raymond Ave. in Pasadena (Photo – City of Pasadena, Nick Rivas)
Pasadena’s culinary scene is getting a boost with the successful completion of the pilot round of the Dine Out Pasadena program, an initiative designed to support local restaurants, energize commercial districts, and enhance outdoor dining spaces across the city.
By Katlyn Ong
Thanks to funding secured by Congressmember Judy Chu, eligible restaurants received up to $45,000 in grant funding to construct or upgrade on-street dining platforms. The program, led by Pasadena’s Economic Development Division, resulted in the creation of 14 new and improved outdoor dining areas in Old Pasadena and other neighborhoods.
To celebrate this achievement, Pasadena will host the Dine Out Pasadena Streetfest this Sunday on Union Street, transforming the thoroughfare into a vibrant hub of community, cuisine, and celebration. The event will spotlight the new dining platforms and highlight the critical role restaurants play in the city’s economic health and social fabric.
Pasadena’s restaurants have weathered significant challenges in recent years, including the pandemic, the Eaton Canyon fire, and immigration-related disruptions. Sunday’s Streetfest aims to be a show of solidarity and support for these vital businesses and their workers.
“These dining spaces drive foot traffic and turn our streets into places of commerce and connection,” said city spokesperson Lisa Derderian.
Attendees are encouraged to explore the new dining setups, enjoy local fare, and support the community. Organizers recommend using public transportation, biking, or walking to the event. The Metro A Line (Memorial Park station) is just a 3-minute walk from Union Street, and several Pasadena Transit and Metro bus routes serve the area.
For those driving, 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.
- Del Mar Garage – 198 S Raymond Ave.
Note: The Union Street entrance to the One Colorado garage will be closed for the event. Drivers should enter from Fair Oaks Ave. and Exchange Alley.
The city extends its gratitude to partners, sponsors, city staff, and most importantly, Pasadena’s restaurant owners and workers. “Your work matters, and we’re here to support you,” the city affirmed.
Residents are invited to explore and enjoy Pasadena’s vibrant dining scene.
Pasadena Streetfest Date - 06/22/2025 1:00 pm - 7:00 pm Location Union and Raymond
(L-R) Bret Thompson, Owner of Pez Coastal Kitchen, Rep. Judy Chu, and Sayuri and Shigefumi Tachibe, owners of Osawa Pasadena (Photo – City of Pasadena, Nick Rivas)
Pasadena restaurateurs (L-R): Sayuri and Shigefumi Tachibe, owners of Osawa Pasadena, Sandra loli and Mauricio Mauricio Vincenzi, owners of Bodegon No. 69, and Eric Tjahyadi, owner of Bone Kettle (Photos – W.K.)
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