If you’re headed to Just Like Heaven in Pasadena, you’re in for a dreamy weekend of indie nostalgia, synth-pop hooks, and dancing under the warm California sun. But if you’re in town for the full weekend (or even just the day), you’ll want to visit the many delicious nearby restaurants, bars, and cafes for pre-festival bites or late-night hangs.
We’ve rounded up a few of our favorite local gems you should hit while you’re in town for Just Like Heaven. These low-key spots hold a special place in our hearts as they were each greatly affected by the recent Eaton fires that decimated our beautiful communities of Altadena and Pasadena. You can support the community’s recovery by visiting these small businesses and soaking up all their tasty treats, vibes, and drinks.
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Sandwiches at Perry’s Joint
Location: Pasadena
Distance from Just Like Heaven: 1.7 miles
A Pasadena staple that has been around since 2004. If you live in the Denas, you know this place is an absolute vibe. Known for their epic sandwiches named after jazz legends, Perry’s Joint is one of those neighborhood spots that makes you feel instantly at home. Their signature pastrami sandwich is hefty and flavor-packed, and the atmosphere — walls decked out in old-school memorabilia while Jazz plays on the speakers — makes it a great casual hangout before you head into festival mode.
Owners Perry and Melanie sadly lost their other business, The Little Red Hen Coffee Shop, in the Eaton fire, but Perry’s Joint was far enough south to be out of the direct burn area. Aside from being a beloved Dena small business, Perry gives back to the community — every year, he donates 100% of a day’s profits to a college scholarship fund for underserved students.
Excellent Coffee at Unincorporated
Location: Altadena
Distance from Just Like Heaven: 2.8 miles
Early starts at music festivals call for good coffee, and Unincorporated Coffee Roasters is a must-stop. This place holds a special spot in my heart as it was our go-to coffee shop after dropping off our daughter at school. While our beloved school did not survive the Eaton fires, we’re so happy that Unincorporated did. This micro-roaster serves up some of the best pour-overs and lattes in the area. Their space is chill with a locals-only feel, making it a cool little discovery for out-of-towners.
If you’re a latte lover, I highly recommend their signature Paco’s Delight. So grab your coffee and one of their freshly baked pastries and ease into your day before the festival madness begins. There’s seating both indoors and outdoors.
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Craft Beers at Altadena Ale & Wine House
Location: Altadena
Distance from Just Like Heaven: 2.6 miles
This family-owned and run watering hole is a cozy, unpretentious neighborhood bar with a killer selection of craft beers and wine. It’s laid-back in the best way — no wildly loud music, no scene, just a solid place to sit outside or inside, sip something good, and debrief about your favorite set of the day or conversate with the friendly neighborhood regulars. The bar is open until 2AM, and you can also order pizza or a cheese plate, which goes great with beer and wine, respectively.
Owners Gail and Judah lost their home and all of their belongings in the Eaton fires along with several employees. They also operate a tiny jazz haunt called Club 1881, where you can hear some live jazz music.
Mexican Comfort Food at Mota’s Mexican Restaurant
Location: Altadena
Distance from Just Like Heaven: 2.1 miles
You can’t come to the Denas without indulging in some legit Mexican food, and Mota’s is a longtime tasty favorite for Mexican comfort food. Known for their Mexican breakfast (especially their menudo), Mota’s is the perfect no-frills spot to hit when craving some traditional Mexican food. It’s casual with a small-town diner feel, and it’ll cure whatever state you’re in after a long weekend of dancing and singing to your favorite indie bands.
El Patron in Altadena is another favorite. Try their jalapeno margarita (if you can handle it).
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Italian Sandwiches at Ferrazzani’s
Location: Pasadena
Distance from Just Like Heaven: 1.6 miles
When you need some Italian sammich therapy, Ferrazzani’s is the move. This charming little Italian delicatessen serves up handmade pastas, the tastiest gourmet Italian sandwiches, fresh focaccia, and smooth Italian ice. All their sandwiches are next-level delish (and made with fresh-baked baguette from Bub & Grandma’s); however, their signature mortadella sandwich made with creamy Gioia straciatella and a garlicky pistachio pesto is my ultimate favorite. Get there before noon to secure one of their famous sandwiches. They sell out quickly.
Roma Market is also famous for its iconic $6 basic Italian sandwich (the pink sandwich). This spot has been around for over 75 years. If you’re lucky, you might meet the owner, Rosario Mazzeo, who is now 85 or so and is always at his market.
Grab a NY Slice at Prime Pizza
Location: Altadena
Distance from Just Like Heaven: 4.3 miles
Located in East Altadena, if you’re craving that classic NY-style slice, Prime Pizza in Altadena has you covered. Thin, cheesy, and with the perfect fold, these pies hit the spot whether you’re fueling up before the gates open or grabbing a post-festival bite (they close at 10pm on Saturdays). Go classic with a pepperoni, or try a square Grandma slice if you’re feeling fancy. It’s the kind of reliably great pizza that just works when you’re on the go.
Pro Tip: Their garlic knots and homemade ranch are so. damn. good.
Several Prime team members lost their homes to the Eaton fires. Right from the jump, Prime has been at the forefront of helping the community rebuild through its free community dinners, donation pies, Altadena Forever shirts, and more.
Craft Cocktails at Good Neighbor Bar
Location: Altadena
Distance from Just Like Heaven: 2.6 miles
We love Good Neighbor Bar—and not just because they play good music. One of the newer additions to Altadena, this welcoming bar quickly became the neighborhood bar. They have an incredible selection of craft cocktails, traditional cocktails, and even tiki drinks! And if cocktails aren’t your thing, Good Neighbor Bar has a nice selection of natural wines, beers, and mocktails. You can bring your own late-night eats or enjoy their free popcorn.
Lucky for those headed to Just Like Heaven, the Good Neighbor bar is open until 1AM on Saturdays. So if you still have fuel in the indie tank, stop by for a post-festival drink.
My fave drinks: Bees Knees, Never Ask What A Painting Means, and the Mezcal Paloma.
Pro Tip: Be sure to check out the giant map of Altadena in the parking lot. Created by Noel McCarthy, the map was created to show those in the “outside world” the gravity and unimaginable reach of the Eaton fires. It is truly a sobering experience, whether this is your community or not.
Between those nostalgic indie bangers and spontaneous dance parties, make sure you carve out time to check out a few of these spots. Your taste buds will thank you.
Please visit Altadena and Pasadena responsibly, with respect to the community and those who still live among the burn scars. Don’t drive around taking photos. Residents have it hard enough living directly in the burn area, with nonstop trucks taking over the streets while the community goes through ongoing rebuilding efforts seven days a week. Don’t ask people if they lost their homes, schools, businesses, etc. If residents want to talk about it, they’ll let you know. Just enjoy this beautiful community and all that it has to offer for your flavor palate.
Just Like Heaven takes place at Brookside at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, May 10. Tickets are still available for general admission, VIP, and Club House.
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