The Coffee Barrel Cafe2982 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

I was out for/to lunch (however you want to interpret that) and wasn't sure where to go. I was close to Fu Shing so I went into the parking lot, but then I saw this cafe hidden toward the back of the plaza. So I went in to check it out and I'm sure glad I found this place.

At first I wasn't so impressed by the interior - you have sponged orange-yellow walls, barrels and a couple of water fountains around. I was thinking that the food could go either way by the looks of the joint. There were a few folks eating there and their sandwiches looked great and they had satisfied faces, so I stuck around and got me their signature roast beef sandwich.

  

I got everything and had them do it the way they like to do it. In this puppy they put cheddar cheese, signature dressing, ortega chili, red leaf lettuce, red and green peppers, alfalfa sprouts, and onions (they don't put tomatoes in right now). Jammed pack with all that they panini it. This sucker was saucy but good. Totally hit the spot.

I went back and had me a Turkey Sandwich which has provolone cheese, dressing, fire roasted red peppers, sliced pepperoncinis, red leaf lettuce, red and green bell peppers, alfalfa sprouts and onions - sans tomatoes.

They do like 15 different sandwiches and I intend on eating every one of them so I'll be back for more.

The other thing that makes the experience here so great is the customer service. These folks are super-friendly and make you feel right at home. With joints like this around, there is absolutely no reason to go to some chain.

And, I haven't been, but on Sundays they do all-you-can-eat pancakes. They do have a breakfast sandwich menu and they also do Belgium waffles. I may have to check this out sometime.

The Coffee Barrel Cafe
2982 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA 91107 (626) 844-0177
Mon-Fri: 7am-7pm; Sat: 8am-7pm Sun: ?

Sushiya: Off-Coloardo, Pasadena

So I finally got around to eating at Sushiya - after going to La Estrella so many times. It's in the same minimall.

This is a classic tiny hole-in-the-wall joint that is not the "best" sushi in the world, but is very serviceable for lunch and is of excellent value. They do a all-you-can-eat thing but its not some lame sushi buffet like Todai - nope you get to sit at the sushi bar and yell out your order and see them make your nigiri.

Don't expect to get the coolest hippest decor, don't expect the best customer service, don't expect to get fish flown fresh from Japan or some hard to find seafood, don't expect to find the cleanest space - your table may be sticky, don't expect to come here to party down with Japanese expats, don't expect to be able to entertain a group here. They do it straight-forward here - which is fine for what it is.

  

I was surprised at the size of the sashimi cuts on the nigiri. Overall, a very satisfying lunch and I'll be back for sure when I have a hankering for sushi at lunch. You'll never find me at the Kabuki chain down the street - I mean why go there for sushi, when you can chill at Sushiya?

Sushiya
2525 E Foothill Blvd #2, Pasadena, CA 91107 (626) 795-1311