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ZipPicks Awards
Best Cheap Eats Pizza in Pasadena
Best Late Night Pizza in Pasadena
Master Critic Review
California Pizza Kitchen
7.6
Pioneering California-style pizza chain that's been serving innovative toppings like BBQ chicken pizza since 1985. This Old Town location offers a full bar and patio seating perfect for people-watching on Los Robles.
Must-Try Dishes:
Original BBQ Chicken Pizza, Thai Chicken Pizza, Margherita with Burrata
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Inventor of the BBQ chicken pizza phenomenon
Who should go: Business lunchers and casual diners
When to visit: Happy hour 3-6pm weekdays
What to order: BBQ chicken pizza, butter cake dessert
Insider tip: Half-price appetizers during happy hour at the bar
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Los Robles and Colorado Blvd, free 2-hour spots until 6pm then metered. Public garage on Green Street (2 blocks) $3 flat rate evenings
Dress code: Casual dining atmosphere, anything from jeans and tee to business casual works
Noise level: Moderate to loud - energetic atmosphere but conversation-friendly at booths
Weekend wait: 30-45 min Friday/Saturday peak times, call-ahead seating available
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait typical, business crowd 12-1pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pizza options, pastas, and salads clearly marked
Vegan options: Limited - can customize pizzas with vegan cheese (upcharge), several salads
Gluten-free options: Yes - cauliflower crust available, dedicated gluten-free menu section
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Works for casual first dates - lively but not too loud, shareable pizzas create natural conversation, full bar helps nerves. Skip for impressive/romantic dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunches and early dinners (before 6pm) usually fine. Weekend dinners risky - use call-ahead seating or expect 30+ minute wait
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu with activities, high chairs available, staff patient with families. Peak family time is 5:30-7:30pm
Best For
Better for: Creative pizza combinations you won't find at traditional pizzerias, full bar with cocktails unlike most pizza spots, consistent chain reliability for groups
Skip if: You want authentic Neapolitan or NY-style pizza, seeking intimate romantic atmosphere, need quick takeout (20-25 min minimum)
Hours
Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 10pm