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Nick's South Lake Avenue
$$ · American, Steakhouse

336 S Lake Ave, Pasadena, CA 91101 (626) 787-1444
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ZipPicks Awards

Best Trendy American in Pasadena Best Family Friendly American in Pasadena Best Business Lunch American in Pasadena Best Date Night Steakhouse in Pasadena Best Steakhouse in Pasadena Best American in Pasadena

Vibe Check this spot

Food Quality 5
Service 5
Atmosphere 5
Value 5
Consistency 5
Cultural Relevance 5

0 / 5 selected

Master Critic Review

Nick's South Lake Avenue 8.4
Pasadena
Vibes: Business Lunch Power Players Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings
Upscale-casual American bistro delivering refined comfort classics with exhibition kitchen flair. The warm butter cake achieves legendary status while Chilean sea bass and prime steaks showcase culinary expertise.
Must-Try Dishes: Warm Butter Cake, Chilean Sea Bass, Prime Rib Dip
Scores:
Value: 7.8 Service: 8.6 Consistency: 8.5 Food Quality: 8.7 Atmosphere: 8.3 Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: Exhibition kitchen and impeccable hospitality standards
Who should go: Business diners and special occasion celebrants
When to visit: Weeknight dinner to avoid crowds
What to order: Butter cake, sea bass, asparagus fries
Insider tip: Private dining room seats 13-24 guests
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet $8-10, street parking available but competitive after 5pm on South Lake Ave
Dress code: Business casual to smart casual - collared shirts common, nice jeans acceptable
Noise level: Moderate - bustling but conversation-friendly, exhibition kitchen adds energy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation, often fully booked Fri-Sat
Weekday lunch: No wait before 12:30pm, 10-15 min during peak lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - several pasta dishes, salads, and sides can be modified
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options with modifications, call ahead recommended
Gluten-free options: Yes - knowledgeable staff, grilled proteins and modified sides available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - upscale enough to impress but not stuffy, booth seating offers intimacy, and the warm butter cake provides a memorable sweet ending
Can I get a table without a reservation? Bar seating usually available for walk-ins, dining room tough on weekends - best bet is weeknights before 6:30pm or after 8:30pm
Is it kid-friendly? Better for older children (10+) who appreciate quality food - no kids menu but willing to do simple modifications, high chairs available
Best For
Better for: Superior business dining atmosphere compared to nearby chains, better service execution than most South Lake restaurants, butter cake outclasses any dessert in the area
Skip if: Choose Maestro or Union if seeking more adventurous cuisine, opt for casual spots if dining with young children or on tight budget

Hours

Monday11am - 10pm
Tuesday11am - 10pm
Wednesday11am - 10pm
Thursday11am - 10pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday11am - 10pm