I always enjoy it here. The food is good, there are lots of choices, the atmosphere is casual, comfortable and pleasant, and the staff are very friendly and capable!
George A.
After being invited by the owner few months ago I decided to finally check this place out. The barman, if I remember correctly (Jose), was very good and accommodating, like a lifetime next door neighbor. Portions were adequate. It was under salted so I could season it to my liking, it's great for anyone watching their sodium intake . Was not crowded. The bar had 2 TVs showing 2 different sports simultaneously. This place has something for everyone. It's run by LatinoAmericans and has small town Midwest feel to it. Service 5 stars (down to earth, unpretentious) Food. 4 stars (very good) Ambiance 4 stars (Older place, Rustic) Parking 5 stars (Ample) Price 4 stars (nothing is cheap, but given inflation I understand) Crowd 4 stars (Boomers & Gen X) I had the: Southwest tequila lime shrimp fettuccini. It could have been better with some fresh crushed garlic (for flavor) and some chopped green like cilantro parsley dill or something like that (for aesthetics). Maybe even some chopped broccoli/raw spinach (for nutrition). I will return =)
Diana S.
Happy St Patrick's Day. We enjoyed a lunch of Reuben sandwiches overflowing with tasty, perfectly cooked large slices of corned beef.The cabbage was cooked with care, full of flavor. Thousand Island Dressing was served separately so you can mustard and thousand Island the way you like. A corned beef plate or omelet are also on the menu. Accompanied by a really good cup of coffee, delicious iced tea or perhaps a beer and your St Patrick's Day will be an authentic celebration of the green. Kudos for an attentive, friendly staff.
Lianne K.
Dear Hubby, Sweet Granddaughter, and I were in La Canada Flintridge for another visit to Descanso Gardens. We wanted something simple for dinner. Last time we went to Panera Bread, which was a let-down from previous visits, so we decided to try something new. Yelp reviews lead us to Magpie's Grill. I was expecting something a little more modern. What we found was an old school neighborhood kind of place. Because there was a football game on, DH wanted to sit in the bar area where various TVs were on. The menu was extensive - just about anything "American" or American-adjacent was offered. We decided to split an order of calamari, and a hot pastrami sandwich. DH thought that wouldn't be enough, so he also added a sampler app platter. We ended up taking food home! SG wanted mac & cheese. The kids meal portion was very generous, and even though the 4 year-old tucked in well to her meal, there were still leftovers for another lunch. Kids meals also come with a beverage included. Our server was very helpful and did all the things a good waiter is supposed to do. He promptly asked for our drink order, and offered to answer questions about the menu. Once the food came out of the kitchen he checked back on us to see if everything was okay / did we need anything else? He plied us with extra napkins, and brought to-go containers. He was very present, and we appreciated that. Foodwise, the calamari was prepared very well. It became filling, and when the other items arrived we abandoned it and brought the rest home. The pastrami sandwich was very good. I didn't realize that they normally crown the meat with cheese, so I had to peal off the layer and give it to DH, as I am off milk products. Still, the rest of the bread, pastrami, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo made for a great tasting sandwich. The only down side was that the fries were a little undercooked. We would consider returning when in the area again. I could see this as a comfort food kind of staple for locals.
Zola Parker
Food is very 50 stylish. The recipes tasted like food my mom would cook. The cook made my liver and onions just the way I asked. The peach pie was the best I ate ever. Low key and comfortable. Hubby enjoyed the Alfredo noodles. Mashed potatoes were disappointing. The gravy was spot on flavor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken
Rachelle Jones
Chicken salad sandwich was DELICIOUS! Added pickles, but good without. The bread was thick and grilled - mouth watering! Had a side salad with Thousand, which was yummy (can be too sweet, but not at Magpie’s). Servers were quick, attentive, and so friendly. Perfect classic cafe vibe for a friendly lunch visit. Thank you, Magpie’s.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Monica George
Nice tasty greasy spoon place. Wide variety of food and and kind and attentive wait staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Patty Melt
YaVonne Bolm
Small spot but we'll appointed.We grabbed bfast here on the way to the airport. Ordered ahead about an hour.The breakfast sando was legit (my gf said it had the most grilled onions she'd ever seen on a breakfast sando.My chorizo breakfast burrito was beyond good. Needed two extra napkins to soak up the juice though lolWould 10/10 order again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Greg Curtis
Really nicely cooked food here, with some interesting menu choices like schnitzel and bratwurst. The schnitzel is excellent, and the accompanying German potato salad is really good. I've also tried the 'pollo pleaso', which is a fantastic grilled chicken sandwich.Staff is calm and professional. Overall a reliable take on a classic German -American diner. Full bar also!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Len Zielenski
've been dining in the area for about 25 years. I'd occasionally go to Magpies even though their prices were out of line. Bad service kept me away for about 10 years. With the post Covid closures of so many establishments in the area I decided to give them another chance. That was a bad decision. The gravey on my turkey tasted like old rancid grease. The French onion soup lacked the traditional cheese and the single large croutons was replaced with a few salad croutons. Getting a refill on the over priced soft drinks was nearly impossible. Older people loose their sense of taste and smell. Medical fact. 95% of the visible customers qualified for Social Security. The only reason I can fathom for their patronage is they just can't tell the difference. If I live long enough I might try again in 10 years.
What a nice little find in the Montrose area. So a couple alterations on the food would have been nice, the food was really good and the menu is just offering you wonderful selections. It is definitely worth a try.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Diane Billings
Wonderful casual restaurant with great food and a full bar.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Cristo P
Very good food, the breakfast skillet was prepared to perfection and was delicious. The fruit plate with cottage was also good.The service was excellent.I will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Karma B.
I love going here for breakfast on the weekends! Delicious food and if you're looking for a good Bloody Mary they have that too!!!
Blanca S.
The food is delicious and home made. From the French onion soup to the albóndiga soup to the Italian wedding soup to the fried mushroom appetizers to the steak dinners. So much delicious food and awesome service! And if you like sweets, their apple streusel with a shot of brandy is absolutely the best! Love this place!!
I always enjoy it here. The food is good, there are lots of choices, the atmosphere is casual, comfortable and pleasant, and the staff are very friendly and capable!
After being invited by the owner few months ago I decided to finally check this place out. The barman, if I remember correctly (Jose), was very good and accommodating, like a lifetime next door neighbor. Portions were adequate. It was under salted so I could season it to my liking, it's great for anyone watching their sodium intake . Was not crowded. The bar had 2 TVs showing 2 different sports simultaneously. This place has something for everyone. It's run by LatinoAmericans and has small town Midwest feel to it. Service 5 stars (down to earth, unpretentious) Food. 4 stars (very good) Ambiance 4 stars (Older place, Rustic) Parking 5 stars (Ample) Price 4 stars (nothing is cheap, but given inflation I understand) Crowd 4 stars (Boomers & Gen X) I had the: Southwest tequila lime shrimp fettuccini. It could have been better with some fresh crushed garlic (for flavor) and some chopped green like cilantro parsley dill or something like that (for aesthetics). Maybe even some chopped broccoli/raw spinach (for nutrition). I will return =)
Happy St Patrick's Day. We enjoyed a lunch of Reuben sandwiches overflowing with tasty, perfectly cooked large slices of corned beef.The cabbage was cooked with care, full of flavor. Thousand Island Dressing was served separately so you can mustard and thousand Island the way you like. A corned beef plate or omelet are also on the menu. Accompanied by a really good cup of coffee, delicious iced tea or perhaps a beer and your St Patrick's Day will be an authentic celebration of the green. Kudos for an attentive, friendly staff.
Dear Hubby, Sweet Granddaughter, and I were in La Canada Flintridge for another visit to Descanso Gardens. We wanted something simple for dinner. Last time we went to Panera Bread, which was a let-down from previous visits, so we decided to try something new. Yelp reviews lead us to Magpie's Grill. I was expecting something a little more modern. What we found was an old school neighborhood kind of place. Because there was a football game on, DH wanted to sit in the bar area where various TVs were on. The menu was extensive - just about anything "American" or American-adjacent was offered. We decided to split an order of calamari, and a hot pastrami sandwich. DH thought that wouldn't be enough, so he also added a sampler app platter. We ended up taking food home! SG wanted mac & cheese. The kids meal portion was very generous, and even though the 4 year-old tucked in well to her meal, there were still leftovers for another lunch. Kids meals also come with a beverage included. Our server was very helpful and did all the things a good waiter is supposed to do. He promptly asked for our drink order, and offered to answer questions about the menu. Once the food came out of the kitchen he checked back on us to see if everything was okay / did we need anything else? He plied us with extra napkins, and brought to-go containers. He was very present, and we appreciated that. Foodwise, the calamari was prepared very well. It became filling, and when the other items arrived we abandoned it and brought the rest home. The pastrami sandwich was very good. I didn't realize that they normally crown the meat with cheese, so I had to peal off the layer and give it to DH, as I am off milk products. Still, the rest of the bread, pastrami, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo made for a great tasting sandwich. The only down side was that the fries were a little undercooked. We would consider returning when in the area again. I could see this as a comfort food kind of staple for locals.
Food is very 50 stylish. The recipes tasted like food my mom would cook. The cook made my liver and onions just the way I asked. The peach pie was the best I ate ever. Low key and comfortable. Hubby enjoyed the Alfredo noodles. Mashed potatoes were disappointing. The gravy was spot on flavor.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken
Chicken salad sandwich was DELICIOUS! Added pickles, but good without. The bread was thick and grilled - mouth watering! Had a side salad with Thousand, which was yummy (can be too sweet, but not at Magpie’s). Servers were quick, attentive, and so friendly. Perfect classic cafe vibe for a friendly lunch visit. Thank you, Magpie’s.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice tasty greasy spoon place. Wide variety of food and and kind and attentive wait staff.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Patty Melt
Small spot but we'll appointed.We grabbed bfast here on the way to the airport. Ordered ahead about an hour.The breakfast sando was legit (my gf said it had the most grilled onions she'd ever seen on a breakfast sando.My chorizo breakfast burrito was beyond good. Needed two extra napkins to soak up the juice though lolWould 10/10 order again
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Really nicely cooked food here, with some interesting menu choices like schnitzel and bratwurst. The schnitzel is excellent, and the accompanying German potato salad is really good. I've also tried the 'pollo pleaso', which is a fantastic grilled chicken sandwich.Staff is calm and professional. Overall a reliable take on a classic German -American diner. Full bar also!
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
've been dining in the area for about 25 years. I'd occasionally go to Magpies even though their prices were out of line. Bad service kept me away for about 10 years. With the post Covid closures of so many establishments in the area I decided to give them another chance. That was a bad decision. The gravey on my turkey tasted like old rancid grease. The French onion soup lacked the traditional cheese and the single large croutons was replaced with a few salad croutons. Getting a refill on the over priced soft drinks was nearly impossible. Older people loose their sense of taste and smell. Medical fact. 95% of the visible customers qualified for Social Security. The only reason I can fathom for their patronage is they just can't tell the difference. If I live long enough I might try again in 10 years.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 1
Service: 2
Restaurantji Recommends
What a nice little find in the Montrose area. So a couple alterations on the food would have been nice, the food was really good and the menu is just offering you wonderful selections. It is definitely worth a try.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 5
Wonderful casual restaurant with great food and a full bar.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
Very good food, the breakfast skillet was prepared to perfection and was delicious. The fruit plate with cottage was also good.The service was excellent.I will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 5
I love going here for breakfast on the weekends! Delicious food and if you're looking for a good Bloody Mary they have that too!!!
The food is delicious and home made. From the French onion soup to the albóndiga soup to the Italian wedding soup to the fried mushroom appetizers to the steak dinners. So much delicious food and awesome service! And if you like sweets, their apple streusel with a shot of brandy is absolutely the best! Love this place!!