50 Best Wine Bars near South Pasadena

“Absolutely fabulous food! Wait staff just delightful! We’ll be back!“

“Good Clean Fun isn’t just a wine bar, it’s a Downtown institution. Ian and his team have cultivated something truly special: a space that consistently delivers exceptional natural wines, beautifully fresh food, and an atmosphere that feels effortlessly joyful.

What sets GCF apart is its reliability in delight. I’ve celebrated birthdays here, lingered on date nights, raised toasts at farewell parties, attended themed Good Clean Fun events, and each visit has been a masterclass in hospitality. The wine is always exciting and thoughtfully curated, the food is bright, seasonal, and satisfying, and the energy? Unfailingly warm and convivial.

Ian’s passion for what he does is infectious. He’s not just pouring wine , he’s telling stories, sharing discoveries, and creating community. It’s this blend of curiosity and care that keeps the experience fresh while always feeling like home.

Thank you GCF, for being my go-to for great wine, great company, and creating greater memories.“

“We had such a wonderful time. Amazing wine & terrific food!“

“This was our first time here. The atmosphere was very beautiful, perfect for brunch or a nice lunch out. I ordered the sangria, which was delicious and sweet and a lasagna for lunch. The lasagna was very flavorful. The sauce was tasty, with plenty of cheese and meat. It is definitely shareable. The service was great. Our server was attentive and friendly and gave us some great recommendations. I will be back!“

“A very stylish bar tucked away in downtown LA near Grand Central Market feels like an NYC bar. I had a great chat with the owners—they hand-select everything they serve, from small-batch wines to charcuterie sourced from both local and international makers. It’s a perfect spot for a date or catching up with an old friend. Everyone was super friendly, and the doorman adds a nice touch of safety and comfort.“

“Good wine, cheese, and ambience.“

“Great food and a great bartender“

“From the initial greeting, to the lovely outside seating, to the great service staff, to really great flavors, it was a terrific meal. Our whole group concurred, “let’s come back here.”“

“Garson de Cafe is very Chic . Beautiful decor and fantastic customer service. I highly recommend this place to everyone.“

“Eclectic but elegant setting with an excellent curated wine offering and one of the finest reserve lists anywhere. The charcuterie sections are also first class. A stylish and sophisticated night out.“

“Great wine, fun staff, love it here!!!“

“Amazing and calm dining experience with enjoyable food and cocktails. I am thankful for this space as there is not many like it.

Food is fresh and delicious. I wouldn’t go here super hungry but it’s a great place for a romantic or lunch dates.

The salad was sooooo good! Highly recommend with meat and not! I didn’t know the vegan popcorn chicken was mushroom 😭 personally not a mushroom fan. They felt a lil greasy but still yummy paired with the shoestring fries. Vegan dog was great as well and would order again. My fiancé enjoyed the wings and the chicken in the salad.

We both agree that the drinks could be a lil heavier (lol bad or good, not sure) but they are still well crafted cocktails and will be coming back again for the drinks and food!

The bar and atmosphere itself is CUTE! Enjoy the colors and music going on. Not loud and was able to enjoy conversation with my girl. They have games as well to help newer friends or couples break the ice. Great place for friends, lovers, and going alone.

For larger groups of like 5+ I think it would be respectful to call ahead of time as the space is smallish and there isn’t many large group tables

This is the echo park area and you just gotta take that with a grain of salt. IYKYK“

“I rarely write restaurant reviews, but Butchr Bar genuinely impressed me. I went with a friend for dinner, and everything from the food to the atmosphere felt on point.

The vibe inside is cool and welcoming. Dim lighting, modern touches, and a kind of laid-back energy that makes you want to settle in and stay awhile. It’s the kind of place that feels special without trying too hard.

We started with a couple of appetizers. I ordered the beef tartare, which was absolutely delicious. The meat was fresh, seasoned perfectly, and paired with baguette that added the perfect texture. It had just the right amount of tang and richness without being too heavy.

My friend got the deviled eggs, and honestly, I ended up stealing one. They were creamy and super flavorful and way better than your average deviled egg. We both looked at each other after the first bite and were like, “Okay, this place knows what it’s doing.”

For mains, I decided to go all in and ordered both the lamb and the burger. The lamb was tender and full of flavor, cooked beautifully with a pink center and served with a sauce that brought it all together. I kept slowing down my bites just to make it last longer.

As for the burger, I ordered it protein style since I’m cutting back on carbs, and it didn’t disappoint. Even without the bun, it held together perfectly and tasted incredible. Juicy patty, sharp cheddar, tangy pickles, and pickled beets all wrapped in crisp lettuce. It felt indulgent but still light enough that I didn’t regret a thing.

My friend had the Wild Rivers ribeye and was seriously blown away. It came out with a perfect crust and was cooked exactly how they wanted it. Super tender, juicy, and flavorful all the way through. They said it was one of the best steaks they’ve had in a long time, and I believe it.

The service was another highlight. Our server was friendly, gave great suggestions, and really knew the menu. You could tell the staff actually cared, which made the whole evening feel even more enjoyable.

We didn’t end up getting dessert, mostly because we were too full. But everything we saw going to other tables looked amazing, so I already know I’ll be back to try something sweet next time.

I also had a glass of wine that was amazing, they had a great selection. You can tell their wine selection is just as thoughtful as their kitchen.

What stood out the most to me was how intentional everything felt. The flavors, the presentation, the pacing of the meal. It’s clear that someone put a lot of heart and pride into creating this place.

If you're a fan of high-quality meat, amazing wine , and warm service, Butchr Bar should be on your list. I left full, happy, and already thinking about what I want to try next.

Highly recommend. This place is a gem.“

“So good!!! Amazing. Love the food. The bok choy pot stickers OOOF! The best. 💜💜💜👑👑👑🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽🕺🏽💞💞💞💝💝👨‍❤️‍👨🧡“

“Bacari Glendale: It is a beautiful place we have always wanted to go to. We took two friends for a belated birthday dinner (and as the staff realized it was just that, they even rewarded us with a delicious birthday dessert :-). Great service, nice ambiance, and delicious food - we had the bread (could have been a bit more for the $4,50), then shared the Mac & Cheese topped up with the pear and brie pizza that was the best.“

“Great food, great atmosphere, great host, great hospitality, great presentation 💯“

“Fancy restaurant with extremely courteous, personable and friendly service, who informed us about the levels of spiciness. We really enjoyed the meal and the starter salad was extremely delicious and spicy, despite the fact that we got the “not spicy” version. The large main courses (Pad Thai and drunken noodles with pastrami) were unbeatably fresh and delicious. It is very crowded and too loud and shrill inside for our taste, but you can sit comfortably and quietly outside in the evening! Absolute recommendation!

Vegetarian options: There are vegetarian options.

Dietary restrictions: Some dishes are labeled as gluten-free but are not celiac disease-compliant.“

“The wine bar you wish you could stumble upon every night! Great Persian food- you can tell they use fresh farmers market produce. And arguably the best natural wine list in town. This spot is a real gem. Get the Nazkhatoun (eggplant dip) w/ feta, Ghormeh Sabzi or the Fesenjan - both delicious stews. And their tarts for dessert are excellent.

Vegetarian options: Nazkhatoun (eggplant dip) w/ feta, Ghormeh Sabzi, shallot dip, Shirazi salad (cherry tomatoes and cucumber), cucumber dip

Parking: Their parking lot is just south of the restaurant on the corner of Virgil and Melrose“

“My friend and I had an exquisite dining experience at Bar Sawa. Each course was prepared and presented to perfection. The place was a little tricky to find; there were no signs, and it was in the basement of a very unexpected building. You can also only get down there through the middle elevator! The instructions to get to the restaurant were emailed, but I didn't get to read it in time, so it was my fault. ? We thoroughly enjoyed our meal, ambiance and the entire experience. Highly recommend!“

“I had a wonderful time at Propaganda Wine Bar. The food was excellent and well made. I forgot my waiters name but he was so sweet and attentive to me and my friend. The music was good, and overall great experience. Thank you to all the staff!“

“Great spot to have a relaxed drink with tasty light bites in a great atmosphere.Service is always great with good knowledge of the wines (natural) being poured. Love that they encourage a taste of the wine and have gotten great recommendations and being able to buy the bottle of what you’ve been drinking is an extra bonus.One small but important aspect for me is the music selection. Each time there has felt uplifted with the music choice perfectly matching the vibe of the crowd/evening!As someone starting to venture out more alone, I’ve felt very comfortable here with just myself, a couple glasses of wine and a book!“

“From the outside, The Airliner looks like a dive bar serving standard dive bar fare. But make no mistake, Chef Vinh Nguyen has created a stunning menu of excellent, creative, and absolutely delicious food!

We had a tasting for my daughter's wedding, and we were served such terrific items as Green Chop Salad (spicy thair dressing), Hunan BBQ pork ribs, Green Curry Crispy Rice, onion noodles, and tater tots with Gochujang glaze.

I forgot to take pictures, but everything looked as great as it tasted.

The next time we are in LA, we look forward to going there for dinner, and we couldn't be happier that Chef Nguyen will be catering our daughter's wedding!“

“City of Vernon Firefighters are rock stars!!“

“So, I was not expecting to have a beer while perusing a nee bookstore this weekend, but lo and behold! I desperately needed to charge my dying phone, and couldn’t find an outlet anywhere in the book aisles. So I stumbled across The 1894, and was immediately greeted by the friendly staff. Their happy hour is awesome- a french pilsner for only $6! And the staff went out of their way to accommodate me near an outlet where i can drink and charge my phone. Again, was not expecting this pleasant bar, but will def be back!“

“Wow! One of the best hidden gems in DTLA. The food was phenomenal! The baguette alone was worth the trip. And the pasta rescued me from a deep post-election funk. And it wasn't terribly expensive either. I felt like I was on the set of Sex and the City, circa 1999, with Portishead bumping in the background. I wanted a Cosmo and a cigarette. Badly. It was giving the best NYC feels. And I loved it! Shoutout to Christopher for welcoming us!“

“Incredible food. I mean absolutely delicious. Caesar salad was one of the best I've ever had, Vodka sauce on the pasta was delicious. We also had the baby artichokes (yum!) and the Burrata salad. I'll gladly eat them all again. 100/10. All pasta made in hose too! My server was so knowledgeable on the wines and let me taste a few until I found the perfect one for my meal-made me feel so welcome. This place is definitely going on the short list of favorite restaurants in downtown.“

“Update, two weeks later: So after a slightly rocky start, we went again - the food and wine were excellent as before, but the service really really improved since the last time. I can highly recommend this place to go for a good time. If you are with friends, make sure you try "family style" - order loads of munchies - the four of us shared the charcuterie board (the salami was among the best I ever had), the flatbreads, the baked brie - and a sample plate of their delicious oils - so so so good - and given the superb quality, reasonably priced. Not to forget: did you ever try vanilla ice cream with olive oil - you should ;-) So thankful they understood and appreciated my earlier review. I will surely go again soon. Previous review: Oh, what a wonderful place - and an amazing concept. My wife and I took two friends yesterday. We were seated at a table for two, with the promise to be relocated to the table next to us as patrons were close to getting their check. Never happened, no problem.I wanted to order a bottle of wine. The service recommended tasting their canned wines - 4 different ones for $49. Canned wine? I come from Germany, from Koblenz, where the rivers Rhine and Mosel meet. Canned wine? Seriously? Still, why not try something new?So the four of us received four balloon glasses with the four wines. Wine tasting? Share every glass physically with four people in times of Corona? They must be kidding. I would have expected to get four cans - and, in all honesty, four small glasses for each of us. Sure: it ain't the Ritz - a personal glass for each of us. But sure: this ain't "The Ritz," so we shared. We are really good friends, and we did have a good time. The wine was OK - which sounds as if something was wrong - it wasn't. It was OK - nice experience, but I would personally not order again - while it may be perfectly fine for you, the reader (by the way, I appreciate you reading this ;-)Then: the food. As with the wine, we wanted to share. We started with the baked brie, which was really really good, and the burrata flatbread, which came soaked, and I really mean soaked, in Oil. Sadly, it did not come with silverware. We asked three times but never got it. Then, we asked if we could have at least some napkins. We got two. We were here to share, weren't we ;-)I asked for the check. The printer had issues. Happens. We were not in a rush. Service offered a sip of wine while we had to wait. Sure, a nice gesture. Sadly, the wine never came. After just under half an hour, we got some sort of check - still issues with the printer. We were charged $61 for the wines - they were charged separately and not, as per the menu and recommendation, as the $49 offer. $12 was refunded. Receipt: sorry, the printer.I really wanted to love the place, and as we enjoyed the company of our dear friends in a nice atmosphere, loved the brie, and drank the wine, I did not want to spoil the evening by arguing about the service, which really "has potential."It would have been easy to make this a five-star recommendation, as the location, atmosphere and general concept scream fabulous. I would possibly go again. At the moment, I feel sorry for the place.“

“Wow, what a place. The food is spectacular. Hamachi crudo (ciitrus and floral explosion in my mouth). The meatballs: high quality meat, extremely generous size, it’s a crave. Margherita and mortadella pizzas were sumptuous - the crust was chewy and perfect.

We felt like an extension of family - it was like a welcoming home. Juanito, Luis, Christine, Samantha, Ivan, and Jordan were warm, kind, and extremely knowledgeable and guided us through the experience. This is an absolute gem. To say bravo and thank you doesn’t do it justice! Make a reservation and GO!“

“Amazing food and atmosphere“

“This was my second visit to Entre Nous French Bistro, and it absolutely confirmed what I felt the first time—this place is a hidden gem. We came yesterday to celebrate my sister’s birthday, and everything about the evening was simply perfect.

We were a party of five and shared a variety of dishes that showcased the kitchen’s finesse and authenticity. We started with the Daily Pick Oysters, which were impeccably fresh and beautifully presented. The Tartare de Saumon was bright and delicate, and the Escargots de Bourgogne were everything you’d hope for—garlicky, buttery, and so satisfying. The Homemade Duck Pâté was another standout—rich, rustic, and perfectly paired with fresh baguette slices.

For entrées, we had the Filet Mignon, Rack of Lamb, Magret de Canard, French Fries, and the Salmon special of the day. Every single dish was a hit. The meats were expertly cooked to temperature, the sauces were layered and flavorful, and the sides were just as impressive. Even the fries deserve a shoutout—crispy, golden, and addictive.

The service was warm, professional, and incredibly thoughtful. They made sure my sister felt celebrated, and we never once felt rushed. The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with just the right touch of French charm.

Entre Nous continues to impress, and it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite restaurants in town. Whether it’s a special occasion or just a night out, this bistro delivers every time. Already looking forward to visit number three!“

“This is our local pub; we don't order wine (of which they have a nice selection), but they have a few European beers on tap that are quite good (including Guinness). They also have bottled beer if you prefer. This is a family owned pub (also "1881" on Washington/ Allen in East Pasadena), & you can usually catch owners Gail (sorry if I misspelled!) & Judah "Ben Hur." Actually he looks more like Mick Fleetwood and you can sit at the bar and have a chat with him if you want. I just like to say"Judah Ben-Hur" from the movie BEN HUR (1960?). Great service & vibe. Not fancy, just a great neighborhood pub to have a beer or two (I recommend several, if you have a designated driver). There is actually 3 areas you can drink- at the bar, a room for a few parties, and a secluded outdoor area for smokers in the back. It's quite cool & we feel at home there. If you live in Altadena/Pasadena on the west side (on Fair Oaks North of Woodbury) this is the bar for you. They also have pizza which is quite good. Judah is English, Gail from Chicago, and they have family that help out. It's a great little ace! Check it out! I'll be there tonight- look for the good looking older gent with the Roy Orbison glasses. He can be quite entertaining!“

“Relax atmosphere, awesome service and good food!“

“This is a great place to enjoy continental food. I was very surprised at how authentic the Indian food I ordered tasted. I ordered the butter chicken which came with naan, rice and chapatis. Butter chicken. It tasted like professional style and was very nice looking. It even surpassed some of the Indian restaurants I have tried before.“

“Every time I visit my brother in Alhambra we go to Vino's. It feels like Cheers. Everyone greets each other with smiles and hugs. The broasted chicken is to die for. Pizzas are so flavorful. Their Chicken and Waffles and Bellinis is probably my favorite brunch meal.“

“Loupiotte Kitchen was a dreamy French cafe. Their creamy polenta was rich and comforting. The brioche French toast, topped with citrus, berries, and cream was pure joy. The soft French music also added to the cozy vibe. Definitely a must for anyone who loves breakfast done with elegance and heart.“

“Had an incredible experience at Pizzana for my graduation celebration!
They managed to accommodate a last-minute reservation for a group of 10, and everything from the service to the atmosphere was flawless. Huge shoutout to Manager Noe for making it happen so smoothly and to our amazing server Nika for the warm and thoughtful hospitality throughout the evening.
The food and drinks were absolutely top-notch. Highly recommend for any special occasion or just a great night out!“

“One of the best I’ve had “out” in a very long time.“

“@holysaintsbistro is a gem in the wall. The quality of food coming out of their cozy, small kitchen is superb. Kudos to the chefs behind the line. I had the duck breast and lamb steak, and both were spectacular. The sauce the lamb was served with gave it just the slightest edge over the duck.

The only item that did not impress was the yellowfin tuna appetizer. It was smothered in seasoning that diminished any flavor of the fish and completely overpowered it.

Besides that, my dinner was exquisite.“

“Great food! Excellent service! 😍“

“🐅🐅🐅🐅 yum yummy.. crying tiger so good“

“ABSOLUTELY THE MOST AMAZING CUISINE I HAVE HAD IN LOS ANGELES .. or anywhere I been lately for that matter COMPLIMENTS TO THE CHEFS … . I’m
SOOOO IN LOVE with this place I am mad I don’t live in LA ..I’m from Vancouver CANADA .. visiting LA for the first time , Let me tell you . I had the octopus ( that was off a side menu that might have been their daily specials ) as a starter and I ate it soooo slowly cus I was in HEAVEN with every single bite I took .. I didn’t want to finish it but couldn’t wait to take another bite .. the flavours were so amazing and cooked to perfection. Next up I had the Ravioli Verdi di Spinaci e Ricotta
and omg again… OUTSTANDING cooked Al dente as I love it and although I was full after that.. I stayed and gave myself some time to digest my food cus I wasn’t leaving without having the crème brûlée .. and I’m glad I did cus it was phenomenal . I wanted to try everything on the menu .. Andrea is a culinary GENIUS . Shoutouts to Pablo ,Sara for being so welcoming and the rest of the amazing staff . I can’t wait to eat here again .. ?????
HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE ..

Thank me later

With love
Cecilia“

“Great food and awesome service. Definitely a must dine!“

“I would describe De La Nonna as an elevated pizza restaurant. As with most pizza joints, they serve up beer, salad and pizza, but this not your standard fare.

Start off with a craft beer, wine, or a fancy cocktail (or mocktail). Lots of choices to be had.

For starters, we ordered the market salad which had a fantastically light tangerine(?) dressing. The dressing on the ceaser salad was a bit heavy, but it was still tasty.

The eggplant caponata appeared to have been lightly fried and coated in a sweet and savory sauce. Very good.

As for the pizzas, all were insanely good. Each was like a pillowy soft deep dish pizza and they all came with the best crispy edges.

IMO the roasted mushroom pizza was the best — and I'm not a fan of mushrooms.

Prices are a bit higher than you would find at a typical pizza place, but again, these are not your typical pizzas. The staff was friendly and the atmosphere, chill.

Dietary restrictions: They were able to accommodate customers with celiacs.“

“We love the ambience at gra. And I’m so happy to see more restaurants coming into the many vacant storefronts in this neighborhood. Gra has an incredible vibe. Wonderful service and unbelievably great music. We do wish for two things though. We love traditional full-bodied reds by the glass. They are hard to come by. We also love fresh vegetables, and as much as we love the fermented veggies we’d love to mix it up with more variety. Looking forward to becoming loyal, patrons and exploring this restaurant more.“

“Great Food, Great Service...“

“Had to stop by my favorite Italian grubbin in the heart of Old Town Pasadena all the way from Boise. This was my 3rd time and each time just keeps getting better; definitely the bigger the party, the better. We paid $225 for 4 pasta entrees, 3 appetizers, & 2 glasses of wine for a party of 6. I’ve learned to like my pastas al dente after having them here. The meatballs are banging, the wine-pairing was delightful. Our service was attentive and pleasant; the vibe is always vibrant and homey. Highly recommended.“

“1 of my favorite places to eat in Silverlake, I’ve tried almost everything they have and I highly recommend“

“As a Persian American, I am so glad I found this place. It offers something I’ve been wishing for my whole life, modernized Persian food. Traditional is unbeatable, but I’ve always wondered what it would be like if people took those recipes and updated them. Azizam offers that. I came specially for the kuku sandwich and it was excellent, simple and very fresh. Same with the shallot yoghurt and Kipteh. We also tried the secanjaben spritz which if you like those flavors you will love. I really love this whole concept and would love to see more dishes! The ambience is friendly and warm. Highly recommend.“

“Excellent place! Very authentic, interesting choices. I didn't choose this restaurant for vegan, but was delighted with a mushroom pasta dish from that portion of the menu. Tasted a meat dish & a seafood 1 from family members; also excellent. Particularly liked short ribs ragu & the bread was terrific! Good moderate priced wines. Friendly service; will go back.“

“Republik Coffee is as solid as it gets. It has good food, good coffee, and a good ambiance, which makes it a great hang out spot.The breakfast burrito, an almond danish, and a hazelnut cappuccino. It's not a large breakfast burrito, but I felt like all off the ingredients were good quality. The danish was good,and the cappuccino was solid as well.“