Pie 'n Burger, a beloved establishment that has stood the test of time since its opening in 1963, is a true gem among American diners. Nestled in Pasadena, California, this classic eatery serves up hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, and delectable dinners. On my recent visit, I had the pleasure of experiencing the nostalgic ambiance and savoring the flavors that have made Pie 'n Burger a local favorite.
Stepping into Pie 'n Burger is like entering a time capsule. The inviting giant counter evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminiscent of the diners we would see on vintage television shows. I chose to dine in, as I wanted to fully immerse myself in the authentic experience the place offers.
One of the standout aspects of my visit was the genuinely friendly and helpful staff. They exuded the warm hospitality that instantly made me feel at home. Their welcoming nature added an extra touch of charm to the dining experience, further reinforcing the diner's timeless appeal.
When it came to the food, Pie 'n Burger did not disappoint. I indulged in a mouthwatering burger paired with a side of chili cheese fries. The burger itself was a delightful symphony of flavors, perfectly cooked and oozing with juiciness. The side of chili cheese fries was a savory delight, satisfying my craving for a comforting and indulgent treat.
Portion sizes at Pie 'n Burger are generous, ensuring that no one leaves the table hungry. Each dish was served with ample servings, making it a value-packed dining experience. The homemade Macaroni Salad was a pleasant surprise, boasting a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
However, it is important to note a few drawbacks. Pie 'n Burger operates on a cash-only basis, which may catch some visitors off guard. Although they provide an ATM inside the diner, it is worth preparing with sufficient cash on hand. Additionally, some of the prices can be considered relatively high compared to other establishments in the Los Angeles area. While the quality of the food justifies the expense, it's something to keep in mind when planning a visit. Furthermore, the lack of dedicated parking may pose a challenge, as street parking is the only option available.
In conclusion, my experience at Pie 'n Burger was filled with nostalgia and exceptional flavors. The friendly staff and the scrumptious food made it a truly memorable dining outing. While the prices may be on the higher side, the quality and quantity of the dishes justify the expense. As a visitor from West LA, I must consider the distance when deciding on a return trip. Nevertheless, Pie 'n Burger has earned its reputation as a local favorite, serving up comfort food with classic charm.
If you find yourself in Pasadena, Pie 'n Burger is definitely worth a visit for a taste of American diner nostalgia and a satisfying meal that will transport you to simpler times. Whether you're in the mood for their famous Rhubarb Pie À la Mode, a hearty Hamburger Combo, or a mouthwatering Patty Melt, Pie 'n Burger delivers on its promise of timeless comfort food that warms both the stomach...
Read moreHonestly wish I had taken a picture, but in the moment I was just so upset and trying to keep my cool. I went here years ago as a first date with my ex and I loved the pie and the cozy atmosphere so much that I recommended to go there with my sister. We were in the area and I told her about how great this place was. When we walked we sat at the little bar table area facing the cooks and the older man was glaring at us. I immediately thought had done something wrong as it had been a while maybe we were supposed to wait to be seated and I forgot.
Then the waitress came and greeted us and asked for our order. She was actually quite sweet and so I assumed maybe I just misunderstood. I give the service two stars instead of one for her sake. However the entire time we sat waiting for our order, that one cook kept glaring at us. We felt so uncomfortable we barely even spoke to each other. I feel at this point I should mention we are the only black people in the entire place. Which at first I didn’t assume this was about that. But when we were served our food, I realized there was something going on.
Our burger made by the second cook was fine but the chilli-cheese fries we ordered, had a slice of cheese on top that was completely solid. Just a solid slice not melted or anything. I was confused and normally I really don’t like making a request or complaint if I can help it but really I couldn’t eat it like that. We politely waved over the waitress and asked if we could have the cheese melted. She looked very confused aswell and I had to explain that we had unmelted cheese. Then she said out loud looking over the cook “oh I’m sorry the cheese is supposed to be melted” she didn’t really say thing else then said she would take our plate. Since we could literally see the cooks from where we were sitting I watched her say something to him. And he scowled and grabbed a scoop of chili from the pot and aggressively dumped it on top of our plate. She stood there looking like she was going to say something then hesitated. He shrugged at her and waved her away. She brought the plate that was now overflowing with chili back over to us.
I really couldn’t believe what I just saw and I just looked over at my sister. She said calmly that we didn’t ask for more chili, we asked for the cheese to be melted, but if that was an issue then we would just take a return. She very quickly agreed to return cost of the chilli fries and we also asked for our pies that we ordered to go. As we really couldn’t bear to be there any longer. The man sitting next to us and pretty much everyone else witnessed this whole ordeal. The rest of the time as we waited for the pies and payed our bill, the cook did not look at us again. She apologized for his behavior on the way out. My sister and I were on the verge on tears as the whole experience was not only disturbing but really very humiliating. This man whoever he is, should be fired if he thinks it’s okay to discriminate against two black girls and humiliate them publicly, this is Pasadena for...
Read moreI was very excited to try this restaurant after seeing it on YouTube (Food Insider and The Try Guys). Drove 40 minutes just to visit this place. Ordered a beef cheeseburger, chocolate milkshake, fries, and apple pie for dessert. The milkshake was solid. But the burger and pie was just ok. It was not bad by any means but it wasn't as good as I expected because Food Insider hyped this place up as the best cheeseburger in LA.
When it came time for the checkout I was told that this is a cash only restaurant which annoyed me right off the bat but I didn't say anything because there are other places that have this policy as well. I ordered 4 slices of pie to go because I wanted to try out different flavors. Got the pies and came home.
When I opened the bag, I realized I only got 3 slices of pie. Confused, I called the restaurant to see whats going on and I wondered if I accidentally only put in an order for 3 slices instead of 4. Turns out I did correctly order 4 slices but they made a mistake and only put in 3 slices but I was still charged for 4 slices of pie. I requested they give me a refund for the one slice of pie I didn't get.
I was told that I would need to come back to the restaurant IN PERSON to get the refund in cash or if I come back as a customer I can get a free slice of pie. I explained that I lived quite far away and I also may be moving soon (which is true, I am tentatively waiting on a job offer from a different state) so my visit would probably be the first and last time at the restaurant. So I asked if they could send me the money electronically with Venmo or something and they still said no because they have a cash only policy.
Needless to say, I was beyond annoyed. I just gave up and hung up the phone. The pie is only $6 per slice so it doesn't break my bank or anything. But its the whole principle that is so upsetting for me. I feel like I have been robbed of my money which is essentially what happened. You expect me to drive all the way over to you guys again which is almost a 1.5 hour drive round trip just to get a $6 refund? It'll cost more for the gas to drive there. Very...
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