The Original Tops — Restaurant in Sierra Madre

The Original Tops: A Timeless Beacon of Quality and Flavor in Pasadena

Since 1952, The Original Tops has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the Pasadena community, showcasing the remarkable potential of a neighborhood eatery that prioritizes quality, comfort, and an authentic connection with its patrons. This beloved establishment sprang from the visionary mind of Steve Bicos, who set out with a clear philosophy of "Quality Grub." Over the decades, The Original Tops has gracefully transitioned from a quaint, old-school coffee shop into a vibrant fast-food institution while meticulously preserving the warmth and genuine character that endeared it to generations of diners.

During a recent visit, my sister and I were excited to immerse ourselves in the culinary treasures contributing to this establishment's cherished status. Fresh from a flight from Las Vegas, my appetite for a quintessential LA experience led us straight to Tops, and I can confidently say it did not disappoint.

The restaurant's rich legacy and commitment to excellence were apparent from the very first bite. We kicked off our culinary adventure with the renowned TOPS Special: a 1/4 lb old-fashioned burger that has achieved iconic status. This burger is truly elevated by the addition of its legendary pastrami, which boasts a perfect balance of flavor and tenderness. Each mouthful was a delightful blend of perfectly seasoned meat, complemented by zesty mustard and creamy American cheese, creating an indulgent symphony of flavors that lingered on the palate long after the last bite. It wasn't just a burger but a masterpiece that encapsulated the heart and soul of LA comfort food.

Next up was the Patty Melt, a diner classic that Tops has perfected over the years. The patty, cooked to juicy perfection, sat between two slices of bread that were expertly toasted to golden-brown perfection. The grill's heat produced sweet caramelized onions that provided an irresistible depth to the dish, enhancing the beef's already robust flavors. The simplicity of this sandwich belied the complex interplay of flavors, making it one of the standout selections on their menu.

No visit to The Original Tops would be complete without indulging in their infamous Chili Cheese Fries—an offering undeniably deserves its reputation as a must-try. The signature chili was rich, robust, and savory, generously ladled over a heaping serving of crispy fries. Each fry was beautifully coated, allowing for a satisfying crunch that contrasted perfectly with the gooey, melt-in-your-mouth blend of jack and cheddar cheese that topped the dish. Even the "small" portion was delicious, enough for my sister and me to share.

To quench our thirst, I decided on the Orange Bang, a nostalgic and refreshing beverage that perfectly complemented our meal. Its creamy citrus flavor provided an ideal palate cleanser amid the array of savory offerings, bringing back fond memories of childhood treats and leaving me both satisfied and longing for more.

In a city that boasts an overwhelming array of culinary choices, The Original Tops stands as a testament to the best Pasadena's food culture offers. Its charm lies in its rich historical tapestry and inviting atmosphere and its remarkable ability to remain approachable while consistently delivering exceptional quality. For anyone seeking an authentic taste of LA classics, Tops is undeniably the ultimate destination in North LA—where tradition and flavor harmoniously converge in every...

I Love Tops!! I've been eating at this location since before I can remember. My parents took me here as a kid & even though I live in Orange County now, I still go to Tops often - almost Everytime I'm in the Pasadena area visiting friends, Fam or whatever.

Tops is a Go-To of mine that I'll take my kids to, when that time comes.

My favorites: ** Avocado Bacon cheeseburger ** Chili cheese fries (FYI! Unless you have more than 2-3 people eating the chili cheese fries, do not order a large size. Their small size is quite large!! I've eat'n a small order as my lunch once -when I was younger & didn't care as much what I ate) ** Any of their burritos. ** Especially their breakfast burritos! They're awesome. Best breakfast burritos (that I know of) within a 30 min drive radius. ** Their salads too. I don't eat their salads that often but when I do, they're big, filled w all kinds of different Goodies & the protein you choose definitely has good portions. *I can't go through aLLLL my favorites from their menu because then, I'd have to type half their menu here.

Just know this: Tops is always busy because it's soooo Delectable & they give great portions. It's worth the wait! Most anything you choose fr their menu will satisfy you, if not blow your mind with how good it is. A lot of their employees have been there for years & years (a good sign for many reasons). All my family & friends have been going here for all their/our lives... Another good sign. It's super easy to get to, Rt off the 210 Frwy on Colorado, between Rosemead & Michilinda. I've eaten breakfast, lunch & dinner here on the same day & was completely satisfied & happy with each meal & had awesome meals with different orders each meal... I was younger but still... ...Oh whatever. You get my point.

Tops is one of the BEST Fast Food spots. Not just in Pasadena but everywhere. Tops is uP there with In N Out, Chi Filet &any other fast food chain that actually serves REAL food without compromising quality for profit. Tops does it right.

If you haven't been, you are...

Anyone looking for flavorful food at a quality place, take a chance and stop by the Tops! You’ll never regret it!!

While visiting Pasadena, looking for a quality place to try out, my friend who ate there before highly recommended me to try it out. Taking a chance, I went and got recommended to tried out their Chili Cheese Fries, size: Small.

I was very impressed by the mouth watering aroma when the order was served, my first bite blew my mind away!! I love how the cheese blends very nicely with the spice-passionate chili on top of very finely made crispy fries, very tasty and fantastic! As a hobbyist food critic passionate about trying out the finest dishes at many restaurants and cafes, I’ve gain meaningful insight to make critiques on service quality, taste, presentation, and customer service. From the lovely treatment from staff to the best tasting chili cheese fries ever eaten, compared to 7 other fast food places, give this place a solid recommendation!!

The chefs and service staff are very well trained, collaborative, and approachable!! The entire restaurant is very well put together, the vibes reflect a solid 1980 diners theme, the staff work very well together and the food quality is off the charts!! Next time when you are visiting Pasadena or curious to try out something worthwhile, take a ride to the tops, one bike and like a top, your mouth with be spinning with aroma and flavors above...