- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
1886
- Hours:
Tue-Thu, Sun 5 pm - 1 am
Fri-Sat 5 pm - 2 am
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Good for Groups:
- No
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Classy, Intimate
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
64 reviews for 1886
64 reviews in English
-
Review from Jenn K.
Pasadena, CA
1/30/2012
Dreamy little place for artisanal cocktails thematically inspired by the year 1886, when the building was constructed. Tin ceilings and a charming ivy-covered outdoor patio, relatively inexpensive bar treats and creative bartenders make for a pleasant evening of indulgence with a few friends.
If you're feeling adventurous, ignore the menu and ask the bartender to make you something special. I have no idea what they served me, but it was delicious and a beautiful creamy purple. -
Review from Ann N.
5/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
Word on the street is this place is good, but I thought the food and service was just A-OK. It is located off-the-beaten path on Fair Oaks on the quieter side. The restaurant seems like a house. Walked in on a Saturday night and sat in the patio area of 1886 Bar for dinner and drinks.
Food ordered were:
01. Ham & Cheese Croquettes (off bar menu)
02. Pork Belly, Cured, Pressed and Crisped ($13, off bar menu) for 2-pieces
Barrel aged maple-bourbon, apple, celery and chili
03. Pekin Duck Breast ($32) - off full menu
Potato-butter emulsion, petite bok choy, crispy oyster mushrooms
Ordered 1 cocktail and 1 beer... can't remember the name at the moment.
The food was cooked nicely, but it wasn't memorable. Service was slow and at times, I felt like we were forgotten cause we're in the patio area and the large group next to us was getting the VIP treatment even though they arrived after us. The food took quite a long time to arrive at our table.
TIPS
- Look for the large string lit tree and you'll find The Raymond cause Google Maps directions will throw you off.
- Valet parking is $4 or $6... I can't remember exactly
- 1886 Bar is super small. The patio area has 3 tables with seats. -
Review from Joy M.
Covina, CA
Review for Happy Hour only. The bar is attached to the back of the Raymond Restaurant. Happy Hour M-F 4 to 7pm. They usually feature 2 cocktails (bartender's choice), a white & red wine, couple of beers and several food items for happy hour.
I tried:
1) Barbados Punch ($7) = rum, pineapple juice, lime, & cherry bitters. All their cocktails are hand crafted which is always a plus.
2) papadums with muhammara ($4) = muhammara was good, but thought it could have used more spice. Papadum was airy & light.
3) Bittersweet Farewell ($12, not on HH menu) = London dry gin, homemade passion fruit syrup, lemon juice, campari with flaming garnish. The passion fruit really brought out the drink. Only complaint was that the cocktail came in a small glass (same size as HH cocktails) which was very disappointing considering it was $12.
The bar interior/ambiance is nice although there are no actual seats in the bar. Also there was only 1 server & bartender so service can be quite slow. -
Review from Andre N.
4/8/2012 1 Check-in Here
Nice little hidden treasure that is part of the Raymond Restaurant. I never been to the Raymond and thus had never known about 1886. First off, its kind of hidden, so hopefully you have a good gps to find it. You can park in the 4 dollar valet, but if you want to save money or don't care about impressing your date you can park on Fair Oaks or by the gate past the valet.
After parking you have to follow a trail to the back of the restaurant where theres both an indoor/outdoor area where there is not enough room for a small intimate date or a large group (which we were).
Drinks are on the pricey side, but a real good size and mixed well. Just ordered your regular black and cokes. They also have specialty drinks which my friends said are good, but I wasn't feeling too adventurous nor too fruity. Also had their tots, which can be quite addicting, because you cant just have one.
Anyways want to try it again, maybe impress a lady friend and such. -
Review from Tracey W.
This bar was recommended by the bartender at Tony's Dart Away in Burbank, so my girl friends and I decided to make a stop at 1886 for a girls night. It's a very small, but cute little bar that's attached to the Raymond Restaurant in Pasadena. Lighting is very dim and romantic, which is probably why everyone there was paired off (aka on a date).
The cocktail menu changes by season. The drinks that we read on yelp weren't offered when we went because it was their winter menu. The Prims Cup No. 2 was very refreshing and not too strong tasting. I would definitely get this one again if they have it. My other friend ordered the hot chocolate with ancho chilies & tequila with homemade marshmallow. It was really sweet, chocolatey and thick. You couldn't really taste the alcohol, which is a plus in my book.
Overall, it's a good place to bring a date. The cocktails are good. The bartender is friendly and the waiter is helpful. -
Review from Renee T.
Alhambra, CA
5/10/2012
If you are interested in the mixologist movement and appreciate the finer tastes of herbs and fruit in your spirits this is a hidden local find. The Raymond appears closed but don't be deceived its bar is open til late in the evening. The ambiance is mellow and gives the feel of a by gone era because of the construction. There is outdoor seating with low quaint wooden tables, very rustic but with a discreet modern twist. Loved it especially since there aren't any bars open past ten in South Pasadena.
-
Review from Johnny W.
3/14/2012
In my quest for a bar that served up quality artisan cocktails during my last SoCal visit, I came across 1886 (strangely, one of the few of its kind in the area, unless I searched wrong). Having finally found a locale, I eventually met up with a high school friend that I hadn't seen in almost a decade, along with her new fiance.
Sadly, I no longer remember what I ordered, but the two cocktails I got were both excellent. Something a bit more simple and smoky, and something fruity, smokey, and spicy. If I had to categorize, most of their cocktails very neatly fall under the umbrella of Prohibition-style drinks, focusing on your darker liquors - the name of the bar certainly backs this theory too.
Despite having gone on an off-night, the bar inside was still quite crowded, so we took our business into the much larger patio area outside, which had a few overhead heaters scattered about. Unfortunately, these only helped if you were directly under them, as the cold outside was still too overwhelming if you sat anywhere else. So, either dress warm, drink more, or come during warmer weather if you're not a fan of crowds.Listed in: Favorite Watering Holes (SoCal…
-
Review from andrew g.
4/1/2012
This is a fun little spot, tucked away behind the Raymond with a classic, darkish Pasadena period interior.
I met up with a friend who is a regular here and he did the ordering so I'm only slighly aware of what we drank, but it was all good and creative mixology. Involving flames, muddles, dramatic pours and bartender bravado. I'm down.
It was pretty crowded but way easier to get into than a downtown or Silverlake place, so I think I'll be back. A good place to have a conversation with someone special while slowly getting wasted on vibrant, complex flavors.
The food menu looks good and creative as well, but I was personally lost by the proscuitto/jalapeno concoction one of our party ordered. -
Review from Steven W.
Irvine, CA
4/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
Only been there once, kind of hard to find because it is inside the Raymond restaurant and even that place is hard to find at night because it looks like a house. Once there I got to say the bartenders know their stuff. Mixed drinks are so handcrafted like WOW! If I'm ever in the craving for a well made drink I will DEFINITELY come here.
-
Review from Ryan A.
Pasadena, CA
3/31/2012 2 Check-ins Here
The drinks and appetizers here are perfecto. The bartenders will inform you of the drinks you're about to order. Whether is scotch or wine, they all know their stuff. And if you're unsure of what you'd like, simply ask for a sample and they'll be more than happy to oblige. From my experience, the staff are very welcoming, very helpful, and great. As a start, order the MEDICINA LATINA, a mezcal cocktail (it won't be on the menu, but trust me, they'll have it :) and you won't regret it).
-
Review from Brian U.
Sylmar, CA
1/30/2012
This was my second visit. The first was early December 2010 shortly after they opened. Of the specialty cocktails, they were out of two of them. From the cocktail menu, we ended up having the brightly spicy Pimms Cup #2 and a more straight-forward Manhattan. The drinks were less adventurous than before where they used to do crazy things like make an Old Fashioned with peanut butter. I like the less crazy cocktails better. The cocktail menu is different between The Raymond and 1886.
I hoped to have my favorite quail appetizer that is like eating baby fried chicken, but it wasn't on the menu this time. Instead we had potato tots. That's right. Deep fried shredded potatoes formed into a cylinder. It was low-brow, but good. On my first visit, the pork belly and foie gras were good, but not great like the fried quail. The prosciutto with ricotta and the octopus were bland.
Appropriate to its "speakeasy" décor, the entrance to 1886 is a bit of a puzzle. Either walk to the back of the house through a rear courtyard or go through the small front door and walk past diners at The Raymond to get to the 1886 bar. -
Review from Cat B.
2/19/2012
Went here tonight after dinner for a birthday drink. This place is incredibly tiny; I suggest going with only 2 other people at most (so a group of 3 total).
They have a little room on the side, with 2 tables for the bar overflow. It kind of feels like the kiddie tables at Thanksgiving...
ONTO THE DRINKS!
I wasn't too interested in their specials for that night (they all had some kind of hot or smoky thing going on. I just wanted something fresh and cold,) so I asked the waitress to tell the bartender to fix me up somethin' different. I told her any alcohol is fine, and I generally lean toward fresh/citrus/fruit flavors.
He made me something AWESOME. I think she said it was called a "Rumble" ? It was crushed blackberries, rum, simple syrup, (something else, I forget) and on top, was a big ol' scoop of crushed ice. It was like a grown up snow-cone. Only downside was, ...it was mostly ice. There was probably, at most, 2-3oz of liquid in the glass.
The boyfriend ordered a Creole cocktail. It was lovely, complex, and smooth.
We both really appreciate the care and craft that these bartenders put into their concoctions, but for two small drinks, $26 was way too expensive for us to be able to afford to casually swing by here once in awhile. -
Review from Anita i.
12/29/2011
tucked away in the back of this cozy little homey abode, you'll find a dark candle lit bar with some mean drinks. By the time we arrived it was pretty packed, but the space is teeny tiny. There were about 4 small tables and two long tables enough for 6 people each. Since it was so packed, we started our late evening at the dining tables in the room next door. This would only happen because the restaurant itself was closed already as it was pretty late. There's a fireplace on the patio outside which i love. Any reason to cozy up next to the fire is my kinda spot, unfortunately it was already taken so we opted for the dining room table. Ordered drinks and snagged a table inside after a small party left, score!
I must say, the drinks are strong, or maybe it was just mine, but really who's to complain? It tasted like scotch on the rocks literally, but after a few sips i really started to enjoy it. I don't remember the name as it wasn't on the menu, but it had applejack scotch, brown sugar, & orange bitters. I kept yawning the entire night and the candles didn't help me much either.. sadly, I just kept getting sleepier and sleepier, but it's probably because we also had a bottle of vino during dinner. I keep telling myself that vino and whiskey just never mix well for me, but do I ever listen? no, because first of all, how can you say no to vino? and secondly, you just can say no to crafty well made drinks! Thinking about 1886 just makes me want to fall asleep happily with my empty glass and bitter still in my hand...
w h a t i d i g
its got a very comfy feel... perfect for couples who want to cuddle, which I saw a lot of. I recommend going with just one person, and not a group like i did! -
Review from Marcin M.
1/30/2012
Phenomenal cocktail bar attached to the Raymond Restaurant. You've probably driven by this place along Fair Oaks and never realized that a seemingly charming house is actual a restaurant and bar.
The cocktail bar is definitely upscale and the drink prices match that vibe. The cocktails are very unique, well made and start around $12 a pop. I'm not sure how often the menu changes as the cocktail menu was the same as it was when I first visited this place about a couple of months ago.
The bar isn't huge so I wouldn't come with a huge group; I would stick with 4-6 max.
I like that despite the upscale nature of the place it maintains a very casual vibe inside the bar. No one is sticking their nose up at you here. And the last time I was here the music was great -- an eclectic mix that seemed like it could have come off of my playlist.
I've been on a weeknight and on a weekend and have been able to score seating inside the bar each time. I may have gotten lucky but this doesn't strike me as a place that gets ridiculously busy. That may change though as word circulates about the cocktail menu.
In the running for "my bar" classification. -
Review from Patrick M.
Arcadia, CA
1/29/2012
It's been a very long time since I've been to the Raymond restaurant. A bit gunshy, we decided to have a drink at the bar. The bartender quickly announced that they had no cocktail waitress this night so we'd have to order from the bar. It was Sunday night and they weren't too busy. I would have thought that for $16 drinks he could have torn himself away from chatting with the other staff to actually come three steps to our table. We called out our order loudly and he asked for a credit card to open a tab. Really???? Am I at a sports bar?
Soon the manager was discussing next weeks schedule with the "busy" bartender. Can't we enjoy the ambiance? Guess not....
The appetizer came but only one side plate for the two of us.
I closed my "tab" because it is time to move on for good.
The ambiance is probably a five but everything else really pulls this place down. I have been here 5 times since my first visit in june of 1990.
I can't get myself to come back after this. -
Review from Prianna A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/8/2012
My friend and I came here during happy hour after a long day of museum-visiting. The drinks were delicious - we had the daily special cocktails ($7 bucks each for a lovingly prepared/handcrafted concoction of the mixologist's choice), which were a gin gimlet and a 'bahama punch'. My friend also tried their Manhattan - it was classic! Strong rye, a splash of vermouth, a dash of bitters, and a cherry in a frosty glass package.
The best thing about this place, though, was the service and the ambiance. The wood paneled walls and the old fashioned bar were complemented by our fantastic and phenomenally dressed waitress. She was prompt with our orders, refilled our waters without having to be asked, and even recommended a few places for dinner. -
Review from Daniella M.
Chino Hills, CA
4/4/2012
Two words: Holland Daze.
-
Review from Joe D.
Covina, CA
1/22/2012
1886 is a great bar in The Raymond Restaurant. It can be a little tricky to find if you're not a local, just park along Fair Oaks Ave, walk and look for pedestrian traffic.
1886 is not for the patron looking to get a cheap drink (I.e. jack and coke), these bartenders make artisan cocktails, mixologist unite. You'll pay extra but it's worth the quality. The best time to go is Monday thru Wednesday to get a seat otherwise you'll be fending off locals for a seat. Come here if you like a nice hand made cocktail and stay home if you want a cheap drink and a quick buzz. -
Review from Melodi R.
What a cool little bar! I'm not sure how many people come to 1886 without dining at Raymond's (like we did), but I'd come back just to have Lacy create another cocktail fir me! It feels old.
The backlit bottles of whiskeys and bourbons cast a warm light.
The drinks go down smooth (that's a warning).Listed in: Eagle ROCK!, CA
-
Review from Forrest D.
South Pasadena, CA
11/28/2011
1886 is a pleasant surprise in the staid confines of the area. Where the food at the adjacent Raymond is anything but adventurous, the drinks served in this delightful little speakeasy are wonderfully unique and delicious. It's like Willy Wonka's cocktail factory for the well heeled if Willy was an alcoholic instead of a chocoholic. Even the tiny little room is fabulously cool. You'll also need a thick wallet to get your drink on here. This is not for penny pinchers or the food stamp set, chances are you'll need to sell a kidney to get good and faded here. Which is also the one real issue here, you'll have to party with the 1% and they don't seem all that fun.
Even so, one taste of the fabulous cocktail list is enough to spend the evening listening the the blabbering incoherence of the nearest Rush Limbaugh wannabe on the stool next to you. There's a nice patio to escape to, except it's full of more Rush clones.
Chin Chin is a peppery bourbon drink with ginger, syrup apple juice, cinnamon and Indonesian long peppers. It's spicy and cool and utterly different.
Indian Summer is tequila with watermelon juice, cilantro, jalapeno and chili salt. It's hot and strangely addicting.
Malted Mule was my favorite: mulitple rums, gingersnap ice cream, barley malt syrup and ginger ale. One of the coolest drinks I've had the pleasure of drinking.
There are plenty more to try too, but be warned. The cost of admission per drink is more than the price of an entree at Applebees (I think, I've never actually eaten there), but if you've got a fat welfare check, this is a grand place to drink your troubles away.
Best Drinks: Malted Mule, Chin Chin, Indian Summer
Drinks - A+
Ambience - A
Service - B
Value - CListed in: Bowing down to the Porcelien…
-
Review from Eric K.
Pasadena, CA
3/25/2012
Love this place. Feels like a speak-easy. Mixed drinks are amazing... the home made connections are fun to try. Wine list is fair.
Very small bar joint in the back of the fantastic Raymonds. -
Review from Nanette T.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2011 1 Check-in Here
I'm not going to write a longwinded review - So I'll give you the cliffs notes version.
This place has a great ambience, bartenders that truly know the craft of creating a well rounded drink, speak easy feel, and a more sophisticated 30 something crowd.
The Indian summer is my drink of choice, the hint of jalapeño blends well.
The only suggestion that I would make would be regarding the music selection. The same CD was on repeat the entire time I was there. Someone, anyone, place your iPod on shuffle!
I'm not a fan of Pasadena night life, however I will going back to 1886. -
Review from Paul M.
9/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I've been whining for years about how there is no decent cocktail lounge in Pasadena; wine bars, for sure, pubs you bet, but a decent cocktail lounge? May as well hop on the 110 and drive to Downtown.
1886 has true cocktail cred: hand-crafted syrups, at least one BARREL AGED cocktail (how sick is that?), outlandish bitters, the usual array of mixologist accouterments (you know the drill: the whole Victorian apothecary/German Expressionist motif, complete with beaker, pipettes and maybe a Tesla coil tossed in for good measure).
But what I LOVE about 1886 is the lack of pretentiousness that is usually par for the course at these sorts of affairs. The bartenders don't pretend like their concoctions are going to cure cancer; sure they take their time and have the requisite flair, but instead of the intense scowls we have come to expect from our "mixologists," they smile pleasantly and engage the patrons in pleasant banter. You know, like bartenders are SUPPOSED to. None of this "stay behind the white line while the artistes are at work" flimflam like at the insufferable Varnish and the like.
Anyway, a place this tiny just can't get five stars. I really wish it could, because the quality of the cocktails and the pleasantness of the staff deserve it, but it just cannot be a five star establishment when it's, in essence, a very large dollhouse.
We all know that establishments make most of their profits on the alcohol, so why not take over some of the Raymond restaurant space to give the bar patrons a little more breathing room. Besides, all those dowager duchesses who seem so fond of the Raymond can always hike up their sable furs and sashay to somewhere like the Beckam Grill or something. Make room for the New Generation of Pasadena, and the New Generation is more 1886 and less Raymond Restaurant. -
Review from Nicole C.
La Crescenta, CA
8/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Deep in the heart of South Pasadena lies a tiny little bar in the back room of a Restaurant. Dim lighting and wood galore, you walk past the few tables inside towards the back of the room. There, hidden behind a group of eager, thirsty patrons lies the bar. It's quaint and classic; reminiscent of the past. Only two bartenders on a Saturday night which gives you the time to find a cozy seat and start a good conversation while the adorable cocktail waitress in cats eye glasses brings over your drink.
On one of the softly lit patios, we sipped our meticulously crafted cocktails. My cocktail of choice is the Sazerac Cocktail. Knowing that Marcos created the menu and trained the barmen gave me great confidence in ordering it here. My instinct was correct. The ingredients were perfectly mixed in the correct proportions and the flavor was exactly what I wanted. Next I tried the Zombie cocktail. Not usually a fan of sweet drinks, this one changed my mind. Sweet and fruity, but not overly so, this quickly became one of my new favorite drinks.
As an act of defiance towards my diet, we ordered the slider with french fries and the home-made potato chips and onion dip. The burger was prepared perfectly and the fries were the same. Now, I urge anyone who comes here to order the potato chips. They were probably the best I've ever had. Perfectly cooked and seasoned with a bit of lime or lemon, they stood their own even without the dip.
A bit tucked away and difficult to find, but completely well worth the trip. This little gem is my new hideaway. -
Review from Derek W.
Valencia, CA
We arrived here at 10:00 p.m. and from the outside, we thought we showed up to the wrong because there was nobody outside and i didn't hear any noise; however, there were a lot of cars in the parking lot. So when we got out, we walked around towards the back and we knew we were in the right spot, since the place was completely packed.
When we walked up to the bar, the bartenders were really friendly and helpful. I didn't see a drink menu, but instead the bartenders asked what Spirits we like. As i'm explaining what i like, i see the other bartender taking an orange peel slice and holding a match under it over a drink. So inquired about the drink and ordered the "Therapist", as i place the order the waitress comes in with an order for another 5 of these, so this must be the hot drink of the night.
We came here with two other friends, each getting another drink. Sorry i don't recall the names other then the Indian Summer, which was refreshing
You can tell the bartenders know what they are you doing and enjoy what they are doing.
We were feeling a little snacky and ordered the mushrooms and the burger, the mushrooms are deep fried and served with an excellent dipping sauce. The burger is a little bigger then a slider, but full of flavor. Burger is not big enough to share, but the mushrooms are.
Next time i'm in pasadena, this will be a stop -
Review from Min T.
Los Angeles, CA
7/11/2011
It's pretty hard to get 5 stars from me but I had a completely great experience at 1886. After my dinner at the Raymond, I anticipated the opening of 1886 for months.
Then more months went by.
I finally checked it out a few weeks ago. It was too late for bar food which was too bad because I had hoped to erase the memory of the completely horrible dinner I had up the street.
Our bartender Garrett was knowledgeable and has over 10 years of bartending experience at a nearby local chain. Most craft bartenders won't admit to that but I think it builds character.
There are no stools at the bar but they allowed us to stand since all the seats were taken in the room. You may also enjoy your drinks on the patio.
I didn't try any of the cocktails on the list but they're changing them out soon anyway. No, go ahead and order a custom cocktail- a bartender's choice or aka "bespoke" cocktails with a spirit of your choice. Garrett made a great Creole cocktail for me with rye that I loved.
1886 is purportedly haunted but none of the bartenders, barback and manager would admit to that to me.
Bonus- 1886 has a huge bourbon collection. -
Review from Grace J.
South Pasadena, CA
9/7/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Love the atmosphere and cocktails, but a little on the pricey side and you need to order your drinks at the bar.
Behind the raymond restaurant. Park on fair oaks if you can't find parking inside! -
Review from Kristina R.
Los Angeles, CA
6/30/2011
This charming retro speakeasy bar has become my favorite locale for drinks in the entire Pasadena/ South Pas/ Eagle Rock area!
It is in the back of the upscale Raymond Restaurant on Fair Oaks, and the entrance to the bar is partially hidden through frosted glass and wood doors. Once you slide open those doors, you will feel that you have walked back through time to a Pasadena that existed 100 years ago.
Not only is the room decor classic turn of the century Craftsman with original wood windows, a tin ceiling and various collectibles from that bygone era, there also is a outdoor patio attached that is completely shaded by a profusion of vines overhead that makes you feel so protected from the outside modern world.
I LOVE that this type of bar has come back into fashion: if you like the Roosevelt Library bar, the Edison, Villains, Seven Grand and Harvard and State, you will LOVE this place.
The bartenders, Danny and Greg, were wonderful. The liquor selection is huge and filled with obscure bottles that look as if they were actually from the speakeasy days. There are also a variety of handmade juices and everything you can think of to create both retro classics and original drinks. These bartenders really know their stuff!
Danny took such care and precision when making our cocktails and had all sorts of interesting suggestions for our next rounds. I would highly recommend the Strawberry Fizz, the Eastsider and a twist on the Brandy Alexander. Also, the music was perfect: classic indie rock, which somehow fit perfectly with the atmosphere.
There is a bar menu that has both unusual and well know offerings:(both foie gras as well as a burger and tater tots).
This place is not cheap, but it is absolutely perfect for a romantic night or if you want a relaxing evening of talk with good friends. Truly a special place that will become a regular destination. -
Review from Angela W.
Chino, CA
2/7/2012 1 Check-in Here
I would come back here again. It's a really small space but I like how intimate and quiet it is compared to a "normal" bar. The bartenders really do take their time to make their drinks. I had one of the seasonal drinks what had pistachio in it (forgot the name..) and the person I was with had sazerac. I was slightly disappointed at how my drink didn't taste like pistachio since I was asked if I was allergic to nuts b/c there's a lot of it, but I guess pistachio doesn't really have a strong flavor anyways. It was on the citrus-y side. I did, however, LOVED the sazerac. So apparently one of the ingredients is mixed in normally but here, they spray it. You get the aroma as you drink it and I love the aftertaste in the throat. On top of that, you have a cute bartender who has an accent, what girl doesn't like that?
-
Review from Annie J.
I'm kind of in love with this place. The drinks are amazing and old-timey. Try the Fish House Punch, a favorite of George Washington. If you're looking for something really pretty (but not too sweet), I recommend the Crushed Strawberry Fizz (fresh strawberry syrup, gin, lemon, and egg white).
The inside of the bar is dark and lovely. But I'm partial to the small outside patio, which has a very laid back vibe, and is perfect for lazy summer nights. And they have heat lamps!
The only thing a little weird about 1886 is that it is attached to the Raymond Restaurant which seems to attract a much older and stuffier crowd. Just ignore them! In fact, ignore everyone. Sit out on the patio, drink your Fish House Punch and pretend you're in 1920s Pasadena. And don't forget to raise a glass to Henry E. Huntington!Listed in: Pasadena Favorites
-
Review from Anthony C.
Pasadena, CA
1886 is a great little spot! It's tucked behind the Raymond restaurant which gives it a speak easy vibe. The drink selection amazing and the care that goes into the presentation is unbelievable, they bartenders truly take pride in the cocktails and are very knowledgeable. 1886 also offers some delicious snacks to accompany your cocktail (I opted for the tater tots and smokey ketchup).
The actual bar can be a little dark but I wouldn't change that, it adds to the whole vibe.If it's to dark for you there's a great outdoor patio with shutters that open to the bar.
All in all... this is a must visit! -
Review from Lovey O.
Spokane, WA
8/3/2011
The invite: "I'd love to do shots with you...if you have time?" The reply: "Shots? I'll make time!"
I wanted to do HH in Pasadena. Unfortunately for me, I get off work at 6 and HH ends at 7. A few of us made it just in the nick of time. 3 minutes to get in our orders. We chose drinks off of the HH menu. Not much selection, but we made due. A couple of us had the London Fog (gin based and slightly citrusy, if I recall correctly?) and another had the champagne punch. Drinks are stronger than usual, but not unusually so.
For snackies, we had tater tots with spicy ketchup (the spice is from an unpleasant kick in the after taste) and muhamara with crispy chips. I thought Momed created the muhamara, I guess not? I had to try this version to compare, Momed's is still better.
The place filled up as the night went on. It's an older crowd, the kind that act and dress younger than they are? Yeah. Three tables constitute "outdoor seating," and parking can be tough. There is a small lot for like 8 spaces outside of the bar. Otherwise, park on the bridge or in residential and walk it. -
Review from Tim B.
12/5/2011
I am a sucka for good booze. This place has it. The food is appealing in print, but less than satisfying in actuality. 1886 is for drink. Great atmosphere, though perhaps a little too crowded for an enjoyable evening on the weekends. Pick a weekday, plunk down, order at whim, sip and repeat until thoroughly inebriated.
-
Review from Andrew T.
San Gabriel, CA
7/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Finally, something decent in Pasadena.
Came here around 10PM on a Saturday night and was lucky enough to grab the last table outside. Ordered an Ursulines Breakfast Cocktail, Foie Gras Torchon, Croquettes, and the Squid. I think most people come here for the drinks, and the one I had was delicious.
The food was solid. Nothing spectacular, but I thought it was a decent value, as the portions for this kind of food were on the large side. If you ordered the same kinds of things at somewhere like Wood & Vine, you'd probably get 1/3 of the food. 3 orders was too much for me and my companion, and this was our dinner - granted, neither of us are big eaters.
No offense to the bartender, but he looks like he would kind of be a dick; but he's not! He was actually really friendly and helpful, and even personally brought our drinks out and made sure we were situated alright. All the waiters/waitresses were great as well.
I will definitely come back, particularly for drinks. The space is nice, the drinks and service are great, and the food is good enough. -
Review from Amy W.
It was a bit confusing at first, but after spending a whole night chatting up the bartenders and getting a bit tipsy from the old-fashioned cocktails, it's all so clear now. I think I've only used this term once before, but this bar is truly a hidden gem. I actually went to The Raymond for dinner with some girlfriends, and had no idea there was a bar inside. After dinner, we decided to chat longer so headed into it.
Walking in, it really felt like you were being time warped to the prohibition era. The ceilings are a bit low, and it's all dark wood, with very dim lighting. The entire bar space is literally a small rectangle, with the most light and focus on the bar. Makes sense, because seriously, that's where the magic happens.
These guys really know their alcohol, and can recommend the best drinks with just a few comments from you. For example, I told Greg, one of our fabulous bartenders, that I really only like to drink wine and if I do drink heavier, then MaCallan on the rocks. He literally shook up one of the best old-fashioned cocktails I've ever had called the Whiskey Smash. Yea, ask for it, you won't regret it. Greg concocted an Eastside Cucumber for my friend, and it was equally tasty and refreshing. I don't normally enjoy cocktails, because of the sweet factor, but these were perfect. They taste so good that you can easily drink more than you can probably handle. Don't say I didn't warn ya.
So, I decided to get the low down from Danny, the other equally fabulous bartender. So apparently, on top of their own highly experienced bartending skills, they were also trained by the guys that did the Edison, Seven Grand and Varnish. It's all making sense now, right? 1886 has only been open for a few months, but it was a happening place to be even on a Thursday night. Go in for the simplicity and deliciousness of the cocktails, but, trust me, you'll keep going back because of the generous hospitality of the bartenders. -
Review from nazar b.
Los Angeles, CA
7/18/2011
The short version:
if you do not live in the very close proximity, skip this place.
The long version:
This place is difficult to find. You have to follow the sign that reads "restaurant this way" then it's the abandoned looking house with lights. Yes, there are no signs that say "The Raymond Restaurant" or "1886" bar. No signs ANYWHERE.
Once inside, I asked one of the waiters with the Australian accent if this was 1886 he said yes.
I told him "this place was hard to find yo",
his response: "didn't you see the 'restaurant this way' sign?"
Yes, please forgive me, for I do not automatically associate "restaurant" with "The Raymond Restaurant". Because in Pasadena multiple restaurants do not come in close proximity of each other.
Anyway. Place is small. There is a small fireplace out front. There were regular plastic chairs in front of it. 6 ppl huddled around it.
Inside, VERY tiny. It was dead on Saturday evening.
Drinks were pricy, but were a little novel.
I would NOT come back here. The place was dead. Difficult to find. There are better places out there. -
Review from James F.
Los Angeles, CA
5/8/2011
Fantastic!
My wife and I drove from Hollywood to try this place out. Since it is so far away I made sure I drank an Old-Fashioned while we got ready so she would have to drive. It worked.
When we arrived and found the bar I knew we were in a good place. The vibe is the exact opposite of clubby. The space feels very adult and classy with no techno or pretensions. The bartenders(I forgot their names) greeted us quickly and made small talk while we decided.
I went for the Fish House punch and My wife had the Honeymoon. One bartender made our drinks while the other one talked mixology history with us.
My punch was long and strong but magically smooth, layered with fleshy fruit notes and a wonderful spice nose from the nutmeg and brandy. My wife's cocktail was gentle but complex with the Applejack balancing itself with citric and savory sweet notes.
We sat at a comfortable table. She did not have hooks to hang her purse from. This is the only criticism I can coax from 1886.
I finished up with a PERFECTLY made Aviation. This drink is simple but so easy to mess up and get out of whack. The barkeep killed it, 100% spot on, good show, huzzah huzzah, etc.
Drinks are on the pricey side but since they are made perfectly it's worth it. An extra 3 bucks or so is the toll you pay to have things done right.
Parking is a breeze. -
Review from Joseph S.
11/2/2011 2 photos
1886 is awesome.
i love that 1886 is faaar away from the lame ass old town pasadena bars. this spot is behind the raymond restaurant in south pasadena so it might take a little asking around. once you find it, you feel like you're in some secluded log cabin, with hand crafted cocktails and tasty small plates at your disposal.
the service here is great. i was midway drinking through my "indian summer" cocktail, and the bartender comes up to the table with the same drink and handed it to me. he apologized because he forgot to muddle the jalapeno in my drink. good man.
the pork belly and the tempura fried mushrooms are pretty tasty.
valet is $3, but if you get there early enough for happy hour, you can park on the bridge for free.99. -
Review from RoLee R.
Pasadena, CA
8/10/2011
Came here once, a few months after they opened in late 2010.
The bar is located in a the back of The Raymond Restaurant, which is housed in a... craftsman styled house. No really, other than one sign in the front for The Raymond, there is no indication as to where the front of the restaurant is, and to get to the bar you sort of have to just plow through the closed restaurant or you must walk around the back through the patio. Sort of makes it feel like a secret only you're privvy to. If you really feel the need to bitch about how hard the bar is to find, you probably should go hang out at one of the many easy-to-find crap bars located over a ways on Colorado Blvd. Quit yo whining.
The bar is named after the year the house was built, so the history associated with it renders the pre-prohibition atmosphere of the bar UNpretentious. As in, it feels authentic.
Oh, the drinks are really good.
Yay, a decent bar in Pasadena! -
Review from Richard T.
Malibu, CA
5/5/2011
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR BEING IN PASADENA.
Seriously. My biggest gripe with LA is the traffic. I hate it. When I'm staying in Pasadena, I don't want to have to drive to DTLA for decent cocktails. Hollywood is out of the question as well because of the douchyness and, yes, the traffic.
Enter 1886..where you can get awesome cocktails for reasonable prices without the traffic and douchyness of the West side!
yay!
