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54 Holly - CLOSED
Category: Restaurants Breakfast & Brunch Breakfast & Brunch [Edit]
54 E Holly StPasadena, CA 91103
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 792-0506
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
35 reviews for 54 Holly
Review Highlights
-
"The fried rice dishes run 10 bucks." In 11 reviews -
"Very hospitable, nice and friendly service." In 4 reviews -
"Nicely done pancakes and all the basics." In 10 reviews
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35 reviews in English
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Review from Monica L.
Glendale, CA
3/2/2012
Never fear 54 Holly fans, Ernie & Irene are looking for a new location (rent was high at the last location).
I talked to Ernie this morning and he assured me that when they have the new location, they will let us know!! -
Review from Tati R.
10/17/2011
I went to meet my parents in Pasadena while they were visiting the outlaws (my sisters in-laws). The outlaw was running super late so by the time we got into the car she kept reminding us how late we were (her fault) and how breakfast had to be fast. Then she took us to a restaurant with a 30-45 minutes wait. The outlaw told us that Pasadena doesn't really have breakfast spots as it is more known for it nightlife. I am exhausted, please, help me.
We hopped back in the car and I spotted a sign--"Breakfast Served All Day." Score! We quickly parked, went inside and were met with a super friendly couple. The menu had normal breakfast items and I ordered the country breakfast which included tons of really fattening tasty items. The service was great having constant refills and making sure everything was going well. Also, everything was so efficient the outlaw no longer complained, amazing. That alone makes me love a place. -
Review from Deb T.
10/11/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I am so happy that little places like 54 exist. My boyfriend and I were talking down Holly looking for somewhere to eat that wouldn't cost us a fortune. Lo and behold we saw this place (and it was open) and we were surprised. There is such a wonderful feeling when you walk in (very homey). This place is not at all fancy, but its very clean and its is small. However, the food makes up for it! My boyfriend and I had breakfast for lunch and man were we full when we left! The bf had biscuits and gravey and he said they were really good and fresh; i had the pancakes and sausage and it was just as good. The best thing about my breakfast was the fresh squeezed orange juice (SO GOOD!)
All in all, we enjoyed out food and the gentlemen who served us was super friendly and hospitable. He is actually the nephew of the owner who has been in business for quite a few years. This place is a wonderful option if you are looking for good few without all of the hustle and bustle. Can't wait to go back!Listed in: Absolutely Delish!
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Review from Daniel P.
Pasadena, CA
1/31/2012
54 Holly is closed. They ripped the kitchen out so I'd say it's closed permanently.
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Review from Mishella I.
San Diego, CA
Small town diner that has the basic continental meals, sandwiches and surprisingly, Filipino breakfast such as longanisa and beef tapa.
The beef tapa is mediocre, nothing compared to authentic Filipino restaurants, of course. But the portions are quite satisfying. I requested for garlic rice, but unfortunately, it's not on the menu. (They're missing out!) Like I mentioned, it's just your typical diner that has a small portion of Filipino breakfast.
I appreciated the great and friendly service and would definitely come back to try the varieties on their menu. -
Review from Baer C.
Portland, OR
3/10/2011
Found this place, Ernie and Irene about 20 years ago. I now live in Portland, OR and if I'm anywhere near Pasadena (within 70 miles), I'm eating on Holly.
I was talking to a friend on cell, and he said he was up in Pasadena doing a job. I said, I know where you're eating lunch.
He walked in and told Ernie that Baer sent him. He laughed because Ernie said "You sit here" pointing to the counter seat I always sit in. "You have Vermicelli." Then dropped my large stoneware mug down full of coffee.
It was the best lunch Rob or I have ever had. It's great to send someone to a place that is not snobby, stuffy, or trendy. Just solid great food.
As for "pricey"; it's Old Town Pasadena people.... and shall we talk about gas prices instead? -
Review from Cindy P.
10/22/2010
My first devirginizing Filipino Breakfast experience was today at 54 Holly! Is it culturally insensitive of me that I never thought about trying Filipino breakfast? Well, my friend - who happens to be Filipino, opened the doors of breakfast knowledge expansion for me today. We actually came in for brunch. The place was rather empty, but it has the dive-diner-type feel to it. Nothing fancy-schmancy about this place. Their restroom light was a pull-string-light-bulb! Awesome. Cleanliness of the restroom? Not so awesome.
I had their breakfast with eggs over medium, spam, langonesas (Filipino sausages), and yummy chicken all over fried rice. All I have to say was that I was glad I had this for brunch. I'm not sure how I could have even tried to eat this first thing in the morning. This was definitely a hardy breakfast. It was tasty and a different experience. I didn't even finish it after my two cups of coffee, so the owner kindly gave us togo boxes. He was really nice and sweet. I like him. How do I know that he is the owner? His photos are all over the walls with famous people.
I was surprised when I got the bill - it was rather pricey for Asian food standards. With tax, tip, and all that jazz - our total was a little over $40. The concept of Filipino Breakfast was awesome! 54 Holly was okay. I might have to return again to give another round of reviews! -
Review from Sanjay P.
San Gabriel, CA
5/15/2011
Cons: Overpriced fare that is readily available at most places for 1/2 the price.
Pros: Friendly service and vintage feel. -
Review from jon i.
Alhambra, CA
3/26/2011 2 photos
Have to admit we ended up here after seeing Marston's line out the door.
Pro's: friendly service, quaint decor, varied menu, nice presentation, large, fluffy omelets.
Con's: food not as tasty as it looked and was definitely overpriced by a couple of dollars/item. -
Review from Nicole N.
North Hills, CA
1/8/2011
Came with my brother and his wife on their exploration. I was pleased with the prices annd I have never been to a breakfast chinese food fusion place. I was sad to see how empty it was because the service was great and the food was even better. I had french toast with eggs and hashbrowns yum!! what everone else ordered was good too the omlettes are great they serve it with fruit but not that nasty cantalope that other restaurants serve for breakfast have but like pears fresh bannana's pineapples ect.
Check this place out with friends date lunch whatever! -
Review from V T.
Culver City, CA
2/25/2012
Ernie / Irene. Please tell us where you are now. We made a special trip just to have Brian's favorite breakfast. We were so depressed to find your place closed. If you have relocated we are more then willing to drive where you are. Please please respond via Yelp. Brian and Vivian
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Review from Mimi C.
8/20/2010
This was one of the few diners open for bfast after the Pasadena marathon run... one of the few! Sigh...
The place has a vintage feel --- and my hubby and I sat at the counter because there were so many people. Ordered the pancakes... your normal flapjack pancakes...actually a little too flimsy for me.
I wasn't too impressed... probably could've eaten at Denny's and got the same fare for less. -
Review from Ryan A.
Pasadena, CA
10/11/2011
Ernie and his fam are great people who have been providing great diner food to Pasadena locals and tourists alike. His wall of photos--with Hollywood celebs, historical Pasadena stories, and pictures drawn by his baby daughter--provide a diner atmosphere sincerely showing Ernie's love for people. The food is nothing fancy...just basic diner food (with surprises for those who enjoy a Filipino breakfast!). Visit this spot if you're going to Pasadena, then hit up the Norton Simon (free for students with ID), followed by brunch at Aux Delices, and a hot chocolate at Leonidas.
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Review from Fred C.
Pasadena, CA
10/23/2007
Spam, langonesas, egg over steamed or fried rice. How can you go wrong with breakfast here!
Cash only - minus 1 star -
Review from Dave V.
Los Angeles, CA
5/7/2010
I've passed this place alot and since I am a big breakfast fan I knew it was just a matter of time before I tried it out.
I am so sorry that I did.
Yes, the place has a cool look to it...a very divey, home town coffee shop. But finding a breakfast place empty during the heart of breakfast-time, is always a bad sign.
I opened the menu and I couldn't believe the prices. Most breakfast dishes were about $12. Not only that but my friend and I both struggled to find anything on the menu that was interesting. He ordered french toast with a side of 'over medium' eggs with coffee, I ordered two eggs over med with pancakes.
First the coffee--if coffee could urinate, this is what it would taste like. Seriously. Weak. Tinny. Just terrible.
Our food came...and the order was wrong...scrambled instead of over medium for my friend's eggs. Ok, it happens. And his french toast was decent...not great...but not terrible.
My food came--eggs were ok...hash browns were those kind of frozen has browns that haven't really been part of any potato for quite some time. And the pancakes? The worst. Tiny. Rubbery. Chewy. I only took 3 bites and didn't have the heart to eat any more.
Then the bill came. $22.00 For breakfast. For two people. For mostly terrible food.
The waiter never came over and asked how our meal was. So as I payed the bill I decided to tell him. I feel that if people run a business, they will hopefully want to hear from their customers. Turns out it is a family run business and his Uncle owns it.The conversation went like this...
"This was our first time here and I thought it was terrible.
"I'll tell my Uncle."
"The coffee was weak. And look, your coffee machine looks dirty."
"I'll tell my Uncle".
"The pancakes were rubbery and chewy and had no flavor"
"I'll tell my Uncle"
"And it is ridiculously expensive. I usually pay about half this price for better food with bigger portions."
"I'll tell my Uncle"
So if the waiter wants to know why we didn't leave a tip...my response..."Ask your Uncle".
You can get a better, cheaper breakfast at a cleaner coffee shop almost anywhere. -
Review from Wendy R.
Los Angeles, CA
The breakfast here is pretty darn good and satisfying.
I ordered the corned beef hash with scrambled eggs, hash browns and a side of pancakes. The corned beef tasted homemade and not from a can and the buttermilk pancakes were from scratch and very good.
My husband ordered the Longonisa (Filipino sausage) with fried rice and eggs over easy. It tasted truly authentic just like his mom's.
The service was great, the owner is the one who takes the orders and brings out the food and refills. The only negative here is that I believe it's too expensive. Sure the portions are generous but each of our dishes were $11.95 which is kinda high for breakfast. -
Review from Victor D.
Pasadena, CA
2/3/2011
We came in on a weekend to try what seemed to be a cool looking hole in the wall. In a nutshell the food is overpriced. The service was poor (the owner was playing a guitar with his back to us while we were eating). Service was so poor I had to walk up to him with cup in hand asking for a coffee refill. There's also this unique pungent aroma throughout the place. Needless to say I wouldn't go back.
On a positive note, the omelets were good and "fluffy.". Kudos to the cook. Did I mention that the poor woman was being yelled at by the owner the whole time we were there? -
Review from Max P.
Los Angeles, CA
1/19/2010
This place has a lot going for it. The atmosphere ain't fancy, though it's going for a classic USA diner vibe and hits it right on the target (as in, an actual diner, not "hipster joint deploying faux-50s decor." There was no wait at all, and this is a hugely underrated amenity; there are countless brunch places in LA that are simply too crowded to justify waiting, IMO. The food was really good; the eggs benedict were well-made and tasty, while the eggs with fried rice and sweet asian sausage was excellent (and plentiful), and epitomized the distinctive US/Chinese fusion going on here. I left with a very full stomach and happy palate.
So why after all this, only four stars? Easy: the food's too expensive for what it is. This is a diner, yet we ended up paying about $35 for two simple breakfasts and non-alc drinks. Not outrageous, but certainly out of sync with the down-home, low-key, no-frills food and atmosphere that you pay for.
All that said, I'll probably go back on occasion but am not making it a regular joint, and I wouldn't recommend anyone go out of their way to come here, but if you're in the Pas area it's worth a shot. -
Review from Stephanie H.
Pasadena, CA
10/13/2010
I can sum this review up in two words: DON'T BOTHER.
The food isnt great and it's overpriced. Inside looks like a dump. I'd rather go anywhere else. -
Review from bing c.
Los Angeles, CA
9/5/2008
Came here after seeing it rated highly on Yelp. And just got back and... I recommend it. It's kind of strange having fried rice for breakfast (well, I had brunch), but it was quite tasty.
I had the fried rice with 2 eggs (over medium) and bbq pork. The pork was very tasty and tender. The combination of rice, eggs, and pork (and some veggies) were very flavorful.
Like the other guy said, it can be a bit on the pricey side. By pricey, I still mean under $20 but you're starting to get in the $10-20 range. -
Review from jam c.
Alhambra, CA
12/4/2010
okay so here's my review!!! i found this place here of course and decided to try it out and was not disappointed in terms of their food! the Filipino breakfast was awesome!!! i have been depriving myself of the breakfast i grew up with( im filipino-chinese who was born in the philippines) for years due to my desire to cut down a few pounds..but alas!! the spell has been broken!! when our plates arrived, my friend and i were like so excited to dive in and their serving was huge!!! i ordered the tender beef which turned out to be what we call tapa, and my friend had sauteed chicken which is Tocino=) I have never been so satisfied!!!
The service is excellent there was only one guy at first then another lady came to help both of them reminded me of the warmth of having family over to eat meals=)
So this is the reason why i didnt give them 5 stars..though the place is nice and homey for me they could do better by cleaning it up a little bit without taking its history away( this place has been running for 26 yrs!!)
the restroom is dirty in my opinion though the light bulb switch is cool like what one yelper here said..i guess cleanliness is just very important to me..i was afraid to use the hand cleanser coz i feel like the container has been their since 1984!!
All in all it was a great experience though a bit pricey( we paid 37 sumthin dollars for 2 breakfast meal plus coffee) it was worth it but i dont plan to eat here often or else id go broke=) will come back here from time to time and will definitely suggest it to my friends who enjoy breakfast as much as I do. -
Review from Nancy S.
Pasadena, CA
2/12/2011
With so many great places to eat in Old Pasadena don't bother with this place. It is run down (seemed somewhat clean but really not well taken care of).
Food was only so so but price was way too high (Denny's and IHOP are way better and cheaper so that isn't saying much).
I won't be back. -
Review from Kim C.
Los Angeles, CA
3/7/2011
I'm so happy we discovered this place :) The best filipino longanisa breakfast I've had since I came to LA :) and they serve breakfast all day! yup the place is old but I don't care. I will definitely be coming back for my pinoy breakfast cravings :)
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Review from Angela C.
9/25/2009 2 photos
Get their fried rice with Chinese sausage (langonesas) and spam topped with 2 eggs. When the yolk drips into the rice... oOooooh aaaahHhhh... A twist on your typical Western breakfast! I also got a side of shortstack pancakes cuz my body was screaming for some carbs - I liked how they were firmer on the outside but soft and fluffy on the inside... not your typical soft, mushy pancake. Excellent service too.
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Review from Valerie M.
Chino Hills, CA
3/23/2010
Sure, the denver omelette was alright. But I've tasted WAY better. The toast and orange juice were o.k. as well. It was definitely overpriced for such average portions and quality. The only thing that star holds was for the service. Although the waiter was nice, it just didn't make up for anything else.
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Review from Ron B.
Los Angeles, CA
6/20/2008 1 Check-in Here
Great little spot for breakfast. Nicely done pancakes and all the basics. We come for the fried rice breakfast dishes: standard fried rice (not too greasy or salty), two eggs on top and a tasty meat (chicken, pork, etc) stir fry on the side. We get the vegetable deluxe - tons of veggies over the rice and eggs with a cup of coffee - that's how to start your day. A Chinese twist on breakfast. Used to be cash only but now they take credit (finally!). Street parking on meters (or use the nearby park and shop, free for 90 minutes). Good service and a nice, cozy little atmosphere. The downside: a little overpriced. The fried rice dishes run 10 bucks. We still come regularly though and it's definitely worth trying.
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Review from Joanna S.
6/6/2010 2 photos
I have been coming to this place for years and it is seriously one of the best breakfast places I have ever been to. They use all fresh ingredients -- fresh eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns made from real potatoes, etc. Their pancakes are to die for; they are soft and fluffy, and their omelettes are incredible. ANDDD everything is homemade! Not like those chain breakfast places like Denny's (ugh.). The biggest hit here may be the Chicken Fried Rice. Though this is an American breakfast diner, they do serve Asian dishes as well, and I always see everyone order this. It is soooooo good! These people also treat regulars like family. Try it out!
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Review from Michael S.
Los Angeles, CA
8/18/2008
This place is awesome for good quality breakfast. Whether you're looking for freshly made omelets served with with hand cut hashbrowns or a nice juicy burger, this place would sure satisfy anyone. Also, unlike other popular breakfast places, the presentation is very nice and you get generous portions. For the ham lovers, the ham here is actually roasted and does not resemble the kind of Oscar Meyer ham you find at a local deli.
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Review from Jowel G.
11/29/2009
How long has this place been here? I've driven up and down Holly for years and got off the gold line exit a few times and never noticed this place. I think the "all day" breakfast banner reeled me in. It was going to be a day of pampering and shopping, so we needed to get our energy fueled to start the day.
The inside takes you back to vintage diner and I mean vintage from the floors to the chairs, tables, booths and wall decor. There were photos from the college games and what I think might have been some famous folks photographed with the owners.
I had the corned beef hash with eggs, has browns and pancakes. The meal was very home made tasting which I like and the pancakes were not too heavy - it was good. My friend had the french toast that was dipped in corn flakes and what she says might have been fried in oil to taste like butter but wasn't quite butter? The orange juice tastes like they were back there squeezing it...not bad just freshly squeezed. This place serves up breakfast and delivered on that -it's not the best breakfast out there, but it gave us the energy we needed to get us going about our day.
The service was prompt and courteous and I think they were the owners.
Parking on the street or in the nearby parking garage. -
Review from kirstie b.
Los Angeles, CA
11/1/2010
Really good quality food. Very hospitable, nice and friendly service. I was thrilled to see their Filipino Breakfast, it was very yummy...good authentic food. They are a hair on the pricey side, but its worth it.
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Review from Joan S.
9/20/2009 2 photos
This is a cute little old diner that serves breakfast all day!! The owners are very very friendly. They recommended the fried rice with 2 eggs, spam, and beef. This dish was delicious. My friends gobbled the whole thing up! I ordered the biscuit and gravy, while my other friend ordered pancakes and eggs. The biscuits and gravy was good. I especially liked it because the biscuits were really fluffy. The portions are average. This is a good breakfast place w/ some plates that include a chinese fusion breakfast twist to it.
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Review from Nick H.
Pasadena, CA
9/25/2010 1 photo
I dig this joint. It's got all the appearances of a dive while being clean. The fried rice with eggs and beef is one of my most favorite things to have for breakfast. The coffee is good as well.
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Review from Namichan O.
Los Angeles, CA
1/16/2010
Just came back from Saturday morning breakfast at 54 Holly. The restaurant was completely empty upon arrival. We were having thoughts of turning back and not trying it at all, which is what we should of done. The food is mediocre but the price for the breakfast was extremely high for what you get. A short stack of pancakes, french toast and coffee was over $20. If you want Chinese American food for breakfast, I recommend Uncle John's in downtown Los Angeles.
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Review from Paul S.
Pasadena, CA
3/2/2009
Over priced and unfriendly. I will never return.
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Review from Janet L.
Los Angeles, CA
10/7/2009
FINALLY! a restaurant that has great service and serves BOTH continental and asian breakfasts!!! see, it's always been a problem because i primarily only love asian food.. (i know it's a problem of mine) and so it is rare that Iget to go grab breakfast with my best friend because she loves eating omeletts and stuff like that in which i hate eating... and so she told me about this place called 54 Holly in Pasadena which has a whole page of asian food... i was ecstatic! she ordered some sort of fluffy egg omelett with chicken and other stuff inside with a side of hash browns and a hot tea, and I ordered a cup of coffee and the DELICIOUS chicken, spam, and sunny side up on top, fried rice. The portion was large and the rice was fried PERFECTLY. Not too soggy nor dry. It was neither too salty nor bland. It was perfect. AMAZING COFFEE TOO! Personally, I also loved how it is a Christian run, family restaurant. Super nice Owner/ servers. Only down side is... that with 2 drinks, and an omelett and fried rice, our total came out to be about $40 :-/ so one star off for that.
