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Equator
Categories: Restaurants Asian Fusion Nightlife Bars Lounges Asian Fusion, Lounges [Edit]
22 Mills PlPasadena, CA 91105
Neighborhood: Pasadena
(626) 564-8656
- Hours:
Mon-Thu 8 am - 12 am
Fri-Sat 8 am - 1:30 am
Sun 8 am - 11:30 pm
- Delivery:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Garage, Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Late Night, Lunch, Dinner
- Music:
- Background
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Wed, Thu
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Good For Dancing:
- No
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
185 reviews for Equator
Review Highlights
"i had the spicy tuna over crispy rice and that was delicous."
(in 4 reviews)
"The dim-sum on the weekend is good as well, and the tea..."
(in 23 reviews)
"...place tucked in an alley off Colorado Blvd in Old Town."
(in 4 reviews)
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185 reviews in English
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Review from Erika H.
Temple City, CA
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
The Equator gets 5 stars for great service from our lovely waitress Brianna, delicious food, a great selection of unique teas, a great happy hour, having the Laker game on AND a duo playing an eclectic mix of Brazilian inspired music. All on a Wednesday night.
This wasn't even a date but this place would be a great place for one! I met with a friend for a business meeting, there were a few couples on dates and a few groups there for happy hour. The place is decorated with goth art, asian inspired art and beautiful chandeliers. I love the vibe and ambience of the place, it's pretty much great for any type of gathering.
The dish I ordered was Pad Thai. They are very generous with their portions, 3 people could've easily shared this serving. The Pad Thai was a little spicier than sweet which was a welcome change from what I'm used to tasting and it had nice large shrimp, large cubes of tofu and great combo of veggies.
Overall, I loved the place and I'll definitely be going back for happy hour soon! -
Review from Jeff C.
Arcadia, CA
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
First off, I don't understand the correlation of the name and the fare of the restaurant. When my coworkers suggested to go to Equator for happy hour, I was expecting some type of South American food, but to my surprise, it's Asian fusion, WTH!!?!?
I thought to myself, okay cool, maybe they'll have something special on their menu that makes it Asian fusion, but again to my surprise, it's just a bunch of food from Asian countries. Please don't call this Asian Fusion. This is just called ASIAN food, not I can't make up my mind on whether we should cook, chinese, japanese or thai food, so will just call it Asian fusion. But I digress.
We had gotten there for happy hour, and your first "martini" is $1.00. I couldn't complain, because what do you really expect for a dollar? (syrupy tiny martini btw), after the first drink, I ordered a regular martini and it was up to par.
The food was average at best. If I knew this was asian food, I would have just went to a chinese/japanese/thai restaurant more towards the San Gabriel area. The portions of the appetizers were regular and the taste was average. The portions of the fried rice and pad thai were generous, so it was fulfilling in that sense.
As for the service, it was good, our waitress was bubbly and attentive, and kept the drinks flowing (thank goodness). Over all the ambiance of the restaurant is okay, the drinks are mehh, and the food is expensive for what it is. -
Review from Ed A.
1/28/2012 1 Check-in Here
The menu is fusion Asian fare. The food is plentiful (one plate can probably feed two or three people. The meats are cooked perfectly. For my preference, they could use more spice though. I had the orange shrimp, they were cooked medium (the best way to have shrimp). The sauce was light, I prefer the strong zest of orange. One of my friends had the short beef ribs, it looked like over a pound of meat, and they were much butter then the shrimp I had. I guess, take a good look at the menu and choose wisely.
On a bonus note, if you check in with Yelp (as of this writing) you get free pot stickers. They were very juicy with the veggies still keeping a slight crunch. An awesome blend of textures.
Wednesdays is half wine (bottles and glasses). Monday (I think it's monday) $1 satays for happy hour. -
Review from Cindy L.
El Monte, CA
Updated - 2/5/2012
My friends took me here for my birthday. I got the panko fried chicken sandwich (it's part of the lunch special). I thought the food was alright, but not spectacular. The shrimp cerviche was a disappointment. The shrimp was tough. We also got unlimited mimosas. Those are pretty good, but the later bottles were watered down. Overall, it's okay but the food is nothing to get excited about. Service was mediocre. It was great at first, but it later felt like the person was annoyed with us (maybe because of our big party?).
Listed in: Old Town Pasadena Nightlife
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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11/11/2011
This was our next stop after 35ers. It was difficult to find. It was in an alley of some sort.… Read more »
Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 2/8/2012
Cindy, I'm sorry you had an unfavorable experience with us… More » -
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Review from Shaynee S.
Whittier, CA
You cannot go wrong with $10 bottomless lychee mimosas on a Sunday afternoon. First time ever here and I will be returning... only to drink of course.
I wish I was more impressed with the food, but that just wasn't the case. Sampled the baked bbq pork buns, baby bok choy in oyster sauce, shrimp dumplings for the dim sum brunch menu and the Pad Thai with chicken, shrimp, and tofu from the lunch menu. the baked bbq pork buns and the Pad Thai were definitely the better of the food selections, but let's just say that if it weren't for the bottomless lychee mimosas I would be a little peeved. The bok choy in oyster sauce wasn't anything really special and come to think of it... I don't think I even saw that much oyster sauce to begin with. The shrimp dumplings were pretty dry, but thanks to dousing it in shoyu I could survive.
Our server was great and she tended to our every need and checked up on us the perfect amount of times. She even related to us on a personal level, which made the whole experience a lot more cozy. However our chi was unfortunately messed up by another waiter who for some reason just decided that he didn't like us....refused to acknowledge us, take our requests for more water, and even passed us off. I would like to think that he had an extreme case of the grumpy's that day.
Besides the food not being up to power and a random grumpy server, I would return purely because It's an interesting hang out spot and reasonably priced drinks! -
Review from Darlene Y.
El Monte, CA
1/28/2012
I love this place! Not only because my brother is the bartender there but because the people, atmosphere day and night, its amazing! You can go their for brunch, dinner, or meet up with friends their for a drink. They have their dining area but they also have their sofa areas which are good for bigger parties for relaxing. I will have to say that I probably go once a week to eat, drink, party, name it! I always try something different, because their theme is a lot of Asian fusion type food with a whole lot of flavor in each dish. Try it out for dining or partying. :] Enjoy!
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Review from Pamela S.
12/25/2011
Came here last Thursday around 7:30... My date had tried to make reservations for 2 but was told that only patio seating was available. We got there and it didn't seem like there were heaters outside.... It was super cold, so no thank you to the outdoor seating. The inside was smaller than I had imagined, after looking at pictures online. Very interesting artwork and decor though! Security tried to get us a table inside but we weren't able to get seated. There were a few tables to the left that I thought were reserved but almost all of them remained empty the whole night so I don't know what was up with that. We just got drinks and loitered by the bar for a while... We noticed people leaving one of the couch seats by the door so we asked a waitress about that and she got us seated there promptly.
We ended up just ordering the potstickers and popcorn chicken. I do not recommend the potstickers; they do not taste authentic at all. The portion of popcorn chicken was pretty big (well, at $10) and I liked it... It is not quite as crispy as the popcorn chicken at boba shops, which I am more used to.
Our waitress was great, very cheerful and just the right amount of attentiveness. There didn't seem to be a lot of wait staff there that night?
Since we were seated by the door, we did get a waft of cigarette smoke from outside several times. Equator is located in an alley so it might be difficult to find if it's your first time.
I recommend coming here for.... HAPPY HOUR! Their happy hour menu sounds superb and drink list is extensive. Thursday night was: $3 martinis, appetizers, mixed drinks, and beer. The rest of the week sounds fantastic as well.
Do not come here for.... food. Overpriced and I'm not particularly excited about trying the rest of the menu. I would never come here for dim sum, with all the authentic dim sum places in the 626.Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 12/27/2011
Hi Pamela! I'm glad you enjoyed yourself last week. It was a… More » -
Review from Heather H.
Pasadena, CA
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Had a great time. GREAT martinis... great ice cream drinks...vanilla ice cream, expresso, whipped cream and choc syrup. I am in heaven. Fried Rice was a huge portion and super tasty. Other food options looked good too. Will be back soon.
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Review from J. Francisco A.
South Pasadena, CA
11/16/2011
Equator might be old town's secret spot. It should really get more recognition and be a go to place. However, whenever I think of going to old town it not a place that pops into my head. It's more a place I think about going to as I walk by it.
Every time I step foot into Equator I end up thinking why don't I come here more often. It gets reviewed enough so people know about it, yet it never seems crowded. They have drink special just about every night of the week.
If your in Pasadena or looking for a place to go drop by and check out a hidden gem in Pasadena.Listed in: Pasadena Happy Hours
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Review from Dharinne P.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA
My good friend told me about the Equator Cafe's "Dim Sum and Then Some" Sunday brunch. It sounded to good to be true, especially with the $10 bottomless champagne, so I had to check it out for myself. Soon a few of my girlfriends and I found ourselves going about every month or so. It is fantastic. Sometimes the service has been iffy, but overall we haven't left disappointed. (That could be due to all the champagne though.) The dim sum is great, our favorites being the shrimp balls, broccoli, and the pork dumplings.
I am always amazed at how few people are in there due to their location, and how affordable their brunch is. We left today with a nice buzz, thanks to the encouragement of our waitress, and feeling full for about $20 a person. Based on the amount we had to eat and drink, how can you beat that?!?! -
Review from A W.
Venice, CA
12/27/2011
I have to say I am mystified by these reviews and feel we would have been spared a disastrous afternoon had anyone appraised Equator appropriately. We went there today for lunch, on a visit to Pasadena. And probably should have hightailed it out of there after getting three Arnold Palmers (ice tea/ lemonade) that all smelled like spoiled eggs (!) Even the waitress was alarmed when she smelled them. Unfortunately, it went from bad to worse. The baked crab roll was literally ineatable and the noodle dishes that actually showed up were about as sad as one could imagine. Even the broccoli was wilting and slathered in a sauce that tasted awful. And the Sweet potato tempura was awful. The potstickers were passable.
Our waitress was sweet enough but after explaining that our main courses might take "a while" as there were "a lot of us" (4 actually waiting on food), she appeared to never have put in our orders. a good half an hour passed post-appetizers and we eventually asked for the check and left. The re-made arnold palmers had also still not arrived. I will give them credit for not charging us for much after such a catastrophe of a meal - and really by all standards, this is not overstating things - but to anyone looking for a good food spot in Pasadena, go just about anywhere else. I truly cannot remember having such a bad restaurant experience in a long time.Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 12/27/2011
Dear AW, Thank you for your review! I'm happy to report… More » -
Review from matthew r.
Los Angeles, CA
10/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Love the vibe here--dark, mysterious, yet very cozy.
I came here on a Sunday night, so it was relatively slow, but I was so glad I stopped in. The service was extraordinary. I had to glasses of Jack, Single Barrel and their ceviche app.
Great place if you want to ensconce quietly with a loved one for a very chill night. -
Review from Kendall T.
Los Angeles, CA
10/19/2011
I'm a bit sad to see this place only gets 3.5 stars overall because I think it is delicious! I've been coming here for the past year and a half and have never been disappointed. The service is pretty friendly (especially the bartenders), and there are some great specials pretty much every night of the week.
The orange chicken and basil mignon are two of my faves, although the last time I was there, I got the tomato-basil-lemongrass soup. I'm almost salivating just writing this. It was so flavorful, and the addition of lemongrass gave it a nice kick. The bartenders also make mean smoothies, lattes and blended drinks (be forewarned that these are HUGE), which I've enjoyed several times. By the way, before noon, a cup of coffee is only $1.
My advice - go for the asian fusion cuisine, the cool location in a side alley, and the massive and tasty drinks. Enjoy! :) -
Review from Lisa S.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
10/13/2011
I'm a little disappointed but still love this place because it states free wifi and actually is true! Unlike some other place that should really keep up to date with what's going on. But still I'm sure that place has good food too. Anyways Equator is pretty cool.
It seemed like a place for people to hang out and have asian fusion food. They had some entertainment which was surprising for a weekday. I didn't like the outdoor seating where the smokers hang out....it was nauseating. They could have smokes elsewhere. My friend and I would have sat inside but it was a bit stuffy inside and we needed to be able to talk due to the entertainment inside. Overall would still go back. The calamari surprisingly good.Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 10/27/2011
Lisa, I'm sorry the smoke bothered you as much as it did… More » -
Review from Michaela O.
South Pasadena, CA
8/10/2011
Our trip to the Equator was a weird night out. On the bright side, they seem to be continually running drink and food specials, even at peak hours of the night. And that's always a plus. However, they were out of multiple things that we wanted, which happens, I understand.
In addition, I question if people were obeying the rule about smoking a certain distance from the restaurant. There was a strong smell of smoke for most of the night.
I understand that art is highly subjective, but in my subjective opinion some of it was distracting and created for a less than ideal vibe.
This place is spacious, and has a lot of potential. Here's hoping our next experience is a bit better if we make it back there.Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 8/17/2011
Hi Michaela! In my opinion, we have one of the best happy… More » -
Review from Jeff k.
y u so hard to find equator?!
located on Mills pl... might as well set a maze right in front of your doors.
as a non-local, my gps failed me so many times. T_T
on towards the food! i don't know how to describe this place... more like an asian fusion sort of restaurant??
I ended up getting the equator burger for about 12 bucks. and surprisingly it didn't let me down. the price was a bit expensive, but the contents were very fresh and delicious. it also came with french fries... YAY, i love me some carbs.
the atmosphere is very dark and down right creepy. i was eating the equator burger with a satanic undead baby staring at me. uhhh, i'm not religious and all, but this scared the bejesus out of me. there's also a huge portrait of a male? getting shot at with arrows. to say the owner is not a little messed up in the head is a understatement.
our waitress...i think he was a dude? was extremely nice. he/she has the long hair??? he/she and had impeccable memory. did not mess up on our orders for 10+ people. and remember to bring stuff to the table when i requested anything.
they turn this place into a club after 10pm. it was weird still eating with dj music and laser lights going off like 10 feet from you. whatever... eating a hamburger while clubbing is what i do best. :D
they have only 1 bathroom per gender. so if the guy/girl in front of you is going to take a huge dump, good luck. you will have to wait and enter the lovely aroma filled room. -
Review from Robert M.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
Came here for happy hour (looking at the reviews you may see a theme here), and, although the service was not spectactular, this place gets great reviews for the food and the interior design. It's a beautiful, trendy, beautiful, nice place. Look for their daily specials, which are different every day. Thanks.
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Review from Jeanina V.
Highland Park, Los Angeles, CA
6/22/2011
One of my all time favorite happy hour spots !
I guess you can say I come here often, the waiter and bartender knows me. The owner always comes and greets my friends and I when he's around. The ambience is perfect. I love how everyone is just in their own world. The lighting a little dim which tends to mess with my eyes when I'm on a good one. But doesn't change the fact that I love this place !
TWO WORDS: THIRSTY THURSDAYS (ends at 12:30 - 1:00 am depending on how busy they are)
$3 martinis, wells, beers and a small list of appetizers.
I only order martinis here and they're all good. Some are a little on the sweet side (Mango, Strawberry, Lychee) I'd say the best (strongest) one on the list would be the Washington Apple.
Service is great. Bartender is fast. Drinks are cheap. Why would you not want to spend your Thursday night here ?Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 6/23/2011
It's always good to see you Jeanina! Thursday is one of our… More » -
Review from J T.
Sierra Madre, CA
11/9/2011
We went here last week for the first time. The place is very cool and hip. Not much of a crowd on a weeknight. The night we went, they were running a 1/2 off wine special; even for bottles. We got a bottle of wine with our dinner for less then what you'd pay at TJ's or Bevmo. That was cool! Service was excellent and very friendly. Food was good but not excellent. What will keep us away from Equator is the smell of cigars radiating into the restaurant from the front patio area. It seems like the owner/manger is big on cigar smoking and has a following who gather outside during the evenings. From a business perspective, there couldn't be a bigger deterrent for customers then walking up to an establishment and being drowned by cigar smoke. Maybe that works for some but doesn't work for us.
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Review from Lisa C.
Pasadena, CA
11/22/2011 3 photos
The Equator restaurant has a festive selection of asian fusion treats, great drink specials, and an eclectic atmosphere. Upon entering from the alley you are greeted by a brick-walled edifice adorned with wooden buddhas, framed oil's by Hussar, an eerily lit bar, and a giant projector screening olde black and white films. There are comfy chairs, cozy couches, some wooden accoutrements, and bar stools of course. I have been coming to this place since it was primarily a hookah bar, now it is an all-around classy-chic restaurant. The service is always excellent, they even put cucumbers in our water as an added touch. I always recommend it since it deviates from the typical Pasadena restaurant experience, it is a fun, laidback style place with a mellow mood and lax dress-code.
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Review from Staysi A.
South Pasadena, CA
11/21/2011
I have been coming to this place for 10 years now. It started as a cool coffee/tea and hookah place, then slowly evolved to the amazing bar/resturaunt that is Equator today. The Panko Chicken sandwhich is AMAZING. The staff are very frindly, and remember you by name if you frequent. The night life is a nice change from hollywood. Its very relaxed and mello. They do have amazing happy hour and drink specials. I LOVE THIS PLACE! I always come back because it very welcoming.
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Review from Christine T.
Temple City, CA
10/22/2011 1 Check-in Here
This place use to have hookah... i dunno what changed but it serves asian fusion and great happy hour every single day. i came here on a tuesday which is $1 martini's and $1 satay. So cheap right?! Mondays is happy hour all day with appetizers too! the food sounds so good here.. i had the spicy tuna over crispy rice and that was delicous. I would definitely come back next time for happy hour and try the other items, the burgers sounds pretty good too.
Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 10/27/2011
Hi Christine. Unfortunately, the city of Pasadena has… More » -
Review from Shannon C.
Los Angeles, CA
4/12/2011 6 photos
I love Equator!
I make it a point to come here for lunch if I'm ever in the area.
Came by recently after a daytime event at the Rose Bowl. I thought my mom would enjoy the atmosphere... and she did!
I had the Cinnabar ($4) to drink, which was espresso, cinnamon, vanilla, steamed milk topped with whipped cream and more cinnamon. Really yummy.
I had the veggie pad thai ($9) which wasn't the best, but it was filling. Mom loved the Tempura Fish Fusion Tacos ($6), and BF loved the Panko Chicken Sandwich ($9). Everyone loved the house salad that's served as a started with any entree... OMG! So good. I wish I could have a giant bowl of house salad for lunch! I've had their Greek Salad as a lunch entree in the past, but didn't see it on the menu this time. My one complaint would be that the menu lacks vegetarian options.
Service was very friendly. Food and drinks are slow coming out if you're in a hurry. They put alot of care into their coffee drinks, which I love, and they frequently apologize for the time it takes to make the food as their kitchen is "tiny." I have no problem waiting, especially because the space is so relaxing. -
Review from Christine H.
Pasadena, CA
4/10/2011
This place is a hidden gem! It's located in an allyway on the busiest part of Colorado, near the crepe place, it's easy to miss, but I don't recommend you should! I almost by-passed this restaurant, but I make it an incentive to eat someplace new every week. The Equator was my adventure of the day!
I had the Equator burger, and let me tell you, my tastebuds never got bored of the smorgasbord of American and Asian flavor. The asian chicken salad slaw (sans chicken) mixed with cilantro, barbeque sauce, onion rings, and yummy sharp cheddar, suprisingly complemented each other beautifully. I couldn't help but think to myself, "WHO DISCOVERED THIS?!"
The fries are to-die-for as well. They hare "house cut fries", and they prepare it in a unique indescribable way.
This is like Mom's food. It's not overly processed craps you get at chain restaurants, you know there is someone back there making the food for you.
The decor is absolutely beautiful! It's something you'd step into if you were to dine in the French Quarter of New Orleans. It's very dark, and macabre, very Vampire-y and 90's Anne Rice/ Poppy Z. Brite chic. The artwork up on the walls is breathtaking, yet very dark. This probably isn't your traditional family restaurant, so young(and old!) couples, and friends make a large part of the clientele, which is good because who wants screaming kids running around?
The service is fantastic! The wait staff is incredibly bubbly, and nice. We weren't even finished with our drinks and the waitress refilled them for us without having to ask! :O I knew it was love at first sight, especially since I guzzle my drinks before the appetizer is even served. This is my own private heaven now.
I can't wait to return there!!! -
Review from Candace C.
South Pasadena, CA
11/12/2011 1 Check-in Here
The food was great and the martinis were even better!!
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Review from Karla-Lenina C.
Walnut, CA
4/21/2011
I went here with a few girlfriends to get our Friday night bar hoppin' started... except this place was completely DEAD! Okay, not completely, there were two other groups of people there. That was it. There was a DJ. But no one there. Mind you, it was already 11:30, so it's not like we showed up to the party too early. We had a drink (it was ok... nothing spectacular), sat around for awhile, and hopped over to Wokanos right next door, and that place was PACKED!
I did browse Equator's menu... and they did have some tempting menu items. Maybe one day I'll drop by for lunch.Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 5/5/2011
Karla, thank you for your generous rating. As you are… More » -
Review from Chelsea H.
Bakersfield, CA
10/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
I was in town for the afternoon and my grandma and I decided to try Equator for lunch. The food was Asian Fusion and just okay. I ordered a California roll and I did not like the crab in my sushi roll. It tasted like paste and the roll fell apart really easily. My grandma had the cheeseburger and fries and it was a really large portion. She thought it was pretty good but just too much for her to eat. The service was really great along with the decor. Maybe this is a better happy hour bar as opposed to restaurant.
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Review from mary M.
Duarte, CA
10/30/2011
The only little place in Pasadena where me or any of my girl friends have not felt violated by random guys. The atmosphere is nice its dim with candle lights on the tables. Not many people go here, but I noticed whenever I hit up this spot Im most at ease. I dont feel like I need to know exactly where my friends are in the venue and im not thinking about someone trying to steal something from out purses (it has happened to us at other bars in Pasadena). Bartenders are really nice and I have to say Ive never been disappointed about the flavor of their mixed alcohol drinks. I would recommend this place for a bit more for people who want to grab dinner and few drinks without having to jump to different places.
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Review from terrie h.
West Hollywood, CA
5/13/2011
I went to Equator for a meet and greet event on a Thursday evening. They had GREAT drink and food specials at cheap cheap prices.
I had a great watermelon martini for $3 and chicken pot stickers for $3. Both were delicious and very tasty. The service was a little slow but not outrageous.
The ambiance is interesting as it used to be a coffee house so it sorta has that feel but it's a cafe/lounge in actuality.
I think this would be a great date place especially on the nights they have the specials. I hear they have live music every once in a while too.
Parking was ok. There are structures or metered street parking. After 8pm the meters are no longer active. The location is a bit challenging seeing that it's located in an alley.
All in all I had a good experience here.Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 5/24/2011
Hi Terrie! In my opinion, we have the best happy hour… More » -
Review from Christina G.
Los Angeles, CA
10/10/2011 23 Check-ins Here
Equator is one of the best places in pasadena not only is it a great meeting place to either have dinner, grab a drink or just hang out in old town pasadena but it is also the place I met my future husband!! Equator has been a landmark and will always continue to be for many memories to come. Teddy and all his staff are always so nice and offer the best service you are always treated like a VIP and family!! I would recommend everything on the menu because all of it tastes great no matter what you happen to be in the mood for. For drinks I recommend the martini either dirty or straight up and happy hour everyday of the week! From now until forever equator will always be our favorite place in old town and even pasadena period!!! A must see anytime of day!!!!
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Review from Sara R.
Los Angeles, CA
4/2/2011
It's not very welcoming.. or makes you want to stay there for hours. The lighting and furniture and decor are all done right, but perhaps they need to re-arrange it.
Music is interesting. It's like songs you know, but played by violin. Instrumental, only. It's not live.
Very nice service, though.
White Russian. It's still yummy, but, they definitely skimp on the best part. The cream! It's a watered down version, which I'm sure my arteries are happy about - although not sure if it qualifies as a true blue White Russian. -
Review from stephanie m.
Los Angeles, CA
9/10/2011
Tried Equator for the first time as a restaurant (we used to come here when it was a little coffee shop way back in the day). The vibe is really cool here, food and drinks are very tasty. On Wednesdays wine is 1/2 off and they have live music, which is super chill & awesome. I'll definitely be back :-)
Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 9/29/2011
Stephanie, thank you for coming back and for your great… More » -
Review from Kristopher S.
North Hollywood, CA
2/18/2011
First of all, I think this is a hotspot at night. Every time I stroll on by, it's during the day and pretty empty.
I came here by recommendations of friends to try their Pad Thai, which is supposedly heavy. And heavy it was. I had to almost crawl out of there from exhaustion. But it was delicious, and I ate every last bite.
My only real complaint here is the attentiveness of the wait staff, who, I felt, hardly paid any attention to me. And when they did, their mannerisms came off as disinterested and distracted. I attempted to visit them for lunch once before, and just waited around by the entrance waiting to be seated. No one came, so I left. I think this behavior may be a pattern of theirs.
I'll give it a try again soon. I wasn't unhappy with the food at all. So why not give it another go, right? I just hope that the service is a little better next time around. -
Review from Tammy Bahtina-Fox N.
Los Angeles, CA
3/7/2011
*Review about the night life...not the food/restaurant aspect*
Initially my friends and I couldn't find this place because it is tucked away in an alley. Outside it was somewhat dark and nothing to really talk about, there is a place to the right that was bumpin' R&B. Once we walked inside the night came alive.
I've been here twice and the music is on point, there is a mix of salsa, old school, and mainstream hip hop/rap.
It's dark inside with couches on the right side, one towards the back and one in the front. There are tables and seating the perimeter and an island strip thing in the middle and your typical bar.
Chris the bartender is an awesome guy, attentive, and he hooks you up.
It can get crowded but that's the point of socializing right? Although sometimes there are some patrons that are on the older side, and instead of dancing they stand there watching you dance. Creepy. -
Review from Jocelyn Y.
Alhambra, CA
4/30/2011
I've only been here for Dim Sum and (bottomless)Lychee Champagne on the weekends, but after going for the first time it's a ritual to go every weekend. The art inside is really gorgeous and odd, the menu items are unique and everything tastes realllly good.
The fact that it is located in an alley gives it extra ambiance and perfect for sitting outside. It's a hidden gem for sure.Comment from Teddy B. of Equator 5/24/2011
Hi Jocelyn! To date, we are the only restaurant in Old Town… More » -
Review from Spencer K.
Los Angeles, CA
2/17/2011 1 Check-in Here
After strolling around Old Town, I was craving a burger, but my girlfriend wasn't really in the mood for a burger. We were just roaming around and stumbled upon Equator. I was a little bit skeptical because the place was empty. No one in there at all.
I tried out the Equator burger, and it was actually pretty good. It came with a slaw that was very close to the veggies that they put on Vietnamese sandwiches and a fried egg on top.
Initially, i was sitting outside, but there was a faint smell of garbage coming from somewhere. That very might well be since sitting outside technically puts you in an alley. -
Review from beau L.
North Hollywood, CA
8/29/2011
Went here for dinner and a birthday party. The food was soooo good! And the portions were large :). I hate feeling hungry after I've finished my meal but this place did not disappoint. I usually don't don't give out 5 stars but the service was great, the bartenders were awesome, and the owner was super cool. He made sure everything was going smoothly for our party and we were very VERY well attended to. It got kinda crowded as the night went on but we had 3 birthday celebrants so it was expected. I'd definitely grab some dinner and drinks here again.
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Review from Gabriel M.
Pasadena, CA
5/19/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Can't go wrong with half off appetizers and well drinks on Monday's. Friendly staff. No wait. 1 1/2 hour free parking up the alley on Delacy.
Try the:
* Spicy Tuna over Crispy Rice
* Seared Albacore with Ponzu and Crispy Onions
* Crispy Wonton Tuna Tacos
With Avacado & Cole Slaw
Enjoy
-GComment from Teddy B. of Equator 5/24/2011
Gabriel, thank you for your generous review. The spicy tuna… More » -
Review from Mary D.
My fiancé saw a sign for Equator that said dim sum and bottomless champagne for $10. Consider him fooled. It's $10 for champagne and each dim sum item will cost you $3 each. How disappointing. Their dim sum was pretty bad. I've had better dim sum from the grocery store freezer isle. We also tried a lunch special: 1/2 panko chicken sandwich. I was in disbelief that it was chicken. Imagine shredded chicken deep fried. It was bland and tasted oily. Their fries were also greasy.
We tried to salvage our experience with the 5 dollar shake. Yea... It's a shake. Another meh!
Save your appetite and trek down to Alhambra for cheaper and fresher dim sum. Equator? I'll pass. -
Review from Will M.
9/11/2010 4 photos
I've crossed the equator once and it wasn't this comfortable. I found this Equator by accident. I walked around Old Town to check out places not on the main drag. I walked down Mills and peeked inside. It looked very cool, with couches to sit in with the corner booths, with some cool Buddah sculptures and cool modern painting by Michael Hussar (thanks to yelper Damian K. for the info). They draw you in and make you want to stay. Nothing proves that more than the bathrooms where they even have a magazine rack for those who need to do an extra long sit down LOL. (And people ask why wear cologne?...)
There was only one party inside where I sat. There were several parties outside eating lunch items from a wide, eclcetic menu. This really is an Asian Fusion restaurant, bar, and a dessert/coffee shop...perhaps an overly ambitious operation. But I think they do all they do well. A few people walked in later to drink coffee drinks and have dessert while they took advantage of the free wi-fi. The patio diners were devouring things like a hamburger, a large Caesar salad, fish, and two guys were just boozing it up on a Thursday.
I asked the waitress what was the single most popular lunch or dinner item, because that's what I would order. She said, "Orange Chicken, hands down". Lunch size is $9.00. There were some interesting seafood choices, but i went along with the suggestion. You first get a small gourmet (red and green oak leaf) lettuce salad, topped with a sesame oil vinaigrette with sesame seeds sprinkled on it. Then you get a rich robust orange chicken, It comes out steaming hot and crisp on the outside, and tender breast meat inside. This one was worth the calories.
I saw some cookies, cake, fudge in the dessert menu along with smoothies and coffee drinks but the ole tummy had enough for now.
I am definitely coming in here again to try their other items like filet mignon and various fish and shrimp dishes. .
