Plate 38 - Pasadena, CA

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Plate 38, American Restaurant in Pasadena

A Neighborhood Bistro That Never Stands Still

Robert Humphreys learned the trade at Patina in Los Angeles, then ran the kitchens at Wabi Sabi in Venice and Siena Ristorante in Old Town Pasadena. In 2010 he opened Plate 38 on East Colorado Boulevard: a neighborhood bistro built on California farms and a specials list that changes every day.

He cooks with French, Italian, and Japanese techniques and makes everything in-house. Short ribs braise for four hours. The linguine is rolled here. What lands on the plate depends on what the farms and fish suppliers send that morning.

The room stays relaxed. Regulars, kids, and a bottle you brought yourself on Wednesday. Sit down, ask what came in, and order from there.

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American Catering, Chef's Choice

Pasadena Has Something Good Cooking

Private dining and catering at Plate 38, for groups big and small. Birthdays, family reunions, and business gatherings get American cuisine from Chef Humphreys' kitchen, all made in-house: herb-crusted salmon with lemon couscous salad, chicken Parmesan, and molten lava cake to finish. Choose a buffet or a seated meal, tell us the occasion and how many are coming, and we'll build the menu from there. Contact us to start planning.

Catering

Host Your Party with Us

A little privacy goes a long way

The private garden terrace at Plate 38 is a patio of its own, open-air and surrounded by greenery. Book it for a birthday, anniversary, bridal shower, or baby shower, with a menu built around your group. Planning something bigger? A full restaurant buyout covers wedding receptions and corporate holiday parties. Tell us the date and the occasion, and our team will get it on the calendar.

book a party

Reserve Your Table Today

Come curious and leave well acquainted

The best food in Pasadena is a moving target here: the chef writes new specials every day, so there's always a reason to come back. Stop in for brunch, seasonal cooking, craft cocktails, and wine at a chef-owned neighborhood restaurant that keeps things easy. Social Hour gives you one more excuse to visit. Make a reservation and see what's on today.

book a table
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Your Perfect Job Awaits

Put your talent to work here

The specials change every day here, so the job doesn't get stale. We're hiring for the kitchen and the floor: people who notice the small things, show up when they say they will, and can laugh when a Friday night goes sideways. Experience helps, but curiosity counts for more. Send in your application and tell us a little about yourself.

Apply for a job

Order American Cuisine Now

Short ribs sound good right now

Order takeout or delivery from an American restaurant in Pasadena with plenty to choose from. The menu runs through burgers, sandwiches, pasta, salads, and brunch favorites, including the Truffle Mushroom Burger, Prime Rib Dip, and Angel Hair Pasta. Pick what sounds good today, place your order online, and choose pickup or delivery.