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(626) 564-8656
22 Mills Pl
Pasadena,
CA
91105
34.1455
-118.151
Neighborhoods: South Arroyo, East LA
Last updated 6.15.11
What People Are Saying About Equator
Featured Review
Martha Burr
Contributor
In a little alley off Colorado that's so atmospheric it could be a movie set lies this dramatically chic Asian-fusion bistro. Stylishly raffish guys in untucked striped shirts looking like they've walked out of "Entourage" order rounds of sake, while tables of hippies (as in "hip yuppies") sip martinis under the gaze of giant golden Buddhas. Framed by exposed brick walls, high wooden beams and sensuous banquettes, an iridescent tiled bar glows under changing mood lights, pulsing softly with global electronica. Chef Jack Zhang turns out flavorful specialties like spicy seared albacore topped…
Editor's Tips
- What to Drink:
- The lively cocktail lounge has a full bar, featuring handcrafted martinis, as well as specialty cocktail infusions made with Equator's signature teas and coffees.
- When to Go:
- "Dim Sum and Then Some" brunch is served Sundays from 10am to 3pm. Zhang's mom makes the dim sum ($3 each) including shrimp dumplings, BBQ pork buns, sesame rolls with lotus seed paste and sticky rice wrapped in bamboo leaf. Included are $10 bottomless champagne cocktails or mimosas.
- Save Money:
- Bar specials include Monday Madness, with all appetizers and well drinks half-price, 4pm to close; Tasty Tuesdays feature $1 martinis and $1 satay sticks from 4pm to close; Wine Wednesdays have no corkage, and all wine and sake bottles are half-price. There's also a bento-style diner special for $15.
| ambiance | 60.0% positive |
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|---|---|---|
| drinks | 76.91999912261963% positive |
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| food quality | 91.66999816894531% positive |
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| menu variety | 66.66999816894531% positive |
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| overall | 83.33000183105469% positive |
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| service | 91.66999816894531% positive |
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| value | 75.0% positive |
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04/15/09
A NEW TWIST ON ASIAN FOOD
by Dagreat8
I thought I had tried all versions of Asian food but I was really surprised how good the food was at Equator. They had a twist for every "traditional" Asian dish you can imagine. Wasabi crusted Mignon was off the hook! The Linguini was awesome too...it had this Thai flare with chinese and Italian...I can't really describe it. Basically everytime I go I have to try a new dish just to taste their twist on everything. Oh and their drink specials don't hurt either, they always have some real nice deals.
The ambiance is awesome, real kick back and loungy...you feel high class at this place without paying high class prices. And they got some real hot chicks working here too. Damn, now I'm hungry.
10/13/08
a great change
by Veronicamontano
Wow, Equator has changed. Thank God! This place was fool of kids and now it's versitle. I came in and was in shock to see the chandeliers and a huge bar. Even the staff is a total change.Wow, and they still have my favorite drink "Banana Royale" yummy. I had lunch, i had the salmon salad, which was very good. Not fishy at all and very filling. All I could say is "WOW!"
08/21/08
Neighborhood Class!
by JayinVegas
What a great place! Love to hang out in the patio with coffee, the food is great, just like a close neighborhood. Try the new food menu, you'll love it. My first stop whenever I get back to Pasadena from Las Vegas.
08/21/08
Delicious Food + Nice Atmosphere
by PDormiani
I go hear probably 6 times a week. The food is great and for a great price too. The experience is mostly family style. Make sure you try the coconut shrimp soup, the mignon cubes and the spicy tuna on crispy rice. The best part is now you can enjoy a drink along with your food as well (the trade off - enforce by the city - was the hookah and as much as I will miss the hookah its better that they have the martinis). If you go there on Saturdays or Sundays, make sure to try the dim-sum. My favorite would have to be the bamboo leaf wrapped sticky rice, pork dumplings and the egg custards.
You pretty much can't go wrong here and the service is exceptional. The atmosphere is very refined now and you will be very pleased when you walk in. The art on the walls can be very interesting and make for great conversations just on their own.
If you are a pasadena local, you would have known then to be a great coffee shop. Well, that hasn't changed either, and they are still serving cups of coffees, lattes or whatever you desire. In the mornings they have reduced prices on these items as well as a thank you to the Pasadena residents who have supported them throughout the years they have been at this location.
Definitely worth the experience with good friends or a casual and fun date.
- Pros: Mignon Cubes, Dim Sum and Good Martinis
- Cons: Can't think of any
08/21/08
Great place to hang out and take dates if you want to impress
by ashkhen
The best Asian food in town. Im not very into Asian food or raw fish, but everything they serve is great. I dont even look at the menu anymore i just tell to bring me something new. Great coffee and tea also.
The Details on Equator
Place Categories:
- great asian food
- great place
- loved decor
- great price
- full bar
- great coffee
- enjoy drink
- great service
- great conversations
- best honey glazed shrimp
- worst meal
- great serve
- awesome ambiance
- recommended server
- not best music venue
- very interesting art
- not really like atmosphere
- very good salmon salad
- not nice deals
- unique cafe
- best dinner spot
- crispy rice
- cool people
- great coffee shop
- great new option
