Pie 'n Burger

"Pasadena institution Pie ‘N Burger has one thing going for it: nostalgia. Walking into the wood-paneled space feels like a portal to when the place first opened in 1963, with a long diner counter that takes up the whole restaurant, old-fashioned menu boards with antique fonts, and servers that only accept cash. Unfortunately, you’ll probably need to bring more cash than you’d expect, because a single cheeseburger and fries comes in at the very un-nostalgic price of $18 (with no drink). The price would be easier to swallow if it were a great burger, but the patties at Pie ‘N Burger are underseasoned and tend to crumble apart at the slightest touch. The pies, on the other hand, are just fine, and you’ll likely be much happier getting your old-school diner fix from a slice of Dutch apple a la mode. Either way, don’t be surprised if you walk out of Pie ‘N Burger thinking about how cute it is inside, and not much else. Food Rundown photo credit: Jakob Layman Cheeseburger People come to Pie ‘N Burger for a taste of the past. With its huge wedge of iceberg, tomato, raw onions, thousand island, and american cheese, this classic burger looks the part, but it doesn’t hold up—literally. The soggy bun and loosely packed patty start to give out after the first few bites, leaving you with a rapidly disintegrating mess. photo credit: Andrew Ryce Patty Melt This is a better option structurally, and the caramelized onions and melted cheese add some needed oomph. But it shares the same core issue as the cheeseburger: a crumbly overcooked patty that’s in desperate need of salt. Boysenberry Pie This is like a pop tart converted into a fortified wall of jammy fruit filling—satisfying, but a little too sweet. photo credit: Andrew Ryce Dutch Apple Pie This is the best order at Pie ‘N Burger. It’s a solid slice of apple pie with a spiced crumble topping, and like most desserts, it tastes better with a scoop of ice cream on top. A heads up though: on our last visit we were asked if we wanted our slice warmed, but it still arrived cold from the microwave." - Andrew Ryce

"Order a slice of pie with a burger and fries, or snag a whole one from Pie ‘n Burger. The bakers keep everyone guessing throughout the year with seasonal specials, but look for strawberry, peach, and blackberry in the summer months, or November and December pies made with minced meat. One thing is certain for this longstanding restaurant, apple, and pecan pies are available year-round." - Mona Holmes

"Snag a wooden swivel seat along Pie ‘n Burger’s counter for a classic taste of Pasadena. Everyone knows to order the two namesake items: Beefy burgers that come crowned with lettuce, pickles, tomato, and homemade Thousand Island, and the pies, which are fresh-baked daily in flavors like apple, chocolate meringue, and butterscotch. This diner has been a local legend in this community since 1963, so don’t miss out on a visit when in the City of Roses." - Mona Holmes

"Pasadena claims to be the birthplace of the cheeseburger, and while the truth of such things is lost to history, there is no denying the enduring prominence of Pie ‘n Burger. A legend since 1963, this diner turned ode to all things burger continues to turn out impeccable California classics, complete with special sauce and lightly melted American cheese." - Rebecca Roland, Eater Staff

"Open every day, this iconic Pasadena diner is offering their entire menu for takeout only, including their excellent pies. Whether you opt for one of their “classic” pies, meringues, or seasonal fruit pies, Pie ’n Burger always delivers. Figuratively, that is - they’re takeout only. Call (626) 795-1123 to order." - brant cox