Gus’s Barbecue has been in South Pasadena for as long as I remember, or more historically accurate, since 1946. You can’t miss it’s old-style sign beckoning you as you drive up and down Fair Oaks Avenue. So we stopped in on day 13 of 365 Things To Do in Pasadena™.
I remember walking in to Gus’s for the first time and seeing a true old-fashioned diner with red leather seats and eat-in counter. It was like being transported in time. You could have expected Humphrey Bogart to walk in at any moment.
Gus’s today is quite different from the diner that I remember. The front maintains it’s old-world charm with quaint booths (still red) and its counter seating, but as you walk further into the expanded restaurant you’re greeted to a room with quite a hip and modern flair. Talk about eclectic! When you’re there, check out the bar and the materials used… love it!
It has won numerous awards and recognition for its barbecue fair and has been featured by Forbes Traveler, ABC7, PasadenaWeekly and other media venues.
Our favorites at Gus’s are their skillet cornbread, chicken wings (which by the way are quite different and are served with a yummy salad) and their sweet potato fries – to die for!
Their barbecue menu is quite large from Memphis style baby back ribs to BBQ smoked brick chicken. If you want to rack up those calories, there’s Southern Fried Chicken and Carolina style pulled pork.
I haven’t tried their hamburgers yet, but they look absolutely delish! That’s for the next visit.
The place fills up pretty quickly so there could be a wait for dinner if you don’t make reservations. Parking is to the side of the restaurant and on side streets.
Here’s Dennis, our wonderful server last night talking about how the barbecue is prepared and the available menu items. The quality of the video is not so great… apologize in advance. Enjoy anyways!
Oh, by the way, if you are there on the weekend, you might want to try their skillet cookie. It’s baked in a mini skillet and topped with a humongous amount of ice cream!
Visit 365 Things To Do In Pasadena® for more fun activities in Pasadena California and surrounding neighborhoods.
