Magnolia House

I really wanted to like this place, but I am really disappointed. We went on Valentines and they had a different menu for that night called the "pri fixe" menu. They charge $120 per person that wants to order off that menu and then they had other plates on the side that weren't really appetizing so of course everyone is gonna wanna order off the Valentines menu, but $120 really?! They were sold out of the steak that night too. The Valentines drinks were TINY for $20!!! Like they were kid sized. Our food took forever to be brought to our table but since it was Valentines we weren't in a rush a decided to just let it be. It came in 3 courses, but it wasn't even hot when it arrived to the table. Also, the food just was eh. It lacked so much flavor. I wish they had a normal menu for the people who are picky or have a different diet. I did love the vibe and look of the place and it was super cozy outside. I don't wanna be super negative but maybe this place is better during the day or not on Valentines, but I wouldn't recommended it or come back.

Magnolia House is set up like a welcoming bar meets a welcoming living room meets a chill outside for dining. Depending on where you go, the vibe could be very different. But even on a Wednesday - this place was busy! The menu is fairly limited in terms of options (one page) but good detail was put into each entree. Standouts include: -Zucchini and Feta Fritters: Cannot go wrong here, and sauce was excellent pairing. -Albacore crudo: not much food, but super tasty and on a bed of fried onions. -Wings: Whole, super well-spiced but needs better sauce than the aioli they have. -Pork Belly: Delicious Chashu style with plenty seasoning. -Cocktails: An amazing Last Word or 3 was had here.

I’ve always wondered why this restaurant is so busy every night — and now I finally know! The Pear Blossom cocktail was bubbly and slightly citrusy with just a touch of sweetness. The light fragrance of pear made it both elegant and refreshing. The Albacore Tuna Crudo was outstanding — crispy fried onions on top and melting, juicy albacore underneath. The balance of sweetness, mint, and cilantro made each bite so flavorful and refreshing. Pairing it with the Pear Blossom was absolutely perfect. The Brussels Sprouts were also a pleasant surprise — the mix of feta, cilantro, and the unique sauce gave it a North American–Middle Eastern flair that worked beautifully. Sorry I dug into the brussel sprouts before I could take a photo! Everything was fresh, flavorful, and well thought out. Definitely worth checking out!

When we walked in, we were greeted by a very friendly host. So, I initially thought that the dining experience would be pleasant. But contrary to my expectation, the service wasn’t all that great. Getting a simple sauce took some time. The lady who brought out our food just ignored our request. So, I asked our server who asked the host to bring it out. This was frustrating! In addition, the burgers that we ordered were not cooked as we had requested but were prepared well-done. So, the patties were a bit dry. Also, I couldn’t believe the burgers didn’t come with anything else—no pickles or greens. So disappointing! The only thing we really enjoyed were our cocktails.

This place is a must-visit in Pasadena. The service is always awesome, and on our most recent visit, our server made the experience even better. They were so friendly, attentive, and genuinely passionate about the menu, offering great recommendations and making us feel really taken care of without ever feeling rushed. The food is fantastic, with a creative menu that has something for everyone. Everything we tried was fresh, full of flavor, and beautifully presented. The cocktails and wine list are impressive, and even their coffee drinks are top-notch. Whether you are going for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this spot never disappoints. I have been here a few times now, and every visit has been consistently great. I would definitely recommend it if you are looking for a place that delivers across the board.