Lucky Baldwin's Pub

Lucky Baldwin's PubLucky Baldwin's Pub
Lucky Baldwin's PubLucky Baldwin's Pub
Bar, Eatery

17 S Raymond Ave
Pasadena, California, 91105-1913
United States

(626) 795-0652 | map
luckybaldwins.com
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.17
Reviews:
71
Ratings:
97
pDev:
10.79%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 4.07 by slasich from Pennsylvania

May 16, 2020
 
Rated: 2.9 by Simulatedface from California

Jan 29, 2017
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Reviewed by DrinkThemAll from California

4.29/5  rDev +2.9%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.25
First time here, as well as the Downtown area of Pasadena. Very Hipster around, but this Place was behind the scenes. Very small inside, but cool layout. Outside seating as well, which is nice. The selection was very nice. Pliny, Blind pig, Rasputin on Nitro, Trappistes 10. That should be enough to back up the statement right there. Service was fast and beer prices were average. Didn't Get a chance to try the food, but someone ordered some fries that smelled delicious. This place is pretty far from where I stay, but I love the inside and atmosphere.
Aug 14, 2016
 
Rated: 5 by deniserat from California

Jun 15, 2016
 
Rated: 3.11 by IceAce from California

May 08, 2016
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Reviewed by dipso123 from Oregon

3.45/5  rDev -17.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 3.25 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
I have liked this place a lot in the past few years. One of the few places I've been to that has had as many as 3-4 Russian River beers on tap at the same time, lots of good events, etc. HOWEVER, things change.

Most ales are served in a shaker glass which IF filled to the rim is 16 oz. but if there is 1/2 to 3/4 inch of head you are getting 12 oz. and at $8 a "pint" there are better places for a session. The selection brings me back for 1 now and then but no longer a place to stay.
Jun 30, 2015
 
Rated: 4.51 by Ernie_The_Dude from California

Mar 23, 2015
 
Rated: 4.64 by sillyhed8 from California

Jan 29, 2015
 
Rated: 3.96 by BREWS4LA from California

Jan 13, 2015
 
Rated: 4.6 by Chris7482 from Illinois

Jan 01, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by fthegiants from California

Oct 31, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by dmquinn from California

Sep 11, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by ubiq3000 from California

Aug 20, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by aoampm from Hawaii

Aug 05, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by gjayb from California

Jul 11, 2014
 
Rated: 5 by LakerLeith from California

Jun 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by BeerBeast from Florida

Jun 08, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by DarthKostrizer from California

May 28, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by jsunj from California

Apr 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Bnoise11 from California

Apr 21, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by bigjoe786 from California

Apr 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by Hopped_up_Chuck from California

Apr 03, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by jtosch from Oregon

Mar 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by ThaddeusGhostal from California

Feb 18, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by ssimpson89 from Illinois

Feb 07, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by Jenray from Texas

Dec 28, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by belgbeerdrinker from Colorado

Nov 05, 2013
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Reviewed by mrcraft from California

4.21/5  rDev +1%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
This Lucky Baldwin's is located in Old Town Pasadena in an older building right off Colorado Blvd. The space is divided into several smaller sections divided by walls and hallways. I entered through the front, and eventually made my way towards the bar. My first impression was that this place had more of an authentic English pub feel than other establishments I visited.

They present your typical English pub fare. They have a nice rotating tap list. The day I visited they had 4 or 5 beers from Russian River. Since I didn't have Row 2 before that's what I really wanted to try that day. Unfortunately, the keg kicked in less than a day before my visit. I ended up ordering some bangers and mash with pint of Supplication and half pour of Linderman's Faro. The banger was tasty though a tad bit dry.

There was ample parking in the parking structure a few buildings down the street. I believe the first 90 minutes was free.

I enjoyed my visit and will return again.
May 16, 2013
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Reviewed by UCLABrewN84 from California

4.38/5  rDev +5%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
I visited all 3 Lucky Baldwin's locations in the same day so I am going to be brief for each one:

This location is in an old building in downtown Pasadena. Walking in you immediately get an odd vibe of dive bar/sports bar/pub all wrapped into 1 location. The bar itself is fairly small with about 8 stools although there are tables around the rest of the restaurant. The service when I went was great as the bartenders and I talked beer the entire time. The quality of the beer was great and they had a pretty awesome selection of taps and bottles. When I went I got a full pour and a goblet to keep for $10, with tasters of any other beer on the menu for either $3 or $4 a taster. These tasters were about 7 oz. each and came in the mini Chimay goblets. The glass was good at all 3 locations to get $1 a beer at any time throughout the year, and also good for the taster deals at all 3 locations. Needless to say I took advantage of this deal. Overall, this is a cool little spot and much different than the other 2 locations.
Jul 05, 2012
Photo of Goldstar81
Reviewed by Goldstar81 from California

3.43/5  rDev -17.7%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 2.5 | selection: 4 | food: 4
Overall a solid "Belgian" beer bar but over the years they have dropped off in their Belgian selection. They have La Chouff, St. Bernardus 12, Lucifer and most of the more easily accessible Belgian kegs. Occasionally they do get some gems in. They have a Hair of the Dog week, a Russian River week with younger and they have a pretty decent bottle selection although its a bit hit or miss. A few months ago I asked them if they had any Cantillon bottles and after about 20 minutes a waitress emerged from their cellar with a 2004 Gueuze. Though it was 65 bucks it was worth every penny. Its definitely a pub atmosphere. The bartenders really do a piss poor job of filling glasses-often they are served half full of foam or are not filled to the top. The servers usually have a decent knowledge of what they have available but most of the time the menu is totally unreliable-I usually am told they are out of the first 2-3 selections I want. But their fish and chips are top notch as is the french dip. I live a few blocks away and I like to visit every 3-4 months.
Jul 17, 2011
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Reviewed by Retsinis from Arizona

4.18/5  rDev +0.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3
Recently went to Lucky Baldwin's during their strong ale festival (runs two weeks) was able to try a bottle of 2005 Speedway stout, draft Abacus (or the beer formerly known as Abacus) and Yeti. We had a large group for this visist, probably about 20, and we were forunate in that we were able to take up the full loft above the bar.

Anyhow, been to Lucky's probably about a half dozen times. The bar has a cross between a British style pub, and a Boston style Irish bar. They largely focus on Beglian beers, however, their rotated craft beer selection is over 20 taps, so that's more than ample. Can be standing room only, given the size of the space, or if you get there too late, or on a very busy event night.

Food is your standard Pub fare, though slightly above average. The main focus and draw here is the beer though, and they pride themselves in serving beers in the proper glass ware, and serving you as promptly as is possible. Taps can, do, and did blow even on the night we were there, so if your looking for something special that you saw online, it might be gone when you get there, but it's not just Baldwin's, but Lucky Baldwins, so they will have some great backups to choose from.
Apr 22, 2011
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Reviewed by drewmprs from California

3.53/5  rDev -15.3%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3 | selection: 3.5 | food: 4
One of the oldest beer bars in so cal. Hadn't been there for almost two years so I decided to take the train up there and check things out. Still smelled the same, food tasted the same, but things just seemed different. Alot of the regular tap selections are gone and now a majority of the taps are dedicated to so cal breweries. There's nothing wrong with that but i prefer the older taplist that focused on belgian and mild english beers.
A bit of snootiness from the bartenders and a general lack of attention from the entire staff.
The bottle list is long with some surpringly well-priced vintages. I went with a saison dupont from 2008.
Mainly English pub food, the fish and chips used to be my favorite but I went with the curry this time and was very happy with my choice.
Parking is tough in the area but the train drops off about a 1/4 mile south of Lucky Baldwins. Their IPA fest is good but alot of the best beers are gone the first day.
Mar 19, 2011
Photo of josh80
Reviewed by josh80 from California

4.25/5  rDev +1.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 5 | food: 3
Before any of these Johnny come Latelys made it on the LA beer scene Lucky Baldwins was THE PLACE on this side of town and the next decent place was Fathers Office way away in Sanata Monica and there was nothing in between.

Yeah the lines aren't the cleanest and yeah the food isn't the best but the tap list is outrageously good and the vibe is authentic and cool.

Luckys is still one of a handful of top notch beer destinations and should not be missed by anyone passing by or near the Pasadena area.

Highly recommended.
Feb 27, 2011
Photo of JohnnyAngel
Reviewed by JohnnyAngel from California

2.68/5  rDev -35.7%
vibe: 2 | quality: 3.5 | service: 1 | selection: 3.5 | food: 3
Nice place to drink and watch football but beer prices are expensive.

The service was abominable. After waiting at a table for 15 minutes I decided to go to the bar and ask for service. Eventually we got service but it was poor. The girl behind the bar was just not sensitive at all to customers needs if they were not actually sitting at the bar. The pub seemed very understaffed. Perhaps it's better in the evening, hopefully.

The week I went was supposed to be a beerfest with cask beer available, but there wasn't.


Bottom line: Enjoy the beer and TV if you visit, and I just hope you do better than I did with the service. I won't be going there again in any hurry.
Feb 22, 2011
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Reviewed by zebulon from Illinois

4.03/5  rDev -3.4%
vibe: 3.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4 | food: 3.5
Was there for a lunch on a Thursday and was rushed. The weather was chilly so there was no one in the patio, but the inside was also practically empty. the inside has kind of a cluttered feel to it, but is ok, nothing special although lots of beer posters.

Service was great. Whether is was because it was slow the server was really interested in talking about beer. When I asked about one belgian in particular that she wasn't sure of she said "wait I will go in the back and look it up on beeradvocate". How about that.

The beer selection was heavy on Belgians, in past visits they have had more Cal beers. The didn't have much in the way of IPAs that day which disappointed me.

Food was not great, but good. I had a curry dish since I was in the mood for the British experience.

Overall I was OK with the experience I have been there before and I will be back.
Feb 15, 2011
Photo of augustgarage
Reviewed by augustgarage from California

3.98/5  rDev -4.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Crusty British pub atmosphere in the heart of upscale Pasadena. The entry area features a shop full of English goods, while the bar is vaguely divided into several seating areas (one at the bar, one down the hall, one around the corner, one upstairs, one on the patio).

You can order from the bartender or from a server - they generally know their beer and are reasonably attentive and friendly even when it gets busy (like on the weekends). Busy yet relaxed atmosphere, a mix of regulars, families, and people chatting one another up. Proper football on the tele is a nice alternative to the standard sports-fare.

The tap-list is almost always impressive, though never quite up to date so you may have to order a few beers before you find one they haven't run out of yet tonight! You'll always find a nice Belgian selection as well as choice CA beers (fresh Russian River, vintage Stone, Odd Craftsman, etc). They have multiple cask engines, though the firkin has been empty the last few times I've stopped in (a common problem with L.A. area brew-pubs). Doubt they clean their lines after each keg...keg storage itself seems a bit haphazard as well - I get the feeling quality isn't at the apex of concerns here, but then I've never had a bad/dull beer yet (e.g. PTE tastes as fresh here as it did at the brewery). The bottle list features some nice vintages and generally excellent prices.

Fish and chips are above average, and some of the non-alcoholic drinks are great (e.g. the hot chocolate). The other food is nothing to write home about (I usually go to a taco truck nearby instead).

Along with The Daily Pint and Father's Office in Santa Monica - Lucky Baldwin's is one of the "old guard" of L.A. beer bars - and ratings aside, is probably my favorite of the three.
Dec 13, 2010
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Reviewed by unseenbyyou from California

4.28/5  rDev +2.6%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Recently went here during craft beer week. They had 10-10-10 on tap! The crowd is a good mix of beer afficianados, and guys drinking clueless...if you don't ask for the tap list walking in here, you don't know what you are missing...
One of the better jukeboxes for drinking as well. One thing strange though...this was the first time I did not see someone with his kid there
They had great divide beers on tap. I really enjoyed the hibernation. Twas a good balance to the 10-10-10...worked a different part of my palate.

I highly recommend this place during belgian festival that occurs twice a year..man. That's when selection goes to a 5.
Oct 24, 2010
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Reviewed by Lesbrad from California

3.83/5  rDev -8.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 3.5 | service: 3.5 | selection: 5 | food: 2.5
Lucky Baldwin's seems to have been around forever. So have their tap lines which seem to be less than pristine. I don't know why I am starting with the bad stuff, just went their last night and had a great time. Here are my gripes, the good stuff to follow. The food sucks. Really? C'mon guys put a half decent meal in front of me and I won't complaint. Clean a table - please, I sat on the patio and waited for the table to be cleared. the waitress took the order and never did a thing to clean up from her last patrons. She delivered our beers right in the middle of the mess and never bothered to move a thing. We moved inside to watch the game and sat at a table that has crumbs and liquid on it and another server came and left it too. i had to ask for a rag. Ok, enough ranting.

I love this place. Amazing selection of beer from home and abroad. Nice pours, good pricing, a constantly changing selection. I love Belgians and they have plenty of them in bottles to go with that tap list. In Pasadena this place stands alone. The authentic pub grubbiness is matched by the enthusiasm of the football fans (real football not nfl) who come to cheers and jeer.
Sep 25, 2010
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Reviewed by willbolk from California

4.08/5  rDev -2.2%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 3
Great atmosphere if you think being in a british pub is great atmosphere. Almost divey, but in a good way.

Pretty extensive tap list, their website is never up to date. Lots of belgians, not as many u.s. crafts. Always have local Craftsman, Stone, Anchor, few others.

Kick ass place to catch a football (soccer) match. Always full of footie fans for champions league matches, I assume the same for weekend premiere leaguue matches. Seems to attract plenty of liverpool (blech) and united (ugh) fans. Gunners show up in force too - up the Arse!

English inspired pub grub, most of what I've had has been average. Go for the beer and the footie, not so much for the food.
Sep 15, 2010
Lucky Baldwin's Pub in Pasadena, CA
Place rating: 4.17 out of 5 with 97 ratings