Agnes - Pasadena

The food selections are eclectic, unexpected and disorganized. Most of what we tried was bland or a weird twist that we felt didn’t work out, and not worth the price we paid. The bass is on a bed of wet greens that makes the salad greens too soggy, and the mushroom pasta has nuts that over-flavor the dish while the actual main part of the dish is very unorthodox and not much of a portion. The meat and cheese board was OK but it’s literally just a tiny handful of meat and cheese that is not worth $42. Making my own charcuterie board with TJ’s meats and cheeses tastes much better and for a bigger portion and for cheaper, so this felt like a very noticeable downgrade, which is odd since this restaurant specializes as a cheesery.A bit more bit-picky for those who care, which are some of us: They also charge a 4% health and wellness surcharge that can be requested to be waived. To pay, they bring a portable credit card machine and our waiter pretty much just dropped it off at our table without much fanfare.Atmosphere is good, the outside is a nice back patio and the inside is very nice as well. I had to email them about something and they were courteous and quick to respond, which was nice

Love the ambiance here! The decor is awesome, the attention to detail is impeccable. I tried so many things but inhaled food before pictures were thought about. I did get 1 picture from my friend and I’m happy to post it because it’s something I wouldn’t have tried on my own but I am absolutely glad I did! This liver eclair was so delicious. The liver mousse flavors were on point and well balanced. The corn bread vessel was perfectly crispy around the edges and soft on the inside. And the cherries added the perfect pop of flavor, tartness and acidity. Other things I’d recommend… the cheese curds are bomb especially because of their house made buttermilk ranch, the cheese board and charcuterie board are fantastic for sharing (or not , the loaded baked potato ravioli is like close your eyes savor the flavor good, the crispy steelhead trout was my favorite entree (crispy skin, perfectly cooked fish, dill herbs, who would say no?! , beef cheeks have an amazing umami taste with the most tender piece of meat you’ll stick your fork in, all the sides are great (I even sacrificed my allergic reaction and tried the green beans mushroom, worth it! , and finish your meal off with all 3 desserts. Because everyone loves a spruced up choco taco and the cherries in the snow make you smile and it’s always sundae fun day!Things to know… make a reservation. Also parking in Pasadena isn’t fun but there are parking structures and meters. If you peruse the cheese shop store front of the restaurant, you’ll want to buy a bunch of things!

The bartender with the Stash makes the best skinny Marg!

I happened to be down the street for work for one night and am so glad this is the restaurant I chose. I'm so happy and pleasantly full!The space is absolutely beautiful. There are plenty of little nooks in which smaller parties can go, but there are also larger spaces where you can have more than just yourself.I dined alone in the zen garden tonight on a last minute reservation. Despite most of the menu being geared towards sharing with two or more people, my server, John, walked me through the sizes so I could choose the right amount of food.For those of you who follow me, you know I am a sucker for a good old-fashioned. On their cocktail menu, I spied an Old Towne Fashion and had to give it a try. Miso is not something I probably ever would have thought to put in a drink, but it and the other ingredients elevated this cocktail to absolute sipping perfection.To eat, I ordered the cornbread eclair, the tinned fish of the day, and the curried cauliflower. It was hard to restrain myself, because I really wanted to order nearly everything. I had read descriptions of the cornbread eclair, so I already knew that had to be one. And when John told me the tinned fish of the day was a pickled tuna pate, I was sold. And who doesn't love curried cauliflower?My cornbread eclair came first, and it was even better than those descriptions I had read. It looks like the most delicious dessert, but it is the perfect combination of savory ingredients in harmony. I have never had a luxardo Cherry in anything but an old fashioned, but they added the most perfect texture and flavor to each bite of that dish.The tinned fish of the day was so superb that I literally left the restaurant with a bag of tins to share (and some to save for myself). To be fair, eating the entire plate was probably a bit too much for some because it was a pickle extravaganza. Pickled tuna pate, pickled daikon, pickled onions, and pickled cauliflower. The country mustard was amazing, and I was very thankful that the crackers were plain, as they were the perfect vessel for the pickle extravaganza.The curried cauliflower came out, and when the aroma hit my nose, it was heaven. I tried to balance the bites of the feta and mint and savored everything to the last bit.I have not one single regret about my choices.All of that was probably a touch too much food for most single diners, but I cannot say I would have left anything on any plate.While I do recommend visiting with a friend, do not bypass this restaurant if you happen to be, like me, traveling alone for work. One of the servers, not mine, stopped and asked if I was dining alone and told me I was doing a good job of dating myself. Date yourself at Agnes. You will not regret it.

Super cute restaurant. ! I love their salad and the cheeseboard. It's really nice inside and there's outside seating as well.Recommend making a reservation.They also have a shop in the front and I will definitely check that out next time.The portions were also bigger than I thought so we definitely over ordered but I had a lot of yummy leftovers to take home.I parked in the public parking garage.