Russell's

I love Russell’s. I’ve been here a few times now with friends and family. It’s a cozy and intimate diner feeling restaurant. There is always a wait because it’s just that good. I always get the waffles and breakfast plate with the hash browns. A simple and delicious breakfast and one that I crave. 🫶🏻

Comfort breakfast food, surrounded by good art, classical music made for a great experience. I had the breakfast burrito and it came out hot, the ingredients were super high quality. Service was very friendly and my coffee never emptied. Everything was just perfect, we'll be back tomorrow.

We pulled up in the middle of the week...about 60 degrees at best, but parking was plentiful in the garage to which Russell's is attached. Bonus points because parking in Downtown Pasadena can be a fiasco of priced parking if folks are out and about. The wait was around 30 minutes, which we accepted, because our parents raised us to have patience. However, there were great expectations because of the rantings and ravings of the Yelp and Google crowds. Onward. Parking, ambiance, wait times, etc. aside, we're talking about a restaurant for two reasons: food and service. AS SOON as the wife and I sat down, our waiter immediately greeted us, but it was not rushed, and took beverage orders. They are efficient here. Folks in the tables around us were served plates of good-looking hot food that rendered them solely focused on the next bite. I ordered The Big One, and she had a French Toast meal. We tore those plates up. I heard nothing from my wife the entire time and it was the goodness of the food, and not her awe of her husband...this time. The Big One is indeed that, big. Get blueberry pancakes and level up your life. The bacon was thick, the sausage was succulent, and the eggs were not skimpy...even in this economy. I could have done without the hash browns but the slice of french toast I added is one of the best decisions I've made...in life. My decimated plate was cleared before I could take a picture of it...another testament to the friendly efficient that is a hallmark of the service here. Will definitely be back on purpose.

Was recommended this place from a local. Arrived at the restaurant shortly after 7:15am. We were warmly greeted and taken to our seats quickly. Coffee was fresh and was given enough time to make a decision to order. I ordered the ulitmate breakfast burrito with extra crispy hashbrowns (nailed it) and my friend ordered fresh toast. Both meals were done to perfection.

There’s a reason they have been around as long as they have. They know their menu and deliver excellent food consistently. Come hungry as you will want to eat it all and servings are large. Omelettes are a great first choice for the many visits you will want to make!

I searched the internet for a breakfast restaurant while visiting LA. This restaurant came highly recommended, and it did not disappoint. There was a crowd waiting to dine, so expect to wait around 45 minutes. The wait is worth it. There is a parking garage located next to the restaurant. As an added bonus, the restaurant will valet your ticket when you leave. The service was awesome. The ambiance was family-friendly. The food was fresh and delicious. All menu items are proportioned right and really affordable. Russell's will be a breakfast stable for my family and I when visiting LA. I recommend this restaurant to everyone.

Fantastic spot for brunch. Service was good and food was fantastic. It is a pretty popular place so if you go on the weekend, expect a wait to get in. I didn’t give it 5 stars for atmosphere because it was really loud and warm in there.

THE CINNAMON ROLL…. OH MY GOD 😍😍😍 So many places have dry, flaky, horrible little cinnamon rolls that they tried to make “gourmet” to excuse charging a ridiculous price. Russell’s is none of those things. The dough is flaky, kind of like a croissant, but it’s so so SO soft and gooey. The icing melts perfectly, there’s an amazing amount of cinnamon sugary goo… These are the way gourmet cinnamon rolls SHOULD be made. I’m very picky with my cinnamon rolls but this one gets stellar marks across the board

A friend was visiting from Taiwan and wanted an American diner experience and this did not disappoint! I gave him a couple of choices and he was all about Russell's "comfy couches" (aka booths). The food selection was expansive; what we got was delicious; and the prices were all reasonable. I got the oatmeal breakfast - some may not think it's the most exciting, but I LOVE oatmeal and this restaurant is the best presentation and options I've ever had (and I've had a lot of oatmeal at a lot of restaurants)! I got raisins AND blueberries, granola, brown sugar, milk and a GIANT bowl of oatmeal (and of course the sourdough toast). My friend got The BIG One that had a selection of all the best breakfast standards! He picked French toast (which I had a hard time not stealing), scrambled eggs, and an English muffin (plus the bacon and sausage that come with it). The staff was very considerate, especially considering I showed up on crutches - they sat me at the first booth and helped me pick up my earring that I dropped on the way to the restroom. The waitress even brought me a glass of water without me asking when I was done with my orange juice - she must be a mind-reader!! And the other patrons were all nice as well. Everyone waited outside patiently and I saw some parents playing with their kids while they waited, and I got help getting the door to the restaurant and the restroom by other people. Small things, but it speaks to the atmosphere of the place. All the little things make the difference in the overall experience. The one warning is the wait; we got there just before 10am and had a 45 minute wait.

It's nice to have a neighborhood diner though Russell's is quite popular and unless you're there early on weekends, there is likely a wait. Still, it's worth the wait. If your party is small you may snag a couple of the bar seats of which there are 4. This visit J got The Big One which includes 2 pancakes, French toast or Belgian waffle, 2 eggs, bacon & sausage, hash browns, and choice of toast, bagel or English muffin. I ordered Special Spud, light on the cheese - Russell's hash browns mixed with chopped bacon, onions, bell peppers, topped with melted cheddar cheese, sour cream & avocado. (Next time I'll hold off on the sour cream; it's great without) And that Habanero Kill sauce was quite tasty and most importantly - not too spicy. We both enjoyed our breakfast for lunch!

Russell's in Pasadena is hands down one of the most solid choices for brunch in the LA area. If you're looking for a place that combines great food with a charming atmosphere, this is it. Ambiance: The vintage American diner vibe is strong here, complete with art-decorated walls that add character to the space. It's got that cozy yet lively feel, perfect for a relaxed brunch with friends or family. Service: The staff are pros--friendly, attentive, and efficient. They handle the busy atmosphere with ease, which is always appreciated. Food: The breakfast and brunch menu might look simple and minimalist at first glance, but don't be fooled. The taste is outstanding, with every dish executed to perfection. It's proof that you don't need a complicated menu to serve great food. Pro Tip: Russell's is popular for a reason, and the waiting line starts almost as soon as the restaurant opens. If you want to avoid a long wait, I highly recommend getting there as early as possible.

Delicious food, friendly & efficient service, and clean. Our food came out piping hot - LOVE! The creamed butter was awesome for those blueberry pancakes. They are located in the same building as a parking garage that they validate parking for - WINNING!!

Russell's was established in 1930. It is no ordinary diner in the sense that it give off an upscale vibe with the bright red booth, crystal chandeliers and artwork adjourning the walls. There's a sense of class here. It's a real cozy place to have breakfast or brunch. Expect to wait in line, but it's well worth the wait. The food will never disappoint. What we ordered: -Chicken Fried Steak + 2 Eggs, Hash Bowns & 1 Side $17.50 The Chicken Fried Steak came smothered in a white gravy sauce with eggs done up how you like 'em, hash browns and your choice of a side such as toast, an English muffin or a bagel. For an upcharge, you can get a pancake, blueberry pancake or a waffle. I opted to get a side of a Belgian Waffle for $3.50. This is a really good deal and enough food for my toddler son. I have great nostalgia of eating at diners and ordering a chicken fried steak. In my 20's, my friends and I would hit up a 24 hour diner after the bars and I would always order a chicken fried steak. The service was very attentive to our needs. Our only complaint was finding a table. We were told a modest 20 minute wait as we came approximately one hour before closing. While we were waiting several people walked-in and got tables right away. This was a bit infuriating for my wife. I had to calm here down a few times. She kept pestering me to go in and ask about our table as we had a hungry wife and toddler. I'm the patient one. There were open tables available bigger than what we needed, but would have gotten us out the door much faster. The host needs to be more on top of things. Overall, it was memorable meal. Great food and service! We'll be back again to try other dishes off the menu.

Russel's is a charming spot in Pasadena that offers a delightful dining experience. The ambiance is cozy and inviting, perfect for a casual meal or a special occasion. The menu features a variety of classic American dishes, with breakfast being a standout. The pancakes are fluffy and delicious and is perfectly executed. The staff at Russel's is friendly and attentive, ensuring that each guest feels welcome and well taken care of. Despite the occasional crowd, the service remains efficient and the wait times are reasonable. The overall experience at Russel's is excellent, making it a must-visit for anyone in the Pasadena area looking for a satisfying meal in a warm and welcoming environment.

Been coming here for years! But since moving the east coast, it's been a while and my review is long overdue! My parents still come here so much, everyone knows them and knows that my mom wants decaf coffee. Service is amazing! We always come extra early to beat the crowd. The line can get pretty long! This time was my first time bringing my kids and they LOVED the cinnamon roll. I had the breakfast burrito and it was fantastic. 10/10 recommend!

Bad coffee (watery and sour) and their blueberry muffin was from Costco. Lazy. Ambience was stellar and their eggs, bacon, and hash brown were good. Eggs were fluffy, bacon crispy, and the hash brown held together just needed more salt.

This place never disappoints in the quality and preparation of their dishes. I was a bit surprised they no longer have a steak breakfast on the menu.

First time here! Came here on memorial Monday around 8:10am and got seated at bar right way (alternative was 10-20 min wait for a table for two). Started lining up outside shortly after we ordered. Huge portions! I got corn beef hash w/eggs, hash brown and sub blueberry pancake. Was delicious! Husband got country fried steak said it was best he had in a while. Great service and amazing staffs as well. Also they validate one Colorado parking (right next door) for up to 90 minutes. This will be our new go to spot now just need to wake up early for :)

This place never disappoints. Came here at 8am and there's already a queue. Party of 2 waited for 20 minutes, worth it. Service was quick and food is always scrumptious. Portion is generous and the place is well decorated. if you parked in the parking lot in the same building, don't forget to get your ticket validated.

Generous portions in a very cute American diner-esque setting! I recommend the chicken fried steak, their gravy is great. The coffee could be worked on a bit, it tasted watered down but the food and service were top notch.

I love this place for my usual Belgium waffle combo breakfast with berries added on top with whipped cream. It's always on point!! It's the perfect flavor and portion for me. They consistently have great customer service, great food and clean ambiance. They all do an amazing job here. Thanks Russell's team for another amazing breakfast!! I could get my day started now.

Service was good. Friendly and get what we ask for quickly. I love their buttermilk pancakes! Fluffy and chewy. I love their corn beef hash too, crunchy as I prefer it. We also got their meat love omelette. It was also good, thick cut bacon with crispy hash. I'd say it's one of our fav places for an American breakfast.

I really enjoyed the breakfast burrito here. I got the veggie burrito with the hash browns on the inside rather than as a side. Yummy!

Russell's in Pasadena is a delicious brunch spot for anytime of the week! They have a great diner atmosphere with good service, however, be warned it can be up to a 1:45hr wait on the weekends! My order of the The BIG one came with two pancakes, two eggs, hash browns, sausage, bacon, and a side of toast. I could not forget the corn-beef hash as well which really hit the spot for a nice brunch!

If you love comfort food, you'll need to find the time to eat here for breakfast. I love a great Chicken Fried Steak and after reviewing some of the feedback, I had to try it. I also heard about their waffles so I ordered one too! The batter on the steak was super fresh and not too thick. It also had great flavor and the gravy just amplified the entire dish. Their gravy has bits of sausage so I figured it would be flavorful and it really was! I ordered my eggs over-easy and they were perfectly cooked and the hash browns were crisp on the outside and perfectly cooked inside. The Waffle OMG needs its own paragraph! It's fluffy, light, browned to perfection and has the perfect amount of cinnamon. The flavor is phenomenal and I insist on paying the $2.00 extra to add it on to your egg dish. The service was okay, I encourage you to keep an eye out for open tables. There isn't sitting room inside, it was cold so we had to wait outside. My mother had to approach the hostess to point out the availability because she was busy chatting. It's not a deal breaker just something to keep in mind. I definitely recommend dining here if you're in the area. I hear they are famous for their burgers so I'll be back for lunch!

Busy diner in old Town Pasadena that truly satisfies a good diner craving. Waited about 40-50 minutes to get seated but ordering and getting the food was quick. I ordered the Russel scrambled but subbed bacon for spinach. The reason I wanted to come here was that their hashbrowns looked extra crispy and amazing and I was right! They also butter your bread for you but however they did it, it was phenomenal for a simple piece of toast. Fairly priced and they vouch your parking ticket if you park in the garage they are attached to.

Great spot in Pasadena. The wait was about 40 min around brunch time. As to be expected. Definitely worth the wait. Service was a bit on the slow side , but I will say they were busy. The food was delicious Ambience was nice , restroom capacity very low for such a busy place other than that definitely a place I'll be back. Heard there burgers were pretty good.

There food is excellent and service is right there for you, the hole ambiance of this place very welcoming and warm mess,

I love coming here for breakfast on the weekend! Although the wait might be a little long (30min - 1hr) it's really worth it. I've been coming here for about 5 years and it's always good and always packed Today I got the chicken fried steak and eggs and a short stack. The highlight for me is really the pancakes. The best buttermilk pancakes I've ever had and it always makes me smile and do a little dance every time I eat it lol. But literally everything is good here. The service and the wait staff is amazing here. They go over and beyond and always go out their way to see if you're having a good experience. I know there's a lot of places to eat in Pasadena, but make sure to check them out.

Classic American diner vibes. We had the pancakes as well as the biscuits and gravy which were both amazing!

Not gonna lie, I wanted to give this place that one extra start because of the food. But the food to me was alright, it was breakfast diner food and it was good. But the people and the place were so good. The two hosts that attended me were so nice and helpful to sit the 7 ppl party I had. then Marco, our waiter, was so cool and chill just made the whole place super comfortable to eat. Anyways, for a great service and friendly ppl, come eat here!!

Small cozy breakfast spot. If you park in the parking lot they will validate for you. A bit of a long wait time but they have Great bacon and waffles! terrible coffee for both iced and hot.

Very solid American style diner food. The classic cheeseburger here was quite tasty, as was the Belgium waffle and hash browns. I while everything was delicious, I wouldn't wait in line here for longer than 15 minutes as people do on the weekends, as the food isn't anything too unique. Service was fast and excellent, and the food was good so I'd recommend coming here if there isn't a line.

There is always a long line in front of this place, and I ended up waiting about one hour to get in on a Saturday at 10 AM. I can see why people are waiting now. I ended up getting a Mexican omelette with a side of a Belgian waffle but the Belgian waffle absolutely stole the show. This is quite possibly the lightest, fluffiest, and crispy as Belgian waffle that I've ever had. Five out of five stars on this, worth coming here just for this. My friend got a pancake as a side, and that was excellent as well. I have not had the opportunity have the French toast, but it seems like the off the grill menu is the way to go! As far as the hashbrowns, the way it was made, was with lots of crispy crust, which was quite tasty. A little under seasoned in my opinion, and I am someone who actually prefers his food bland. The omelette I would say, is surprisingly the least underwhelming part of the meal. The portion was generous, but definitely underseasoned, similarly to the hashbrowns. It was also not as fluffy as I would've liked. Service was excellent, our waiter was very attentive, and refilled our waters and coffee frequently. As far as ambience, the walls are filled with lovely paintings, and these lovely chandeliers hung from the ceiling. In the morning, the place isn't well lit with natural light, but the interior decoration certainly makes up for that. Overall, an excellent experience. I would 100% come back here, especially for the pancakes, and the Belgian waffle. just be prepared for a long wait!

This is a great diner, and I wish I lived closer so I didn't have to pay to DoorDash it, because it's better than the diner options near me, in all honesty. Their veggie omelette is fantastic, and the veggies are perfectly cooked, with a good variety as well, not to mention everything in the omelette is balanced, so you're not getting too much of one thing. They really take care with everything, both in the DoorDash order, and eating in. I got a multigrain pancake as my side, and they did a great job of making sure it was stored properly, in addition to the butter and syrup. I haven't dined in since the pandemic, but whenever I have gone in, it's been nice. I know they did some repairs and renovations, that were definitely needed, so I look forward to checking it out down the line!

It's so worth the wait! I really would like to emphasize that the service here was top tier! Our party of 7 arrived at about 10am on a busy Saturday morning and the place was packed with quite a wait but the hostess was very gracious in explaining that they only had 2 tables that could accommodate the size of our party but that if we didn't mind she could seat us sooner at adjacent tables which was fine by us! Once we were seated we never had to ask for a thing, the coffee was consistently refilled and the servers checked in on us frequently. The food was bought out quickly and everything was fresh. I had the special spuds which I highly recommend! We also tried the Belgian waffles and the multi grain pancakes. * sidenote: they offer coffee while you're waiting which was greatly appreciated and a nice touch.

Always long line here but it's worth the wait. To the point that if we wake up late, consider different place for breakfast. But if you're in town, you should give it a try. Waffles and pancakes are very good. Bonus is I like hash browns here is crispy like crispy good.

It's been over 20 years since I dined here and forgot how comforting the restaurant is. The food is old school dining with no fusion mentioned. The service is fast and efficient with nice paintings throughout the restaurant. Servings are plentiful and the taste is wholesome. If you dine here, parking is validated for an hour and a half, with plenty of time for dining. I would say the ambiance is historic Pasadena and very welcoming to patrons who enjoy the finer things in life!

A good ol' diner is hard to find nowadays! I'm so happy to have tried Russell's! It was almost closing time but they still served us and everything looked so good. I had the French toast and others got burger. Service was excellent and attentive for refills!

I just had to visit this Pasadena staple with a group of good friends! Russell's came to mind when wanting an early morning breakfast with an atmosphere that makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside. The location is right in old town Pas alongside some other great shops for snacking and shopping. I like my breakfasts pretty simple, so I opted for the 2 eggs, hash, and sausage breakfast + toast. (A cup of coffee to wake myself up as well!) My friends ordered various dishes from Belgian waffles, to the California omelette. All were delicious and tasted like a home-cooked meal. This place is very popular in the mornings and can have a wait/get pretty crowded. I recommend sending a friend over early to get your party size and name in. We were still able to get our food hot and in a timely manner. For sure worth the wait if you're craving some classic American breakfast and need a cool, old-school place to chat with friends.

Was craving American breakfast food and this place really hit the spot, especially the belgian waffle. Of course I had to order hash browns on the side and pair it with their Kill Sauce hot sauce. Also I'm usually the bacon type but something possessed me to order sausage and I'm glad that I did ! They gave me three sausages and they were really good and juicy. My wife ordered the biscuits and gravy which meant I got to try some and those were really good too. Would totally eat breakfast here once a week if I lived here. Get here early though as it looks like it can get packed on the weekends.

I would give this place a 10 STAR Great Food ,excellent service ,we had the privilege to be served by "V" she was sweet ,helpful with the menu and had a great attitude & smile. I forgot to take a picture of my plate , corn beef hash ,it was so yummy I remembered when my plate was empty. I had a waffle to complete my meal at the end ,so delicious. Had about. 15 min wait which wasn't bad since there was a lot of people waiting. I was told there parking in the back of the restaurant and a 90 minute validation. I'll remember this tip for next visit back.

Old school breakfast and lunch spot in Old Town Pasadena. Had a breakfast meeting with a business partner a few weeks back. Fairly busy on a Friday morning so had about a 10 minute wait. Had the mushroom, spinach and cheese omelette which was very good. Coffee was also very solid. Nothing fancy but good quality American food. Service was fine; friendly and efficient. Positive in that it is located on the ground floor of a public parking garage and a meal included a 90-minute validation. Solid spot for breakfast or lunch and worth a stop if you in Pasadena.

I stumbled upon this little breakfast Diner and was so glad I gave it a try! Russell's opened in 1930 and appears to be a favorite spot for locals. I arrived right after they opened at 7am, so there wasn't a wait. But it filed up quickly! The staff worked together as a team, took my order, and refilled my coffee continuously. The coffee was ok, basic Diner coffee. The food was next level, though! I ordered the croque monsieur, and it was delicious! The gouda melted on top was mouth watering, and the sauce on the inside was a nice *but not overpowering) cream. It comes with either hashbrowns or fruit, and I asked for both! The large fruit bowl was fresh and sweet. The hashbrowns were crisp and perfectly cooked! The inside of the restaurant was rustic, with a modern twist. They were playing classical music (Swan Lake) and had replicas of famous paintings throughout! I saw Picaso, Rembrandt, and Van Gogh from where I was seated. One bonus for those of you who drive to eat here, they do offer to validate parking! This area is very walkable if you are staying close enough to stretch your legs!

From the Belgian Waffle to the French toast this place was amazing. Victor, the server was an especially attentive waiter. We got there for breakfast and though there was a line outside we didn't have to wait more than 15 minutes. Food came out quick and delicious. They also play the best wedding soundtrack during breakfast. I will definitely be back.

Stumble upon Russell's and it was super cute and great food for a good price. Cori was my server and she was truly amazing. She gave some great suggestions. The portion size was perfect. I ordered the Belgian waffle combo that came with a waffle, egg and meat. The only problem is that it was pork which I don't eat but Cori suggested hash browns and I was delighted. It gets packed pretty Quickly but they had chairs outside to sit and Walt so that was convenient. They serve breakfast and lunch.

This place was a good choice. I picked a place based off reviews and of course yelp reviews didn't disappoint. I got the eggs and bacon. This came with hashbrown and I upgraded to add a single waffle. The food was delicious. I am very picky with my bacon and they did great because I ate all four pieces. The waffle was mouth watering good. So soft and buttery! I am already planning on when to come back. They validate partial parking time which is a plus. Let me tell u the peach mimosa was soooo good. Overall this place is perfect! Service was excellent and the ambiance was great. Must try for sure!!

Was a in town visiting a friend who lives locally. An absolutely amazing brunch experience! Had a delicious omelette, and the service was wonderful!

Parking: You can park directly behind the restaurant, and they offer $90 of validated parking. There are also nearby parking structures, $1 for the first 2 hours. Ambience: Semi cramped, it's more of a rectangular layout from what I could see seated near the door. There was a long line outside the door at Sunday brunch time, so it's fairly popular. Thankfully, they do provide seats under some awnings so that you're not dying in the sun. Service: Excellent! Waiter was friendly and asked us a few times whether we needed refills / how the food was. Taste: Got the Mexican omelette (seasoned ground beef) and my friend got the Belgian waffle plate. Both were fairly good, would recommend the waffle!

BEST WAFFLE. It's light, doughy, crunchy and literally melts in your mouth. We also ordered the corn beef hash and big breakfast thing, all of it was so yummy. The staff are all so sweet and they validate for the parking near them. Definitely worth stopping by!

The food was very good . We stopped before we was headed back to the bay area. My wife wanted to try it and hands down it was good and the service was very good and also the waitress was nice

I've never been here until today, but I have seen people waiting outside and now I know why! I was craving waffles so found this spot. We put our name on the list and took a seat outside. Got seated quickly and wow the inside was beautiful. Red walls covered in art and little chandeliers and cute little booths lined the restaurant. I had the waffle plate which came with a waffle, and egg, and a choice of bacon or sausage. It was fantastic! Great portion size and the waffle was definitely something special. It was fluffy inside and crispy outside. It was sweet on its own but came with some warm syrup. Would come back to try more! The pancakes and croque madam looked so good!! Also, park in the parking structure and they validate for 90 mins free!!

Nice family restaurant everything prepared at the spot ,food delicious,service 10 Ryan very helpful, coffe very tasty .

Great for groups and early birds. We stopped by for a quick breakfast for work. Good diner food, service was on point and parking in the adjacent structure was validated.

Great breakfast/lunch spot in old town! Russell's has the absolute greatest staff. Everyone is always so kind and attentive. Casual dinner vibe with quality food. I love their pancakes. There is usually a little bit of a wait in the morning and early afternoon but it does seem to move quickly.

One of the best breakfast spots in Pasadena. The food is always perfectly cooked. The service is great. Everyone is friendly and feels happy to work there. The wait can get quite long and would suggest coming earlier

We had the best breakfast here. We all ordered "The Big One" which comes with so much food for a great price! Pancakes were so fluffy and delicious, we also had the French toast which were fantastic. The bacon was crispy and thick. My mom doesn't eat meat so they substituted her with fruit and added extra hash browns on her plate. The staff was excellent, as we had multiple different waiters check in on us and constantly refilling our coffee. The only downside was that it smelled strongly on cleaning solution, making it smell like the inside of a cheap hotel.