"Pasadena's most romantic address - New American cooking and the nationally ranked 1886 Bar in a Craftsman cottage that has outlasted earthquake and reinvention alike."
About The Raymond 1886
In 1886 the Raymond Hotel opened in Pasadena, a grand Victorian resort that hosted presidents before fire and the Depression finished it off. What survived was the caretaker's cottage - a Craftsman bungalow of modest scale and extraordinary character that became the most atmospheric dining address in the San Gabriel Valley. The Raymond 1886, named for both the hotel and the year, occupies that cottage and its garden at 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue. It is one of the top tables in our Pasadena guide and the area's special-occasion standard-bearer.
It has turned a historical accident of survival into one of Southern California's most romantic rooms.
The Kitchen
The kitchen cooks contemporary New American food built on fresh, local produce and international technique, a menu of seasonal plates that shift through the year rather than chase trends. Alongside it runs the hidden 1886 Bar - an internationally acclaimed cocktail room whose 1886-certified bartenders pour both perfectly made classics and culinary craft cocktails that have been ranked among the best in the country.
The weekend brings a popular brunch in the garden, but the draw is the marriage of careful cooking and a genuinely great bar in a one-of-a-kind setting.
The Room
The cottage is all Craftsman warmth - low beams, soft light and a wraparound garden patio that is among the prettiest places to eat in the valley. The 1886 Bar tucks away alongside, dim and intimate, a destination in its own right. Together they make a room that feels equal parts history lesson and date night.
The patio and weekend services book up, so reserve ahead, especially for a proposal or anniversary.
Not for
Not for a quick casual bite or a big rowdy group - it is an intimate cottage built for romance and the cocktail bar, where the patio and weekends book out.
Frequently Asked
What is The Raymond 1886 known for?
Being Pasadena's most romantic table - New American cooking and the nationally ranked, hidden 1886 Bar in a surviving 1886 Craftsman cottage and garden on South Fair Oaks Avenue. The bar's cocktails have been rated among the best in the country.
Where is The Raymond 1886?
At 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena, in the Craftsman caretaker's cottage of the long-gone Raymond Hotel, with a wraparound garden patio.
What is the 1886 Bar?
An internationally acclaimed cocktail bar tucked inside the cottage, where 1886-certified bartenders pour both classic and culinary craft cocktails ranked among the best in the United States.
How much does The Raymond 1886 cost?
It sits in the upper-moderate $$$ band, with dinner mains roughly $34-58 and cocktails at the 1886 Bar around $16-18.
Do I need a reservation?
Reservations are recommended, especially for the garden patio, weekend brunch and special occasions like proposals and anniversaries.
Reserve a Table
Reserve at The Raymond 1886
Reservations are recommended, especially for the garden patio and weekend services. Phone +1 626 441 3136. Find it at 1250 South Fair Oaks Avenue in Pasadena.
Affiliate disclosure: Restaurants for Kings may earn a commission when you book through our reservation links, at no cost to you. Our scores are editorial and never paid for.
Practical Information
Address1250 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena
NeighbourhoodSouth Fair Oaks, Pasadena
CuisineNew American
PriceDinner mains roughly $34-58; the hidden 1886 Bar pours craft cocktails around $16-18
Dress CodeSmart casual
SeatingAn 1886 Craftsman cottage and garden patio, with the hidden 1886 Bar alongside
ReservationReservations recommended, especially for the patio and weekends
