Russell's

Christina G

I loved it here! I went in the morning today (Monday) around 10:30am and there was a line. It went by quick though, under 10 minutes. My friend and I shared the mushroom cheese & spinach omelette with a side of hash brown and pancakes. I enjoyed all of it! Russell’s has been on my list for quite some time, glad I finally checked it out. I didn’t have a chance to try the coffee but definitely will return soon. Great location and awesome service. Welcoming and attentive. Cute decor too… retro, but artsy

Candid Reviews

American diner food. Came in for breakfast. Always wondered why there was always a long line and people seating outside and waiting and never ate here. First time here and I’d say, I expected something out of this world but was somewhat disappointed with the taste. Nothing extraordinary…regular diner breakfast. Coffee was watered down and had to be remade- not sure why? Staff were friendly and atmosphere was calm. Will definitely be back.

Jorge Martinez

Excellent breakfast spot in Old Pasadena with a classic diner feel and really friendly service. I had the Meat Lovers scrambled eggs and they were absolutely awesome — generous portion, super flavorful, and perfectly cooked. The whole place has a cozy old-school atmosphere that fits Pasadena really well. Great option for breakfast before walking around the area. Definitely a spot I’d come back to.

Alex G

Mix of old school outside and bohemian interior. Friendly staff. Fresh corned beef hash. Only downside was coffee too mild for my taste. But the OJ was fresh and delicious - well worth ordering.

Benjamin Franke (Solstice Son)

Russell’s is a classic. Old bones, old stories, old menus, and old flavors. I find this recurring theme at all the well loved restaurants from the last century who have somehow survived it all. They just exist in their mediocrity for all of time and leverage the fact that they haven’t changed as a selling point. To me, that’s all I taste. It’s not nostalgic, it’s just stagnancy. Dry eggs, under seasoned, nothing noteworthy or exceptional. Not hating, I love the oldies. I just keep running into this same experience of being underwhelmed. I’ve had the same at Marston’s, Bill’s, Buck’s, Joanie’s, basically any spot with someone’s name in the title. Maybe I’m jaded, but I distinctly remember the quality of all of these spots in the 90s. Did my tongue degrade over the years? Or is it that the rigidity of these recipes and menus haven’t kept up with the breakfast scene? Who knows. It was still lovely, but took forever because it’s so popular, and cost an astronomical amount for basic breakfast options. I’m glad I got to experience it.