Annandale - Los Angeles, CA Area Guide

Annandale slowly developed next to Pasadena in the late-19th century due to poor linkage across the Arroyo Seco. The construction of the iconic Colorado Street Bridge in 1914 brought a convenient connection to the eastern part of the area, spurring growth within Annandale. The land that previously housed a military academy was parcelled off for new residences. In the 1920s, Los Angeles annexed most of Annandale, while the rest of the neighborhood remained in Pasadena. Colorado Boulevard served as part of historic Route 66.

Annandale contains no museums, but the world-renowned Norton Simon Museum lies just across the Arroyo Seco. Pasadena hosts the annual A x S Festival, a two-week arts event featuring modern installations and performances.

Annandale features only a handful of restaurants right in the neighborhood, so residents head into downtown Pasadena or west toward Eagle Rock or Highland Park for dining and nightlife options.

One Annandale spot that locals frequent is the cozy Stoney Point Restaurant. The fare is mostly Italian, but the filet mignon stands as the most sought-after entrée. Locals know to save room for a treat from the extensive dessert menu.

The Oinkster in Eagle Rock attracts families to its classically remodeled A-Frame building, where the pastrami quickly gained a reputation as being among the city's best. Spend the extra money to order the signature Oinkster pastrami sandwich with gruyere cheese, caramelized onions, and red cabbage slaw; regulars say it's worth the extra expense.

Residents generally head east along Colorado Boulevard into Old Town Pasadena for nightlife options. Lucky Baldwins attracts beer connoisseurs by presenting one of the greatest tap selections in all of Los Angeles. Make sure to order one of the choices from Craftsman, a local brewer known as the best in the region. Happy hour runs weekdays from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., featuring specials on food and beer.

If burgers are your bag, head to Rounds Premium Burgers on Lake. This place lets you choose from premium toppings to build your burger any way you like. Be sure to order the fried onion strings while you're there; these are cooked to perfection, and the portion is ample. Alternatively, stop by for happy hour to enjoy $3 draft beers.

Most residents choose to drive in Annandale, due to a plentiful amount of free parking and hills that challenge most pedestrians. The Ventura Freeway parallels Colorado Boulevard, giving residents quick access to downtown Glendale. The junction for Interstate 210 also lies a mile to the east. Taxis do not frequent Annandale, though Uber, Lyft and other-ride share programs remain available. Cabs are likely to be found around Colorado Boulevard in Old Town Pasadena. Avenue 64 contains the only designated bike route in the area. Annandale doesn't attract casual cyclists because of the challenging hills.

The Metro serves the neighborhood with bus routes running along Colorado Boulevard and Avenue 64, with fare costing $1.75 and including two hours of free transfers. All Colorado Boulevard routes intersect with the Gold Line, a light rail train that connects with Union Station.

San Rafael Park, the neighborhood's only public park, provides a children's playground and a grassy area for running around or a game of catch. Residents head to the Arroyo Seco Park on the opposite side of the Ventura Freeway for serious athletic activity. Many avid walkers, runners and cyclists circle the 3-mile loop around the Rose Bowl. The park also includes two golf courses, an aquatic facility and many sports fields. There are no dog parks in Annandale, but residents head to the Hermon Dog Park along the Pasadena Freeway for the area's most accessible space. While Annandale doesn't hold any significant annual events, hundreds of thousands of people attend the Rose Parade every New Year's Day, just across the Colorado Street Bridge.

The cost of living in Pasadena runs about 11 percent higher than the Los Angeles average. Rent averages around $1,337 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. Travelling to downtown Los Angeles by bus takes more than an hour, costing $1.75, including transfers.

Gas prices in Los Angeles run about 22 percent higher than the national average, and locals expect to pay 20 cents more at gas stations in Pasadena. When going out for a beer, pints typically cost above $5.

With so few stores operating in the community, residents head outside of Annandale for shopping needs. Basic needs are met in-town, where residents head west to Figueroa Street for chain restaurants, drug stores and the Vons Supermarket.

The Fretted Frog is one successful boutique in Annandale, selling acoustic guitars and other stringed instruments. The store attracts musicians for lessons in a variety of styles. Return customers also receive discounts on accessories.

When seeking high-end stores, shoppers travel across the Colorado Street Bridge for the boutiques in Old Town Pasadena or Paseo Colorado, a large shopping mall. Sunbeam Vintage sells furniture and decor specializing in classic mid-century design. The store contains many unique items, and new pieces are brought in daily.

The Rose Bowl Flea Market, known as one of the best flea markets in the country, takes place at the event's namesake stadium the second Sunday of every month. With more than 2,500 vendors, shoppers barter over goods including clothes, furniture, jewelry, crafts, keepsakes, art, fabric, music and vintage items. General admission costs $8, but many pay up to $20 for early access into the flea market.

Annandale doesn't hold its own farmers market, but residents head to the Pasadena Farmers Market at the Villa Parke Center, running from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. every Tuesday, and the Eagle Rock Farmers Market, held on Fridays from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.