This tiny Pasadena diner has captured hearts and taste buds with its no-frills approach to American comfort food since 1963.
Pie ‘n Burger draws loyal crowds with its quarter-pound prime beef burgers, homemade pies crafted from recipes dating back 75 years, and authentic vintage atmosphere complete with original Formica counters and swivel stools.
The family-owned establishment has earned national recognition while maintaining its old-school charm 🍔
How Pie ‘n Burger won hearts in Pasadena
Pie ‘n Burger conquered Pasadena one burger at a time through unwavering commitment to quality and tradition. When the restaurant opened in 1963, it purchased authentic 1930s recipes from a Long Beach couple who ran an admired diner.
Current owner Michael Osborn first discovered the magic as a nine-year-old customer, walking around the corner from his grandmother’s workplace to try a hamburger and strawberry pie.
That childhood experience sparked a lifelong devotion that led him to work there as a USC student in 1972 and eventually purchase the business.
The restaurant built its reputation by refusing to compromise on ingredients or methods.
For 35 years, Osborn has sourced prime, freshly ground beef from the same small butcher shop.
The homemade Thousand Island dressing uses Kraft extra-heavy mayonnaise, and pie dough incorporates C&H cane sugar and Gold Medal flour – the exact same brands specified in the original recipes.
This dedication to authenticity transformed Pie ‘n Burger from a local hangout into a destination that attracts college students from USC and Caltech, plus working families who appreciate genuine, made-from-scratch food.
Food Highlights 🥧
- Classic Cheeseburger: Quarter-pound prime beef patty cooked on the griddle with homemade Thousand Island dressing, lettuce, pickles, and American cheese – customers rave about the perfect balance of textures and the secret to its addictive quality
- Turkey Burger: A popular healthier alternative that maintains the restaurant’s signature flavors and cooking style
- Patty Melt: Grilled sandwich featuring the same quality beef patty with cheese on toasted bread, beloved by regulars
- Dutch Apple Pie: The most popular dessert featuring warm, flaky crust with perfectly spiced apple filling and crumb topping – frequently ordered a la mode
- Boysenberry Pie: Signature fruit pie that rivals Knott’s Berry Farm’s famous version, made with the restaurant’s 75-year-old recipe
- Strawberry Cake: Fresh strawberry creation that has earned devoted fans, often described as a nostalgic taste of childhood
Atmosphere 🏛️
Pie ‘n Burger transports diners to 1963 with its unchanged vintage interior. The tiny space features five tables, 25 counter seats, and an open kitchen where cooks work behind original Formica counters.
Worn wooden swivel chairs and fading brown plaid wallpaper create an authentic time-capsule experience.
The mechanical cash register still requires waitresses to consult a wall chart for tax calculations, adding to the nostalgic charm.
Many staff members have worked there for decades, contributing to the family atmosphere where regulars feel at home.
Bottom Line ✨
- Authentic vintage atmosphere that genuinely transports you back to the 1960s with original fixtures and longtime staff members
- Uncompromising quality using prime beef, homemade dressings, and 75-year-old pie recipes that have never been altered
- Exceptional value for handcrafted food made from premium ingredients, despite slightly higher prices than chain restaurants
- Local institution status with over 60 years of serving the Pasadena community and earning national recognition
- Unforgettable pies that rival any bakery, with seasonal selections and classics like Dutch apple and boysenberry
Address: 913 E California Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91106
📞 (626) 795-1123
🕔 Open Mon-Sun, 8:00 AM–9:00 PM