Pie N Burger - Pasadena

I’m giving one star for the good fries, but that's about it. The parking situation is also quite challenging. The waitress barely spoke a word. When my friend and I arrived early on Saturday afternoon, we weren’t greeted at all; we were just looked at. We sat down at two open seats at the counter, which still had dirty dishes from previous customers. After ten minutes without even a welcome, the counter remained busy, even though they weren't crowded at all. Eventually, a staff member came over to take our order. I ordered a cheeseburger without onions, and we shared a plate of fries. When the cheeseburger arrived, the waitress glanced at it and said, "Hmm, looks like there's nothing in this burger? Oh, there's something in there." What?! No onions, sure, but there were also no lettuce or tomatoes. Just a huge amount of dressing, cheese, and a tiny, broken patty. This burger was really, really small. My friend ordered a turkey burger and a soda, so with my cheeseburger and fries plus a side of Thousand Island dressing, the total came to $20. Seriously, this place seems to thrive solely on pointless hipster hype. During early lunch on Saturday, we witnessed disorganization, laziness, and chaos. When my friend got home, his wife asked, "You ate there? That place is terrible!" as soon as she heard the name Pie and Burger.

Upon entering, I found it to be a quirky little establishment. The décor felt nostalgic, reminiscent of the early 1960s, and it appeared that not much had changed since then. The seating arrangement consisted mainly of lunch tables, with some somewhat uncomfortable tables in the back. The menu was displayed on a board on the wall, and there was a bit of a wait, even for counter seating. The atmosphere was loud and bustling, a far cry from the chic dining experiences you'd expect in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, I was there for a burger, not the ambiance. Initially, I felt a bit put off, especially during the wait, but I decided to stick it out to see what made this place so popular. After a while, my name was finally called, and I took a seat at the counter. A waitress promptly brought me a glass of ice water and asked to take my order. I ordered a cheeseburger, and she suggested I add grilled onions. When I inquired about the size, she recommended the double. I went with both suggestions, along with a Diet Coke, a side of perfectly crispy fries, and a small fresh fruit plate. This place truly felt like a blast from the past. They had a single soda fountain where you could mix your own soda by combining syrup with carbonated water—what a fun throwback! Soon, my food arrived, and one bite into the burger revealed why this place has endured. It was a sizable, classic burger! The meat was flavorful, and the bun was soft and fresh. The addition of grilled onions was a great choice, enhancing the overall taste. The burger was served on a plate, wrapped in paper, and it was definitely substantial. Each patty weighed 1/4 pound and was incredibly juicy. The fries were also outstanding, just as I requested—crispy and golden. Overall, the meal was delicious, and the service was good once I was seated. This would be an excellent spot to take a date if you want to keep it casual and cool. I didn't investigate the other half of their name, but I noticed several customers enjoying large, homemade slices of pie topped with melting vanilla ice cream. They looked like they were really enjoying their desserts. So, if you're in the area, definitely give Pie-N-Burger a try!

At $18 for the combo, I don't think the burger offers good value. Honestly, you could go to In-N-Out and get something similar with much more flavor. This burger was bland—probably one of the blandest I've ever tried. I really struggle to see how they can charge $18 for it when In-N-Out serves a far superior burger. If I were you, I wouldn't order this burger; you'll likely be disappointed with the price you pay. On the flip side, the breakfast is fantastic, and I highly recommend it. The toast served with extra butter is the best I’ve ever had. I also enjoyed the breakfast plate. The customer service is on point—very nice and helpful. I also tried their onion rings with the burger, but they only provided about five pieces. Come on, guys! For an $18 burger, I think you can do better. They really need to rethink both the burger and its pricing, in my opinion.

Pie and Burger! What can I say? This restaurant is truly a time capsule. I've been visiting for 40 years, and they serve some of the very best food in Southern California. My first visit was back in 1985 with my parents, when we enjoyed the Burger Special with fries and pie. Now, 40 years later, everything remains unchanged, and it continues to be the best place for a fantastic meal every time. The menu speaks for itself, showcasing a variety of delicious items. You simply can’t go wrong dining here; this restaurant will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always find it worth my time to return.

Look no further, because the classic burger thrives here in Pasadena. At Pie'n Burger, you won't find any unnecessary frills or gimmicks—just a true staple. This burger stands out among the classics. Each one is generously topped with Thousand Island dressing, lettuce, and tomato, creating a satisfying height. While the burger is wrapped in paper for easy handling, the patty could benefit from being a bit thicker to truly capture the essence of a restaurant burger. The familiar flavor evokes a sense of nostalgia. However, I must admit that almost $20 for a burger combo feels quite steep. Pair it with a drink and perhaps a slice of pie, and you’re looking at a meal that could rival fine dining or even a decent steak. If you opt for whipped cream on top, be careful—you might just regret it!