I don’t even know where to start—this was my very first time in California, and my great aunt recommended this restaurant as a must-visit for dinner. Boy, did she get it right! The food was absolutely delectable!!!! On top of that, our waitress Stephanie made the entire experience even better. Her positive, upbeat attitude turned our dinner into a truly memorable occasion that we will never forget! And please, I beg you to try the ‘Bahama Mama.’ If you’re into fruity drinks like I am, Stephanie is your girl—she makes one of the best I’ve ever had! Thank you Canoe House for everything!!!!
Overview
If you're looking for a cozy spot with a welcoming atmosphere and a menu that keeps you coming back for more, look no further than Canoe House. Nestled at 805 Fair Oaks Ave in South Pasadena, CA, this charming diner has become a local favorite for those craving delicious, hearty meals served with a side of Southern California warmth.
The moment you step into Canoe House, you’re greeted by a laid-back yet vibrant environment. It’s the kind of place where you can relax, sip on your favorite beverage, and enjoy a good meal with friends or family. Whether you're popping in for a quick breakfast or winding down with dinner, the experience here never disappoints. The interior is tastefully decorated with a mix of modern touches and rustic charm, making it the perfect spot to feel at home.
One of the standout features of Canoe House is its diverse menu, which boasts a variety of dishes to suit every taste. From classic diner staples to inventive new takes on comfort food, there’s something for everyone. A must-try is their signature burger-juicy, flavorful, and made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. If you're in the mood for something a bit lighter, their seasonal salads and fresh seafood options are fantastic choices that don’t skimp on flavor.
For breakfast lovers, the pancake stack is a crowd favorite, perfectly fluffy and served with a side of syrup that has just the right amount of sweetness. If you prefer something savory, the breakfast burrito, packed with eggs, cheese, and your choice of filling, is both filling and satisfying. These dishes alone make Canoe House worth the visit, but the rest of the menu is equally impressive.
In addition to its fantastic food, Canoe House also offers excellent service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and always ready with a recommendation if you're unsure about what to order. They take the time to ensure that every meal is prepared to perfection and that guests have a positive dining experience. This attention to detail, combined with the restaurant’s inviting atmosphere, makes it a place you’ll want to return to again and again.
What really sets Canoe House apart, however, is its commitment to quality. The restaurant prioritizes using fresh, high-quality ingredients in all their dishes, making sure that each bite is as delicious as the last. Whether it's the hand-cut fries or the homemade sauces, everything here is crafted with care and attention to detail. This dedication to quality shines through in every dish and makes Canoe House a standout in the area.
Located in the heart of South Pasadena, Canoe House is a great place to stop by after a day of exploring the local shops or visiting nearby attractions. Whether you're a local or just passing through, it's the kind of spot where you'll feel like a regular, welcomed with open arms every time you walk in the door.
Beyond the food and atmosphere, Canoe House has garnered a loyal following thanks to its consistently great reviews. Diners rave about everything from the warm ambiance to the excellent service, and many mention how they love the variety of dishes available on the menu. This steady stream of positive feedback is a testament to how well Canoe House has built its reputation as a top dining destination in South Pasadena.
So if you’re ever in the area and looking for a place to enjoy a delicious meal, stop by Canoe House at 805 Fair Oaks Ave. You won’t regret it.
Good to know
Service options
✓ Outdoor seating ✓ Delivery ✓ Takeaway ✓ Dine-inHighlights
✓ Fast service ✓ Great beer selection ✓ Great cocktails ✓ Great coffee ✓ Great dessert ✓ Serves local specialty ✓ SportPopular for
✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Solo diningAccessibility
✓ Wheelchair-accessible car park ✓ Wheelchair-accessible entrance ✓ Wheelchair-accessible seating ✓ Wheelchair-accessible toiletOfferings
✓ Alcohol ✓ Beer ✓ Cocktails ✓ Coffee ✓ Comfort food ✓ Happy-hour drinks ✓ Happy-hour food ✓ Healthy options ✓ Quick bite ✓ Small plates ✓ Spirits ✓ WineDining options
✓ Breakfast ✓ Brunch ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner ✓ Dessert ✓ Seating ✓ Table serviceAmenities
✓ Bar on site ✓ ToiletAtmosphere
✓ Casual ✓ Cosy ✓ TrendyCrowd
✓ Groups ✓ TouristsPayments
✓ Credit cards ✓ Debit cards ✓ NFC mobile payments ✓ Credit cardsChildren
✓ Good for kids ✓ High chairs ✓ Kids' menuParking
✓ Free of charge street parking ✓ Free parking lot ✓ ParkingPets
✓ Dogs allowedPhotos
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Location
Reviews
- No ratings yet 878 reviews
The vibes and decor here are so cool! I got their popular short rib loco moco ($20.50 before tax 2025) and it had a bunch of meat. The eggs were a bit overcooked and the rice was a bit oily but overall this was pretty good. Portions were generous too.
First time at Canoe House through DineLA. We got the fish and chips and the loco moco as well as the brussel chips appetizer and tuna over rice. There was also cobbler and an upside down pineapple cake for desser. It was all very good and hearty. The service was prompt and the food was delicious.
Great vibes and yummy flavors and drinks! Our favorite was the spicy tuna crispy rice (ate it so fast i didn’t get a photo)! Our server who was also the bartender was so nice and they have so much seating indoors and out. Great for big groups!
The food was great. Loved their cocktails. Staff were very professional and keep checking on us. Food portion was quite big. It was quite full. So we really enjoyed sitting outside for dinner. The price was reasonable.
First time visit. Went for lunch on a Tuesday for Taco Tuesday. 2 parking lots. Really friendly staff who mentioned it's 15% off on Fridays if you wear a Hawaiian shirt. Sat outside in the covered patio (they have a fire pit they light at night). Soft shell tacos were delicious with some unique ingredients. The parm garlic fries were hot and delicious. The menu is eclectic so there are plenty of options.
Met up with a group of friends here for our Cinco de Mayo dinner celebration and had a lovely time! Food was decent, drink specials to suit all tastes, vibes were chill and fun, and service was excellent - shout out to our server Mackenzie for taking such great care of us! While this is a Hawaiian-themed restaurant, we opted to celebrate here bc they have a variety of tacos on the menu as well as margaritas. It was a great spot bc it was lively without being crazy busy and overrun for the holiday. We made a reservation ahead of time and were seated immediately upon arrival. For our food, several of us got the Aloha fish tacos, some pork tacos, a moco loco, and an order of Parmesan truffle fries. I was one of the fish taco orders and I opted for the side of gazpacho which was a unique menu item. A sampled the truffle fries and they were delicious with a nice texture. The fish tacos were plated beautifully but were very bland and the fried fish had a strong oil flavor that tasted old so I wouldn’t get this again. But the gazpacho was surprisingly delicious- it’s a cold tomato style soup that tasted like a nice salsa and the large bits of avocado really made it a nice accompaniment. I also couldn’t resist trying a side of their macaroni salad and it was a solid recipe - if you like macaroni salad it won’t disappoint. Our table enjoyed several varieties of the margaritas as well as a tiki torch drink from the specials menu and all seemed to enjoy the libations. We also tried the pineapple upside down cake and it was a hit as well. For the hubby, I took home an order of the bow tie pesto pasta with salmon and a pineapple upside down cake and he loved all of it. The coconut ice cream that comes with the cake is especially nice. The decor here is reminiscent of a beach cottage and is really fun - the bar area even has a huge outrigger canoe hanging from the ceiling and beachy tiki hut bar vibes. Prices are mid range and portions are ample. There’s also plenty of free parking out front and in back in lots as well as some street parking in the surrounding area.