A Neighborhood of Culture, Convenience, and Community
Home to Southern California’s oldest bookstore and one of the area’s newest arthouse cinemas, Pasadena’s Playhouse Village offers an abundance of dining, retail, services, and entertainment. With amenities for families, pet owners, arts enthusiasts, and foodies, this distinctive, walking-friendly neighborhood appeals to all ages and is truly a gem in one of California’s most cherished cities.
Arts & Culture
Anchored by the Tony Award-winning Pasadena Playhouse, which is also the State Theatre of California, residents at Catalonia have access to world-class theatre right on their doorstep. Steps away is literary landmark Vroman’s Bookstore, one of the best independent bookstores in the country. Boston Court offers classical and world music performance as well as cutting edge theatre, and its neighbor, The Ice House, one of the oldest running comedy clubs in America, features a who’s who of legendary comics testing new material on a weekly basis. Cinema is woven into the fabric of the city, and the beloved Landmark Theatre offers a diverse program of indie and foreign films as well as the latest blockbusters.
For art aficionados, the Pacific Asia Museum is not only one of the neighborhood’s most astonishing architectural landmarks but one of the few institutions in the country dedicated to the arts and culture of Asia and the Pacific Islands. The Southern California Children’s Museum welcomes the youngest of art fans with interactive creative experiences that cater to a sense of wonder.
Dining for All
The Playhouse Village is a gastronomic treasure trove brimming with diverse and delightful dining options that cater to every age and palate. From all-day cafes and elevated bistros to global cuisine and American classics, this eclectic enclave celebrates culinary excellence with an international flair. Start your morning with Café de Olla at Tepito Coffee or bagels at Wake and Late. For lunch, try the Oaxacan mole at El Portal, a burger at The Stand, a salad at Sweetgreen, or sandwiches on the patio of Urth Caffé.
Happy hour sings with craft beer and wood-fired pizza at Settebello Pizza, or, if dinner demands elevated cocktails and highly-rated bistro fare, choose the French-leaning Bar Chelou or Southeast Asian favorite Star Leaf.
Don’t forget to try the best (and authentic!) pain au chocolat in the city at CAR Artisan Chocolate, too. Families, foodies, and casual diners alike will delight in the neighborhood’s rich tapestry of flavors.
Did You Know?
The Playhouse Village is a century-old destination for arts, culture, shopping, entertainment and dining. Founded in the early 1920’s as Mediterranean revival and Beaux Arts architecture flourished in Pasadena, the neighborhood today boasts one of the region’s largest collection of buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, most prominently the 1924 Pasadena Playhouse itself.
Lifestyle & Wellness
Aside from being a walkable neighborhood with integrated bike lanes, there’s a remarkable array of health and wellness options designed to fit the needs of the local community. From cutting-edge urgent care facilities and veterinarians—both a four-minute walk away—to state-of-the-art gyms and the nearby Playhouse Village park offering serene outdoor yoga sessions and a kids play area, the neighborhood caters to anyone committed to a sense of well-being.
Pet-owners can rely on compassionate care at Modern Animal while fitness enthusiasts can enjoy invigorating workouts at Basecamp, Metamorphosis, or Brick City Boxing. Take self-care to another level with any of the local salons or health and day spas in the vicinity and top it off with a smoothie at Kreation or Pasadena’s local Erewhon.
Retail Therapy
The lively retail landscape within Playhouse Village is an eclectic blend of shops catering to a variety of needs. Stroll for your morning paper or the latest fashion magazine at the excellent outdoor newsstand at Vroman’s then browse an incredible selection of vinyl at Sibylline Records. Wine lovers will delight in the offerings at both Monopole WineRx and Total Wine.
For the eco-conscious, My Zero Waste Store is a one-stop refill shop with everything from bath and beauty products to kitchen and grocery items. Pet owners can find everything they need at Urban Pet, and those who are craft-minded will enjoy all that Wollhaus Artisan Yarn & Tools has to offer.
Aside from the big box convenience of a Target store in the neighborhood, those looking for specialty sporting goods have both GOLFTEC Pasadena and the Pro-Soccer Store nearby. Jacob Maarse Florists offers arranging services as well as an impressive collection of home and gift items, and local mainstay Nova Framing will assist in helping Catalonia residents adorn their walls. With its proximity to both Old Town Pasadena and all that Lake Avenue has to offer, Catalonia is truly at the center of it all.
A Cultural Village and a Walkable Neighborhood
Stores include Apple, Crate & Barrel, Madewell, Tiffany’s, J.Crew, Tesla, Rivian, Room & Board, Urban Outfitters, and many more.
Restaurants include True Food Kitchen, Ramen Tatsunoya, Agnes, Union, Osawa, Fishwives, among many others.
Plus, the Norton Simon Museum, USC Pacific Asia Museum, Metro Stations to Downtown Los Angeles, and groceries stores including Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, and Erewhon.
And don’t just take our word for it…
