FOTB- Jake's (Pasadena)

After seeing Chelsea vs Inter Milan at the Rose Bowl, there was no question but to check out Jake's Burgers & Billiards for "Pasadena's Best Burger since 1947." It only took us about a mile to walk there, and I'm glad we did.

The Food: 4/5 StarsJake's menu is as simple or as complicated as you want to make it. It begins with a $5.99 base burger, but ends with whatever you want. Everyone was able to customize their burger however they wanted it, and because of this, everyone was thoroughly happy. I had to try the Jake's Chili Cheeseburger to get the best of everything-- their award winning burger and their famous chili. While I can't recommend eating such a burger (next time I go I want to customize my burger), it's worth it to get a sample tasting of each. The burger's ingredients were high, with no disappointment of the meat, buns, or any of the toppings. And there's something cool about being able to check off the boxes for a customized burger...

The Drinks: 5/5 Stars
How can you give anything but a perfect score? They are connected to a full service bar. While they didn't have the most options for premium beers, after drinking all evening for the soccer match, they had exactly what I wanted-- cheap beers that are both great taste and less filling! Just messing, cheap beer lacks any semblance of taste but it does allow for you to drink in excess (if you do partake in such things...)


The Atmosphere: 5/5 Stars
And excess drinking is something I do! Underneath Jake's restaurant is a full scale bar with tables of pool and (drum roll...) beer pong!?! Yes, you can order red cups and set up a small table to get in some games of beer pong. And with PBR cans at $2 a piece, you can get as drunk as you need to. If beer pong isn't your thing and there's nobody at the bar to sit next to and strike up a conversation, there are plenty of pool tables to go around. And lest I forget, the pool tables are free. You read that correctly: free pool.

Overall: 4.5/5 Stars
This place is a must go! If you aren't in Pasadena (and I commend you, because it's HOT there), you need to make a trip to check out Jake's. Bring your friends for great burgers, great drinks, and great times. There's not much more to write or you'll just read a paragraph of me continuing to praise their great burgers, great drinks, and great times (see I can't even write 2 sentences without repeating the same thing).