SANGERS & JOE
PASADENA BRUNCH BONANZA AND THEN SOME

There’s something festive about brunch. It’s usually a weekend meal, and most often includes a lot of booze. That right there will get me in the party spirit every time. But at Sangers & Joe in Old Town Pasadena, it’s the delicious brunch fare that impresses and wholly satisfies.

Sangers & Joe is a vibrant and inviting breakfast, lunch and brunch cafe boasting tasty intercontinental-inspired dishes and beverages. In case you’re wondering about the name, “Sanger” is Australian lingo for sandwiches and “Joe” means coffee, of course. The two have been combined to create a modern and airy market-style cafe featuring a myriad of tasty breakfast, lunch and brunch dishes, alongside coffee, tea, natural sodas and even a handful of beer and wine options.

“The name itself reflects a casual eatery,” says Managing Partner Scott Kay. “We really wanted to create a community-based café that locals will love.”

And now added to the mix during weekend brunch is Food Network’s Cutthroat Kitchen Winner Chef Rouha Sadighi alongside award-winning Chef Claudio Dell’Anno’s regular fare at the café.

“I like to take a whimsical and fun approach to breakfast,” says Chef Sadighi, who is kicking off the menu with playfully named dishes like the Are You Kidding Me? (which is exactly what you will say when you taste it).

During our recent visit for Sunday brunch, I was taken by the warmth of the place where antique elements stand out in a clean and inviting space draped in white subway tile with a smooth white granite countertop, and community tables with pops of bright orange and blue.

Among the brunch staples that I knew we would order, the Are You Kidding Me? dish stood out. And let me tell you, this brunch bad boy really lives up to its name—think fluffy French toast dipped in pancake batter then fried, topped with fresh preserves, two eggs over medium and a choice of bacon or sausage. Now that’s the kind of decadent brunch I’m talking about.

And don’t forget the all-you-can-drink mimosas, speaking of a brunch staple. That really helps to get the daytime party started right.

For those who prefer the chicken before the egg, there is the Bodega vs. Farm, a beer-battered crispy chicken wrapped in a soft Portuguese roll, topped with cabbage slaw drizzled with hot sauce, topped with eggs over medium.

More standard brunch fare can be found with the hearty Steak and Eggs with pepper steak and rosemary potatoes, which is a filling dish.

Likewise, the buttermilk pancakes with berries, mascarpone cream and syrup are great to share. They’re so rich and flavorful. They tout their pancakes among the best in town and they’re not that far off.

The Eggs Benedict with poached eggs, Parisian ham and spinach atop an English muffin drizzled with Hollandaise sauce and the Smoked Salmon are a brunch classic and these are a solid choice.

Other brunch options include an array of clean, tasty and satisfying dishes from Granola & Yogurt with fresh fruit to toasty Smoked Salmon Bagel served with cream cheese, red onions and cornichons, and the Crushed Avocado with lime and toast are a delicious way to start the day. For those who prefer muffins, buttery croissants and sweeter treats with their morning cup of Joe, an assortment of delectable pastries are on display and available daily.

Midday to afternoon appetites can be appeased by fresh and seasonal lunch menu items, featuring Hot Panini’s, Sangers, signature salads and deli-style sides. Small bites come in the form of deli-style sides like Red Quinoa/Cucumbers, Fingerling Potato Salad and Spiced Wedge Potatoes to name a few that are perfect for midday snacking.

Beverage options are numerous, from creamy coffee creations and Aussie-inspired Joes to hot tea, fresh juices, bottled drinks and an eclectic array of beer and wine options procured by Spin the Bottle Wine Studio in Toluca Lake. Wine and beer selections at Sangers & Joe are eclectic, yet approachable so there really is something for everyone.

“When it comes down to it, it is not just about opening a cafe,” says Kay. “The inspiration stems more from partnering and connecting with the community.”

And that mantra is just what Sangers & Joe is all about: an approachable neighborhood café for breakfast, lunch and brunch (and dinner… stay tuned!) that offers something for everyone in a warm and welcoming environment.

Sangers & Joe is located at 57 East Holly Street in Old Town Pasadena. Open every Monday through Friday from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, every Saturday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm and every Sunday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Call  323-553-0563.

Story by Jose Martinez

Photography Courtesy of: Sangers & Joe