Sandwich Story: Slightly Off Colorado in Pasadena

This joint is a stones throw away from Pasadena City College right accross the street. I've been eying the awning of this place when I drive east on Colorado. I figured it was a cafe so I decided to take a looksee. Turned out to be Sandwich Story, whose sandwiches are some of the best value around. You can easily get a meal for under $5.

A mom and pop family run operation, very simple place. They tie the whole "story" in their name into the menu with specials called Chapter 1, Chapter 2..etc. Cute. They do sandwiches, some specials like spaghetti, some breakfast items, coffee/espresso and blended drinks/smoothies/shaved ice. Their sandwiches are basic, simple, and not fussy.

I know what it's like to be a starving student. It was in college when I really honed my skills in finding those good cheap eats options and staying away from the chains. I can say, that if I were a PCC student, I'd be here all the time. And they have free wi-fi to boot.

I've been a few times since discovering this place. This pic is of the Chicken Almond Sandwich. Get the roll and ask for it to be toasted. I'd come here over Subway any day.

From other reviews, it does seem that their hours are very closely tied to the school, which makes sense. So plan accordingly.

Sandwich Story
12 Harkness Ave, Pasadena, CA 91106 (626) 793-0072
Mon-Fri 8am-5pm; Sat 10am-2pm; Sun closed

The Coffee Barrel Cafe2982 E Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

I was out for/to lunch (however you want to interpret that) and wasn't sure where to go. I was close to Fu Shing so I went into the parking lot, but then I saw this cafe hidden toward the back of the plaza. So I went in to check it out and I'm sure glad I found this place.

At first I wasn't so impressed by the interior - you have sponged orange-yellow walls, barrels and a couple of water fountains around. I was thinking that the food could go either way by the looks of the joint. There were a few folks eating there and their sandwiches looked great and they had satisfied faces, so I stuck around and got me their signature roast beef sandwich.

  

I got everything and had them do it the way they like to do it. In this puppy they put cheddar cheese, signature dressing, ortega chili, red leaf lettuce, red and green peppers, alfalfa sprouts, and onions (they don't put tomatoes in right now). Jammed pack with all that they panini it. This sucker was saucy but good. Totally hit the spot.

I went back and had me a Turkey Sandwich which has provolone cheese, dressing, fire roasted red peppers, sliced pepperoncinis, red leaf lettuce, red and green bell peppers, alfalfa sprouts and onions - sans tomatoes.

They do like 15 different sandwiches and I intend on eating every one of them so I'll be back for more.

The other thing that makes the experience here so great is the customer service. These folks are super-friendly and make you feel right at home. With joints like this around, there is absolutely no reason to go to some chain.

And, I haven't been, but on Sundays they do all-you-can-eat pancakes. They do have a breakfast sandwich menu and they also do Belgium waffles. I may have to check this out sometime.

The Coffee Barrel Cafe
2982 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena CA 91107 (626) 844-0177
Mon-Fri: 7am-7pm; Sat: 8am-7pm Sun: ?

Little Flower Candy Company1422 Colorado Blvd

In the former Bees Knees Bakery location, on the stretch of Colorado Blvd that connects Eagle Rock to Pasadena, the Little Flower Candy Company has finally found a retail location.

I've been seeing the Little Flower Candy marshmallows in different locations over the years.

While I'm not a huge fan of marshmallow in general, I was intrigued by these and have sampled them before. For me personally, I can only eat half of one piece but from all the marshmallows I've tasted in my lifetime, these are among the best. I can see why Christine (the candy maker) has a following. It's lucky for Eagle Rock that she was able to find a space close by.

Compared to the former Bees Knees, the new space design is more open and friendly to customers. And, being lame person that I am, I finally discovered that there is a parking lot in the back of the building!

They also have these chocolate bead/pearl/caviar thingies that are basically chocalate covered biscuit balls. A bead-shaped Pocky-like thing, if you will. Ask for a sample - they're great and just imagine them on ice cream or maybe you are more into Pinkberry.

Before walking in initially, I was just expecting assortments of candies but they are doing some excellent pastries, croissants, scones, muffins, and they have good coffee. Perfect spot to stop by if you are jogging/walking/biking in the area.

They also do lunch too! They have soup, salads, and sandwiches. The pic is their rare roast beef sandwich.

I overheard Christine say that in the summer, she's thinking to have a deck in the rear of the space for a patio. That would be excellent!! I know I'll be coming by for sure. And oh.. from my understanding, there is wifi as well. I think I may have found my 2008 summer hangout....

Little Flower Candy Company
1422 W. Colorado Blvd. Pasadena CA 91105
(626) 304-4800
Mon-Sat: 7AM - 5PM; Sun: 8AM - 3PM
littleflowercandyco.com