Goodbye to Lucky Baldwin’s near PCC

While I was in Del Mar celebrating my birthday, Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste on Colorado Boulevard officially closed its doors. By the time I returned to Pasadena, it was too late to stop in for one last pint.

Truth be told, I rarely called it Lucky Baldwin’s Trappiste. To me, and I suspect to many others, it was simply “Lucky Baldwin’s near PCC.” If someone asked where to meet after work, before a game, or just because nobody could make up their mind, that was usually my answer. It was one of those dependable gathering places where friends could always find each other.

The entire block is expected to be redeveloped into a seven-story mixed-use project featuring affordable housing, retail space, and parking. That’s the future of the property, although a construction timeline has not yet been announced. That’s progress, I suppose, but it also means another familiar Pasadena landmark becomes a memory.

What I’ll remember most wasn’t just the beer—it was the people.

Tatiana was one of the bartenders who always remembered my beer of choice before I even ordered. That’s hospitality. She later went on maternity leave, and unfortunately I never got the chance to say goodbye. Hopefully our paths will cross again at one of the other Lucky Baldwin’s locations—or somewhere else in Pasadena. Great bartenders always seem to find great places to work.

Lucky Baldwin’s, founded in 1996, was named after Elias “Lucky” Baldwin, the colorful businessman whose legacy helped shape Arcadia and Southern California horse racing. The pub became known for its outstanding selection of imported beers, English ciders, and one of the best soccer-viewing atmospheres in the San Gabriel Valley. On match days, the place came alive. Even if you weren’t a soccer fan, it was hard not to get caught up in the excitement.

The good news is that Lucky Baldwin’s story isn’t over. The original Old Pasadena location and the Sierra Madre location remain open, where fans can still enjoy the famous fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and that unmistakable British pub atmosphere.

If you’re looking for another place to catch a soccer match or enjoy a pint with friends, Rocco’s Tavern on Green Street and Clearman’s Galley—better known as The Boat—in San Gabriel are both worth a visit. King’s Row in Old Pasadena has long been a favorite, especially if you enjoy sitting on the outdoor patio. And one of my personal favorites has always been T. Boyle’s, tucked just behind the Ice House.

Remember Handlebars?

If you do, congratulations—you’ve officially dated yourself! Consider that my little August humor.

One thing I’ve learned after covering restaurants for more than two decades is that restaurants are more than places to eat and drink. They’re where first dates happen, friendships begin, business deals are made, birthdays are celebrated, and sometimes where we unwind after a long day. When one closes, a little piece of the neighborhood closes with it.

Still, for many of us, Lucky Baldwin’s near PCC wasn’t just another pub. It was where you met friends when nobody could decide where to go. It was where you could count on a good pint, a familiar face behind the bar, and a feeling that, for a couple of hours, all was right with the world.

Cheers for the memories, Lucky Baldwin’s. You will be missed.

Now, where can you find the best fish and chips in the San Gabriel Valley? That’s a conversation for another day.

Follow me as I continue searching for Southern California’s best food and hidden gems.

Have a favorite restaurant or pub that deserves a visit? Let me know in comments.

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