[UPDATED] Next stop on our Cheeseburger Tour: Old Pasadena — where there are plenty of delicious options for my fellow Cheeseburgerians. So now we arrive at Jake’s Trustworthy Burgers, that memorable historic burger spot, which has occupied the same “shack” on Colorado Boulevard in Old Pasadena for literally decades.
It’s still 1947 when it comes to the burgers at Jake’s, says longtime owner Chipper Pastron.
As Pastron explains lovingly, “Jake’s Cheeseburger is the classic cheeseburger made in the very old school way, honoring this old building, making cheeseburgers on Colorado Boulevard.”
Pastron has returned to the restaurant’s roots, serving its classic 1947 burger—two beef patties of its blend of brisket and chuck with two slices of American cheese, grilled onions and in-house pickles.
“We thought about lettuce and tomatoes, and avocado, and sprouts and all kinds of other things,” laughed Pastron, “but in the end it comes down to the simple truth and the original recipe.”
There are also hand-made french fries, fried in peanut oil, and onion rings, along with spicy fried chicken sandwiches, steamed hot dogs, Jones sodas, and the aforementioned craft beers.
“A simple menu, the way it should be,” said Pastron.
And here’s a fun fact: Jake’s has two grills in the kitchen—one exclusively for the burgers and chicken and one just for the buns, which is how he achieves the buns’ crispy-edged texture. That’s all we can tell you.
Just enjoy.
Jake’s Trustworthy Burgers and Beer is at 38 W Colorado Blvd, Pasadena, CA. www.jakestrustworthyburgers.
