Gale's is quickly becoming one of Pasadena's favorite restaurants. It started as a hole-in-the-wall whose main business was catering. They did very little advertising, and their slightly out-of-the-way location would have seemed like the kiss of death to any other eatery. However, great food at good prices and friendly service relied on word-of-mouth to build a loyal customer base. It was a risky formula, but one that paid off!
Gales is located on South Fair Oaks Ave, which is antique row for Pasadena. The streets in this area are lined with antiques shops. It's out of the main shopping areas of Old Town Pasadena, and from the outside, the building isn't attractive. It's a simple brick building with glass bricks on the front—the kind of place you may whiz by without a glance if you are not looking for it.
Inside, it's lively, and fun chandeliers hang from the ceiling. The kitchen is open and busy. There is a buzz in the air. There is lots of laughter and chatter—this is what dining out with friends should be all about! To prove Gale's popularity, they recently took over a shop next door to expand. Now more guests won't be shut out and can enjoy Gale's wonderful cooking! When Chris's sister and brother-in-law came from Charleston, SC, we took them to Gale's. It was a night of family catching-up, and this seemed like a great place to do it.
The grown-ups all ordered pastas or risotto, while the kids ordered pizzas. The pastas come in large white bowls and are filled with generous portions. The pasta here is excellent. The sauces never overwhelm, but instead seem to compliment the perfectly cooked pasta. Everyone was sharing their selections with each other, everyone sure that their choice was the best.
Our waiter was professional, but with a casual charm about him. The pace was perfect. It seemed that whenever we needed something, he was there, but he was never overbearing and allowed us to visit and talk. Empty glasses were quickly removed or refilled, and things were brought quickly to the table from the service line.
Don't overdo it with the pasta. You will have to save room for dessert. Gale's is famous for its desserts. Again, we all chose something different. I had the tiramisu, and it was very good. However, Chris ordered the cheesecake and swore this was the BEST cheesecake he had ever eaten. It was the first REAL New York cheesecake that he had ever found in California. We all had a bite and had to agree it was pretty darn good.
I understand why Gale's is so popular. Everything is working here—the food, the service, the décor, and just the feel of the place. It has a certain ambience that says "good food, needs to be shared with good friends." I have to say, I have joined the legions of Gale's fans!