Patch Blog: Parkway Grill - Still Going Strong

The Parkway Grill in Pasadena has been a Los Angeles area staple for nearly thirty years. 

Parkway has a special significance for me because my parents used to dine there every New Year's Eve for almost a decade. Now, four years after my father has passed, I enter the restaurant and I can almost hear his laugh ring out in the lantern-lit, dark wood-panneled dining room. Parkway is famous for being an incredible steak house, but their menu really has so much more to offer its guests.

Parkway has a loyal clientele and their dining room is packed almost every night of the week. The staff are friendly, kind and attentive. You feel like family just sitting in the lounge area enjoying live piano music. While Parkway's reputation speaks for itself, their new drink options and special Summer Guest Chef make it a great time to remind you to make a reservation! 

My dear friend Rob Thompson, who is a manager there, invited me to visit the restaurant. We chatted about what's new at Parkway as well as some of the most popular menu items. I was even lucky enough to try a few!

Recently, Parkway created a menu of original hand-crafted cocktails. I tried the delicious Spicy Arroyo Margarita with cucumber-infused tequila and a hint of basil and berry. The Aviation (a gin-based cocktail) is a light and refershing drink for a Summer's eve and if you're a fan of bourbon, don't miss the Brown Derby cocktail.

Parkway also has a wine list the size of the King James Bible and their collection of libation options is quite impressive. My favorite red is the Soter Pinot Noir. 

When it came time to eat, I asked a few members of the staff what their favorite menu item was. Each one answered with the same kind of response.  "Um... Wow, it's so hard to choose. Everything is good! It just depends on what mood I'm in."  I thought this particular answer to my question was the perfect way to describe the menu at Parkway; everything is good. 

Their signature Sliced Pear and Walnut Flatbread is outstanding. It's sweet with a nice tang from the cambozola cheese, but my favorite flatbread was the Dried Fig and Bacon Flatbread with cabrales bleu cheese and caramelized onions. Serious yum!

Parkway Grill is also famous for their vegetarian-friendly Black Bean Soup with tomatillos and crème fraîche. And, if you're like me and you love all things burrata cheese, indulge in their twist on a Caprese salad - the Market Tamato Salad served with burrata cheese and a basil puree. 

As far as entrées go, there are a few not to be missed.

If you're up for an adventure, try the Whole Ginger-fried Catfish with yuzu ponzu, caraway rice and cucumber mint relish. Rob described it to me as, "an experience, more than a meal." The catfish is fried whole and served to you on the plate it its entirety. Talk about a wow-factor!

For a younger diner whose palate has matured, consider the Tiger Shrimp Corndogs served with spicy mustard. 

In the mood for a classic standby? The Kobe Burger with bleu cheese, tomato aioli and sweet potato fries will be singing your song! The New York Strip steak is succulent and juicy and touted by Rob as one of his favorites on the menu. Hard to beat a great steak isn't it?

For lighter fare, try the Pan Roasted Salmon served with haricot vert, bacon mushroom ragout and a red wine reduction. 

Have a working lunch planned? Take my advice and schedule it on a Wednesday or Friday afternoon and see if you can't snag one of their special Lobster Club Sandwiches. 

The menu also features many popular salads, pastas and pizzas for guests to enjoy. If you've been to Parkway Grill, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't been in awhile, now's your chance to go back and if you've never been, pick up the phone and start dialing to make your reservation for tonight's dinner. It's Okay, I'll wait... 

SPECIAL EVENT:

If you happen to be in the Pasadena area next week, Parkway is hosting guest chef Scott Ehrlich for two nights only: Tuesday, August 21st and Wednesday, August 22nd. Mr. Ehrlich is most famous for having opened Mario Batali's trattoria Lupa as well as other many other fine dining establishments. His menu showcases fresh and local ingredients while putting his unique twist on American cuisine.

If you can get a reservation next week, make it a priority to try his cuisine. He promises such inventive dishes as, an Avocado-wrapped Tuna Tartar served with watermelon ceviche (drooling...) and Orecchiette pasta with pork shoulder ragu, braised celery heart, rye crumbles and toasted sage. (Are you hungry yet??) More information here.

Parkway Grill 510 S. Arroyo Parkway, Pasadena, CA 91105 is open for Lunch Monday-Friday 11:30-2:30pm and Dinner 5:30-9:30pm (Mon-Thu), 5:30-10:30pm (Fri-Sat), 5:00-9:30pm Sunday. For more information, visit their website or call 626.795.1001 to make a reservation. 

Huge Thank You to Rob Thompson and the rest of the Parkway staff for their hospitality! Also a special shout out to Jan Tucker, my newest reader and fan! Thank you, Jan! 

Erin Shaw is a native of South Pasadena, CA and a freelance food and travel writer. You can read more of her restaurant reviews, recipes and traveling food finds on The Happy Mouth.