Cannonball

Picture a neighborhood bar that feels like it was designed for grown-ups who still want to have a good time—just at a reasonable hour. Cannonball occupies a bright, split-level brick space on South Pasadena’s charming Mission Street, radiating an effortlessly relaxed energy that welcomes everyone from parents meeting up after the kids are in bed to couples looking for a low-key date night. There’s something wonderfully unpretentious about the whole operation.

The menu strikes that ideal balance between satisfying and sophisticated without ever feeling fussy. Start with those legendary biscuits—impossibly flaky and rich with butter—then move on to the celery salad, which sounds simple but delivers a crunchy, sweet contrast that might be the sleeper hit of the whole menu. The fideos with clams and chorizo make for excellent table sharing, and the burger is as good as you’ve heard—straightforward, perfectly executed, and guaranteed to leave you wanting another.

What really sets Cannonball apart is how well it understands its audience. This is a place where early dinners feel festive rather than geriatric, where the wine list runs deep enough to keep things interesting, and where the cocktails are crafted with genuine care. The back patio fills up with neighbors who’ve turned dinner reservations into an excuse to catch up, and the front room buzzes with easy conversation.

If you’re in the South Pasadena area and want excellent food without any pretense, Cannonball delivers exactly that. It’s the kind of spot that makes you wonder why every neighborhood doesn’t have something like it—a place where great bar snacks, solid drinks, and good company come together without any of the fuss.