Pasadena is considered a large city (pop. 100,000 +) and lots of restaurants all over the place. But if I must pick only one area to visit, it'll be the Old Town.

http://oldpasadena.org/index.asp

Pasadena is just north of the greatest concentration of Chinese restaurants in the US. There is an exceptional number of high quality Chinese restaurants in Arcadia, San Gabriel, Alhambra, and Monterey Park.

Also Old Town is a good suggestion.

Thanks for trying to give me ideas!

I find Chowhound confusing because each thread I read( and I missed the one you just posted) lists different ideas. Noone seems to be able to agree on any of the possibilities.

We'll just have fun wandering and reading menus and I am sure we'll find something that is OK.

I know that the nearby towns are known for Chinese but I am lazy and once I park my car I want to be able to walk around and find something local.

For walking distance, you may want to try some of these:

Meditarranean Cafe, Shopper's Lane just north of Del Mar.

Pie N'Burger, California and Lake, fav Cal Tech student hangout.

Trattoria Neapolis, 336 South Lake

Burger Continental, (middle eastern), 535 S. Lake.

Drive over to Old Pasadena, a few blocks away. Park at one of the several inexpensive parking structures-- our "usual" is on Fair Oaks, between Green and Colorado. Mosey around until you find something you like. Old Pasadena has a variety of restaurants; many are pretty good but I can't think of anyplace stupendous. It is a fun area to walk around, lively and attractive.

Or:

Good Thai, at Saladang (Fair Oaks, south of Old Pasadena). Has its own ample parking lot.

Good Mexican in a pretty setting, very nice patio too: El Portal, on Green, just a few blocks east from your hotel but I'd drive frankly. Has it own parking lot.

These are some of the easiest suggestions, for a relaxing and unambitious evening.

The Hilton is a bit of a hike from most of the above restaurants, but you could walk to a few of them. El Portal, .4 mile. Old Pasadena, .7 mile. Me, I'd drive.

Thanks everyone!

Is there a particular reason why we couldn't walk to these restaurants???

Is there some danger I had not heard about?

Why would I drive if it is only "a few blocks"???

I am a big city gal (X-NYrker)who is used to urban settings.

Sorry you and I wrote at the same time.

I am laughing at the concept of a "hike" of .4miles!

>>Is there some danger I had not heard about?<<

Ans. Nope.

>>Why would I drive if it is only "a few blocks"???<<

Ans. 'Coz it's faster and cheaper than taking a cab.

>> I am laughing at the concept of a "hike" of .4miles!<<

LOL -- sometime we "bike". welcome to Pasadena.

Hmmm, so here we are, on TripAdvisor, talking about restaurants in Pasadena, and no one recommended TripAdvisor?

tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g32859-Pasadena_…

I