Braise & Crumble Cafe

Walked past it on my way to El Metate last week, read the reviews and wow they were right. Very cute, chic, cool décor, nice store front and wood work. Very clean, staff is friendly. I am a fried chicken connossieur, and this place did not dissapoint. I went with the mixed, super moist flavorful, perfect breading, xlnt after taste and not too too greasy. Would order again. Pig Dip, great xlnt flavor, I wish there was more sauce on the bread, but the awesome 5 spiced beer au jus dip made up for it. In all loved it. Jalepeni bacon dusted Mac n cheese appetizer was killer! Hesitated ordering itbas an appetizer for $ 6, but 3 nice squares were great for sharing, with a perfect crispy outer texture. The peanut butter brownie topped off a fat boy meal that made this meal rank in my tops of the year so far. I will tell a friend, and most definitely will be back to try other stuff.

Great service, great atmosphere, and great food! Ordered the jalapeño macaroni which was delicious, then had the fried chicken with the potato salad, YES PLEASE! Everything was delicious and cooked to perfection. Thank you braise and crumble for cooking up a great meal and I look forward to coming back for seconds!

I had the fried chicken with cole slaw. It was well seasoned and fried perfectly (crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside). The dill cole slaw was also very good. The biscuit was good too but rather small and was not served warm. Kind of wish it was served warm so the butter it comes with could spread easily.
Overall though I was very satisfied. Will come back again!

Found this place by accident. Had the Pig Dip with a side of Crusted and Dusted Mac&Cheese. Decadent! The sandwich was so flavorful and moist. Deep fried Mac&Cheese squares with just the right amount jalapeño and Dusted with parmesan cheese, need a I say more. Comfort food definitely elevated. Charming café with brick walls. Desserts made in house looked great. Will be back!

It was our first time here and the owners of the place did a great job explaining the menu to us, giving us great recommendations. I appreciate the local vibe I got from the place with one of the cooks explaining to us that the fried chicken recipe is her partner’s grandma’s 60 year old specialty.
We ordered the fried chicken and short rib tacos with the potato salad and dill for sides.
I loved the fried chicken! You get an option of dark meat, white meat or mixed. I got mixed because I felt like it’d be a healthier option than all dark meat. **Virg Tiip: Don’t be like me and just go for all dark — the dark meat tasted so much better than the white!** I was very surprised by how juicy the chicken was. It’s all boneless and, while I like the convenience of boneless, boneless meat tends to be drier than meat with bones. This wasn’t the case with the fried chicken here though. It tasted perfect and they give you a little thing of sriracha mayo too!
My side was the potato salad and it tasted awesome. The mayo wasn’t too heavy and there wasn’t a strong celery taste (I hate celery).
My SO got short rib tacos and I only had two bites of one taco because I was so stuffed. It was nice and tender but I would have liked more flavour and some hot sauce on it. I liked my chicken more.
He got the dill coleslaw, which isn’t bad but I’m not a fan of dill.
I would definitely come back to check out the selection of desserts they have! They had some really tasty looking brownies and small apple pies that I would have ordered had I not been so full.

I really like the gorgonzola salad. Quite rich, but oh so tasty. And the Fried mac and cheese cubes. They both got a lil kick to it! The Fried Chicken Po Boy was all right, didn’t care for the bread. And the pulled pork sandwich was fine too, my bro liked it better than the po boy. I might come back to try the short rib tacos, chilli and apple pie. Too bad they sold out before I got there (around 5 pm on Saturday). The workers are really nice here though! Good customer service.

Good lord, I think I may have found my new vice. Do yourself a favor and come check this place out! The pulled pork sandwich is amazing, and the service is great. I unfortunately didn’t catch her name, but if you’re fortunate to be attended by the black lady, TIP THAT LADY. It’s very rare that you come across a worker who’s genuine and friendly like she is. There were plenty of other items that caught my eye while looking at the menu, so I will definitely be back. The only drawback I can think of is the limited seating, but that’s it.

FOOD: This place is pretty close to my work and seemed worth trying. I had the pulled pork tacos (which were very flavorful) with a side of the Gorgonzola Potato Salad. Very tasty and unique! I tried some of my friend’s Crusted & Dusted Mac n Cheese and it was sooooo good as I’m a big fan of jalapenos and parmesan cheese.
AMBIANCE: It’s a very casual spot that has high tables & chairs. It’s cute for a very casual date or just lunch with friends.
CUSTOMER SERVICE: I went during a pretty slow time. The customer service was great and the one server there was very attentive. I’d recommend trying this place at least once.

My first review of 2016, and it’s 5 stars! WOOHOO! As good as it gets! This place is fantastic. I love fried chicken. Sadly, there is no good fried chicken where I live in the Conejo Valley. So every year, when I come to Pasadena to see the Rose Parade floats, I turn to Unilocal to find some good fried chicken in Pasadena.
When we got to B&C, there was no place to sit. There’s only room for about 30 people in the whole dining area. But the owner assured us it wouldn’t take long to clear a spot for my party of 6, so we waited, and I’m really glad we did.
The chicken is boneless, which makes it so much easier to eat. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Even the breast pieces are juicy. The breading is flavorful. We tried three sides: mac salad, potato salad, and coleslaw. I’d skip the mac salad next time. The potato salad and coleslaw are delicious. GET THE FRIED MAC-​N-​CHEESE bites! Trust me.
The service was great. These poor people were SLAMMED the whole time we were there, and it being the weekend, I don’t think they were expecting it. But they did a great job of accommodating everyone. Well done!

Decided to have a lunch date with 2 friends here the other day.
Walking in here, I had high expectations, partly from all the hype and good ratings on Unilocal and I gotta tell ya, my expectations were indeed TOO HIGH.
The restaurant has a smaller footprint, so if you bring groups here, it tends to be kind of hard to find seats. At most 15 – 20 in the inside and I saw 2 tables on the outside of the restaurant.
There was one party that ordered ahead of us. As soon as they finished, we walked up ready to place our orders but the cashier told us to wait because she had to mix a coffee drink for the previous order. I am ⁵⁰⁄₅₀ about this, I always feel that taking an order should come first, because the kitchen can work simultaneously when she mixes the drinks. So this was already a turn off for me.
With the delay in the order, there seem to be a delay in the kitchen as well. It took quite some time for our food to come out. And my pulled pork sandwich was not even hot, maybe barely luke warm.
ITEMS ORDERED:
PULLED PORK SANDWICH — 3.5 stars. Nothing special about it, and the bread was pretty cold and hard. If you know me, you know that I like my bread warm and soft. It felt like they stripped it of its glory… just sad…
PULLED PORK TACOS — 3 stars. Small and again, barely warm. Each order comes with 3.
BRAISED SHORT RIB TACOS — 3 stars. This was wayyyyy to salty for taste. They can definitely check this before serving it to customers.
HAWAIIAN MAC SALAD — 1 star. They served it in a small 4 ounce cup, and I had one bite of it and said no thanks! It was basically macaroni and mayo with a sprinkle of black pepper.
Overall, to me this place is all hype. For Pasadena, I expect better quality and something that makes me want to come back for. Braise & Crumble did not provide that to me.

This place was just okay… maybe I’m just not really a fan of this type of food :(
I came on a weekday with some friends and I ambitiously split the dipped sandwich, dusted macaroni, and the jalapeño cornbread with just one other person… lol. The macaroni was really good but everything else was just okay. The cornbread was pretty underwhelming for me. My friends got the pulled pork sandwich and tacos and those were well received though. The cashier was also really friendly, but I just don’t think this type of food is for me.

My mom suggested we go here for dinner, and let me tell you, that was probably the best suggestion she has ever made. When we came into the store, we were greeted by a cute and rustic décor and super helpful cashier. After looking over the menu, my sister and I both got the chili (I got the jalapeño cornbread on the side, my sister got the buttermilk biscuit) and my mom got the short rib tacos. The cashier let us know that the biscuit would be a minute because they were being made fresh (no complaints there!)
Our food came out in a timely fashion, and the first bite of my chili sent my tastebuds into flavor heaven. The meat was tender and juicy, and the chili itself had just the right amount of spice to it. The cornbread muffins were an amazing bonus to the already delightful chili, and my sister almost cried with joy when she bit into the fresh, warm biscuit (I’m not exaggerating lol). The short rib tacos were also incredibly delicious. The meat also had just the right amount of spices and paired well with the cole slaw that came with it!
As we finished eating, the owners of the store came out and greeted us and asked us how our meal was. I’ve never met a nicer group of people who are truly invested in their customers satisfaction and the quality of their food.
I highly recommend this place to anyone who is looking for a fresh new taste of Pasadena. I know I will be coming back for more very soon!

This is an amazing little find off Colorado right next to the Ice House. We found parking easily on the street.
Tiny, but nice interior decorated for Christmas. Best eats: Mac and cheese which come in crispy square’s with shredded cheese on top, braised street-​sized tacos with some amazing sauce spread across, hunka fried chicken which came with some of the best potato salad I’ve ever eaten, and the Apple Crack, oh, the Apple Crack… it was warmed and had a layer of extra crack. Everything we had was really good!
The girl at the front and the cook were both really friendly as well.
We’ll definitely be back!

You know you’re in THE spot when everyone in the restaurant (albeit small, maybe 2×4-top and 4×2-top tables) is talking to each other about how awesome their dish is. I ordered the Fried Chicken PoBoy and my wife had the Short Dip Sandwhich with the Gorgonzola spread. Usually, when we find a new place we order different things and see who ‘wins’ at ordering… this was the FIRST time EVER we have decided that we tied. Both sandwhiches were SLAP YO MAMMA AMAZING!!! I could try to explain the different flavors and textures and what not, but that would be a waste of time… go try them yourself. We followed up with brownies, one regular, one peanutbutter. They warmed the brownies up for us and both were delicious. The brownies were a bit cakier than I like mine, but super tasty. They were out of pie (go figure) so we’re going back in hopes of trying the other ½ of their name.
Food: FAN-FREAKIN’TASTIC
Service: Warm n’ Friendly
Atmosphere: Cozy

THAT CHICKEN PO’ BOY SANDWICH YA’LL!
I am so glad that I followed other Unilocalers’ recommendations for this sandwich! I just only wish that I had a bigger stomach so that I could try out the other dishes, like their Pulled Pork Sandwich, Mac & Cheese, desserts, and so much more!
I spent a good couple of hours Unilocal-​ing where to meet my friend for dinner because she had just gotten back from an 11-​month deployment overseas. She loves cafes and so we thought we’d try this place out. This please certainly did not disappoint. Love all the thought put into the interior, the decorations, down to the tables and chairs. The only thing is that there may not be enough tables/​seats once they are super busy since this establishment is a bit cozy.
There is street parking but there is also a parking structure directly across the restaurant to the right (one way street) but it is $ 5 for a Saturday night.
This is a place where you order first and then find your seat so have someone in your party find seats first.
The food does take a bit of time to come out but I didn’t mind because to me, they are taking the time and the care to prepare your food. All fresh ingredients and that crispy chicken! No soggy chicken here. My friend ordered the Garlic Roast Beast and she thoroughly enjoyed each and every bite! Fresh ingredients! We both wanted to order the fresh squeezed lemonade but they had sold out. so she recommended the iced green tea. Very nice and light for a warm day.
I was in awe when the sandwich came out because it was huge! I’m sure they get the same reaction all the time and asked if I needed a fork. The fork certainly did help! The squirted sauces had a nice design on the chicken and the inside of the sandwich. It may be a small gesture but I really like that they take into account even the smallest detail. It means that they care. And they really do! From ordering your food, getting your food, and down to the end. They are so kind and caring while you’re there. Definitely feeling the southern comfort!
The batter on the fried chicken was so good. Crispy fried chicken and the chicken was super, super moist! MOIST, I tell ya! I did not know what to expect when I first took a bite of my fried chicken but I most certainly didn’t expect it to be that flavorful and moist! The chef mentioned that she had been taught how to fry chicken since she was 5 and boy that is come good quality fried chicken right there! The arugula was a nice balance to the chicken and the bread. I really enjoyed the soft bread that the sandwich was served on. It did not take away from any of the flavors inside of the sandwich.
As I am writing this review, all I can think about is that Chicken Po’ Boy Sandwich. Most definitely heading back and bringing some friends so I could try more of their items on the menu!

Walking into the Braise & Crumble Café is like walking into a Portlandia skit.
Get ready for Friendly Service in a Quaint Café with Scrumptious Eats.
3pm on a weekday and hubby and I needed to eat. Fewer places serving food at that hour but the B&C Café is open for business.
Located on quiet Mentor Ave that runs parallel to Lake. There’s free street parking. I’ve actually driven by this place many times and never noticed it.
Stepped in and immediately loved the hip décor; vintage signs, high tops & stools and a glass case of delectable desserts.
Menu is small but filled with Southern Comfort Food with some California flair.
We were immediately greeted by Shannon, whom I later learned was one of the owners. She was friendly and patiently described items from the menu. So what did we try?
SHORT RIB TACOS ARE WONDERFUL! Imagine a slow braised roast beef w/​mushrooms, green chile, green onion & sour cream on a corn tortillas. THIS IS FANTASTIC. Meat is flavorful & tender and the toppings give Mama’s roast beef a new twist. You get 3 tacos, and husband stole one of mine (Yes, he LOVED it, too!)
Gorgonzola Potato Salad-​I LOVED this. I tend to like my Potato Salad with lots of eggs and mustard, but have never had Gorgonzola and LOVED this combo. I only allowed the husband one bite.
Dusted ‘n’ Crusted Mac-​take mac & cheese w/​bacon & jalapeño and fry it with panko & sprinkle parmesan on top. Wow. I would have liked a little more kick (the jalapeño is subtle).
Pulled Pork Sandwich-​Hubby enjoyed this sandwich. I had a bite and it was Very Good, but I prefer tart with my pulled pork (like a vinegar slaw). Hubby said the pickles provided that (I didn’t get a pickle with my bite).
Freshly Squeezed Lemonade-​when they say fresh they mean, they just squeezed it. VERY GOOD.
Rocky Road Brownie-​This was Very Good. Only had 1 bite, but hubby inhaled. Very rich & chocolatey.
Pumpkin Pie-​We brought this one home to enjoy later. Its a wonderful fall treat just in time for Thanksgiving.
As if all that wasn’t enough, Shannon came out to chit chat with me. Awesome. Its such a pleasant surprise to find neighborhood joints that still take the time to go out and speak to and get to know their customers; a rarity in most of LA.
We will DEFINITELY return.

Came here with a bunch of friends to eat before we watched a movie. I’m glad they recommended this spot.
If anything, get the dusted and crusted MAC and CHEESE! I was kinda iffy when I read that there’s jalapeños in it, but it wasn’t crazy spicy or overpowering the mac so I didn’t mind. Their biscuits with honey butter is pretty bomb too. Ugh, now I’m hungry.
I even brought home some bacon choco chip cookies with my leftover Mac and my brother wanted to know where I got it.
It’s a tiny place, so a big group isn’t a great idea. Best for a lunch spot or dinner with a few friends.
The ladies here are super nice and put love in their food. We came in a bit late, but they patiently waited for us to finish and didn’t shoo us out (even kept the dessert case open in case we wanted to get more stuff, which I did).
If you are nearby Pasadena, I say check it out! You’ll get filled up easily, I swear.

I have visited Braise & Crumble («Braise») twice and both times I have had good experiences.
THE AMBIANCE:
Braise is a very small sort of café space. Its is nicely decorated. There is a front counter where you order food, a glass case where you can spot their desserts, a fridge with cold drinks, tables (no booths), and a large restroom towards the back before the kitchen. The restroom is also nicely decorated with interesting and artistic signs and a nice ceiling window. On the back of the restroom door there is a hook for a jacket, purse, or murse/​satchel as some men call them («it’s not a murse, its a satchel.») I kind of wish that the tables in the dining area had small hooks underneath for the same purpose. Currently, you either have to wear your jacket/​purse/​murse/​satchel or place it on the ground unless you have an empty chair available.
THE FOOD:
The first time I came to Braise I tried their Short Rib Tacos (short rib, mushrooms, scallions, jalapeño relish, and sour cream, $ 8.50). I thought the tacos were good but I felt like they were missing something and it had to be the jalapeño relish that I opted not to get on the tacos because I don’t like spicy. I also had an order of their Aloha Mac Salad (4 oz — $ 1.75, 8 oz — $ 2.75, and 12 oz — $ 3.75) and I remember that I really liked it. I liked it so much that I ordered an 8 oz to take home so that my boyfriend could try it. Unfortunately, when I got home I realized that the cashier had given me an 8 oz of their Gorgonzola Potato Salad (same price) instead of the mac. I was disappointed but I did like the potato salad.
The second time I came to Braise I tried their Pulled Pork Sandwich (pulled pork, some kind of delicious slaw, pickles, and sweet barbecue sauce on a delicious, soft bun, $ 7.75). It was soooo good. Definitely way better than the Short Rib Tacos, in my opinion, and cheaper! I also got a side of the Aloha Mac Salad and I thought it tasted better the first time I had it. It might be a good idea for Braise to add the ingredients under its menu items because I don’t like pickles and the sandwich came with them. I had to dig them out and it made it a bit messy since the slaw and sauce were placed above them.
THE CUSTOMER SERVICE:
I met the owners Shannon and Ty on my first visit. They asked me how the food was tasting and I mentioned that I felt like I needed a sauce since I opted out of the jalapeño relish. One of the women quickly said she had something in mind and went to the back. She came out with what I recall was a blue cheese kind of sauce. It definitely helped give my tacos more flavor but I know that it probably tastes best with the relish. I thought that she was really thoughtful in going out of her way to provide me with the best experience she could. Both cashiers I have met, one of them named Inez, have been kind and helpful.
THE TIPS:
Definitely come hungry and try the pulled pork sandwich! I ate the whole thing! Super tasty. Parking is on the street. The parking lot across the street does not validate for Braise so it’s not worth it.

We three we went to Lakeshore
It’s the educator supply store
We all stocked up on school gear
To get ready for the school year
We bought a bunch of supplies
Out of my wallet did the cash fly
We then were feeling hungry
And we were left with not much money
I recall one of my pupils
With a healthy set of scruples
He said there was a café
That was better than just okay
He said their food was divine
And desserts were also just fine
So as I sipped my Aquafina
As we drove to Pasadena
If you’re ever by the Rose Bowl
And a good meal is your next goal
When your stomach starts to rumble
Just go to Braise and Crumble
It’s a charming little restaurant
With good food from ladies humble
The Hunka Hunka Chicken
Wasn’t quite so finger-​lickin
But the flavor of the batter
Made my heart go pitter-​patter
And the biscuit with their butter
Made my heart flitter and flutter
And my appetite did whet
When I saw their balsamic vinaigrette
The short rib taco trio
Poco picante, it was not frio
Petite yet packed a punch
Nice offering for lunch
The small brownie was so chocolate-​y
Cookie just OK but very buttery
Aloha Mac it was just average
We had water for our beverage
If you’re ever by the Rose Bowl
And a good meal is your next goal
When your stomach starts to rumble
Just go to Braise and Crumble
It’s a charming little restaurant
With good food from ladies humble

EAT THIS: po boy chicken sandwich, short rib tacos
Holy macaroni the food was good! All except the macaroni, ironically. But the po boy chicken sandwich and the short rib tacos were amazing. My boyfriend and I shared, and I couldn’t figure out which I enjoyed more. We took the owner’s recommendations (she also suggested the pulled pork sandwich and hunka hunka fried chicken). The sandwich is a huge size. The fried chicken spills over the top, but even then I wanted more. It was well battered, moist, and perfectly paired with sriracha aioli sauce, arugula, and pickles in the sandwich. The short rib tacos are 3 small street tacos with a braised short rib, green chile sauce, chives, and sour cream. It had a bit of a kick. The meat was juicy and tender, and went well with the mild spicy flavor. If you’re looking for Southern comfort food, give this place a go.