Bites Nearby: 1810 Argentinean Restaurant

Overview: Located in the heart of Old Town Pasadena, 1810 Argentinean Restaurant is quite easy to miss, it’s entrance often obscured by crowds of people dashing down Colorado Boulevard. Truly a hidden gem as far as restaurants in Old Town are concerned, 1810 serves up many of the same Argentinean favorites of its predecessor, Gaucho Grill, but brings its own Spanish flavor and flair to the streets of Pasadena. 

Decor: Brick walls, dark wood tables and chairs, and antique chandeliers give 1810 a rustic, almost medieval feel. Sit outside on a warm night and feel as though you’re sitting in a small courtyard in Buenos Aires. Or dine indoors and admire how the once hard-looking brick walls seem to soften as the flickering light from candles dance up against them.

Beverages: Choose from a selection of white and red wines, sangria, or beer. Especially at an Argentinean restaurant, I always opt for a glass of Malbec to start my meal off right. Choose from four types ranging from $6 to $12. If you’re in the mood for something fizzy and refreshing, try a bottle of Quilmes, Argentinean beer ($5). From lemonade ($3) to dry, white sparkling wine ($8), there’s something for everyone to drink at 1810.

Appetizers: While their entrees are surely not to be missed, a couple of appetizers and a glass of wine make a perfectly good meal for nights when you’re not in the mood for anything too heavy. While it may be tempting to fill up on fresh French bread and 1810’s homemade chimichurri sauce, my advice is to save room for an empanada or two; choose from beef, chicken, ham & cheese, or spinach & cheese ($3/ea). Or try the Croquetas de Arroz (risotto croquettes with mozzarella cheese and tomato sauce, $7) or the Mojellas al Verdeo (sautéed sweet breads with green onion sauce, $8) for a few pre-dinner nibbles.

Entrees: With hardy, flavorful sandwiches served on a French baguette, house made pastas, and more steaks than you can count on one hand (seriously), you will surely not leave hungry after a visit to 1810. If you’ve got a big appetite but want to go for something healthier, opt for my favorite salad, the Old Town ($11). With mixed greens, tomato, red onion, grilled chicken, rice, feta cheese, and a spicy honey mustard dressing that will make you weak in the knees, the Old Town will definitely not leave you wanting more, as many salads seem to do.

Another favorite is the Pollo Sandwich: grilled chicken served on a baguette with chimichurri sauce and fries on the side ($11). The Churrasco (an 8 ounce flat iron steak) is another a hardy and delicious pick; order it cooked to your version of perfection with either rice, mashed potatoes, French fries or salad on the side ($18). If you and your date are rather ravenous, order the Parrillada Mixta: a mixed platter of grilled skirt steak, short rib, Argentinean sausage, black sausage, sweetbreads and a half chicken on the bone ($45). Fish eaters and pasta lovers are welcome, too; try the Salmon Atlantico with roasted tomato sauce ($14) or the Gnocchi de Papa with Bolognese sauce ($13).

Desserts: 1810 has an array of homemade desserts to choose from that will surely round out your meal. Go for a traditional Argentinean dessert and order the flan covered in a dulce de leche (caramel) sauce ($6). If you’re a chocolate-lover, bask in the glory of the Torta de Chocolate ($7), a dense chocolate cake best enjoyed between two people. If you haven’t any room left in your belly for solids, try a glass of Botrytis Semillon, a dessert wine from Australia ($9) or simply sip an espresso like a real Argentinean ($3). 

Service: The staff is incredibly friendly and attentive. On Friday and Saturday evenings, there can sometimes be a wait, so I would recommend making reservations ahead of time.

1810 Argentinean Restaurant
Address: 121 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena 91105
Phone Number: (626) 796-5658
Cost: $$