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Local Positioning: Altadena at Upper Lake Ave.

A walking guide to Altadena

By Peter Gilstrap

Special to Metromix
June 11, 2008

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Local Positioning: Altadena at Upper Lake Ave.

(Credit: Wally Skalij)

It may not have Rose Parade or a Suicide Bridge, but the other 'dena-Altadena-is not without its charm. North of sexy big sister Pasadena, the little town is tucked away at the top of Lake Avenue, nestled at the massive foot of the alpine, ear popping splendor of the San Gabriels-which, by the way, boast the beautiful, gut busting Sam Merrill Trail up to Mount Echo, where stunning vistas and sun-dazed rattlesnakes abound. But who needs nature when you've got all mod cons in easy walking distance back down in civilization?

Theosophical Library Center

2416 N. Lake Ave. , Altadena

626-798-8020

Looking to bone up on mythology, theosophy, mysticism, alchemy, Masonry, Rosicrucianism, or plain-old science? This library has what you need. A fascinating resource center for independent study, it also provides rare, crucial texts on, oh, New Physics, Gaia and spiritual ecology, transpersonal psychology, near-death experiences, scientific anomalies, and unexplained phenomena.

The Fox's Restaurant

2352 N. Lake Ave. , Altadena

626-797-9430

Nothing says mom-and-pop like this homey little joint, a longtime breakfast nook for those in the know. Checkered tablecloths, gingham curtains, homilies on the walls--the whole tiny place looks like an informal dining room from the Eisenhower era, and the food, pure and simple, is genius.

Oh Happy Days Healthfood Grocery & Cafe

2283 N. Lake Ave. , Altadena

626-797-0383

No green-bandwagon-jumping health food store this; OHD has been keeping things right and natural since 1977, serving up deliciously healthy meals-try the whole grain organic sandwich with avocado, veggies & tofu for $2.95-and offering the best in organic produce. They also screen global awareness films along with dinner. Right on.

Dutch Oven Bakery

2281 N. Lake Ave. , Altadena

626-794-3555

First of all, it's really called the Dutch Oven. (Either you get that or you don't.) Anyway, the Oven has been pumping out the baked goods since 1957, including 17 types of muffins, and their astonishingly delicious (not to mention hard to find) buttermilk pie. The place skews old-school, with coffee cakes, bread, Danish and rolls, and if you can spell it, they'll write it on a cake.

Hair Pyrates

2055 N. Lake Ave. , Altadena

626-791-7405

If there can be a hair farmer, why not a Hair Pyrate? Spelled with a Y? Listen up, shaggy landlubbers: If you need to trim your flowing mane, go to sea with the HP. The Pyrates have been specializing in long haircuts for over 20 years (back when business was really booming), and they maintain a strong clientele. Regular heads have included members of Metallica and Warrant, and Vanilla Fudge's own Carmine Appice, so your lengthy locks will be in good hands.

The Coffee Gallery Backstage

2029 Lake Ave., Altadena

626-398-7917

A real gem of a place that's part community meeting house, part live-music venue and all coffee hang. You can also get free legal advice from a real live lawyer once a week (by appointment, folks). Dig the mellow morning living room ambiance, or show up at night to witness some extraordinary acoustic talent in the Backstage room, which looks like a South American bean plantation loading dock.

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