The Equator is a unique eatery with an equally unique history and a new chapter will soon be written. Located in Old Town Pasadena, the Equator can be found in an alleyway between Colorado and Green. It’s known for its Asian fusion dishes and distinctive interior.
Originally a horse barn established in 1992, the Equator has also been an ice cream parlor, internet cafe, a prestigious cafe, and a Hookah bar. Now a restaurant, the Equator also serves as a bar and coffee shop.
“The Equator has been through a lot,” owner Teddy Bedjakian said. “It’s all about our signature coffee and food and drinks and our happy hour.”
The Equator is popular with locals for its Coffee Happy Hour every morning on the weekdays.
“It’s a dollar for a cup of a coffee and that’s a thank you to my community,” Bedjakian said.
The Equator is also popular for its Dim Sum Brunch and bottomless drinks which are served during the weekends. Other dishes that are well liked include Potato Wrapped Snappers, Oodles of Noodles and the Equator Burger.
Aside from its numerous dishes and drinks, the Equator has a fascinating interior. Still fitted with most of its original architecture, the Equator has light bulbs hanging from the ceiling and works by local artist Micheal Hussar on the walls. The close seating and dim lighting give the Equator an intimate atmosphere.
“The [interior] is different. It draws in a different crowd,” said bartender George Blancarge-Benson who recommends the Chai Tini for anyone who’s never been to the Equator.
The Equator has long been known as a popular coffee shop where locals can get cheap coffee, but Bedjakian says it’s no longer enough to support his establishment when there is a Starbucks and Coffee Bean on almost every corner.
“I wanted to go ahead and do a change on the Equator,” Bedjakian said. “Change it now from having a signature as a coffee house and bar that people have known for so many years.”
In 2015, the Equator will be converted into a gastropub.
“[Equator] is going to be called Edwin Mills,” Bedjakian said. “We had a reality show. We had an extreme makeover show. It’s going to be airing January and it’s going to make a lot of people upset, but I want people to understand that times have changed.”
For now though customers can still enjoy the Equators’ signature cuisine and bevy of drinks.
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