Congregation Ale House

There are not many restaurants I have looked forward to opening in Pasadena as much as Congregation Ale House. If you've been reading for any amount of time, you surely know that I like beer, burgers, sandwiches, and Belgian fries. I'd seen pictures of all of those things at the Long Beach location (or "chapter," as they call it) and they all looked good.

Congregation had its grand opening on Sunday in the old Crown City Brewery space on the corner of Del Mar and Raymond. Half a decade ago I would often end my evenings at Crown City, huddled around a table with some friends splitting a few appetizers. I didn't love the place but it was just far enough away from the craziness of Colorado Blvd, the appetizers were usually good (especially the smoked chicken and bacon lavash) and the Red Stripe was cold.

The space had been vacant for more than three years, but now Congregation is open. My friend Bryce and I (and his daughter Lucy) stopped by for lunch yesterday.

The interior only takes up about half the space that Crown City did. It's much more intimate than I expected.

The beers are listed on a chalkboard because "they're going to change frequently." It was a nice selection, but it was 11:45 in the morning and I didn't need a beer.

As the tabletop display says, you order and pay at the counter; they pour your beer and hand it to you right then and give you a number. A server brings the food when it's ready. If you think you might be having more than one beer, you can start a tab when you place your order.

I chatted with the owner for a couple of minutes. I know him casually from another bar he managed in town a few years back. He told me the jukebox is free during lunch, there were 200 credits in it, and I "should play something because it's too quiet in here." I selected Velvet Underground, Tom Petty, Dylan, and Chrissie Hynde, then wandered out to the patio to take a seat.

It was a cool day but sunny, and we had the patio all to ourselves. (It also worked out great because every time the Gold Line roared by, Lucy was able to exclaim "Choo choo!" with a giant smile on her face.)

I said "I didn't need a beer." Technically this was true. But I wanted one, especially when I saw the Allagash Black on tap. It's a Belgian-style stout, tasting slightly of coffee and smoke.

Bryce had a Stone Vertical Epic Ale 11.11.11.

Orders of fries come with a choice of two dipping sauces. I selected rosemary-garlic mayo and curry ketchup. The latter was fine but the former was outstanding. I'm not sure I've ever had rosemary in an aioli before, but I like it. The fries themselves were fantastic, some of the best in town. 

I ordered the "brandy pulled pork sandwich," which came on a roll with brie and caramelized onions. This isn't barbecue, but man was it delicious. Perhaps a little sweeter than I normally like my sandwiches, but that's a small complaint, particularly when I was washing it down with a black ale.

Bryce had the "rib eye and white cheddar burger," on a roll with tomato, onions, arugula and mayo. He had ordered it medium and it was pretty much well done, but he said it was still good. I certainly intend to try one at some point.

I liked Congregation Ale House as much as I expected to. (True, I am sure there will be some nights when the place is completely packed and I would hate it, but that has more to do with me than the place.) The food was very tasty and there are plenty of deals to be had, too. Happy hour is 3-7 PM Tuesday-Friday, and all day on Monday. My sandwich, fries and beer only added up to $15.70. (I can't find my receipt to figure out what deal I got, but it must have been something, because adding those things up based on their website prices it comes to $18 pre-tax.)

I will absolutely be returning. Having a beer and some Belgian fries on the patio on a warm afternoon, maybe sharing a sausage platter with some friends, looking out on the mountains, is a pleasant thought indeed.