Cannonball

The inspiration

Cannonball takes its name from a old freight train listed in a 1952 document of train nicknames, one that ran to South Pasadena^1,2 . Chef Matt Molina and Joe Capella found the two-story space in the historic Edwards & Faw building on Mission Street, a former Piccolo location, and set out to build a neo-American bistro around seasonal produce from the local farmers market^3,1 .

What to order

• Shaved celery salad with medjool dates: a crunchy, refreshing counterpoint to the richer bar food .^5,1
• Fideos with clams and chorizo: a saffron-scented noodle bowl the Infatuation calls pure comfort .^5,1

What people are saying

Diners and critics keep returning to the biscuits and the burger, the two Everson Royce Bar favorites that made the move intact^5,6 . The vibe draws steady praise too, from the moody brick dining room to a back patio where the Metro trains pass^5,2 .

Why you should try it

Sit on the patio under the old oak tree and watch the trains roll by^7,1 .