Neighbors & Friends Kitchen

The inspiration

Neighbors & Friends Kitchen is the dinner-house chapter of a team that started with catering and a daytime cafe in Old Pasadena, bringing full-service evening dining to South Pasadena in May 2026^1,2 . The idea is a homecoming: the founder grew up in town and wanted a lively neighborhood spot where plates are passed around, kids are part of the room, and the music has soul² . The cooking blends Southern hospitality with Coastal Italian comfort and California ingredients² .

Who's behind it

Founder and owner Kaiy Smith-Biesman, a South Pasadena resident, also runs the original Neighbors & Friends cafe and the Stems catering operation^1,2 . She brought in Teo Hunter, co-founder of Inglewood's Crowns & Hops, to curate the beer, seltzer, and cider list^1,3 .

What to order

• Brisket meatballs: the Black-Italian crossover the restaurant calls a popular fusion dish .¹
• Roasted or fried chicken: pickle-brined thighs with coleslaw, served your way .^2,4
• Citrus-pepper wings: a Southern-leaning highlight named by press on opening .^1,3

What people are saying

The Infatuation highlights the setup itself, with the South Pas Smash burger pop-up out front and hush puppies and pickle-brined chicken in the dining room⁴ .

Why you should try it

If you're staying nearby, this is the rare new restaurant built around the idea that you'll come back—share plates, a tented patio with smashburgers, live music, and a room where children are welcome^2,1,4 . Order the French Dip Burger and the hushpuppies and settle in; nobody here is in a hurry to leave^2,1 .