Panqueques de Dulce de Leche

Since I work in the heart of Pasadena, I’m always on the look out for an enjoyable place to have lunch. My ideal lunch location includes a relaxed atmosphere, fast service, and – this should go without saying – good food.   A 12 o’clock trifecta, you could say.

Il Capo Café and Deli on East Green St. meets my requirements and offers much more. 

Opened in December of last year by the Lucanera family, this roomy café’s indoor atmosphere is light and airy, enhanced with ambient Latin American-themed music. 

Gambas al Ajillo

Adding to the ethnic flavor is a market of sorts along one wall which offers flours, salad dressings, bottled salsa, oils, and other cooking ingredients and condiments. In the far corner is a wide selection of wines.

At lunchtime the wooden tables and chairs are occupied by business men and women as well as locals and families.  Those looking who want to eat en plein air can choose to sit outside at the linen-covered tables under the canopy of shady Green Street trees.  All this is away from the busy lunch rush just two blocks east of Lake Avenue and a block south of Colorado Boulevard. 

The menu has something for everyone and at reasonable prices ($7-11).  Spanish-Argentinean sandwiches, pastas, and salads fill the lunch menu.

Baked Chicken Breast with Mashed Potatoes and Onions

I’d wager that Il Capo can be a winner even if they just sold their “house special” of two of their empanadas with a side of either fries, or a salad – with a choice of green, potato, or fruit ($5.95).  And they offer an enticing take-out option: buy them by the half or full dozen. 

A first-generation Argentinean friend of mine sealed the deal with her personal appraisal of Il Capo’s little flavorful pies – “They are better than what my Mom makes.”  Indeed the Argentinean hot pies are quite good, stuffed with ham and cheese, beef, cheese and onions, or chicken.  The beef is flavorful and the pastry shell crispy and light.

I plan on making Il Capo a regular stop – with its varied menu and large-portioned meals, it’s hard to go wrong.

Breakfast is also served (weekdays from 9 a.m. to 11a.m.). Lunch specials are available all day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Il Capo stays on my short list for evenings out, too. At night the café transforms into an upscale restaurant with a menu of tapas, seafood, and pastas. The prices range just a bit higher but are still reasonable.

Il Capo Café, 1001 East Green Street, Pasadena. (626) 808-0550 | Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm; Sunday and Monday, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm