Bar Chelou, housed in the same 98-year-old Spanish Colonial Revival building as the Pasadena Playhouse, brings a welcome jolt of eccentricity to local — and really, regional — dining.

To be clear, Rankin says this isn’t Bar Restaurant 2.0. He’s eager to bring new flavors to the Pasadena crowds. “My hope is for people to have two different experiences,” says Rankin.

The best bar food menu ideas are often born out of necessity. Since many bars don't have a full kitchen, they're forced to get creative with bar food menus that can be made in a toaster oven, air ...