24-05-2025
Ladies and Gentlemen is Pasadena's Sexiest Secret Bar
Who doesn't love the novelty of a speakeasy-style secret entrance? Discovering a decadent, hidden-away gem where you can let loose, partake in spirits and forget about the world outside will never lose its appeal, but it also means that the place itself has to live up to the mystery and and Gentlemen in Old Town Pasadena does just that and then some— from its titillating decor to its open-kitchen style bar, where master cocktail creators are on full display as they prepare whimsical concoctions both thematic and thirst-quenching. Owner Leo Temory's attention to detail and hospitality is unmatched. Not surprising, since the Torrance native and USC business grad grew up in the food and drink business. His family's beloved New York Deli (tagline: 'a slice of NY in LA') has been a staple in Torrance since 1985 and they added a second sandwich shop in Pasadena in 2010. Temory lived upstairs at the Pasadena location and around 2012, he decided to open the restaurant's bar for an after-dark concept called The Speakeasy. It was so popular it took over the entire space two years later. Then in 2017, he opened another speakeasy space with a wine-driven focus called The Cellar. Today, both bars are bona fide hot spots in Old Town.
But Ladies and Gentlemen, tucked inside a basement under a popular pressed juice and craft ice cream food stall hall, is something even more special— a celebration of rare liquors and haute hooch, and the people who create it. 'I collected a lot of high end spirits, like expensive Japanese whiskey, and I said one day I'm gonna have the perfect atmosphere to sell it, with the right glassware, the right service, the right ice…' says Temory, who imports water from Japan for the latter. 'I came down here and it was kinda scary and dirty, but it reminded me of the catacombs in Paris. So I just made it sexier and brought my vision to life.'Erotic and BDSM art adorns the all black walls along with over 4000 golden skulls. It feels like a private club in a far away land thanks to Temory's exotic inspirations, which come via many travels around the world (he was on the reality competition The Amazing Race three times). The menu features a fun mix of elevated, ethnic bar food: from a heavenly Japanese milk bread served with sweet and savory butters to a salmon crispy rice appetizer, which provides a perfect pairing with L&G's refreshing libations.
Temory doesn't like the term mixologist – he prefers to call his staff "drink designers" or 'chefs,' but whatever you call them they are good at what they do. Sippers like 'Mistress is Insane' (served with a mirror so you can watch yourself go crazy over the beverage) and 'The Burning Man,' (presented with a small wood art manikin set on fire at your table) are just a couple of the playful and potent menu items. 'We're taking cheffing to another level and offering worldly experiences, ' says the owner, who's often there to greet guests as they enter through a surprising portal we won't spoil here. 'Everything here has a story to tell.'59 East Colorado, Pasadena. Reservations recommended: 626-696-3612,
A shorter version of this story appeared in Pasadena Magazine late last year.
