The Neighborhood is Filling Up With Great Spots to Enjoy
Written By: Charlotte Farrell Where to Live in Monrovia
Nestled amongst the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and just off the 210 freeway in Los Angeles County, Monrovia is the city you’ve always heard of but have yet to explore. If your current living situation has begun to lose its luster, you might want to consider giving Monrovia a chance when it comes to relocating. The restaurant scene is poppin’, and the brewery options are in great supply. But rather than lead you astray, here is a small sampling of spots that will move Monrovia to the top of your hit list when it comes to new ‘hoods to discover.
Where to Live in Monrovia
Where to Live:
Close to the Action
MODA at Monrovia Station is the newest luxury apartment community in the area, located on the Metro Gold Line Station with easy access to Pasadena and LA! Hop on a trolley or take a leisurely bike ride to Old Town Monrovia, enjoy the weekly Friday Night Street Fair Festival and Market or the hiking and biking trails at Monrovia Canyon Park. You’ll love the well-appointed features like quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, tile backsplashes, wood-like, plank-style flooring, plus parking on the level that you live on so you can get back to your Netflix binge ASAP. And with an abundance of resident amenities like a 24-hour fitness studio, two outdoor courtyards, pool and spa, resident lounge with kitchen and game room, business center with conference room, and a rooftop terrace with sweeping, panoramic mountain views and an outdoor kitchen, a fire pit and TV’s, what more do you need? The friendly team is also committed to creating an exceptional resident experience. “MODA has set the bar quite high for the apartment living experience. I don’t know anywhere else in the area where you can enjoy million dollar views, use a state-of-the-art gym, lounge in a luxury environment, and then jump on the Gold Line and set off on an adventure. It’s like living at a resort,” says Stacey M. Smith, Senior Business Manager at MODA at Monrovia Station.
Native Knowledge: These brand new apartments are now offering up to 6 weeks free rent when you lease today. Check out their open house this Saturday, Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with food and drinks and a $1,000 incentive if you lease that same day! MODA will also host their ribbon cutting ceremony on Nov. 7 at 12 p.m., so RSVP by Nov. 5 by calling 626.775.4330! Plus, join the Mayor for the Grand Opening party on Dec. 5 from 6-8 p.m. The City of Monrovia Council members and staff will also be in attendance.
MODA at Monrovia Station
228 W Pomona Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016
844.258.0138
Where to Live in Monrovia
Where to Eat and Drink:
In the Mood for Food
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Cozy, delicious and filled with friends. The Peach Cafe in Old Town is one that locals swarm to when in need of some homestyle cuisine. Chef Chris Grattan uses his skills in the kitchen to serve delish dishes like chocolate chip pancakes, Belgian waffles, omelets, paninis, loaded sandwiches, the list goes on. Gawk at your neighbors’ food, but also introduce yourself, because once you realize you’ll be here filling up every morning, you’ll want to gather yourself a good breakfast/brunch crew!
The Peach Cafe
141 E Colorado Blvd
Monrovia, CA 91016
626.599.9092
On An “I See Food” Diet
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If Mediterranean fare is more your game, The Diplomat on Lemon Ave. is your go-to. You’ll love the classics like falafel, the Greek salads, and so on, but the real action lies in the platters. Meats on meats on meats with pita bread and rice and other accouterments. Are you drooling yet?
Native Knowledge: There’s plenty of street parking and a free lot nearby, but plan ahead and carpool during lunch and dinner rushes just to be safe.
The Diplomat
109 E Lemon Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016
626.239.0100
Mangia, Mangia!
Meaty pizzas, heaping piles of delicious pasta, warm garlic bread on arrival, and wine, beer and cocktail options that would make your head spin. These are just a few of the elements that make Bella Serra Trattoria one of our favorite eateries in the area.
Native Knowledge: Call ahead and reserve the patio, because it can get packed when the weather is good.
Bella Serra Trattoria
422 S Myrtle Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016
626.359.1399
What to Do in Monrovia
Morning Glory
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Le Roy’s isn’t some snazzy joint where you go on your first date. It’s a haven for early birds and breakfast/brunch devotees. Open as early as 5:30 a.m. on weekdays and 6 a.m. on weekends, you can be sure that a hot cup of joe, welcoming, cozy vibes and a hefty slice of homemade coffee cake will be ready and waiting for you to start your day on the right foot.
Native Knowledge: The earlier you arrive the better, as the local favorite is always filled with eager eaters.
Le Roy’s Restaurant
523 W Huntington Dr
Monrovia, CA 91016
626.357.5076
What to Do in Monrovia
Cheers to You!
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A crowded bar can be a laugh, but sometimes you just want to sip on a decent brew with your buddies and enjoy the hops and some good belly laughs. Enter 38 Degrees Ale House & Grill. Tucked away amidst the side streets of Old Town Monrovia, you can expect a chill atmosphere with zero pretension and 100 percent satisfaction.
Native Knowledge: The spot is known best for its beer selection, but also its filling and low-key excellent bar grub. Attendees often go for the fish and chips.
38 Degrees Ale House & Grill
110 E Colorado Blvd
Monrovia, CA 91016
626.408.5544
What to Do in Monrovia
Brew-ya!
With a bunch of craft beers on tap, Pacific Plate is Monrovia’s beer-aficionados paradise, and the first and only independently-owned brewery in the area. The tap list is ever-evolving, and the smallbatch hub uses the finest exotic ingredients from Latin America and other parts of the world.
Native Knowledge: Don’t leave Fido at home, because Pacific Plate is dog-friendly!
Pacific Plate Brewing Company
1999 S Myrtle Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016
626.239.8456
What to Do in Monrovia
Shhhh!
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Hop on in! Pun intended. This industrial-style brewery is just what you need after a long week burning the midnight oil. We get it, your nerves are shot, your bones are weary, and you are aching to get your hands on an ice cold brewski. Let Owner and Brewer Gary show you the ropes. He is a legend behind the bar, serving up smiles and pints like the pro that he is. Cheers!
Hop Secret
162 W Pomona Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016
Where to Workout:
Get Swoll
Now that you’ve fallen in love with the food and drink options in the city, you need something that will counteract all of your newly found watering holes. Team Crossfit Academy is not only a space to work out, but it’s like family. You are welcomed into a judgment-free environment where fitness fans of all levels can box jump and burpee their way to glory. New city, new you!
Team Crossfit Academy
205 W Duarte Rd
Monrovia, CA 91016
626.437.8739
Where to Live in Monrovia
Nama-stay in Shape
When work gets you down or you just need to stretch it out, Yoga Cove is nearby to get you some much needed zen. The classes range from foundational sessions to expert level flows, so you can start from anywhere in your yoga journey in this new chapter in your life. Practice makes perfect, and be sure to get there 10 minutes early. Nothing kills the beginning of class vibes like someone who rushes in late.
Native Knowledge: For a limited time, the studio is offering new students one month of unlimited yoga for only $45.
Yoga Cove
413 W Maple Ave
Monrovia, CA 91016
626.358.4800
Where to Live in Monrovia
Where to Play:
Save the Drama
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About a 10 minute drive from Monrovia is the Sierra Madre Playhouse. The nonprofit, award-winning theater can fit 99 audience members for shows that bring people from all over LA County to watch, laugh, cry and get all the feelings with performances that run throughout the season. Coming up is their rendition of A Christmas Story from Nov. 23-Dec. 30 and Stuart Little from March 11 to April 28.
Sierra Madre Playhouse
87 W Sierra Madre Blvd
Sierra Madre, CA 91024
626.355.4318
Where to Live in Monrovia
Outdoor Adventures
What really ties together a great city is its greenery and how they incorporate nature. A short drive away lies Monrovia Canyon Park, a gorgeous, 80-acre space that invites residents and visitors to channel their inner Indiana Jones and venture into the wild—minus the danger. There’s plenty of trails, like the Waterfall Trail, that you and your family and even your pup (on a leash, please!) can enjoy. Side note: the park is closed on Tuesdays.
Monrovia Canyon Park
1200 N Canyon Blvd
Monrovia, CA 91016
626.256.8282
I'm a restaurant aficionado having spent over 20 years in the industry and management.
