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Mary's Market
Categories: Food Coffee & Tea Restaurants Sandwiches Coffee & Tea, Sandwiches [Edit]
561 Woodland DrSierra Madre, CA 91024
(626) 355-4534
- Hours:
Tue-Fri 7 am - 5 pm
Sat-Sun 8 am - 3 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Wi-Fi:
- Free
- Good For:
- Lunch, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Hot and Juicy. Hot and Sticky. No matter how you like 'em, Daddy J's is serving them up deliciously right. Think you know wings? Try our Garlic… read more »
38 reviews for Mary's Market
Review Highlights
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"But then I'd never been to Sierra Madre Canyon either." In 9 reviews -
"The best for breakfast or lunch and always a warm welcome." In 3 reviews -
"Carolyn is a wonderful host." In 4 reviews
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38 reviews in English
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Review from Rizzy V.
Glendale, CA
As everyone else has mentioned, this is a true "gem" that makes you feel as though you're right in the middle of the woods. We got lost driving up our first time today, so be patient. I felt like I was back in Angwin, where I spent 3 quarters at Pacific Union College. If you've ever been there, you'll know what I'm talking about.
You can easily mistake the place for a house, because it's surrounded by them on either side, with the parking area right across. I expect that it gets busy during the weekends, so be prepared to find a parking spot further away on those days.
When I walked in, my two kiddos already made themselves at home where they offer a basket of playthings and puzzles for their smaller customers. Any place that makes my children feel like they're home is already a winner in my books, so that made me feel good. The vibe is unpretentious and I felt like I was at my friend's house, even though it was my first time there! You seat yourself and it's either at the tables or the counter-love that! They asked me as soon as I came in whether I wanted coffee or not, before I even sat down.
My thought? "Heck yeah!" I l already fell in love.
I got the Gio Metro, for starters. Waay delicious! And they don't skimp on the flavor, the poppy seed bagel was the perfect complement for the scrambled eggs, tomato, turkey, and avocado. But because I always spice up my food, I still put tabasco & tapatio on that and gobbled it up.
My kiddos shared the waffle topped with fruits-bananas, strawberries, & blueberries-just right. Others in my group ordered the eggs benedict and two got the breakfast burrito, which I hear you have to try at least once. Next time. I think saying that everyone was satisfied is an understatement.
The place has a summer camp kind of feel to it, and the interior is dotted with vintage finds and furniture. They even have a wall with thrift-shop goods on display for sale. Love, love, love!
Didn't get the name of our waitress, but Mary was really charming. She helped my little ones find the "keys" to one of the toys and chatted with them afterwards. Pretty awesome. I can't wait to come back here. I hear there's a trail to discover & their baked goods are a must to try!
Tip: CASH ONLY! And tip well! :) -
Review from Ken G.
Sierra Madre, CA
3/29/2012
A true neighborhood gem, tucked away in what Sierra Madre locals affectionately call The Canyon. Outsiders will have to look for it, but it's worth finding, especially if you come to town to hike the Mt. Wilson Trail, just jog around from Mountain Trail to Woodland and head up a short walk. Breakfast and lunch only, and both are great. This is the kind of place you don't find in big cities, you don't find great little counter diners like this much anywhere these days. The screen door is a giveaway, you already know what it is going to look like inside, and it does not disappoint.
You will feel at home on your first visit and every visit thereafter, it's like being in a friend's kitchen, the owners couldn't possibly be warmer or nicer. I favor the breakfast burrito, but the sandwiches and salads are all excellent and prepared with a healthful touch without sparing flavor. All of the dessert items are baked on the premises from scratch, no mixes, so if you are headed for a hike up the mountain, take a brownie for that low blood sugar moment. Oh, and your first cookie on your first visit is free, Carolyn will probably beat you to asking for it with a kind offer!
Extremely country casual -- this is The Canyon, people, in Sierra Madre! Be patient, take your time, parking on the weekends can be a challenge so park on the street over by the trailhead and walk up if you can't find a space. Super family friendly! Bring your newspaper, sit at the counter, imagine James Dean coming through the door for a cup of coffee.
Cash only, you won't need a lot, but make sure you have some in your wallet so you aren't surprised when it's time to pay. Please tip generously, support the hard working people who take care of you! -
Review from Mimi C.
2/25/2012 2 Check-ins Here
We thoroughly enjoyed our little breakfast in a small, tucked away, cozy little cafe/antique market in Sierra Madre. It's the kind of place you'd go to "get away from it all" from the quaint simple ambiance, to the wonderful trees, small brook, and charming residential homes that line the hillside.
We were warmly greeted and treated to 2 free cookies (free for first timers!).
The first thing they ask, "Coffee?" to which my sister exclaimed, "Yes!"
And they laughed, it's got that family feel that makes you feel right at home away from home. The menu is limited and serves nourishing items like sandwiches, coffee, granola, waffles, eggs, etc...not very different from your typical bfast menu.
We settled into a table outside to enjoy the beautiful weather.
Our cookies came and they were well sized and full of chocolat-y goodness.
Our orders of eggs benedict and egg sandwich came soon after -- both wonderful because they somehow felt like they belong in this place -- taste is not overwhelming but very satisfying and refreshing (fresh ingredients and not oily!!). We chatted, ate, drank ...almost like our own private retreat!
Later, we took a short walk up the hill to admire the homes and brook. =)
... some logistics:
1) free parking ..they have a private lot
2) it's actually part of an antique market, so you can buy cute antiques!
3) they have counter seating
4) you take the first left up the hill on woodland ... keep going up the bend ... it's easy to go to the wrong place if you're not careful (there's misleading lot at the stop sign before woodland st -- it's a private residence.)
5) not great for large groups
I eagerly await to return to this incredible hidden GEM.
Many thanks to my in-laws for finding this place in Westways! =)Listed in: Budget Friendly GEMS!
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Review from Donna And Jeff B.
Chino Hills, CA
5/17/2012
We had no idea this little canyon and Mary's Market was there. This is what I love about Yelp! Tiny place, not really a market anymore. They serve comfort food with great burgers. Love the free cookie. After lunch we took the sweet walk up the road. This is a great place just to get away form city life.
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Review from Karen H.
Glendale, CA
1/16/2012
I went here with a friend last week and we had a positive experience. It's tucked away in the lower canyons and if you are not a local, can be hard to find. We got lost! Once found, it feels like something that you would find in a small town tucked in the mountains. I loved this aspect of it!
Both the local patrons and servers were all very nice to us,as it was obvious that this was our first visit.
The food is simple, but good. My friend and I split a bagel with lox and a breakfast burrito. Both delicious and cheap. I would return and recommend it! -
Review from Nick G.
2/14/2012
Loved Mary's Market! I just moved into Sierra Madre and we took a stroll to Mary's Market. It was a little surprising since it was smack dab in the middle of a residential area in the foothills.
TIME WARP
Totally felt like we entered the 60's. All the folks in the market were super friendly. Felt a little bit like Cheers, that place you wanna go where everybody knows your name.
WAFFLE? MEOW.
EGGS BENEDICT? RIBBIT.
POACHED EGGS ON TOAST? MOO.
I must say that next time I will indeed be indulging in their breakfast burrito. It will likely be a common stomping ground for me and I will likely swing by at least once a week.
NickOlas over and out! -
Review from Aimee L.
West Covina, CA
A hidden treasure in the Sierra Madre Canyons. Carolyn makes the best soups and baked goodies from scratch! The inside is quaint, there is a cozy counter and a handful of tables to choose to sit at. If you enjoy meeting interesting people, this intimate setting will allow for this to take place naturally.
There are public restrooms available that offer some interesting history about Mary's Cafe for your reading pleasure, as well as old photos of the area that are priceless in my book. She does offer Wi-Fi, so quit a few people come in and sit with their coffee, baked goods and their laptop. It is a very peaceful and re-energizing cafe.
Since this is a small local market for this community, she offers your basic items like milk, o.j., sodas, beer, bread, flour, soups, etc., even some pots and pans! There are other knick knack items for sale mixed in with a few local artist masterpieces, which is very cool.
This is a cash only market/cafe, and after a good breakfast you can walk around the artsy neighborhood and meet some groovy residents that are very friendly. This place is a must visit for many good reasons. -
Review from Jay B.
2/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ahhh, Mary's Market...I could probably have lived in the area my entire life and never stumbled upon this place if not mentioned to my friends and I by other people in the area. Hard to find, pretty tough to find parking on a busy day, and up in the foothills, pretty much, but this place is a great lil cozy spot to eat at and get a good meal.
It's like a hybrid market/cafe; which is awesome, you can eat in, and do some shopping! I know I saw a Captain and Tenile record that totally that almost convinced me needed buying. The place might seat like 20 people, there some counter space, and various different types of breakfast nook and dining tables are scattered throughout the small floorspace for the rest of the seating; but that's what gives this place so much personality.
Had the breakfast burrito, my buddy had the Gio Metro (if you don't know what car that is, then you're far too young =p), and his wife, the bagel sandwich thing. We all really liked our meals. There's a raspberry biscuit that as good and the scones are awesome too. We had coffees, and the staff came by more than frequently enough to check to see if we had our fill of it; the rest of the staff was awesome too.
Just FYI - you get a free cookie if it's your first time there; but they were out that day, so I'm goin back to get my cookies! -
Review from Kat K.
10/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
"What's for breakfast?"
THE most dreaded question when I wake up. I don't know! IHOP? Carrows? Coco's? Rice and kimchi? Cereal? We have no milk! You have no eggs! I DON'T KNOW!
The indecision nightmare is enough to cause a panic attack and as I sit there, on the bed, with a paper bag to my nose and mouth, the boyfriend calmly browses Yelp and tells me he's going to 'kidnap' me. The paper bag comes down, I put on pants and am dragged out the door.
We drove along the 210 freeway, eventually exiting Baldwin. After several turns, a drive through an affluent neighborhood, and a few firemen collecting money in their boots, the drive suddenly turns towards narrow streets that are usually enough for one-way traffic and some parked cars.
"Are you taking me to someone's house?"
I legitimately thought that we were going to crash some cabin for a breakfast with strangers. UCLA does a dinner version of this -- Dinner For 12 Strangers -- but you have to sign up for that and everything. What is going on??
And then the last pull up the hill brings us to a little parking lot, which probably means that this area is accessible to the public, and not some private driveway. Whew. By now the surrounding area looks a lot like the valley in Yosemite, where all the mountaineers stop by to refuel and pick up miscellaneous items for camp. Like, in the middle of nowhere.
This was a different kind of world even though the city was no more than 3 miles away. Everyone knew each other. No joke - every time someone drove up past the parking lot, the men and women, who were standing around socializing with others they met while getting out of their cars, would wave at them knowingly. Oh, we're definitely treading on locals' land, now. I really didn't want to be --those people-- who, in their quest to find something "cute" and "something the locals like," obnoxiously trespass on regular hangouts and get those stares that clearly state, "You don't belong here."
The parking didn't make it any easier to feel comfortable. This lot carries a total of about 10-12 spots, not including a couple 20 minute parking zones. People haphazardly leave their cars behind other parked cars in unmarked zones, without their hazards lights on, which probably means they're inside for a full meal and not coffee to-go, and you're left guessing if it's okay to do the same. How long would it take for a tow truck to drive up the hill/mountain to take away an unauthorized parked vehicle? Do they have a tow truck company nearby that will whisk away the offending vehicle at a moment's notice? 20 minutes later, we jumped on a spot as soon as it became available, because we're from the city. We don't know what the locals do.
I was hangry at this point. Hungry + angry. When I have low blood sugar, I become irritable, argumentative, and just overall unpleasant. But amazingly all that melted away when we walked in and were greeted by a warm smile and the wafting aroma of freshly baked pastries in the back. And no death glares from the local patrons. Okay, Mary's Market, you got me curious.
The order:
Bagel with Lox
Gio Metro (bagel sandwich with scrambled eggs, turkey, avocado, tomato, onion, cheese)
Order at the counter, and they bring you the food to your table and pay later. Their menu isn't terribly large, but I found myself still indecisive, because that is my nature and because I was so hungry I could eat everything on that menu. Prices are more than fair.
The food is good. It's tasty, and you can tell it's made from fresh ingredients. The smoked salmon on the bagel with lox plate is thick, juicy, and is a generous serving, considering the price of the meal. I also was able to steal multiple bites of the boyfriend's Gio Metro and it was delicious. The bagel that they use is a poppyseed/sesame variety with sunflower seeds baked into the middle. Great choice!
At best, the food would be rated 4 stars. However, with the sweetness of the hospitality experienced at Mary's Market, this gives the food a flavor that bumps it to 5 stars. Just as how bad service can inevitably ruin a meal, great service can greatly enhance a meal. Food was lightning fast and multiple servers were around our table regularly checking up on us. Even as we sat there after finishing our food, the young man from behind the counter came over with a plate of two freshly baked cookies made from scratch (which were FANTASTIC) telling us that since this was our first time, the cookies were on the house. Wow.
Really, it saddens me that Mary's isn't closer to where we can walk or easily get there, but all things considered, it would really be worth the drive to get my teeth into that Gio Metro. Much ado about nothing -- and the hiccups in getting to the restaurant are definitely negligible, or at least will add to the adventure of trying out this new place.
5 stars Mary's, I will be back, multiple times.
Oh hey, side note: it's CASH ONLY. Bring at least $20 for two. -
Review from Brandon W.
Monrovia, CA
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
Inexpensive, quaint, friendly and down to earth. I had the "geo metro" or something like that and it's delicious. The chef asked for my feedback on it. Also, the coffee is delish. The pastries are home made and really good.
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Review from Molly C.
Los Angeles, CA
10/15/2011
Most hip breakfast joints don't work for me. The last thing I want on a Saturday morning is to wait for a table, and then be surrounded by so much background noise you can't hear yourself think. That's why I love Mary's. The experience is like having breakfast at a friends kitchen table. Coffee and tea are served in cheerful brightly colored mugs, while sunlight streams in through the windows.
The menu isn't large. You will not find 6 variations on eggs benedict here. However, you also will not pay 11 dollars for a plate of pancakes (one of my pet peeves is paying gourmet rates for breakfast food). The food is legitimately delicious, and even though you order at the counter, they will bring it to your table. Coffee refills are free, and everyone who works there is uniformly attentive.
My favorite thing to eat is the egg sandwich. A very simple sandwich, of egg, ham and cheese on an english muffin, with a little container of salsa on the side. I havent tried their lunch food, but have observed the burger going by my table, and it looks splendid. -
Review from Cafe R.
Claremont, CA
3/6/2012
This is a fabulous little mom & pop place. Very cozy. I like that fact that everything is made fresh. The service was great. I will definitely go back.
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Review from Felix L.
Temple City, CA
3/3/2012 1 Check-in Here
Has an amazing ambience. Server is very kind and a very homely appearance. Everything is freshly made!
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Review from Susan M.
Monrovia, CA
4/18/2012
I love this place! Always a friendly face and a delicious meal. Carolyn's chicken salad sandwich is my lunchtime favorite. She really takes pride in serving the best dishes with the freshest ingredients. Her cookies and desserts are always blue ribbon yummy. Stop by for a sack lunch before going for a hike up Mt. Wilson trail. Breakfast burritos and Eggs Benedict are my breakfast favorites. I'm getting hungry just thinking about it, I'm going there for breakfast tomorrow for sure!
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Review from Stepha G.
Sierra Madre, CA
10/23/2011
A lovely Sunday morning walk eastward across the lower hillside of the San Gabriels led us to Mary's Market, our destination for a mid-morning meal, having breakfasted earlier at home. At Mary's, on the weekend breakfast does not commence until 8 am. Along our way, with the sounds of acorn woodpeckers banging into the quiet, we passed the parked cars associated with hikers using the Mt. Wilson's trailhead. I continue to wonder how many hikers stop in at Mary's for a meal or a snack.
Approaching Mary's the sounds of human chatter greeted us. A couple of women were seated outside enjoying the warm morning. Inside, approximately 15 diners were enjoying themselves at the eclectic wooden tables and diner counter at 8:45 and by 9:15, a number of them dispersed. At the counter quickly I ordered the toasted bagel and lox served with thinly sliced red onion, generous capers and sliced tomato as well as cream cheese. My husband wanted to consider the menu high on the wall behind the counter worker, soon deciding on an toasted bagel sandwich filled with scrambled egg, smoked turkey, red onion, avocado. A cup of hot Earl Grey tea for me, a bottle of cranberry juice which he selected from the stand alone glass fronted refrigerator. The tea was served at the table along with our food orders.
Sitting closer to the windows is pleasant, looking out to the surrounding woodland of sycamore and oak. Now the shelves of Mary's Market are showing more durable goods---a selection of Corning ware casseroles from the 1960s and 1970s, wooden rolling pins, cannisters, vases, lots of dishware, etc.----evoking a hardware store of the past, sort of a scaled-down version of the front section of Arnolds in downtown Sierra Madre.
The stand alone refrigerator is filled with drinks, including milk, Pellegrino water, as well as a small selection of candy bars. The adjacent freezer contains ice cream bars--Haagen Daz was there.
The walls display historical black and white photographs puncuated with current artwork for sale. Near to the front door is a counter where newspapers are available to read. If the counter is needed, that's a sit down area. Scattered in this area are spots for ads and cards for local business people along with a little space for magazines and books of interest. There I found a copy of Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti presented to the proprietress. Finding that book enhanced my breakfast time, edging my rating upward.
For my husband Mary's Market rates 2 stars; in his terms, that's fair and that also says that he would return depending on the circumstances. For many people, a 2 says that a return is impossible. In relation to our house, this is the closest market, the closest place to purchase a Haagen Daz ice cream bar. For me, I rate Mary's as a 4 because of the overall experience, and I am being more than fair. The food is a solid 3. Because I am writing the Yelp, Mary's Market assumes the visage of 4 stars.
In comparison to the atmosphere of Mary's Market, say 6 years ago, this current incarnation does deserve our support as numerous Yelpers have declared. When we exited, a little group of cyclists were gathered near to the front door. The canyon neighborhood is projecting the high season of Halloween with the big night a week and a day away, a Monday this year. -
Review from Adam S.
Newport, KY
4/5/2012
Simply saId... This place is AWESOME! Extremely friendly people... food is delicious... cookies are great... and the town is extremely relaxing! They have music on sunday mornings from 10-12 and offer dinner and music once a month. If you havent been... you MUST GO! Chicken salad was great! Wish I lived in the area as I would be a regular!
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Review from Doug N.
Clovis, CA
11/26/2011
Delightful little breakfast and lunch cafe in the canyon district of Sierra Madre. Loved the food, the ambiance, and the local jazz duo. Just another one of those gems that no one ever knows about unless a local.
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Review from Krikor D.
Sierra Madre, CA
1/28/2011
I have lived in Sierra Madre for years and this place has gone from one owner to another - it finally found the right owner. The atmosphere, food and staff are great. If you want that laid back, casual, out of town feeling, then this is the place. I would recommend parking somewhere in Sierra Madre and taking a nice leisure hike up to Marys Market. You could drive up there as well. You would think you're in Lake Arrowhead or Yosemite (minus the grand views). I am so happy to have this place and will be frequenting it regularly.
Although the simple selection on the menue is good, I would look for the menue to be developed a little further. -
Review from Hannah L.
9/11/2009
A morning of novelty (for me) and nostalgia (for him) somehow found us wending our way up Woodland Drive on a sunny Sunday morning, meandering up into Sierra Madre Canyon on a Yelp whim. Turning round a blind curve edged by stone walls, we found Mary's and went in, having no idea what to expect but happy to be pleasantly surprised.
I have never eaten breakfast in a tucked-away L.A. canyon, sitting at a little table with white cloth and paper, amidst shelves of a few items like fondue pots, cans of chickpeas, soft drinks, some dog treats, and soap. I have never seen a menu stickered onto a tiny brown paper bag with grease spots. I have never been asked if I wanted to paint a rock while eating my fresh, substantial made-from-scratch-to-order scramble sandwich with hearty cheddar and big tomato and onion chunks. But then I'd never been to Sierra Madre Canyon either....
And now I can't wait to go back to Mary's, and maybe sit outside with the man and the dog under the little patio awning, and imagine what it might be like to find a tiny house off a twisty canyon road and what a hidden excitement this magical little place might be, with the smiles and big coffee mugs and barstools covered in friendly tie-dyed or flowing-sweatered folks walking in from somewhere nobody knows, to eat where everyone knows them. -
Review from Felicia V.
Sierra Madre, CA
10/6/2011
Hidden away in the canyons, this place is a throwback to old Sierra Madre. There are photos of what the area used to look like all over the walls. There is also some outside seating. The burgers are soooo good here. And being able to dine in the Sierra Madre canyons is always a treat. Lovely area.
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Review from Sarah C.
Rowland Heights, CA
1/9/2008
Wholesome quaint brunch cafe/market, woodland views
A little market/cafe/breakfast counter where locals roam and happy dogs play. I fell in love the first time someone took me there along with everyone I've taken. Friendly small town atmosphere, great views, outdoor seating. The food is heartfilled, not fancy.Listed in: Food.
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Review from Sunnygirl G.
Monrovia, CA
1/1/2012
Tiny place with a very intimate local atmosphere. Owner is very welcoming and friendly. Food is a good substitute for delicious home cooking. The menu is small but has a standard variety of homemade specialties. Scones are amazing and the chocolate chip cookies are some of the best we've ever tasted. First time customers get their first cookie on the house!
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Review from Samantha K.
Los Angeles, CA
5/2/2010
I will be another to give Mary's Market 5-Stars! What a little secret in the hillside of Sierra Madre. Carolyn is a wonderful host. The tiny menu is complimented by the day specials. For a Saturday morning breakfast we were treated with Pop-something (a home made jelly donut-sort of treat) AND German Pancakes. Our entire meal (also include oatmeal, a bagel with lox, and english muffin wtih egg cheese hand AND 2 coffee's) was only $15!
Driving to Mary's Market is also a treat. -
Review from ... ..
CA
1/28/2007 1 photo
Probably located in the cuttest pocket village of Los Angeles...very old Spanish was living there with indians before americans came in California...the main reason was simply the water coming from the mountain.
Mary's market is the only business of this mini old fashion californian village, amazingly located at 10 mns from the 210 freeway ! Mary's market in itself is really cool, romantic in its own way...just see this link http://www.sierramadre...
There is plenty of story's about this village that Mary can tell you... it was for a while a place for vietnam veterans and bikers...in need of rest for a good price...
Just go there for a coffee and a walk in the area... should I mention the parking rules ? yes because It's the only public parking of the village and you can park there for 48hrs !!
Please go there ? give it a try and enjoy ! the contrast with Los Angeles.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Maricela H.
Los Angeles, CA
6/3/2010 2 photos
*Cash only establishment*
Nestled up in the canyon amongst charming little dwellings, this place may remind you of home even if you grew up as a city girl. The building is small and is separated into 3 pieces: the kitchen; the dining area (about 5 tables) and the market.
The brother and I were in search of this nostalgia filled capsule after reading the reviews on Yelp.
Let me start off by saying that the breakfast menu is tiny! The menu was handed to us glued to a paper bag and consisted of 6 items. However, according to our waiter, they may be able to accommodate specific requests. That is, unless you ask for an omelet as apparently they are not properly equipped to make an omelet.. whatever that means.
The brother had the breakfast burrito and he could no't stop raving about his fluffy eggs. I had the eggs Benedict but didn't think it was anything special. We also shared an everything bagel with lox and cream cheese. I thought this was pretty fantastic but I guess lox always kinda is.
All in all I didn't find the food amazing. If this were located someplace else I'd probably give the joint 3 stars, but the ambiance/location/staff bumps this place to a 4 star rating.Listed in: Unique Finds
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Review from Juhee S.
Los Angeles, CA
4/14/2011 2 photos
Homey breakfast joint. Get the bagelwich with everything. Free wifi, nice drive, feels like a neighborhood restaurant.
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Review from Aber A.
South Pasadena, CA
1/31/2011
Great food, great people. The best for breakfast or lunch and always a warm welcome.
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Review from Clara C.
Pasadena, CA
3/6/2009
just down the street from where i live... i love this place so much! i guess the place underwent owner change and some renovations, but the new owner, carolyn, is one of the friendliest and nicest people i've come to known here in the canyon! :) you get to meet and befriend very interesting locals here as well.
i am not sure about the dinner menus, but their breakfast and lunch menus are simple yet very delicious. i especially love their roast beef and chicken salad sandwiches, offered during lunch hours. very reasonable prices for food and beverages. you can do take-outs as well, but i personally really enjoy chatting with carolyn and the locals there. just to illustrate the unique and friendly small-town atmosphere of this area, during the mudslide that occurred couple weeks ago, the waitress who works here picked me up from the street (i've never seen her before then) and dropped me off half a mile away where my car was parked.
and yes, they do have free wifi!
i think the place is open from 7am-7pm on weekdays, closed on mondays, and open from 8-3 on sunday. will confirm that next time i visit the place. :) -
Review from Elizabeth L.
Sierra Madre, CA
8/11/2011
I live just down the street and am amazed everytime I walk into Mary's. Caroline has continued the tradition of "Canyon Pride" and history. It's like walking into the past. As we walked home, my husband remarked that we could be in any small mountain town - it is so quaint. I hope all of you will join me in helping this business thrive. If you have trouble parking, please just go back to Sturtevant or Canon to park and walk up - even that is a treat!
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Review from Jen R.
Pasadena, CA
7/31/2009
Its homey and quaint. Its yummy and hidden. I hesitate to write a review because I dont want it over run! It feels like home. The menu is as teeny as the place is, but the ambience is bar none. Takes me back to childhood. Like being in your best friends back yard with your bikes on the front lawn, ready to take off around the neighboorhood on a whim and not having to be home until dinner!
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Review from paul k.
Beverly Hills, CA
4/18/2010
Chicken Salad sandwich sooo good. Great relaxed place in beautiful environment. Prices are great. mmmm.
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Review from Summer M.
Canoga Park, CA
2/24/2009
ive been to this place lots of times when i just wanted to check it out, and see whats on the menu. its the PERFECT lil market for sierra madre! not too expensive, nice variety of food, and yummo, too!
to get there, you have to go over this stream which is sooo peaceful and cute! its like a lil adventure gettin there!
all the ppl are nice, and the foods great! very original, and family-like. i would suggest this to anyone... by the way.. if anyone knows what that dog food they used to have in the big containers please tell me! my dogs LUVED it! :p -
Review from O S.
Pasadena, CA
9/4/2011
The sign above the door says it all - come in as a stranger, leave as a friend. They fulfill that beautifully, and that's why they get 5 stars. This was our first time there, and they gave us cookies and invited us to their once-monthly BBQ. The sandwiches were hearty and tasty, but what was special was the vibe and the people.
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Review from Chris D.
Saint Charles, IL
5/13/2009
I have to agree with the others. Mary's is a thoroughly charming place to casually dine for breakfast, lunch or dinner, or to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and one of their homemade baked goods. Everything is made from scratch and the cookies are so popular that they can be purchased by the half dozen. Try the lemon cheesecake, if it is on the menu when you are there. It's fantastic!
Tuesday evenings are "Tapas Tuesdays" and there is usually at least one musician playing from 6 pm until closing. It is an extremely peaceful way to spend an early evening...surrounded by locals, munching on tapas and listening to music, all accompanied by the sounds of the water flowing in the little creek across the street.
Carolyn is a gem...and willing to work with you. For example, in the case of my husband, most of the tapas had mushrooms, tomatoes or cheese...none of which he eats. She prepared a small tapas plate for me (they were all fabulous and made from scratch) and made him a tuna salad (also from scratch) so that he could dine, even though tapas are the primary meal on Tuesdays, along with soup of the day.
The daily fare is simple, but good. Their sandwiches are great...and made from scratch. I haven't tried their dinners, but would expect them to be as good as everything else they serve. These people truly care about their customers and, about the quality of food they serve.
Dress is extremely casual. Be sure to wear some walking shoes and wander around the beautiful little canyon before or after your meal. There are numerous native birds and other forms of wildlife and you may even see some wild Amazon parrots, if you are lucky!
All in all, Mary's is like a little enchanted cafe set in an equally enchanted little canyon. Go back in time, unwind, and have a peaceful and thoroughly enjoyable experience! -
Review from Jeremy S.
South Pasadena, CA
7/29/2010
Great chicken salad sandwich. Very friendly staff and customers. The prices in one of the pictures shows the wrong prices, the sandwiches are about $6, but very good.
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Review from rhythmMAN I.
Los Angeles, CA
7/21/2010
I've been coming to Mary's Market since I was a kid (I think I even remember when Mary worked there). It's a cute, quaint, cozy little market & cafe nestled up in the Sierra Madre Canyon. There are pictures posted throughout the market, showing the history of the Sierra Madre Canyon. The current owner is a very friendly, helpful woman - always happy to have you there. Her staff is also friendly and hospitable. I've had their homemade sandwiches, and have also tried their breakfast & coffee. All of which is quite good.
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Review from Peiti W.
Monrovia, CA
12/27/2010
if ur looking for simple and yummy food, laid-back atmosphere, and friendly service, just come to mary's market. this is a place that different from typical american restaurants. go and experience yourself. you will definitely love this cozy place.
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Review from derek s.
Sierra Madre, CA
7/23/2010
We love this place. So convenient for us, since we live a few houses up from the store. The community supports it and for good reason - the people are great, the food is wonderful and it's quite charming to say the least. Great breakfasts and lunch items. The BBQ dinners are delightful and quite tasty. Carolyn and crew work quite hard to make sure everybody is happy. Parking can be a challenge sometimes but everybody is pretty good at letting you know when you need to move your car...we're all in this together up here in the Canyon. I saw a complaint about 'cash only'...that's to bad that somebody would complain about that. The prices of the food and items in this store don't reflect crazy mark-ups like most places so the Credit Card fees would be a difficult challenge for the owner. Cash only is how most places like this run. Just have a few extra bucks in your pocket and you won't be disappointed.
