Roaring Crocodile Cafe in Pasadena

When they opened the doors a couple of weeks ago, there was an almost instant stampede; on their very first night they served 400 dinners. Since then the crowds at Crocodile Cafe, 140 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena, (818) 449-9900, have rarely let up. What have they got that everybody wants?

For one thing, reasonable prices. Nothing on the menu at this spin-off of the Parkway Grill is over $10. Still, you can manage to spend a fair amount of money eating your way through the “small plates” (I especially liked a long swath of red chile, stuffed with smoked cheese and sitting in a bright green tomatillo sauce), pizzas (these include one with roasted pork, peppers, green onions and black beans), pastas and salads. “Large plates” include grilled chicken breast with papaya, chili-mint relish and fried plantains. There’s an impressive apple pie for dessert, served with home-made ice cream. There’s even a nice little wine list.

What they don’t have, however, is quiet. With the open kitchen tiled floors and mirrored walls, this Crocodile really roars. The other thing they don’t have is reservations: expect a wait.