Services & Benefits

DINING

To understand the guiding principles of our kitchen, you need to know it’s all about our roots … and all the fresh ingredients and those of local farmers. Our commitment to serving the best quality is reflected in the care we take in choosing quality produce from the finest local purveyors. Our aim is to support Southern California growers and independent farms and ranches and bring you the freshest seasonal ingredients.

We believe in a sustainable food system that informs our choices of the foods we prepare, guides us in being environmentally friendly in our methods, and keeps us mindful of effective waste management and recycling solutions.

The Athenaeum culinary team is comprised of a skilled and experienced staff, trained in diverse styles of cooking. Each member brings a unique food background and their own special strengths that combine the best traditions with versatility and a flair for the distinctive. It is a recipe that blends excellent talents to yield the best products; truly an “A” team with a harmonious balance that keeps dining innovative and exciting with each visit to our club.

True to the style of the architecture of our building, our menus reflect a strong Mediterranean and California influence. You might even see a whimsical touch, scientific in nature, upon your next Athenaeum experience. Whether it be an appetizer served by test tube or liquid nitrogen frozen dessert – our legacy with Caltech is one in which we take significant pride.

PRIVATE EVENTS

On February 4, 1931, The Athenaeum held its first formal dinner gala in honor of Elsa and Albert Einstein’s first visit to the California Institute of Technology campus. Much like that first dinner party, The Athenaeum continues to be a landmark of many personal, career, and family celebrations. The Athenaeum takes great pride in being a private club and hosting cherished memories and honored milestones for its members and their sponsored guests.

Our welcoming and attentive staff is committed to ensure that your event will fulfill your every wish. Our Private Events team personally oversee every occasion; whether it is a mid-week business presentation, corporate dinner or one of life's special celebrations, we will carry out your plan with attention to the smallest detail.

The Athenaeum caters events in the private dining rooms on weekdays, weekends, and some holidays. Applicable room fees will be charged and a minimum food and beverage guarantee is required for all events.

For any event inquiries, please contact our Private Events office at (626) 395-8263, and one of our event experts will be happy to assist you. You may also contact us via email at [email protected].

CLUB EVENTS

The Athenaeum offers its members a variety of club events every month and during each season. Club Events are created to suit the eclectic interests of our entire membership.

Food and Beverage events such as our Chef's Table Dinners; Winemaker Dinners; Spirit Tastings; and International Nights, lure the experienced palates and tastes of our club gourmands. 

While the little ones are out of school for the summer, our Family Night BBQs provide the perfect mixture of a hearty meal and kid-friendly fun for the whole family to look forward to.

Leave the planning and preparation to The Athenaeum for holiday events. The Athenaeum is the perfect destination to treat that special someone to a romantic Valentine's Dinner; have the kiddies search for eggs at our Easter Brunch; commemorate moms on Mother's Day; and indulge in the most excellent Thanksgiving buffet selection.

During the month of December, The Athenaeum is at its finest. Beautifully adorned and illuminated for the holidays, The Athenaeum excites and warms the hearts of all who visit during this time of year.

ACCOMMODATIONS

The Hotel at The Athenaeum offers 24 guestrooms and four suites. Located on the second floor of the stately Athenaeum, the hotel provides a quiet, serene respite for guests.

Being on the Caltech campus provides convenient access to the Institute and a short walk to The Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. The Athenaeum's Front Desk staff can assist you in planning a day's worth of activities in the bustling city of Pasadena and the surrounding communities.

The Athenaeum's dining options provide excellent food and service in one of the most beautiful dining rooms in the city, as well as outdoor patio service.   Executive Chef Octavio Sabado and his staff prepare delicious, innovative meals and much-loved standards for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Pasadena and the surrounding areas are also very well known for the diverse variety of cuisines in some of the best restaurants in the area.

The Athenaeum has three side-by-side courts available to members. The East and West Courts are available for tennis, the Center Court has lines marked for Pickleball.

The Athenaeum has a locker room, with showers and restrooms, available to our players for freshening up after their game.

Hours of play: Daily - 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Courts are charged per hour from the time keys are picked up to when keys are returned. There is no discount for partial hours. Keys must be returned 15 minutes after the end of your reservation time.

Per the City of Pasadena: The use of electric-powered leaf blowers continue to be restricted during the hours of: 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays; and 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturdays. It remains unlawful for leaf blowers to be operated on Sundays.

For reservations, call the Front Desk at 626-395-8200 or email [email protected]. Members will pick up keys from the Front Desk.