I think this place is great, I have been several times, the owner is usually at the bar, very sweet man. He always greets me without fail. And their wine selection is really good too-they can recommend a wine with whatever your order is....I tried a barolo for the first time, I liked it a lot.Look, I saw some of the reviews and for the new years eve - I don't know what you were expecting but anyplace on new years is busy. I think they are really a charm of a restaurant is Pasadena, very friendly and they make you feel at home there.