Stopped by for brunch this weekend & the food was amazing!! The chilaquiles are great & Soyrizo Sweet potato hash was the best. Definitely coming back. Try the Bloody Mary they serve, you won't be disappointed. The mimosas served were pretty tasty too. And the employees are super nice. Scarlet & Joshua were so friendly and accommodating. 10/10 read more

Tender Greens - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

UPDATING review! Yay! We tried again and they sent us a delicious and hearty chicken dinner with two pieces of chicken and a great sandwich!! Thank you!! Not sure what happened before but glad it was a fluke! I think I got the kids meal last time by accident! Sad. I used to like Tender Greens. They changed everything and made all the portions smaller. Beware the chicken plate. It's now a chicken tender. $14 for that? Rip off. read more

Tender Greens - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

After 8 years of going to tender greens, it ALWAYS hits the spot when I don't want to cook but also don't want to feel guilty after eating out. It's so fresh and tasty, it always keeps me coming back. Specially the salmon plate! It was cooked perfectly -- crispy skin, tender, and full of flavor! And the famous mashed potatoes, mmmm my goodness! I could eat them everyday! They're so creamy and fluffy! Finished off with they're refreshing agua frescas. Full of flavor and not over sugared like other places. Also, shoutout to the amazing staff who was super friendly and welcoming! Allie made sure to make my 5yo feel at home! She got her usual (chicken noodle soup) which never disappoints! Thanks tender green staff! By far the friendliest location!! read more

We've been going to this location for years and so far it's been a nice experience. During COVID ordered delivery regularly. I ordered Salmon with sides of brown rice and arugula for pick up. When I got home, which was only took a few minutes, I was dismayed with the brown rice, it smelled and tasted really bad, it was starchy too, which indicated it was not fresh anymore. I called to inform them, so they would not serve it anymore. I spoke to Sam, who was really nice and helpful, he directed me to the manager, who said they put lime juice, it tasted more like vinegar. I actually went back to the branch to give her the brown rice, She didn't even check it and insisted that's how it really taste. Instead of apologizing for my experience, she made me feel like I was silly for saying so. Very very disappointed with the customer service. She needs more training. read more

I've been to this location MANY times because it's across the street from my office and my coworkers love going here. However, it is not my favorite TG location. This place gets PACKED during lunch time. The line usually goes all the way to the door, and sometimes outside of the door right around prime lunch time. I recommend going after 1pm if you don't want to wait. In addition to the long lines, I feel like service is kinda slow. The people that ring you up are quick, but it always feel like actually waiting for your order after you've paid can take a long time. If you need a quick in and out lunch option, this TG is NOT the place for you. I feel like I have had some inconsistency in my food here, which is the biggest reason why I don't love this location. I absolutely love the salmon plate but sometimes the salmon is overcooked, and sometimes it's so undercooked that it is basically inedible. Also, recently my mashed potatoes have tasted off, almost to the point that I wasn't even sure if I was eating mashed potatoes or not. They have a ton of seating both indoor and outdoor, although it's a big cramped and a pretty loud atmosphere. Overall, I generally like TG, this just isn't my favorite location out of all the ones I've been to. read more

Healthy, fresh food that is also incredibly tasty!! Never had a thing delivered that we haven't thought was great!! read more

My favorite restaurant. I'm just sad that there's none near me. I always get the plate - if I'm really hungry, I'll get the sandwich. plate: albacore (if you don't like raw, don't get it), baby arugula, mashed potatoes. the chicken is really juicy too - I like the chicken with the sandwich. I alternate between albacore & steak, depending on how I feel that day. two thumbs up! 5 stars! read more

Looking to shed some pounds? or just want to eat fresh, and healthy? Look no further than Tender Greens. The food quality, along with Ingredients here are excellent. Each location seems to be focused on food quality along with excellent service. Give Tender Greens a try. You will thank me. read more

Short story based on real life events: "What do you want to eat," he says. "Idk," she says. K then, Tender Greens it is, they both agreed. The End. Yeah, it's definitely our go-to spot when we can't decide on what to eat. A bit pricey, but a good meal usually is. Love their salt & pepper chicken and backyard steak! With Tender Greens salad & mashed potatoes- yum. They are also cashless- order on first register, pay with card at the second register; it's convenient. Free 1hr/2hr street parking are available around the area you just have to be a bit familiarized with the area- if you're not, just drive around some, it shouldn't be too hard to find free parking. Can get busy at lunch time (lunch rush) but food serves decently fast regardless. Service? You pretty much just order and go sit, or take your food home... not much else to say about it. Love TG. read more

I had avocado toast and chipotle chicken salad It was great and I like their process to order I will visit there again read more

Tender Greens - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I'm obsessed. I've ordered the Katsu bowl (amazing flavor), Chinese chicken salad (huge portion and delicious) and their mint lemonade (so refreshing and tangy. Very good portions and the flavor is out of this world. read more

Customer service is need of repair! Rude cashiers and workers. They look messy and unkept. I will not be returning. Food was ok. But not worth the all the attitude and dirty looks. It's like a teenage fast food place for sure! The seating is awkward. You don't know where to stand to wait for your food. read more

Located in Pasadena down Colorado Avenue, I happened to stumble upon this place by happenstance through my parents who kept raving to me about how great the food and service was here! At first I was a bit skeptical because with a name like "Tender Greens" I honestly wasn't expecting much from them besides a wide array of salads. But boy was I taken completely by surprise. When I first entered the restaurant the one thing that I noticed right away was the ambiance. It had a very hip, classy yet laid back subtleness about it that I really liked and their usage of various kinds of woods that embellished the tables, chairs and lighting was quite modern and ingenious. In other words, it had a very minimalistic Feng Shui approach that not only proved to be trendy but also quite inviting. Now onto the food. Everything made here is strictly organic and that culinary consciousness is what makes the food here amazing! They use nothing but the finest and freshest ingredients they can find and that is apparent from the very first time it reaches your table till that last delicious bite! I ordered their Chipotle BBQ Chicken on toasted Ciabatta bread with roasted red peppers, aioli and a baby spinach salad. Needless to say, it was amazing! The chicken was juicy and tender, the bread was nice and crispy and the salad perfectly complimented the sandwich. I also highly recommend ordering their Watermelon juice! It's so refreshing and they also serve free refills so you can drink to your heart's content! They also serve up a pretty mean peach cobbler for dessert if you're up for it! (; Now the best thing about this place in addition to the high quality food is the price! Compared to other organic restaurants, the food here is very affordable and we paid roughly around $10-15 for our lunch which isn't bad considering the quality of food that you're eating. The service here is also one of the best I've experienced in a long time and I think it's safe to say that I'll be coming back here more often if I'm ever in the area. All in all GREAT service, GREAT people, but most importantly, GREAT food! read more

Tender Greens - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I'd like to start by saying I first tried to actually speak with a live person to give them my experience before leaving a 2 star review....and maybe if they actually had a phone number that would connect to a live person or at least let you leave a voicemail this would be at least a 3 star review. But alas, they don't even let you leave a voicemail...long story short we ordered dinner to be delivered and they completely missed a full meal so my wife didn't get her salmon. I can understand maybe they just plain forgot to put it in the bag but what really pissed me off is my sons side dishes were supposed to be mashed potatoes and fruit. Instead they put in raw "roasted" potatoes and butter lettuce. That's just plain not giving a crap. read more

I had a chance to dine at this eatery a few weeks ago and I must admit, I really liked it. I was in the Pasadena area and met up with a friend after church service for a bite to eat. He suggested Tender Greens and at first, I was a bit hesitant to be quite honest I think because of the name. It sounded like a place that specialized in salads but I agreed just to be able to try something new. We got there right as it opened at 11:30 am and was able to place our orders pretty quickly. It was actually good that we got there as early as we did because in about 30 minutes, the place started to really fill up and the line was almost out the door which was really surprising to me. You order in a cafeteria style line and your food comes out on a tray at the end of the counter after paying. I ordered the Salt & Pepper Chicken plate and selected salad and mashed potatoes as my side. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=kdd2w68dEEhmxn7bzNQ6yQ&userid=muK3bAO2dRwP79SBnppQ5g I also ordered a side of the mac n' cheese just to be able to try it out and thought I could share it but I ended up eating it all myself which made for quite the heavy meal. http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=h8KhvAjYNeTZ3dKsmxzY0w&userid=muK3bAO2dRwP79SBnppQ5g I thought both orders were really satisfyingly delicious but I was so uncomfortably full afterwards. Unless you are planning to share the mac n' cheese, I would suggest not ordering it unless you are sharing it or really ravenous. One minor point is that felt the chicken slices were not warm enough temperature-wise as I would have liked it. I also ordered one of the agua frescas which was really tasty and refreshing. We were able to get refills and were mistakenly given the Mint Lemonade which was way too tart that we sent it back for our original flavor. I would definitely come back to Tender Greens and probably try some of the other locations around town because I think they serve some great eats in a nice comfortable environment. read more

Tender Greens - Salt and pepper chicken - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Been coming here for a few years now and more recently since the manager B-yung has been here, it's been really great. High quality food and nice fresh tastes for a decent price. For the most part, the service is friendly. Accessible parking in the lot behind with validation. We come as often as we can since we live a distance. read more

Tender Greens - Love Tender Greens. Nothing like a great organic meal... - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I was so excited when I heard about this Tender Greens location opening up. I am such a huge fan of their Culver City location because I have never had a bad experience there and they consistently whip up salad that are not only fresh, but flavorful. My introduction to this location was less than stellar. One Tuesday morning, I had an urge for something I oft enjoy at Culver City, the Baby Arugula Salad with Herb Brushed Local Albacore. Since I didn't have time to drive there, I decided to give this Pasadena location a try. I arrived just as the restaurant opened and ordered my salad to go. When I arrived at work and sat at my desk to enjoy my salad, I took a few bites and then noticed that someone forgot to wash/rinse the arugula. It was obvious as I took a leaf and ran it between my thumb and index finger, then rubbed them together and the sensation felt like gritty sandpaper. Not only that, their arugula was spotted, wilted, and beginning to turn yellow! http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=jxXx9lpefCIPerUxj-P_hA I immediately called, asked to speak with a manager and was connected with Stephanus. He noted my phone number and offered me a courtesy salad at a future visit. All I had to do was call ahead and let them know I was there for my courtesy salad. That's great customer service! Tuna Niçoise: 4/5 http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=VlsSEB54RbA5UYF1m0rzyw My second impression was much better as I chose the Tuna Niçoise as my courtesy salad. I called ahead and spoke with Paloma. She handled the situation accordingly. I was relieved that they got this salad right. It was very flavorful without dressing! Baby Arugula Salad with Herb Brushed Local Albacore: 4/5 http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=tng3D98s5qR-frFJaShYiw Visit #3 was much more like what I was accustomed to at Culver City. My salad was tossed just right and contained ample amount of balsamic vinaigrette. There was also a more generous portion of albacore this go around. Broccolini: 4.5/5 http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=JdsKO9hQEF6wNuLvk-gOtQ There was a harmonious balance of bitter and sweet with a tender crunch with each stalk. These are sooooooooo addicting! Harvest Salad: 4/5 http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=cM1KBpl7OSbP7lHGtXfnHg This salad will take your taste buds on an incredible journey. I believe it contains Clementine Orange, Braised Pear, Goat Cheese, and Candied Almonds. Such a complex salad with different textures and tastes. Brussel Sprouts: 3.5/5 http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=fL9aeu5M_lW9dw4pLecj9A If you want to order a side dish that gives you the most for your money, then get this. These sprouts were both tasty and hearty. They varied in texture as some pieces were grilled longer, creating a fun crispness on the outer leaf. Others were more mushy. Braised Beef Short Rib: 3.5/5 http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=oyp1ZWeFLPZO5rbvE2TOVQ http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=NqoIY6Yn00mQH4_0wePlBg Served atop white bean puree and served with a side of arugula salad and lemon vinaigrette. If you're looking for value, you'll think Tender Greens is stingy because there were only two medium sized chunks of short rib meat. Although the short ribs were seasoned well, they could have been less salty. I also was not a huge fan of the tangy lemon vinaigrette. Mac & Cheese (Aged Cheddar): 2/5 http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=jiyef46CiCp8BYOnRykvOQ Very disappointing and very salty. Their breadcrumb topping was soggy and boring. I just didn't care for the aged cheddar taste. When my buddy Thomas N ordered this on a different visit, they were the same as the first time I had them. =/ Mint Lemonade: 2/5 http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=oCcD3o0WEL4RIAUv2RnaEg I didn't care for the finely chopped pieces of mint. What's more, I found the lemonade to be too tart and lacked sweetness, yet managed to be weak in lemon flavor. All in all, I'm glad I gave Tender Greens Pasadena a second, third, and fourth chance. Had I not done so, this would have been a 1 star review. Thank God for second chances! ;) read more

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I went to Tender Greens before heading to Pasadena Playhouse to see Jitney, they have a really good deal with the Playhouse $15 for: - Soup - Salad, hot plate or sandwich and - Dessert. I ordered: - Roasted roma tomato soup: http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=M-6rM9fnj8Zy06D-_jwg4w&userid=60uaMp4f8f8zCFq9dxc5cA Really tasty without being overwhelming, loved the roasted tomato flavor. - Chinese Chicken salad, it was delicious! http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=W6NlaAYEMKZ0RCoW75FcaQ&userid=60uaMp4f8f8zCFq9dxc5cA Made out of Tatsoi (it's flavor is quite unique), Mizuna, sprouts, carrot, wontons, roasted Peanuts, cilantro, green onion, the best: Sesame Dressing - Apricot dessert http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=5_da9vj0Y0xHqgue-W3zxw&userid=60uaMp4f8f8zCFq9dxc5cA Everything was pretty good, except their wine. We ordered pinot noir and merlot and it wasn't that great. I regret not to ordering one of their lemonades, they looked quite refreshing. Their desserts are pretty good, with the right amount of sugar respecting the other flavors involved. My friend ordered strawberry cupcake, it was delicious. My apricot dessert was yummy too! Since they claim to use natural organic ingredients and seems like the desserts don't have that much sugar, I didn't feel guilty (YAY!) That's a big plus! The service is great as well as the ambiance: clean and functional. I didn't know they were a chain, hope they open one in OC so I can keep trying their desserts. Diet / Health conscious friendly. Recommended for their flavor too! read more

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They always have great service. Food is fresh. My favorite is the steak salad and the tuna. Due to COVID we prefer to just rest drive through if needed instead of sitting inside any restaurant. Thanks to the staff for making the experience always a smooth one. Mac n cheese and tomato soup is also nice to have on the side. read more

***My salad at this Tender Greens was fresh but bland; the salads at the Culver City location range from flavorful and good to bland and boring; I am sure the food at this Tender Greens has a similar range*** This Tender Greens is located in Pasadena and is similar to the Culver City Tender Greens in terms of style and setup. Ordering is at the counter and there are a mix of salad, sandwich and plate options. The decor is pleasant and nice for an order-at-the-counter spot (lots of natural woods). The Culver City location though has a much more interesting and rustic outdoor dining area. I have had mixed experiences at the Culver City location. I have definitely had decent salads there, but I have also had salads that were pretty bland and even somewhat difficult to finish (because of the blandness). Unfortunately, the salad I had at the Pasadena location would fall into that category. I had a salad with greens, mizuna, Thai shrimp, jicama, oranges, Thai basil, and a chili lime vinaigrette. The salad was fresh and crisp enough, but it just did not have much flavor. There were a few sweet ingredients in the salad, but it was not that sweet. It could have used something in it (seasoning, spice) to give it more kick. Service was fine and quick. Prices were about $10 per salad. The portions were generous. I am sure there are good salads here, but the one I had is not one of them. If this Tender Greens is like the Culver City location, I imagine you can have a satisfying salad if you order right. Parking is available on the street (it is pretty easy to find a space). read more

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I was skeptical to try this place out the first time, but their food won me over immediately with out much effort on the part of the food. They have plenty of options from various salad, sandwiches, hot plates, and drinks. Of course, we can't forget to mention the variety of delicious desserts. Now on to the food! FOOD/DRINKS - 4 Stars: Fried Chicken with salad: I've had this every single time I've come here. I can't get enough of this. It's so good! I usually get this as a hot plate with white meat and the side of mashed potatoes, which are pretty buttery. You can do no wrong with having butter! The chicken is juicy and perfectly breaded for the nice, crispy bite. I've tried two different side salads with the hot plate - Tender Greens and Baby Arugula. The tender green salad is a healthy sized portion with a sherry vinaigrette dressing. However, sometimes I'm in the mood for the arugula salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette. Both are very delicious. It will just depend on your mood if you want a light salad versus a more bitter salad and whichever dressing is to your liking. They have no problem modifying your salad to your liking... you can change the dressing, not put cheese, nuts, etc. So have no fear, you'll have something that will make you go MMMMMMM! Chocolate Chip Cookie: I bought this because frankly, I really wanted a cookie. It seems unsuspecting at first, but don't let looks deceive you.This hefty sized cookie looks like it's a huge piece of dough. The moment you bite into it... chocolate galore! With every bite, my mouth was filled with chocolate and I couldn't get enough of it. Samoa Bar: I do have to say that when Girl Scout cookies are selling, this is the flavor that I look forward to the most and not because I can eat a whole box and feel proud, but because it's damn delicious. Enter the samoa bar. So, I see it on the tray looking back at me. I check it out from top to bottom: chocolate drizzled on top, toasted coconut filling and the buttery crust. What's not to love about this? I bought it, I ate it, and I wanted more. It definitely tasted as good as it looked. Aqua Fresca: Who doesn't love watermelon. Not on only can you enjoy a delicious meal, you can have a refreshing watermelon drink that quenches your thirst. This should be on everyone's drink list! SERVICE - 4 Stars: This is a cafeteria style of ordering food. So, you order your main entree at the first counter and when you go to pay, that when you can order dessert and drinks. The staff have been pretty nice and accommodating. They either give you your food when you pay if it's ready or they will take it to your table if they need more time to get your food ready. They also have people constantly picking up the empty cups and plates from the table. So, they're good about keeping the tables clean. ATMOSPHERE - 4 Stars: There is plenty of seating inside or at the outside patio. There can be a bit of a rush during lunch or dinner time hours. I haven't had an issue getting a table to eat when I've gone during those times. It can get a tiny bit loud because everyone is chit chatting and enjoying their food. RECOMMENDATION: I think that if you haven't tried this place out, then you should definitely consider it. Everything I've had has been delicious and I always get excited to see the daily desserts. I can't wait to go back! read more

Tender Greens - Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes, tender greens, aqua fresca, a chocolate chip cookie, and a Samoa bar. - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

WOWWWWW. Now I get why the people in oh-so fancy West LA make a fuss about this place. I'm 90% sure it occupies the former Pasadena Famima location, downstairs from the apartment complex. Tender Greens has it all: a beautiful, casual space, an open kitchen, wide menu, wonderful-tasting food and I'd gladly hand over $10.50 for this. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/4r-RoDt2XRbz8JnDE-7buw?select=71mH2lajucFch8o2isOf-w Wouldn't you? Mrs. C's tomato soup was a tad thick, but not in a bad way. It had tons of flavor, with a few croutons thrown in. I got the hot plate with salt & pepper chicken, Caesar salad & potatoes, and every bite of it was terrific. YOU MUST GET THE MINT LEMONADE!! I made the mistake of getting the iced tea, and ended up eyeballing Mrs. C's lemonade with jealousy during the entire meal. They'll even give you a refill on it! Tender Greens is priced a tad higher than Corner Bakery/Panera, but it's totally worth it. I can't wait to go back & try the rest of the menu. Thanks to everyone who is posting pictures of the chipotle chicken & backyard steak - those are next! A great addition to new eats in the Pasadena area! read more

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The Service: Very friendly and efficient. Good customer service! The Food: Harvest Salad - Big plate of salad, full of FRESH berries, strawberry, blueberry and blackberry!! Dressing is perfect, not overdressing at all. Totally can taste the crispy of the vegetables. Highly recommended! Cauliflower soup - $4 for a yummy cup of soup. Totally worth it!! Freshly made. creamy & steamy hot. Love it! Kale Pie - The pasty is so flaky and buttery!! Lots of kale stuffing. read more

I was looking for a place near the Pasadena Playhouse that had salad and sandwiches prior to watching a performance. Ran into Tender Greens on Yelp since Euro Pane was closed after 3 pm on a Sunday afternoon. It's a cafeteria style restaurant. There's a menu of different salads and protiens that you can make into a sandwich or a combo of. I ordered the brisket with beans, side salad, and agua fresca.. Brisket was plentiful compared to the three pieces of steak that they provide if you opted for steak. Tender but a bit on the fatty side. I needed some sauce to break it down. Bbq sauce would of worked but the didn't offer any with it. Beans were flavorful but a bit on the cold side. Salad was okay but the greens weren't chopped up and in larger pieces. It came mixed with a sherry vinagrette which was a bit on the sour side. Could use a bit of something sweet. Agua fresca was refreshing. It was a mix of citrus fruits and pineapple juices and comes with refills. This restaurant is fairly new with decent decor. There are paintings of Pasadena landmarks which makes the restaurant a bit homely to native Pasadenians. Did I mention refills of the agua fresca?? I'm coming back. read more

i always get the steak salad, very yummy. opens late on Friday and Saturday (10pm). Plenty of seating. Free parking in the parking structure behind it. read more

Okay. So what's the deal with all the good ratings? We mistakenly came in here before catching Stoneface at the Pasadena Playhouse, thinking that with a 4 star rating on yelp was indicative of the good food that they serve here. When we ordered the marinated steak dinner and the oven roasted pork as the day's special. I was looking forward to enjoying the meal after ordering but to my chagrin, I noticed that there were cooked steak under a heat lamp and I kept hoping that it wasn't what they were gonna serve me. Wrong. As my plate went from the salad station to the meat station, the carver removed the steak from the pan, sliced me 4 slices and placed it on my plate. Ugh.. My GF's pork was in a metal container submerge in some broth. Same treatment, 2 slices and it was placed on top of her salad. Seriously? Since when is serving steak that has been sitting under a heat lamp for who knows how long acceptable? To top it off, the steak and pork were lukewarm at best. Applying the subway style conveyor belt - pick what you want - to a dinner plate just doesn't work. The one thing they did right was to give all customers a to-go cup of refilled drinks. In our case, it was the mint lemonade which was quite good. It was very cool but not enough to lessen my disappoint of this place and the food they serve. Never Again! read more

Tender Greens - Marinated Steak Hot Plate - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I'm really bummed about the meal I ate tonight. I love Tender Greens and I religiously get the salami kale salad but tonight this salad had a little more, and a little less of what wanted. First I was a little disappointed that, when I ordered for take out, the fingerling potatoes were missing and the kale was whole leaves and not cut down to smaller pieces, like they always are. I could handle this though because of how delicious the salad really is but, on my last 2 bites I noticed on the back side of one of the leaves there were 2 white bugs with what looked like a bunch of baby bugs around them. They didn't seem to be alive but seeing insects on my salad was less than appealing. Tender Greens, I know you guys are always packed and busy, because your food is so tasty, but please take more time to wash your veggies. Seeing this was a big turn off for me. I come here a lot and I would expect more from your food cleanliness especially with the high prices that us customers pay. I give the food a high rating for taste and how quick everything is assembled but this was bad enough for me to write a review. I think it might be a while before I come back :( Bummer read more

Tender Greens - :( white insects with babies - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

I really like Tender Greens as a lunch spot. THE AMBIANCE: Tender Greens ("TG") is clean, there is ample space, and the food is fresh. During lunch this location is pretty busy, which is a good sign and a testament to its food's flavor and quality. When you walk in you are greeted by a menu stand and a Daily Specials chart on the wall. The Daily Specials show different categories like Soups, Harvest Salad, Vegetables, Sweets, and Sides. TG is cafeteria-style, but in a classy setting. You choose what you want to order and then you walk down the isle as you gaze at the cooks preparing your meal. When you get close to the cashier you can take a look at their sweets and decide what you want to drink before you pay. This location has both inside and outside seating. THE FOOD: The menu consists of Big Plates ($11.50), which comes with your choice of chicken, steak, fish, or falafel on a sandwich, as a hot plate, or on a simple salad (I have always ordered my meat as a hot plate because I love their yukon gold mashed potatoes; a must try), or Big Salads ($11.50). There are also Comfort Soups for purchase like Roasted Tomato Soup and Rustic Chicken Soup ($4.00) and Plant Based Sides like Roasted Corn and Heirloom Bean Salad and Simply Roasted Vegetable ($5.50) on their menu. I have tried their Big Plate Chipotle Barbeque Chicken (white and dark meat brushed with chipotle barbeque sauce) as a hot plate with a Kale simple salad (parmesan, roasted garlic vinaigrette), the Big Plate Salt and Pepper Chicken (white and dark meat, garlic, oregano, thyme) as a hot plate with a Tender Greens simple salad (sherry vinaigrette), and the Big Plate Backyard Marinated Steak (grilled medium rare) as a hot plate. I have to say that both the chicken and the steak were super delicious. I liked the Salt and Pepper Chicken more than the Chipotle Barbeque Chicken. For a drink, try the Mint Lemonade. So good! The only thing I did not like very much was their Mac N Cheese Side for $5.00. It really was not worth $5.00. It lacked flavor and was a really small portion size. My bf tried the pozole and he did not like it. He said it was bland and the portion was super small. THE TIPS: Street meter parking. Soup can be substituted for mashed potatoes or salad for $2.00. The chicken is served with skin but can be removed upon request. read more

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I am sold on this place just for its Southern Fried Chicken. I don't need to try anything else to make up my mind. The batter was flavorful and crispy, and the chicken was tender. This is how I want any fried chicken to taste. I got this as a salad but I really don't remember the salad part that much because the chicken was so good. The salad consisted of romaine and butter lettuce, some cucumber, and radish dill dressing. The salad was more of a background but the chicken sure made up for it. I also got the Tuna Nicoise salad because I saw several reviewers mentioning this. It definitely wasn't a disappointment. I made the mistake of ordering it seared medium when I should've gotten it seared rare but it still tasted very fresh and was tender. There was no fishy taste to this tuna. The salad combination worked well with tomato, potato, capers, olives, green beans, quail egg, and sherry vinaigrette. Menu consists mostly of salads but you can also customize certain items as a sandwich or a hot plate, such as marinated steak, salt & pepper chicken, chipotle barbecue chicken, fried chicken, herb brushed albacore, or grilled/roasted vegetables. They also have some soups and serve beer & wine. This place is set up like an assembly line. You enter on the right side of the building and place your order. There are several staff members behind the counter that start assembling your order as you move to the left. Your order is completed by the time you get to end of the line and that's where you pay for your meal and order drinks if you like. There are several chairs and tables but they were all occupied when I was here. I really like the healthy options this place provides. Most Yelp-worthy places seem to be the unhealthy kind. This is a healthy option that's certainly Yelp-worthy. I just wish they had more locations closer to me so I can eat here more frequently. It seems like their locations are clustered in LA area and only two in OC (both of which are in Irvine). They need to spread out the locations further. read more

So glad they are still in Pasadena. Went for the first time in two years and it was delicious. Got a Mediterranean Steak Salad with the steak cooked rare. Also got two kids meals - one with steak (cooked to customer request) and one with cheese quesadilla. Portions are good for kids. Came with fruit and mashed potatoes and a small bottled water. The Seasonal Vegetables were roasted and tasted fresh (yellow bell pepper, mushrooms, green beans, and zucchini). Prices are very fair for the quality of ingredients. read more

Found this place from a search on Yelp using the keyword "healthy". The design of the restaurant is very modern. Cool lighting fixtures and decor. Ordered the Salt and Pepper Chicken on a hot plate with Kale Salad. The chicken is very juicy and tender, and is tasty. And I expected a different kale salad than what I got. When I think kale, I think big pieces of fluffy leaves. What I got is a baby kale salad. Whatever... I ate it, and it felt healthy. The mashed potatoes were buttery good. A little bit on the pricey side for the somewhat small sized portion of food. I'll have to come back to try their drinks and the fried chicken. read more

Tender Greens - Salt and Pepper Chicken on a hot plate, with a side Kale Salad - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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Stopped by few months back and tried their Chinese Chicken Salad. The Greens were very fresh. Yet the peanuts in the salad tasted a little stale. :-( The sesame dressing is the main key to a Chinese Chicken salad, and their dressing was OK but quite greasy. This past weekend, Tender Greens was one of the cater for the after party for a play we went to see at the Pasadena Playhouse. They served salad (baby agula greens, some nuts, raisins and apple with Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing. Along with the salad, they provided steak with roasted red peppers and their delicious Aioli dressing on ciabatta bread! The sandwich was very good. :-) Oh another must try is their Roasted tomato bread soup with basil. YUM!!! The restaurant is clean, bright and spacious with lots of tables. read more

Pathetic : I ordered Kale and he gave me spinach. I told him it is not kale. He told me it is Kale. I eat kale often and this is definitely not. The workers can't even tell the difference. There is no point of arguing. Whatever. I ordered mash potatoes. But it doesn't come with gravy . ! Well. I guess it is for health reason. read more

My first time here! This place was just okay to me. There were a lot of choices on the menu. I spent a large amount of time just standing there trying to decide what to eat. Thank god they have smaller menus that you can take back to your seat. xD I tried their Romaine Hearts salad, for $6. The salad didn't stand out compared to any other salad I've ever had. The portion was quite larger than what I had expected. I also tried their Grilled Chicken Cobb salad. I did not like it at all. Only get this if you're 100% sure that you like blue cheese.... From what I noticed, there is no really difference in size between the "big salads" and "simple salads" (as I initially expected). The difference is that the "big salads" have a bit more ingredients and meat. Another difference is the additional $5. Speaking of cheese, I also got their macaroni and cheese as a side dish. I don't think this is a regular item on their menu, as I did order it from the "today's special" menu. It was delicious! And it had a unique taste to it that I never had anywhere else. Also, it was not "macaroni" but rather, shell pastas. Also, there were bits of shredded cheese and crumbs on top. YUM. Misc: LOVED the paintings around the restaurant. The painter was 'Chris something.' I wish I remembered the last name. The trays were unexpectedly heavy compared to what I'm used to. read more

Great service and hard working staff especially since it was very busy and some ppl were very impatient and rude!

Went back to give this location another try. The food was better this time around, marinated steak was served medium rare as requested however, the salad was still dry. I had to ask for more of the balsamic vinaigrette for my baby arugula salad. This time the restaurant was busy and you could see how inexperienced the staff was. The gf ordered the special of the day which was cod over a bed of sauteed Chinese greens. The piece of fish was smaller than the size of my palm after it was cooked. They just handed her the plate without a tray and didn't hand her any utensils, guess they expected her to eat with her fingers. I had to ask for another set of utensils after I signed the credit card slip. They also were about to give my 2 glasses of water to someone else...wtf??? Not even sure why I bothered to tip for such shitty service. 4 stars for the food and 2 stars for the service. This place needs formal training from their other locations. read more

stopped by here with fellow Elite Anna J, and what a treat it was! it's just walking distance from home and i wish i had taken the opportunity to come by sooner, but sometimes things are meant to happen when they happen =) anyway, i'm so happy to have finally tried it. i had some low expectations due to some experiences at other salad-type restaurants which i will not name. but i have to admit i was pleasantly surprised and happy with my first visit. i had the BACKYARD STEAK, which was just delicious. i asked for the steak med-rare, but it was pretty RARE! despite that slight imperfection, i enjoyed the rest of the salad. it was light and refreshing. the greens were clean and fresh... with the right amount of dressing, sweetness/acidity/salt. the toast that came with the meal was also fresh and crisp. my friend had her usual HAPPY VEGAN, which she really seemed to enjoy... thus telling me that Tender Greens is generally consistent at all their locations. i just hope that next time, my steak is prepared correctly. aside from it being undercooked, i could tell that the steak was good quality and fresh. i also tried some of Anna's green HUMMUS. it was delicious! love the green take (secret is: SPINACH!!!) ... and may just steal the idea for my own hummus recipe. service is friendly, and despite the busy-ness, we found a table in reasonable time. if you're driving, they offer an hour of validated parking in the garage behind the restaurant (around the corner). looking forward to having more meals here. love their salads. great quality and good value. read more

Tender Greens - 08.17.13... backyard steak salad - New American Near Me - Pasadena, California

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I frigging love Tender Greens - especially since a few friends raved and loved this restaurant. I've been to this location and Hollywood. Apparently there are a few other ones all around the LA/OC counties. Must try all!!!! hah. What I like - Mac N Cheese If they have the orange olive oil cake/bread dessert thing - YOU MUST order. It is so fantastic and whatever they make it out of - it's just amazing. Light, fluffy, tasty cake. It doesn't have an oily taste and heavy on the orange zest - just the way I like it! Must have and try! Salmon - if they have it Steak - normally cooked medium rare (which it should always be) but if you prefer leather, they can do that as well. I have to try a big salad someday! There have been some that have caught my eye but I haven't had a chance to try! All the foods can be made into a salad, sandwich, entree, etc. It's up to you!! :) You can see them as they prepare your food. Highly recommended, decent portions, tasty, just a bit pricey, but totally yumski! I love how they use fresh and locally grown/sustainable foods. They accept everything under the sun - cash, MC/Visa, not sure about Discover or Amex. This location is located right by the Pasadena Lammles theater, Vroman's Bookstore, and Target. There are paid lots around the area. Shh, but I park at Vroman's and walk over. (but I do go in Vroman's and peruse for books and stuff). Street parking. Lots of parking options. read more

Tender Greens Overall 4.25 Stars Gold medal - Lemon Pound Cake Silver medal - BBQ Chicken Bronze medal - Kale All the food at Tender Greens taste clean and light. Nothing tasted buttery or oily, not even the creamy mashed potatoes. The best thing on the menu here is the lemon pound cake. It has the best texture and taste. It wasn't too sweet, too soft, or too anything bad. It was however too good! I ate every last bite. My initial thought was that the steak would be the best entrée on the menu. Steak is the most expensive when charged by the lb. at the market, so one would think the steak would be the best item on the menu, right?. Err err wrong! Surprisingly the BBQ chicken is the best entrée. Second the seared tuna, then come the steak. The Kale salad was my favorite. I am a cheese lover and they toss the kale in parmesan. If you are a cheese lover, the Kale will be your favorite. HAPPY GREENING!! read more

Love the food here. You just feel good eating here, everything is so fresh and healthy, I am obsessed with their ahi salad, always very satisfying. Service is great, even if they are busy, the food comes out quickly and can be modified to your liking or diet. Prices are a bit high, but given the quality I find it fair, flavors are always on point, I have never had a bad meal here. Clean and bright space with plenty of seating, perfect lunch option in the area. read more