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Green Street Restaurant
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Green Street Restaurant
8.1
Since 1979, this Pasadena institution has been serving their famous Dianne Salad and legendary zucchini bread. The airy interior and charming patio provide multiple Instagram-worthy settings for brunch photos.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dianne Salad, Zucchini Bread, Monte Cristo Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Home of the famous Dianne Salad served 2000+ times weekly.
Who should go: Families and groups wanting generous portions
When to visit: Weekday brunch for easier patio seating
What to order: Dianne salad, zucchini bread, cornucopia salad
Insider tip: Parking structure entrance is just south of restaurant
Green Street Restaurant
8.4
Since 1979, this Pasadena institution serves towering salads and California comfort food with generous portions perfect for families. Their famous Dianne salad is ordered over 2,000 times weekly, while the full bar and airy patio create a welcoming atmosphere for all ages.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dianne Salad (Chinese Chicken), Zucchini Bread, Grilled Fish Tacos
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Legendary foot-tall salads and 45+ years of tradition
Who should go: Families wanting reliable California comfort classics
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weekday lunch avoiding crowds
What to order: Dianne salad, zucchini bread, chipotle chicken sandwich
Insider tip: Parking validated in adjacent structure
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking in adjacent structure ($3 for 2 hours), street parking limited on South Lake
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, families in everything from workout gear to business casual
Noise level: Lively but manageable - families create buzz but conversation still easy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, up to 60 min for larger parties
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min during rush (12-1:30pm), walk-in otherwise
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple salads, pastas, and dedicated veggie options throughout menu
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads, ask server about daily specials
Gluten-free options: Yes - salads easily modified, gluten-free bread available on request
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than romantic ones - the family atmosphere and bustling energy work for relaxed getting-to-know-you meals but lack intimacy
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, but expect 20-30 min wait at peak times. Weekend brunch is toughest - arrive before 10am or after 2pm to avoid hour-long waits
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs, kids menu, crayons provided, and staff used to families. The noise level means crying babies won't disturb others
Best For
Better for: Massive portion sizes perfect for sharing, more reliable than trendy spots, and those legendary salads you can't get elsewhere
Skip if: You want innovative cuisine, intimate ambiance, or diet-specific menus - try True Food Kitchen for health-focused or Maestro for date night
Green Street Restaurant
8.4
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Family-owned neighborhood staple operating since 1979, famous for the Dianne Salad ordered over 2,000 times weekly. Offers diverse California comfort food in a relaxed setting with a welcoming patio and full bar.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dianne Salad (Chinese Chicken), Homemade Zucchini Bread, Monte Cristo Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Nearly five-decade legacy with signature dishes that have become Pasadena traditions
Who should go: Families, business groups, locals seeking consistent quality
When to visit: Weekday lunch to avoid weekend crowds, brunch until 3pm
What to order: Dianne Salad, zucchini bread appetizer, any fresh fish special
Insider tip: Parking structure entrance is just south of the restaurant with ample spaces
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Dedicated parking structure just south of restaurant with ample spaces - easiest parking in Old Pasadena. Street parking also available on Green Street.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - jeans and t-shirts perfectly fine. Pasadena locals dress relaxed here.
Noise level: Conversational - comfortable for business meetings and family dining. Patio is quieter than indoor dining room.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min wait Friday/Saturday 6-8pm without reservation. Brunch can hit 45-60 min on Sundays.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - walk-ins welcome. Business lunch crowd 12-1pm but tables turn quickly.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong options - signature Dianne Salad is vegetarian, plus pasta dishes, veggie sandwiches, and customizable entrees.
Vegan options: Moderate - can modify salads and pastas by request. Not a dedicated vegan menu but kitchen accommodates.
Gluten-free options: Available - fish specials are naturally GF, salads can be modified, kitchen aware of cross-contamination protocols.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual daytime dates - the patio is charming for brunch or lunch. Skip for evening romance dates as it's more family-oriented than intimate. Better as a comfortable second or third date spot.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinners (before 6pm) are safe walk-in bets. Weekend brunch and Friday/Saturday dinner need reservations or expect 30-60 min waits. Bar seating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - families are the core clientele. Kids menu available, high chairs provided, staff patient with children. Patio gives kids space to move around. Great for all ages from toddlers to teens.
Is it expensive? Mid-range pricing - entrees $16-28, which is fair value for Pasadena. The famous Dianne Salad at $18 is shareable. You'll spend $25-35 per person with drink.
What if I'm ordering the Dianne Salad for the first time? Get it as written first - the 2,000+ weekly orders prove the original recipe works. It's a meal-sized chopped salad with turkey, bacon, avocado. Can easily split between two for lunch or order individual portions for dinner.
Best For
Better for: Consistent California comfort food without pretension - beats trendier spots for reliability and value. The 45-year track record means no surprises. Best for groups and families who want everyone to find something they'll enjoy. Parking situation alone beats most Old Pasadena restaurants.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge cuisine or Instagram moments - this is a neighborhood staple, not a destination restaurant. Skip if you're seeking romantic ambiance for date nights or want craft cocktails (full bar but standard offerings). Choose elsewhere for adventurous dining or chef-driven seasonal menus.
Green Street Restaurant
8.3
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Brunch Bliss Spots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Since 1979, this family-owned Pasadena institution has served California cuisine with the famous Diane Salad ordered over 2,000 times weekly. The breakfast menu features everything from pancakes to French toast alongside zucchini bread that keeps locals coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diane Salad, French Toast, Zucchini Bread
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.9
What makes it special: 46-year Pasadena tradition still owned by the founding family
Who should go: Families and business lunchers seeking reliable quality
When to visit: Weekday breakfast before 9am for the best service
What to order: Chinese chicken salad, cornucopia salad, breakfast classics with zucchini bread
Insider tip: Parking structure directly behind with restaurant validation
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free parking structure directly behind restaurant with validation - easiest parking in Old Pasadena
Dress code: Casual comfortable - athleisure to business casual all welcome
Noise level: Moderate buzz - easy conversation at your table, livelier during peak brunch
Weekend wait: Not applicable - closed evenings
Weekday lunch: 15-25 min wait at peak (12-1pm), walk right in before 11:30am
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong selection including multiple salads, veggie omelets, and pasta options
Vegan options: Limited - can modify salads and sides, best to call ahead for customization
Gluten-free options: Yes - staff knowledgeable, can modify many dishes including breakfast items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd or 3rd date - it's comfortable and conversation-friendly but lacks romantic ambiance. The casual vibe works for daytime coffee dates or weekend brunch dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes for breakfast and early lunch - arrive before 11:30am weekdays or 9am weekends. After that, expect 15-30 min waits. They don't take reservations for parties under 6.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - one of Pasadena's top family spots. Kids menu available, high chairs provided, and staff patient with children. Best for ages 2+ during the busy brunch rush.
Good for solo dining? Yes - counter seating available and comfortable atmosphere for solo breakfast or lunch. Locals regularly dine alone here with laptops or newspapers.
Can I host a business breakfast here? Ideal for it - quieter before 9am, booths provide semi-privacy, and service is efficient for those on tight schedules. Popular with Old Pasadena business crowd.
Best For
Better for: Consistent quality and service over 46 years - you know exactly what you're getting. Best validated parking situation in Old Pasadena. The famous Diane Salad is genuinely iconic (2,000+ orders weekly). Great for mixed groups (kids, seniors, business) who want solid American comfort food.
Skip if: You want trendy/Instagram-worthy brunch, adventurous cuisine, or romantic date ambiance. If you're seeking cutting-edge California cuisine, head to newer spots - this is reliable traditionalism, not culinary innovation.