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Janejira Thai Bistro
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Janejira Thai Bistro
8.2
Family-run bistro opened in 2018 serves authentic Thai staples with ingredients imported from Thailand. The renovated interior provides a cozy atmosphere while the decades-experienced staff deliver personalized service that makes diners feel at home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Janejira Fried Egg Rolls, Skewerless Chicken Satay, Thai BBQ Beef
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Authentic family recipes with spices directly imported from Thailand
Who should go: Thai food purists seeking authenticity
When to visit: Weeknight dinners for personalized service
What to order: Janejira specialties, chicken satay, pad kee mao
Insider tip: Ask for off-menu Northern Thai specials
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind restaurant, street parking usually available on residential side streets
Dress code: Very casual, come as you are - families in shorts, locals in work clothes
Noise level: Moderate - cozy dining room allows easy conversation
Weekend wait: 15-30 min peak times, call-ahead recommended
Weekday lunch: No wait, seat yourself during lunch rush
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - tofu substitutions available for most dishes, dedicated vegetable section
Vegan options: Yes with modifications - specify no fish sauce, egg
Gluten-free options: Limited - rice noodle dishes safe, but soy sauce prevalent
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - intimate enough to talk, relaxed enough to avoid pressure, authentic food as conversation starter
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights, but call ahead Friday-Saturday after 6:30pm - small dining room fills quickly
Is it kid-friendly? Very - high chairs available, mild spice options, patient family-run staff accustomed to children, kids love the mango sticky rice
Best For
Better for: More authentic than chain Thai spots - imported ingredients, family recipes, Northern Thai specials you won't find elsewhere in Pasadena
Skip if: Want Instagram-worthy ambiance or fusion Thai - this is about authentic food over flashy presentation
Janejira Thai Bistro
7.9
Since 2018, this family-run spot has been serving fresh Thai dishes with ingredients sourced from Thailand. The cozy interior and lunch specials make it a local favorite, particularly for their pad kra pow and skewerless chicken satay.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Kra Pow, Skewerless Chicken Satay, Janejira Fried Egg Rolls
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Family recipes with Thai-imported spices
Who should go: Families seeking authentic affordable Thai
When to visit: Tuesday-Sunday lunch hours
What to order: Pad kra pow lunch special, spring rolls, fried banana
Insider tip: Closed Mondays so plan accordingly
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking limited to 1 hour on weekdays, free street parking available. Target and Total Wine parking lot across the street
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, family-friendly atmosphere
Noise level: Moderate - cozy interior allows comfortable conversation
Weekend wait: Usually no wait to minimal wait, small restaurant
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, quick seating for lunch specials
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - dedicated tofu option for most dishes, veggie stir-fry available
Vegan options: Yes - multiple vegan-friendly options with tofu substitutions
Gluten-free options: Limited - orange dots on menu indicate gluten-free adaptable items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - intimate cozy space with moderate noise levels perfect for conversation. The authentic atmosphere and reasonable prices take pressure off
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes - reservations accepted but typically not needed. Small family-run spot rarely has long waits even on weekends
Is it kid-friendly? Very - families love it here, casual atmosphere welcomes children, quick service keeps kids happy, and mild spice options available
Best For
Better for: Best lunch special value in Pasadena at $10.50 including soup, salad, egg roll, and wonton. More authentic family recipes than chain Thai restaurants nearby
Skip if: You need a large group space or prefer modern upscale Thai dining. Limited to small cozy interior, closes early at 8:30pm
Janejira Thai Bistro
8.1
Family-run restaurant since 2018 bringing fresh Thai preparations with local ingredients and traditional spices imported from Thailand. The recently renovated space offers comfortable dining with proprietary Janejira Specialties alongside Thai staples.
Must-Try Dishes:
Green Curry, Pad See Ew, Cashew Chicken
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Family hospitality with decades of restaurant experience and gluten-free accommodations
Who should go: Families and anyone with dietary restrictions needing careful preparation
When to visit: Tuesday through Sunday for lunch specials under $11
What to order: Lunch special with soup, salad, egg roll plus entree
Insider tip: Orange dots on menu indicate dishes that can be made gluten-free
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot parking in Playhouse Village shopping center with ample spaces - rarely an issue even during dinner rush
Dress code: Casual comfortable - t-shirts and jeans perfectly fine, neighborhood spot vibe
Noise level: Quiet to moderate - easy conversation at all tables, family-friendly acoustics
Weekend wait: 15-25 min wait Friday/Saturday 6-8pm, or call ahead for takeout
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait - lunch specials move quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - extensive options including tofu substitutions in most dishes, dedicated vegetable curries
Vegan options: Yes - many dishes can be prepared vegan upon request, staff knowledgeable about fish sauce alternatives
Gluten-free options: Yes - orange dots mark GF-adaptable dishes, kitchen experienced with celiac-safe preparation
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for casual dates - comfortable atmosphere without pressure, reasonable noise level for conversation, but not romantic-intimate if that's the vibe you want
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes except Friday/Saturday dinner peak (6-8pm) - they don't take reservations but turnover is steady, or order takeout to skip the wait
Is it kid-friendly? Very - family-run with welcoming attitude toward children, mild spice options available, high chairs provided, and lunch specials work well for kids' portions
How spicy is the food really? Adjustable spice levels 0-5 stars - they take requests seriously and can make dishes truly mild or authentically fiery based on your preference
Is it worth going if I have severe gluten allergies? Yes - this is one of the more celiac-aware Thai spots with clear menu marking and kitchen staff who understand cross-contamination protocols
Best For
Better for: Dietary accommodations especially gluten-free, family hospitality with personal attention, value-driven lunch specials, and relaxed neighborhood dining without pretense
Skip if: You want trendy/modern ambiance, craft cocktails, or fine-dining Thai - this is homestyle comfort over contemporary polish