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Urban Plates
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Urban Plates
8.0
Chef-driven fast-casual restaurant serving scratch-made plates, sandwiches, and salads with sustainably sourced ingredients including grass-fed steak and cage-free chicken. The cafeteria-style service model features real plates and server delivery to tables despite counter ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Grilled Steak Sandwich, Turkey Avocado Club, Chimichurri Steak Plate
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: Sustainable scratch-made plates with grass-fed and cage-free proteins
Who should go: Health-conscious diners, families, corporate lunch groups
When to visit: Lunch and dinner daily, less crowded mid-afternoon
What to order: Chimichurri Steak, Turkey Club, Braised Beef & Mushrooms
Insider tip: Portions are generous enough to share sides among the table
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shopping center lot with ample free parking, rarely an issue even during peak hours
Dress code: Casual comfortable - athleisure, jeans, and workout clothes all common
Noise level: Moderate cafeteria buzz - fine for conversation but not intimate
Weekend wait: 15-20 min line during peak 6-7pm, moves quickly
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min wait noon-1pm, minimal wait outside that window
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple meatless plates plus build-your-own salad options
Vegan options: Moderate - several grain bowls and salads without dairy, staff can modify
Gluten-free options: Yes - most proteins and vegetables naturally GF, ask about preparation
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - cafeteria-style ordering and casual atmosphere lack romance, but works for low-pressure daytime coffee dates
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter-order, find-your-own-table service, though peak lunch hours fill up fast
Is it kid-friendly? Very - kids menu available, relaxed atmosphere where noise isn't an issue, healthy options parents appreciate
How long does a meal take? 30-40 minutes total - order in 10-15 min, food delivered to table in 10-15 min, efficient for time-crunched lunches
Can I work here on my laptop? Acceptable during slow hours but not encouraged during peak - limited outlets, designed for dining not lingering
Best For
Better for: Quality fast-casual when you want real ingredients and generous portions without table service premium - beats Panera/Sweetgreen on protein quality and value
Skip if: You want atmosphere for special occasions, romantic ambiance, or craft cocktails - this is functional dining not an experience
Urban Plates
8.0
Sustainably-sourced plates featuring grass-fed steak, Jidori chicken, and wild-caught fish with choice of sides and focaccia bread. Counter-order format with generous portions emphasizes fresh ingredients and accommodates diverse dietary needs from vegan to carnivore.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chimichurri Grass Fed Steak, Grilled Sustainable Salmon, Chicken Cobb Salad
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Farm-to-table commitment with responsibly sourced sustainable ingredients
Who should go: Health-focused diners, families, dietary-restricted guests
When to visit: Lunch or early dinner, parking validation available
What to order: Chimichurri steak plate, salmon, generous beet salad
Insider tip: Parking structure validation available behind the restaurant
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validation available for parking structure behind restaurant - makes this notably easier than most Old Pasadena dining. Street parking challenging during peak hours.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - athleisure perfectly acceptable given health-focused vibe. This is counter-service, not table service.
Noise level: Conversational-friendly - open layout creates ambient buzz but won't overpower business lunches or family conversations
Weekend wait: Counter-order format means no traditional wait - expect 5-10 min in line during peak weekend dinner, then 10-15 min for food prep
Weekday lunch: Lunch rush 12-1pm can mean 10 min line, otherwise walk right up. Popular with nearby Parsons/Jacobs employees
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options including roasted vegetable plates, multiple grain bowls, generous salads that work as entrees
Vegan options: Yes - can customize most plates by swapping proteins for extra vegetables or grains. Staff well-versed in modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes - skip the focaccia, most proteins and sides are naturally GF. Ask staff to confirm preparation methods.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates than romantic dinners - counter-order format is low-pressure, outdoor patio has nice ambiance, but this isn't where you impress with tableside service. Perfect for active/health-conscious dating.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter-order with open seating. During peak lunch (12-1pm) or weekend dinner (6-7:30pm), grab your table first, then one person orders while other holds the spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - casual format means no worrying about kids disturbing other tables, simple proteins like chicken breast or salmon work for picky eaters, and parents appreciate the actual nutritious options versus typical kid menu junk.
Best For
Better for: Urban Plates wins when you want genuinely healthy food that doesn't taste like punishment, need to accommodate multiple dietary restrictions in one group, or want generous portions without the guilt of typical American casual dining. The sustainable sourcing actually delivers on the promise.
Skip if: You're craving indulgent comfort food, want full table service and ambiance for a special occasion, or the words 'grass-fed' and 'Jidori' make you roll your eyes. Also skip if you're on a tight budget - $$ adds up quickly with the build-your-plate model.