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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Mid Central, Pasadena

Salad spots

You want a meal that is fresh and substantial enough to keep you going through the afternoon.

Based on 641 Opinions
+638
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Updated May 2026
01
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 1
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 2
Smokehouse Social Barbecue image 3
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Barbecue restaurant

Bright, clean space with lots of TV screens and a full bar creates a lively setting. Atmosphere stays laid-back and welcoming with 80's music playing, making it easy to relax and enjoy. The vibe suits those who appreciate authentic Texas-style barbecue in a casual environment.

Mustard-based potato salad stands out with its light texture and balanced flavor. BBQ Chicken Salad serves as a hearty meal on its own.

Food comes out fresh to order and rich in flavor with large portions. BBQ tastes satisfying whether dining in or grabbing takeout.

People are saying

"I thought the brisket was immaculate and mouthwateringly good."

"The food here is smoky, moist, and flavorful."

"You have to swap toast for the blue cornbread; it's unforgettable."

Good to know

1

Parking is available across at Vons, which solves the parking problem.

2

The wait might be a bit long depending on the number of people.

3

It could get crowded, so I recommend making a reservation if they allow that.

02
Fika Fika Coffee image 1
Coffee shop

Small, bright space with cute, calming decor and cozy atmosphere invites quiet study or relaxed chats. Seating is plentiful but sometimes close together, with some uncomfortable cement seats. Noise from cups can be loud, but overall vibe stays friendly and chill.

Salads come with toast dishes and feature a soy sauce base dressing that adds a unique flavor. They taste fresh and pair well with egg salad toast and avocado toast options.

Efforts show clearly in both the food and drinks here. Options suit those wanting a spot to work while enjoying a bite and a drink.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was amazing and worth trying."

"It's a great spot for studying or just hanging out."

"The salad with the toast was amazing with that soy sauce dressing."

Good to know

1

They stop serving food an hour before closing time.

2

Street parking has a one-hour limit, except on Sundays.

3

There is limited seating available for dining in.

03
Zephyr Mediterranean Grill & Cafe image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Converted house with covered outdoor seating creates a cozy, laid-back atmosphere with heaters and fans for comfort. The space includes a hookah lounge and a back lounge for gatherings up to 50 people. The vibe is casual and warm, offering an authentic local alternative to typical Mediterranean spots.

Steak salads come with hummus and are described as healthy and delicious. Some salads include weird spices and lack vinegar or dressing, which affects the taste.

Food features authentic Lebanese and Armenian flavors with unique Mediterranean tastes not found in typical spots. Dishes come across as delicious and true to home.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be amazing and delicious."

"The Mediterranean food here is delicious and authentic."

"I loved their steak salad; it was delicious and healthy."

Good to know

1

The restaurant has no indoor seating available.

2

Parking is available at the rear of the restaurant.

3

The menu offers a variety of Armenian, Turkish, and Syrian foods.

04
Kaiba Japanese Ramen, Sushi & Grill - Pasadena image 1

Japanese restaurant offers upscale interior with covered patio seating and multiple TVs showing sports. Atmosphere stays chill and relaxed, with a warm, inviting vibe suited for quiet meals or late-night dates. Seating is somewhat tight but sufficient for medium crowds.

Kaiba Salad stands out with its fresh ingredients and pairs well with miso soup and sushi. Adding extra salad and California rolls boosts the meal's nutrition and variety.

Food arrives quickly with generous portions and features fresh ingredients. Dishes are consistently delicious and affordable.

People are saying

"The ramen here has a rich, flavorful broth."

"I thought the food here was amazing and delicious."

"The yellowtail sashimi salad was so fresh and soft."

Good to know

1

Happy hour deals on beer are available.

2

Lunch deals offer great value for money.

3

Parking is limited to one hour in the back lot.

05
Plate 38 Kitchen And Bar image 1
New American restaurant

Converted coffee shop with outdoor tented seating and a full bar featuring big screen TVs creates a casual, lively atmosphere. Patio seating faces street noise and car exhaust, adding an urban edge. The vibe mixes dog-friendly amenities with a quaint, industrial feel and energetic service.

Chinese chicken salad features a light tangy dressing and crispy toppings that add a nice crunch. Nicoise and vegetable salads offer refreshing options with excellent texture.

Food here is consistently delicious with a 5-star quality that stands out. Every dish comes with excellent service that matches the high food standards.

People are saying

"The ricotta lemon pancakes were light and incredibly flavored."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

"The Chinese chicken salad was huge and delicious."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs all night on Mondays, making it a busy time.

2

The happy hour menu offers smaller portions at higher prices.

3

Bring cash to avoid a 4% credit card fee.

06
Chrisโ€™ Korean BBQ image 1
Korean barbecue restaurant

Korean barbecue restaurant features table cookers that create a warm, smoky atmosphere with dim lighting and soft music for a chill, casual vibe. Seating includes tables and booths in a bright, clean space with an outdoor option. TVs show live sports, adding to the relaxed, family-friendly environment.

Side dishes include salad, kimchi, and denjang jjigae served free and refilled without asking. Salad quality varies, sometimes forgotten or limited, but pasta salad stands out among the options.

Food comes out fast with quick service and large portions. Dishes offer real, flavorful Korean BBQ that feels authentic and satisfying.

People are saying

"The Korean BBQ here is delicious, especially the brisket and galbi."

"The food here is delicious and flavorful."

"The salad and banchan were provided free and unlimited."

Good to know

1

The dinner price is $38.99 per person for all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue.

2

There is a small parking lot behind the restaurant, plus street parking available.

3

There is no wait line even on a Saturday night, but the place can get busy.

07
Tops image 1
Fast food restaurant

Small, old school burger shop with a mom and pop feel and casual, easygoing atmosphere. Offers both indoor and outdoor seating and serves notable chili cheese fries and breakfast burritos. Feels like a diner sanctuary amid fast food giants.

Salads here come fresh and tasty with standout options like the chef salad and the Tostada salad with asada. Both offer solid flavors that appeal to different tastes.

Food here is greasy tasty with generous portions served quickly, usually under 10 minutes. The quality remains high with excellent hamburgers and fast food that stands out for its flavor and service.

People are saying

"I thought the food here was great, especially the American classics."

"I found the chili cheese fries to be massive, enough to feed four people."

"The Greek salad was smaller this time."

Good to know

1

Parking can be challenging once the lot is full.

2

The portions are massive, with small chili cheese fries enough for four people.

3

The drive-thru is often busy during weekday lunch hours.

08
Heidar Baba image 1
Persian restaurant

Cozy interior with calm, family-friendly atmosphere suits quiet dinners and gatherings. The space offers free music and a dedicated spot for salah, enhancing comfort. Clean and well-maintained, it balances simple furniture with pretty decor.

Starters include large portions of soups or salads. Salads are mostly fresh iceberg lettuce with store-bought dressing. The salad olovieh stands out as really good.

Food here offers authentic Mediterranean dishes with generous portions that stay true to traditional recipes. Quality is consistently excellent and delicious.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"I experienced authentic Persian halal food here."

"The salads here are really fresh."

Good to know

1

The meal costs around $25 with tax.

2

Portion sizes are generous and can serve two people.

3

There is available parking nearby.

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Mid Central, Pasadena

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