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ZipPicks Awards
Best Instagram Worthy Brunch in Pasadena
Best Family Friendly American in Pasadena
Best Brunch in Pasadena
Best Breakfast in Pasadena
Master Critic Review
Green Street Restaurant
8.1
A Pasadena salad institution since 1979, built around the Dianne Salad — a Chinese chicken salad that moves over 2,000 orders a week — and the signature zucchini bread that arrives with every plate. It runs as a patio-first, group-friendly lunch spot where the menu leans heavily on composed salads with enough variety to keep regulars rotating. Weekend brunch draws crowds and noise; weekday visits land the same food with a calmer room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dianne Salad, GSR Zucchini Bread, Cornucopia Salad
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 9
What makes it special: Pasadena institution since 1979, famous for the Dianne Salad — a Chinese chicken salad ordered over 2,000 times per week — and their signature zucchini bread served with every salad.
Who should go: Brunch groups and friends seeking a patio-friendly Pasadena classic
When to visit: Weekend brunch or early happy hour for patio seating
What to order: Start with any salad to get the legendary zucchini bread on the side, the Dianne Salad is the move for first-timers, and the Cornucopia adds variety if splitting between two — the Reuben is the sandwich to beat.
Insider tip: Every salad comes with their famous zucchini bread — grab the Kale Dianne for a heartier twist on the signature Dianne Salad
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Located on the ground floor of a three-story parking structure—enter just south of the restaurant. No validation offered. Two-hour street parking also available on Mentor and Cordova streets.
Dress code: Casual—come as you are for brunch or dinner, no dress code enforced
Noise level: Lively but conversational—weekend brunch and dinner peaks get loud, weekday visits are calmer. Patio can pick up street noise from idling cars.
Weekend wait: Reservations strongly recommended; walk-ins during weekend brunch and dinner face unpredictable waits. Service can be slow to start during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait; quickest and smoothest experience of the week
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Extensive options across all dayparts—flatbreads (Margherita, Apple Goat Cheese), Portobello Burger with burrata, Grilled Green Goddess Sandwich, Beet & Goat Cheese Salad, Arroyo Salad, Poblano Mac & Cheese Balls, plus breakfast items like Vegetable Scramble, Potato Tacos, Chilaquiles, and French Toast
Vegan options: Limited but present—Beyond Burger, Ginger Veggie Bowl (explicitly marked vegan with brown & cauliflower rice), Butternut Squash Soup, Lisa's Oatmeal with fresh fruit
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? It can work for a casual first date, but it's not a romantic-ambiance destination. Green Street is a warm, community-oriented Pasadena institution with an airy interior — more neighborhood gem than candlelit bistro. Weekday evenings are your best bet when noise is low and conversation flows easily. Weekend brunch and Saturday dinners get loud in the compact dining room, making it harder to connect. Request a patio table on a nice evening for a more relaxed, semi-private feel.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner, you can likely walk in without a problem. Weekend brunch is their busiest time — the dining room fills up fast and waits are common, so book ahead. Thursday through Saturday evenings also get crowded by 7 PM even for those with reservations. Book at least a few days in advance for weekend brunch or Friday/Saturday dinner. Weeknight visits are the safest bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — this is a family-friendly spot with a casual atmosphere where kids won't feel out of place. High chairs are available. A children's menu has been reported, though it's not listed on their website — call ahead at (626) 577-7170 to confirm current kids menu options. The comfort-food-leaning menu (pancakes, burgers, salads) has plenty that younger eaters will enjoy. Best before the evening rush when it's calmer and service is quicker.
Is it good for groups? Yes — Green Street actively accommodates groups and events. Small groups of 5–20 can be seated during normal hours. Larger groups of 21–45 are available on weekday mornings before 11 AM, weekday afternoons, and weekday evenings only — not during weekend peak times. Their dining room seats 25–50 for sit-down dinners, buffet-style events, or cocktail receptions. No dedicated private room, but the space works well for semi-private gatherings. Contact catering@greenstreetrestaurant.com or call to arrange group bookings — lead time not specified online, so call early.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — a shaded patio that's consistently praised as one of the restaurant's highlights. It's a proper patio space (not sidewalk tables), with shade coverage for daytime comfort. Whether heaters are available for cooler evenings is not confirmed online — call to check. Note: dogs are not allowed on the patio per the restaurant's explicit policy. The patio is a great pick for brunch or a pleasant-weather dinner.
Best For
Better for: Weekend brunch (served daily until 3 PM, signature Dianne Salad and zucchini bread), shaded patio dining, group celebrations, and casual catch-ups—a Pasadena neighborhood staple
Skip if: You want a quiet romantic dinner, fast service during peak hours, or adventurous/cutting-edge cuisine—this is crowd-pleasing California-American comfort food at higher-end casual prices
Hours
Monday9am - 8pm
Tuesday9am - 8pm
Wednesday9am - 8pm
Thursday9am - 8pm
Friday9am - 9pm
Saturday9am - 9pm
Sunday9am - 8pm