Souplantation

Not fond of their new look. Trying to be hipster, but selling average food at higher prices than before. Avoid taking food out + buying drinks, they’re where the store really makes $$$. Obviously under new management, and as a result the staff is more stiff and the atmosphere leas homey than before. Yes, things are cleaner and service is faster… because their prices went up and their business is down.

Place is good, based on my experience. I never had any issues with service or food. Who can resist to try out various soups, create your own salad and also enjoy some pasta!

Very relaxing environment dining there even it’s crowded. Eating with Asians are like eating with my own people. Fresh soups and well prepared foods.
Organized restaurants are not easy to locate nowadays.

VERDICT: Pretty typical location, but with even their recent face-​lift of the restaurant. The décor is starting to look pretty used.
QUALIFIER: This place gets pretty busy during lunch hour rush due to the local commercial office buildings, nearby civic center, city hall, and even massive DPW building across the street. This place IS the closest to LA afterall. Not sure why there is a huge void of these restaurants throughout central LA/​Downtown.
FOOD: Salad bars, soup pots, and baked goods are well stocked even right after the lunch rush.
SERVICE: Like many of these Souplantations, there doesn’t seem to be enough waiting staff to take away used plates/​cups especially during the dinner/​lunch rush.

Had Sunday breakfast for only $ 6.99 with a coupon. Great deal & it’s unlimited, the chilaquiles are delicious.

I freaking love Souplantation! I mean, how could anyone possibly complain about a healthy but delicious buffet?! I feel less bad about stuffing my face because the food is essentially healthy. I’m not a big fan of vegetables and I love to eat meat, but I surprisingly love Souplantation. They somehow are able to make veggies taste good!
There isn’t a lot of variety in the types of food. There is only salad, soup, pasta, baked goods, and dessert. However, there are a lot of options within those food groups.
— Salad: I love their pre-​made salads. My favorite is definitely the Wonton Happiness. It’s also nice that they have so many additional veggies and toppings so you can add to the pre-​made salads or make your own.
— Soup: There are so many options for soup! I always just get a little bit of each so I can try it all. My all-​time favorite is still the Big Chunk Chicken Noodle. That one always runs out so you have to be on the lookout for when they refill it.
— Pasta: Their pastas aren’t anything special. In my opinion, they’re a little bland. I usually like to throw a bit of salt & pepper and cheese on top for extra flavor.
— Bakery: Their Cheesy Garlic Focaccia is really yummy. Perfect on its own or dipped in soup. Their blueberry muffins are amazeballs. I always eat a couple and take a couple home with me too. They’re the best when they just come out of the oven.
— Dessert: The dessert selection is small. That’s not a big issue though since I’m usually so full after my meal to even have room for dessert. However, if they have their chocolate lava cake, I always make room for that! Add some vanilla soft-​serve on top and you have heaven in your mouth.
— Drinks: In addition to the typical soft drinks, they have some great juices and teas. My favorite is the strawberry lemonade.
The cool thing about Souplantation is that the menu changes pretty often. Most of the items are regular and always available. However, they switch out a few items in each food group every so often that are only available for a limited time. This is good because they always have something different when I go, but it’s also bad when I want something that was limited-​time only that isn’t available anymore. Sometimes they have themes like Greek food or Asian food. My favorite is definitely strawberry month in the summer.
TIP: Definitely sign up for their email newsletter! They let you know what special foods are coming that month and always send you coupons!
Comments specific to this location:
— It’s in the same plaza as Costco and other businesses so parking can be a little difficult at times. There’s definitely more parking available after Costco closes.
— They don’t have bacon bits like other Souplantations I’ve been to!): It’s probably because this is a busy location so bacon is a hot commodity that runs out fast. If you’re lucky, the workers will give some to you if you ask for it and they’ll take it out from their secret stash in the back.
— There is almost always a long wait during dinner. I don’t know if it’s because it’s in a highly populated city like Alhambra or because it’s the closest one for people in SGV. I don’t like going to this location because of the crowdedness, but I also don’t like to drive too far to another location.
*** These comments are why this Souplantation only gets ⁴⁄₅ stars instead of ⁵⁄₅.
Overall, Souplantation is amazing! Great to come with family, friends, or even on a date. It’s perfect for everyone, except for people who want more meat and fat in their meals. Tough luck there.

When I’m in the mood for large salad, Souplantation is where I go. I grew up in Alhambra and have been coming to this location for years now. Over the past few years this place has received a make-​over: from dinnerware to upholstery this place looks and feels new.
Last night, I dined here around 8pm with my fiancé and surprisingly it was not that busy. M-​F they close at 9pm, so this could be the reason why. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was the clean salad bar and the empty line. An hour before closing, I was a little worried that they would be running low on items, but this was not the case. Actually, it was the complete opposite, they were still stocking everything, not one item appeared to be out. Along with creating a salad of your choice, I recommend you try the broccoli salad, it may not look like much, but trust me when I say you won’t be disappointed. My fiancé admits he comes for this salad alone.
The pasta and soup bar is the second reason why I come to Souplantation. They have a variety of tasty soups, my favorite being the clam chowder. Last night the clam chowder had bacon bits in it, which made it even more yummy! The mac & cheese is just okay, it’s kind of a hit and miss in my opinion. The Bakery is just ehh, nothing really stands out in that section for me. However, I don’t come to Souplantation for the carbs, its all about the salad for me!
The drink choices are unique and delicious. Besides the usual soda fountains, they have separate lemonade and tea choices. I personally like mixing a few different lemonades together to create my own concoction. Although Souplantation is self serve, the staff was extremely nice and present to assist you. I will definitely avoid rush hours again next time I dine here, the experience is just the same minus the crowd.

This review is strictly for the breakfast.
Extremely disappointing breakfast. The food is bland, and that’s what was available and ready to eat. About half of the food wasn’t even ready and nobody seemed to know when anything would be ready. Not gonna make this very long winded.
Bland food, very small menu, almost nothing was ready. Will not be coming back for breakfast.
Lunch and dinner is still great though.

I love their drinks! They are so unique! Their food is very healthy, which I love, and now they even added labels to the food to classify them between Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten free ! Super helpful. Their staff is more than helpful and so nice ! The place has picked itself up a lot, I’ve been coming here for years and their seating has improved, the lighting gives off a classier vibe, and it’s overall cleaner. One of my favorite local places ! And the bus stops right in front of it, which is super helpful. If you’re a local, there’s always coupons coming in your mail which I love!
However, parking is terrible, especially with Costco right next door and all the other businesses around it. And sometimes it’s super crowded depending on the day and time you go, but that’s out of their control. Other than that, love it!

This place has been newly redecorated the past couple years. I like the look. They even have non-​plastic plates. I can’t believe they’re not afraid of those breaking, but I appreciate it over plastic.
I love their tomato soup and veggie chili and look forward to them every time it comes out on the menu, usually only once a year for about a couple weeks or a month. I wish they had it all year round.
I like this location. Parking is sometimes hard to find but not as bad as some other places. I didn’t get a stomach ache or anything from this place either. The staff is very happy and welcoming, the manager mostly. I like that.
I LOVE sunday breakfast. I wish they had it available saturdays too.
I even saw WIlliam Hung there while I was dining there :) «She bangs!» ;)

There is almost always a long line at this Souplantation unless you come right when it opens for lunch or an hour before closing. The past 3 – 4 times here, I had to wait an average of 25 minutes before we got seated. This is a pain in the butt especially because I come hungry and ready to eat right away.
Their food is pretty standard in terms of quality in comparison to the other souplantations. My favorites include the wonton Asian salad, the pasta salad with tuna, chicken noodle soup and clam chowder. I also love how you can make your own concoctions with the ingredients they have. My BF and I like mixing the Mac n cheese with a bit of the chili, then dash some Tabasco sauce on top for seasoning. Trust me this is delicious.
The waiters will come to your table to clear the used plates and bowls an average of 1 time each visit. We usually build a wall of soup bowls before anyone comes to pick them up. I get it though, this place gets busy.
Parking can also be a nightmare when you come at peak hours since the restaurant shares a parking lot with Costco.

I like to eat at Souplantation when I am craving salad and chili.
THE AMBIANCE:
This Souplantation location is in the same shopping plaza as Costco, which is always packed. In other words, good luck finding parking; seriously. This location is definitely bigger than the Los Feliz location.
THE FOOD:
I love, love, love, their Caesar Asiago Salad! I am obsessed. When I visit Souplantation I make sure to load up on this since it is always right in the beginning of the journey down to the cash register, especially the croutons! It has a lemon flavor to it that I cannot get enough of. I am also a big fan of their Deep Kettle House Chili, which is gluten-​friendly. It is really good. I like to throw some cheddar cheese, scallions, and croutons in there. The only thing I wish is that it had less chunks of tomatoes in it and more of the rest!
THE TIPS:
Every Sunday from 9 a.m. to noon they have a Sunday morning menu that features breakfast items such as scrambled eggs, waffles, biscuits & gravy, oatmeal, breakfast potatoes, freshly baked cinnamon chip biscuits, muffins, and make-​your-​own breakfast burritos in addition to their soups and salads. You can join Club Veg off of their website to receive member-​only perks, offers, and coupons. You can also find coupons online by Googling «Souplantation Coupons 2015.» I have printed some in the past through this medium and they worked for me! I posted the special food offerings for December as a photograph. Enjoy!

I love this place. There, i said it. A leaf of lettuce and a spoonful of soup rock my boat. Ahh, a boat made with croutons floating on a sea of cream of mushroom…
Current Holiday promo a steal. Buy a $ 50 gift card and get a free meal pass? Need I say more? You can’t use the meal pass the same day you buy the gift card, but it’s still a great deal.
Even on the holidays and peak hours, you can still get seated within 15 minutes or so. It is not that bad. The servers are friendly, and they work hard, not everyone thinks they should, but DO LEAVE A TIP after you leave!

Souplantation offers a selection of salads, pasta, baked goods, soups, and desserts. You won’t find any meat options here, so come if you want some unlimited greens or carbs, delicious carbs…
Salad Bar: The line is always packed during lunch, so make your first trip count. Fill your whole plate with your own salad creation! The veggies are fresh and the workers always refill them before they run out. They have a wide selection of greens and dressing to choose from and their pre made salad batches aren’t bad either. I love the Tuna Tarragon pasta salad! It’s near the end of the station and so delicious!
Pasta & Soup Bar: They usually have three selections of pasta. Today they had Penne Arrabbiata, Four Cheese Alfredo, and Mac & Cheese. It’s only pasta and sauce, no meat. I love the soups though! I always get the Clam Chowder (my favorite) and Chicken Noodle Soup.
Bakery: A variety of baked goods available here including pizza, cornbread, and muffins. Unfortunately, they didn’t have the chocolate muffin today, hopefully they didn’t cut that out.
Dessert Bar: Fresh fruits, tapioca pudding, mouse, and an ice cream station. Choices are chocolate, vanilla, or both combined. They also have chocolate drizzle, sprinkles, granola, and Oreo bits for toppings. A nice treat to end your meal.
My family used to come here a lot in the past, nowadays not as much. Still, it is a good option for lunch and dinner. Regular price is a little pricy, we usually come here with a coupon. 3.5 stars.

I actually like Souplantation but it is definitely over priced. My bf hates it and thinks it’s an absolute rip off. We went once for dinner and we both did feel a bit like we were missing something– meat! haha I didn’t mind it since I was craving a salad and there aren’t many places around the area but thinking back dinner prices were way too expensive for salad and soup.
We tried again for Sunday breakfast $ 9.99/each and it was ok but they only had ~3 soups and the Belgian waffles were cold.
Sadly I have to cross off not coming back just because the cost doesn’t make sense.

Souplantation is SHIT. I’ve never had such a disgusting dining experience before. That’s what they call food? My Clam Chowder had a rock in it. The penne tasted like elementary school slop. The «garlic focaccia bread» was greasy, airy, and dry. The family next to us had about 500 empty soup bowls at their table. All for $ 15. Just inedible. I want my money back because I didn’t even eat at all. I’d rather go to McDonald’s.

Parking:
Bring your patience for this one. This location is in a shopping center that shares its parking with the likes of other eateries, and businesses such as Costco. You’ll eventually find parking, just have to be patient and if you’re willing to walk a little further then you’ll be fine. Just think of parking far as a way to walk some of that lunch/​dinner off afterwards.
Service:
Today I came here around dinner time– about 6ish. I understand that is this is dinner time however to have only one host to seat everyone is a bit overwhelming for that one worker. In addition to that, it also causes a hold up in the line. Many patrons were either stuck in the salad line and waiting to pay or patrons had already paid and were waiting for someone to seat them. Suggestion: during peak hours have more hosts seating people and more people clearing out the tables. As I was being seated I noticed many tables empty but with dirty plates piled up.
Food:
The staff working the salad bar was on top of their game. Constantly working to make sure everything was filled and available to patrons. Soup station was a bit disappointing. Many of the soups were filled to the brim, with soup only. For example, the chilli-​mostly soup and very little actual chilli. The chicken noodle soup was mostly soup and chicken-​had to dig for the few strands of noodles available.
Pricing:
Coupons in the mail or email are the best route to go. Today I used an emailed coupon 2 dinners for $ 19.99 (drink not included). Senior citizens get a 10% discount. Regular price for an adult meal is $ 11.59 (drink not included).
Will be back for more deliciousness, hope the service gets better!

Ah, Souplantation. The ultimate comfort machine.
My high school bf (#LOML) used to work at this location and have told me some seriously horrific stories about the food prep and sanitation standards here. But I don’t much care. This has been and always will be one of my favorite outposts. Denial is just a river in Egypt right?
Actually, denial is more like going to Souplantation thinking that you’re being a noble, healthy human. And then meandering down the salad aisle, filling your plate with baby spinach and sliced cucumbers and those weird baby corn things — only to end up scarfing down a dozen blueberry muffin tops with like six dixie cups of that gnarly honey «whip» and then topping off the meal with a full sized plate of chocolate mousse, leaving aforementioned salad plate untouched. Somehow that’s how it always goes down for me. That’s why I’m only allowed to come to Souplantation like, twice a year max.
The chocolate mousse IS sugar-​free though. Just saying.

Feel like eating healthy but deep down a fatty? Souplantation will be your BFF.
Unlimited salads, soups, and baked goods. Yum! I especially love coming here when the tomato basil soup is on the menu. If not, the clam chowder is always a good alternative.
They even have flatbreads that taste like a somewhat healthier version of pizza. TIP: Use these to dip into the soups! Amazing!!!
For baked items, the blueberry muffins are my favorite! Pair this with their soft serve vanilla ice cream and omg. So delicious for dessert.
Another tip. Go for SUNDAY BREAKFAST! They serve cereal, oatmeal, toast, eggs, and etc. All the good stuff!!! Ugh breakfast heaven!
I always leave feeling guilty. Why is it so good. :(
Just beware of lunch & dinner rush hours. Lines could get ridiculously long & you will have to wait to be seated.

Normally I go to the Arcadia Souplantation location but I visited this location for lunch and it was extra yummy maybe because it was cold and gloomy — perfect soup weather!
I love having warm soup when it’s cold outside. My favorite soups I almost always get are Clam Chowder even though I’m technically allergic to shellfish, Chicken Noodle and a little bit of everything else. My favorite salads is the Chicken Caesar salad and Chinese chicken salad. I get jalapeños, mushrooms and olives and other toppings to add on the pizza bread that I get later teehee. I usually pass on the pastas here because they are pretty bland and tasteless. The strawberry lemonade is really refreshing and yummy. For dessert I get cookies and the brownie and add ice cream on it lol yes fatness level 100 achieved.