TLDR
Quick, healthy salads and grain bowls in a convenient format. Often polarizing due to cost and recent corporate controversies.
Details
Known for a variety of fresh salad and grain bowl options, this chain is often cited as a convenient, healthy go-to for a quick meal [3], [44]. However, the establishment has faced significant controversy, including public backlash over partnerships and reports of foreign objects being found in food [7], [8]. Customers frequently express frustration regarding rising prices and a perceived decline in ingredient portion sizes [38], [39], [40].
Food Overview
The menu focuses on salads and grain bowls, with some customers recommending the salad with blackened chicken and green goddess dressing [2]. However, feedback on quality is inconsistent, with reports of poor ingredient freshness, small portions, and disappointing wraps [32], [38], [46].
Highlights / Recommended
"The salad with blackened chicken and green goddess dressing is specifically recommended by some diners [2]."
Caveats
Several users have reported negative experiences, ranging from finding foreign objects like metal bolts or ladybugs in salads to experiencing stomach discomfort [7], [14], [35].
Reddit Opinions & Reviews
Top Reddit Posts About SWEETGREEN
Recent Reddit Mentions
From post: Are Any Of The Salad Chains Affected By The
"The user reports the restaurant stated none of their suppliers were listed in the recall, and they have been eating there recently without issue."
PositiveFrom post: Are Any Of The Salad Chains Affected By The
"The user avoids the restaurant following a severe illness experienced years ago, citing concerns about food handling and staff."
NegativeFrom post: Are Any Of The Salad Chains Affected By The
"The user has been eating there for two weeks without issue, switching from lettuce to arugula."
PositiveFrom post: Are Any Of The Salad Chains Affected By The
"The user notes the food looked poor recently, possibly due to low foot traffic, but personally did not get sick after eating it."
NeutralFrom post: Are Any Of The Salad Chains Affected By The
"The user suggests the restaurant may be safe because they historically source from local farms rather than large national brands."
PositiveFrom post: Are Any Of The Salad Chains Affected By The
"The restaurant publicly stated they are not using the implicated supply chain."
NeutralFrom post: Hows My Itinerary Lastminute 3 Day Nyc Foodie
"Describes it as a decent lunch spot for locals, but not suitable for a tourist itinerary."
NegativeFrom post: Hows My Itinerary Lastminute 3 Day Nyc Foodie
"Advises against wasting time here."
NegativeFrom post: Hows My Itinerary Lastminute 3 Day Nyc Foodie
"States they love the restaurant but it is not a good use of time in NYC."
NeutralFrom post: Hows My Itinerary Lastminute 3 Day Nyc Foodie
"Suggests considering other local quick-bite options instead of this chain."
NegativeFrom post: I Need The Trickledown Effect Of The Elevated
"Discusses the brand's original incarnation in DC that sold frozen yogurt."
NeutralFrom post: I Need The Trickledown Effect Of The Elevated
"Dislikes the current corporate salad bowls."
NegativeFrom post: Where Can I Get A Good Vegetarian Caesar Salad
"The original poster mentioned that places like Sweetgreen haven't met their specific Caesar wrap desires, possibly due to dressing or ratios, but acknowledged hearing good things about Sweetgreen's new wraps."
NeutralFrom post: Where Can I Get A Good Vegetarian Caesar Salad
"This user suggested customizing a wrap from Sweetgreen by swapping meat for roasted tofu as a potential option for a Caesar wrap."
PositiveFrom post: Healthiestlow Calorie Quick Food Options In
"Sweetgreen was listed as a healthy to-go option."
PositiveFrom post: Looking For The Best Chicken Caesar Wrap
"This commenter agreed that Sweetgreen's chicken caesar wrap was surprisingly bad."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For The Best Chicken Caesar Wrap
"This commenter reacted negatively to the mention of 'sourbrown' in relation to Sweetgreen's food."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For The Best Chicken Caesar Wrap
"This commenter expressed a negative sentiment towards Sweetgreen's offerings, referring to them as 'corporate slop bowls'."
NegativeFrom post: Looking For The Best Chicken Caesar Wrap
"This commenter was disappointed with Sweetgreen's chicken caesar wrap, calling it tiny and sad."
NegativeFrom post: Favorite Healthy Spots
"Sweetgreen is suggested as a reliable option for quick and healthy meals, especially in a pinch."
Positive