Folks posted earlier in the summer about Torrance’s Tendon Tempura Carlos Jr. opening a second spot in Pasadena. It’s on Colorado, across the street from Vroman’s Books. Parking isn’t great in this part of town but it is what it is.
Having been to the TTCJ in Torrance, I’d say this compared quite favorably but the main difference is that the Pasadena location is probably only 1/3rd of the size of the Torrance original. My friend counted about 20 seats and it’s not suprisingly that the three of us had to wait 20-30 min to get seated at lunch time. Your mileage may vary but I know, for some, that wait is going to be an issue.
But the food? Really good! I don’t think I ever had the pickled celery at the Torrance location and I really liked the sesame oil touch to it. And the tempura was done exactly right: light and crispy.
I got the "Special Tempura Plate"which included a piece of white fish, two pieces of shrimp, a shishito pepper, a slice of pumpkin, and bunch of bay scallops, plus a soft-boiled egg on the side, and a bowl of miso soup. $19.99, which is $4-5 more than a similar plate at Hannosuke for reference. For an extra $5, you can get ikura added. My friend did this and it looked pretty good though I don’t think I’d be tempted enough for the upgrade.
On the one hand, I’m glad to get another Japanese option in the area but a $25 (w/ tax and tip) tempura lunch isn’t something I’m likely to crave often.