Where to Eat on Jury Duty in SF

 Neighborhood: Tenderloin
Distance from courthouse: 4 minute walk
652 Polk St.
Telephone: (415) 345-8100

On weekends, this famous French brunch spot is absolutely mobbed. But middle of the day on weekdays—that’s the prime time to go and you a mere steps away. Indulge in chocolate beignets or cornmeal-fried shrimp or fried chicken with a housemade biscuit. Are you going to be uncomfortably full afterward? Probably. Just make sure you don’t fall asleep during proceedings later in the afternoon. 

Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
Distance from the courthouse: 9 minute walk
384 Hayes St.
Telephone: (415) 626-1211

Sometimes on your lunch break, lunch is not the only thing you need. Stretch your legs and a take a stroll down to Hayes Valley for delicious and simple grab-and-go sandwiches. Snag a ham and cheese baguette or snag a seat on the patio out back and order something a bit more indulgent, like the Indian spiced lamb burger or baked mac n’ cheese. Maybe snag a cookie too for your mid-afternoon pick-me-up. 

Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
Distance from courthouse: 8 minute walk
301 Hayes St.
Telephone: (415) 624-3953

Whether you’re looking for a healthy salad or a meatball sandwich, The Grove has got you. This simple order-at-the-counter place is cozy (there’s even a fireplace), delicious and full of options. Plus, if you’re craving a good scramble, they serve breakfast all day. 

 Neighborhood: Civic Center
Distance from courthouse: 7 minute walk
1355 Market St.

Tech companies strive to make it so that their employees never have to leave the building, but that doesn’t mean you can’t go in. On the first floor of the Twitter Building you’ll find The Market, basically the company’s own personal Whole Foods. Try something new at Azalina’s, which serves up Malaysian fare or go for your classic tacos at the Taco Bar, or if you want to just grab and go there is an entire market available. Premium coffee is also up for grabs at the Blue Bottle café. 

Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
Distance from courthouse: 9 minute walk
517 Hayes St.
Telephone: (415) 400-5458

Yes, it’s roughly a ten minute walk one way so a good chunk of your break will just be getting there, but it is totally worth it for this modern souvlaki joint. You can’t go wrong with your order, but the chicken sandwich with mandarin oranges and feta cheese is always delicious. And don’t forget the fries—you will not regret the decision. 

Neighborhood: Hayes Valley
Distance from courthouse: 13 minute walk
199 Gough St.
Telephone: (415) 355-9085

The distance might make it near impossible to get here on a thirty minute recess. But if you’ve got an hour, you’re golden. This little rotisserie is the off shoot of Rich Table, and you The go-to order is the porchetta sandwich with date mayo, mustard greens and fried onions. 

Neighborhood: Tenderloin
Distance from courthouse: 7 minute walk
645 Larkin St.
Telephone: (415) 409-3333

If it’s pho you’re craving, head north to Turtle Tower. This Vietnamese restaurant does ten different styles of the noodle soup, including brisket, rare beef, chicken and chicken giblets (if you’re feeling adventurous). But be aware: the place is closed on Thursdays and there’s not a lot of other dining options around it so you’ll be up a lunch creek without a paddle if you’re not careful. 

 Neighborhood: Tenderloin
Distance from courthouse: 11 minute walk
925 Larkin St.
Telephone: (415) 931-5263

You can go for comfort or for health at this cozy little café. It’s got the basics—club sandwich, tuna melt, turkey cranberry—and plenty of options for the health nuts, including kale and lentil salad or the super super healthy salad (yes, that’s what it’s called) with dino kale, quinoa, beets and avocado dressing. 

 Neighborhood: Tenderloin
Distance from courthouse: 8 minute walk
730 Larkin St.
Telephone: (415) 931-6917

Sometimes, Thai food is the only thing that will satiate your lunchtime hunger. Enter Ler Ros, the award-winning thai restaurant a short walk from the courthouse. It’s sit-down table service, so make sure to let them know you’re on a timed break so you don’t worry about being late. Then order all the fried tofu, chicken satay and coconut curry your stomach can, well stomach.