The dreaded envelope has arrived. You've been summoned. And guess what? You're going (dramatic pause...) DOWNTOWN.
Now, Downtown L.A. is not like Downtown Chicago, or Downtown Manhattan. Sure, we have big buildings. But our downtown is not exactly vibrant. You'd be hard pressed to find a way to spend that 90-minute lunch hour.
Or will you?
The Los Angeles Superior Court has two downtown jury locations.
1. Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center
210 W. Temple Street
2. Stanley Mosk Courthouse
111 N. Hill Street, Room 253
The two locations are essentially within two blocks of each other. You'll generally park for free at the fabulous Disney Concert Hall, and have to walk the five blocks to the courthouse. During this brisk early morning walk, you'll have a chance to check out the neighborhood a bit. While it's definitely not deserted, this is one of those "need to know" areas. And, after your juror briefing, you'll no doubt start dreaming of that 90 minute break...a mere 4.5 hours away. Now you need to know- where are you going to eat?
EAT WELL
Obviously, you're starving, and you're not about to drag your car out of the lot and go cruising through middle-of-the-day traffic on one-way streets in search of a bite to eat. Here are your pedestrian friendly options.
1) Grand Central Market, 317 S. Broadway
The place to go for cheap, authentic, exotic eats. It's an LAist Recession Obsession for good reason. You can have your pig ear tacos and eat them too. And while you're at it, pick up some apples to sneak back in to the courtroom.
2) Cielito Lindo, 23 Olvera St.
Perhaps the city's most famous taquitos can be found at the end of the city-block length strip known as Olvera Street, near Union Station. Grab a plate of hearty food, and spend your break wandering the many tiny shops and stalls crowded into this L.A. landmark.
3) Daikokuya, 327 E. 1st St.
If you're like Pulitzer Prize winning food critic, Jonathan Gold, you'll love this quick service ramen house in Little Tokyo. It can get very crowded though, so don't plan on doing much else with your 90 minutes.
4) Lost Souls Cafe, Harlem Place Alley, 124 W. 4th St.
If you want a little pick me up, go for the Ube shake at Lost Souls. Word has it it's just as good as Oinkster's version.
5) Sushi-Gen, 422 E. 2nd St.
Yes, it's pricey. But it's got over 400 Yelp reviews and still maintains a favorable 4.5 star rating. So if you've got sushi on the brain, treat yourself to Sushi-Gen. Convince yourself you deserve it for fulfilling your civic duty.
6) Starbucks, 138 S. Central Avenue OR 555 W. 5th St.
Sometimes the only thing that will do the trick is a venti, soy, non-fat, extra-shot latte.
7) Pitfire Pizza, 108 W. 2nd Street
Build your own pizza and chase it with a glass of homemade sangria or two. That should liven things up back at the jury holding room. Bonus points- it's right by The Edison- a fantastic spot for after duty happy hour.
8) Pete's Cafe and Bar, 400 S. Main St.
Pete's is famous for their blue cheese fries, but they serve up mighty fine burgers, delicious mac and cheese, and other classic American favorites as well.
9) Phillipe's Original Restaurant, 1001 N. Alameda St.
Just over a half mile away, you'll find one of the oldest, most famous, and celebrated restaurants in all of L.A. Phillipe's is another J. Gold favorite, and they're known as the home of the French Dip sandwich.
10) Homegirl Cafe, 130 W. Bruno St.
It's literally across the street from Phillipe's, nestled into a corner of the Homeboy's Industries building. This charitable cafe employs former gang members who serve up authentic Latin American cuisine and delicious homemade baked goods.
Of course, this is just a partial list. But any one of these spots will get your taste buds tingling, and tide you over for that long afternoon stretch between one and five pm. Good luck, and enjoy your impromptu downtown dining adventure.
Do you have a favorite jury duty lunch spot? Feel free to add it in the comments section below.
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