Dig Lounge

As part of my civil service duties I was summoned to Jury Duty. They weeded through the 40 or so jurors and I was one of the final 12. As much as I hated being there, I was set on making an adventure out of it. What better time to explore all the lunch options downtown?

I’ve spent a lot of time exploring downtown during the weekends and evenings, but never really have the chance to explore it during the week days. Downtown LA has two personalities. One is the 9-5 crowd, bankers, lawyers, office workers and shoppers along the jewelry, fashion and toy districts.

Then there’s the other personality, the night night time crowd and those who live downtown. For those who live downtown (but work somewhere else during the day) and others who visit the numerous bars, restaurants, art galleries, music venues, and theaters at night, don’t get to experience all that downtown has to offer. The cafes, restaurants, and shops that shut down when office dwellers depart their work places and head home to the West Side, Valley, and the OC.

I wouldn’t have to conquer this alone. Angela, my lovely better half, works in the area and she made the perfect accomplice for our 15 days of lunch downtown. The area was constrained to around the Civic Center area because of my 90 min lunch schedule and I had no car as I took the red line to the courthouse every day. So in no particular order, here are our 15 days of lunch downtown.

1. Casa

California Plaza is a hidden Oasis. Tall office buildings surround a large fountain, with plenty of dining choices a short walk from the court house. During the summer they even have concerts here. It’s a great place to have lunch. Casa opened up at Cal Plaza a couple of years back to mixed reviews. My own experience there was less than enjoyable. But after a Chef Morningstar exit and a menu revamp, the restaurant is busier than ever. With it’s simple yet sophisticated Latin influenced offerings. Their lunch menu is designed to be tasty, quick and affordable. My salad is fresh, the burrito on the smallish side, but the flavor is delicious and you don’t leave in a food coma.

Casa, is a great option for lunch, but it's also open for dinner.

2. Food Trucks

The food trucks have invaded downtown. As much as I love the mobile food options, I’m sure the local businesses, who already are feeling the recession pinch, aren’t all that pleased. But I had to consider them as options. But what I found where high prices, for smallish servings. Bool and LA Fusion, both trying the Korean/Latin fusion thing misses the mark compared to Kogi. Baby’s Burgers were good, but pricey for a seven dollar cheese burger. And Marked 5’s version of the Asian influenced burger just wasn’t for me.

Trucks galore on Grand Ave, in Bunker Hill.

3. Mendocino Farms

Also located at Cal Plaza, Mendocino Farms is Downtown LA’s best kept secret. That is, until you show up and find the line 30 people deep, it doesn’t seem like such a secret. But they have quite a production line for getting delicious sandwiches out quick. Having opened up a second location at 4th and Flower should help out the crowded cafe. These aren’t any of your typical boring sandwiches though. With first class ingredients like confit of duck leg, steak & brie, Herbs de Provence marinated Cypress Grove goat cheese, or local Gioia fresh mozzarella. You’re gonna pay more than a five dollar foot long, as items run from eight to ten dollars, but it’s worth it.

I have yet to try a sandwich at Mendocino that I don't like.

7. Sandwich Shop

If you’re looking for a more of a working mans sandwich, head on over to the Sandwich Shop on 6th at Grand. This was recommended to me by local blogger Mattatouille, and I knew he wouldn’t let me down. They have standards like a Turkey Club or Curry Chicken Salad Sandwich, or ethnic inspired sandwiches like a Pork Banh Mi , Bulgogi Cheesesteak and our favorite the Cubano. A warm sandwich of Braised pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, mayo and mustard on pressed French roll.

Unassuming, simple, fresh, and delicious. Everything you want in a sandwich shop.

8. Juanita’s @ Olvera St

Olvera Street is a beloved Los Angeles landmark. Quirky vendors, live music nearly every day, and a plethora of taco stands. Juanita’s stands out among the other taco shops along the lively street. For 4.99 you get a large plate of beans, rice, and taquitos. This is Mexican home style cooking at it’s best. Simple, cheap, and the salsa, just spicy enough.

There are a lot of choices at Olvera St. But we always come back to Juanita's.

9. Sarita’s Pupuseria @ Grand Central Market

Located right next to the Pershing Square metro stop, Grand Central Market is one of those Downtown secrets that only the locals and the occasional tour bus knows about. A full fledged indoor farmers market with cheap and fresh fruits, veggies, a butcher, spice counters and panderia. Not to mention a slew of international food choices. Sarita’s Pupuseria serves up some great papusas. A Salvadorian special, glistening with oil, hand rolled, masa cakes, filled with beans, cheese, and pork. Just one for $2.40 should satisfy, but two for $4.40 will send home even the most hungry, stuffed.

Papusas covered with a tangy slaw add to that extra kick at Sorita's.

10. Kabab and More @ Grand Central Market

I had never noticed Kabab and More at Grand Central Market until this last visit to get papusas at Sarita’s. The lunch counter was packed with suits ordering the staple Persian foods of Koobideh and Barg. The Koobideh is juicy charboiled ground beef served over a fragrant basmathi rice. The Barg, also served over rice, is chunks of succulent and flavorful filet. The also have lamb, chicken, and if they aren’t out, the popular Cornish hen.

Try Kabab & More at Grand Central Market for some unique Persian offerings.

11. Cole’s

Cole’s, the originator of the French Dip, is LA’s oldest restaurant. Opened in 1908 at the foot of the Pacific Electric Building, the former center of the Pacific Electric railway network, the restaurant had seen it’s better days. But in came downtown’s preservation patriarch Cedd Moses and gave it a $1,600,000 face lift. He partnered with Chef Neal Fraser for what has since become the best French Dip in Los Angeles. Thick, slow cooked, juicy slices of beef, with a savory beef broth for dipping. He didn’t stop there, Cedd is known for his love of the cocktails, and he does them perfectly at the Red Car Bar located inside the restaurant.

Cole's, the originator of the French Dip? The argument still continues.

12. Rowdy Red Wine and Burger Bar

Rowdy Red, named for a variety of heirloom tomato, opened quietly at the beginning of the year. Oddly at first, without a license to serve wine. But now, they have a nice selection of half bottle wines, and an affordable house red. The burgers are decent, but don’t stand out, the fries very reminiscent of In-n-Out’s fresh cut potatoes. It’s a great place to meet with co-workers post work, with some good happy hour deals, and wine tasting flights. But, like most other places on this list, they close down early.

Rowdy Red, a burger destination for downtown office workers.

13. Tommy Pastrami New York Delicatessen

Calling Tommy Pastrami’s a New York Deli is a bit of a stretch. Sure, they have corned beef, pastrami, oven roasted brisket, and passable matzo ball soup. But that’s where the comparison ends. The decor, besides a few TV’s and scenes from a New York street has got a semi-fast food feel, with drab employees and sloppy cleanliness. The pastrami was good, the brisket and dip too. It’s no Langer’s, but more convenient than heading on the Red Line for MacArthur Park.

A New York Deli in the middle of Downtown?

14. Lemonade

Lemonade specializes in fresh market salads, sandwiches, pot roasts, and of course, lemonade. They have locations in Venice Beach, West Hollywood, and two downtown (one at Moca and one at City National Plaza.) They have a good selection of cold salads, pre-made gourmet sandwiches and a selection of hot pot roasts that can be served with rice, or as a sandwich.

Lemonade, another option in the bowels of City National Plaza.

15. Dogtown Dogs

On my last day of jury duty I came across the food truck Dogtown Dogs, a newcomer to the food truck scene. They’ve got a tasty selection of specialty dogs, tator tots, and fennel slaw. The California Dog is an all beef snap dog topped with avocado, arugula, tomatoes, fried onions and served with a basil aioli. Or try the Trailer Trash Dog, an all beef dog topped with their homemade chili and crumbled Frito’s!

A newcomer on the truck block, Dog Town is serving up some delicious dogs.

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