Mint Cafe

Ah they are back from vacation! I ordered a chicken pesto sandwich ona ciabatta roll. Ummm the sammie was good and filling. I like that it was made to order and toasted. That scores big points with me. Why eat a cold sandwich when you can have a toasted one.
Line moves fast and the workers are all very friendly. Will come back!

Just like most people who decide to come here, I came here because I had jury duty! No shocker there, I know.
Ordered a turkey supreme. Tasted pretty average. The turkey meat was pre-​packaged deli meat. Came with pickles, tomatoes, mayo, mustard on sliced sourdough bread.
What I did love about this place was the service! It was a long line during the lunch recess but it moved pretty quickly. The workers are friendly and always had a smile on their face. I went to take a seat at the table and expected my order to be called to be picked up. Instead, the woman who made my sandwich brought it to me instead and even took the time to have a short conversation with me!

We ended up in this spot on kind of a strange occasion — I had just gotten married across the street! As we blissfully emerged from City Hall around 2pm following the ceremony, I looked across the street to see all of the food trucks pulling out of the plaza! My sister had even bet my husband (!) that I would want to get lunch from a truck after we finished our pictures. I was particularly excited about a pork bun from Chairman Bao. Oh well… we hit up Unilocal for somewhere fast and relatively cheap (fancy dinner was that night) within walking distance (although I had swapped out my wedding pumps for sensible — although sparkly — sneakers, most folks were in less comfortable shoes). Turns out, right across the street, in the courthouse basement, there was something of a gem!
They had something for everyone, from my picky nephews to my… picky in-​laws. :) I had the BLT, it was SURPRISINGLY good, especially from a random sandwich shop in a courthouse basement! Almost everyone loved their sandwiches — my sister-​in-​love complained that the lasagne taste «like Stouffer’s» but I’m not really sure what she could have been expected. The sandwiches were big and I think fairly priced — some people shared their sandwiches.
The ladies at the counter were also super friendly and accommodating — they didn’t flinch when all 10 of us showed up pretty close to the end of their Friday. They brought out our sandwiches and stuff as they were ready, and just seemed to be really happy.
I highly recommend this as a post-​nuptial stop if you are hungry and looking for something simple. This will be a great memory for years to come! Thanks, Mint Café!

This lunch venue is hidden away in the basement of the courthouse. It is better than most sandwich/​salad venues of its kind (i.e., on-​site in a government building) by virtue of having a fairly broad menu and because they put a bit of TLC into some of menu options (good tuna sandwich, chicken breast is rumored to be free range [but not noted as such on menu]). The thing, however, that makes this place ‘sustainable’ in a different way than the ‘sustainable restaurants’ is that if you come here and talk with the staff, they will remember you.

Jury duty can be awful. It can also be very interesting. I was on a month-​long civil trial last year, and that gave me many opportunities to try Mint Café.
I know what you’re thinking. «John S., who the hell would go to the courthouse café five days a week for a month?» The answer is not me; I didn’t eat my lunch here every day, but I did at least twice a week, and I’m glad I did.
You know that saying about people trying to be good at everything not being very good at anything? Well, it’s usually true, except in Mint Café’s case. The salads are good. The sandwiches are good. The ethnic foods are good. About the only thing that isn’t good is the space itself, but Mint Café can’t very well control that. (It’s in a basement, yo.) Here’s my advice: Take your lunch to the juror-​assembly room down the hall or to one of the open spaces outside the elevators on the third or fourth floor. If you insist on eating at Mint Café, you’re bound to hear a bunch of lawyers talking to their clients, and while these probably won’t be lawyers and clients from the case you’re a juror on, who wants to get even more jaded about the legal system when you’re already pretty jaded?
The absolute best part about Mint Café is the people who work here. They’re very friendly, efficient, and professional. I saw a bunch of lawyers yelling and getting angry with the workers here because the line was taking too long or because they didn’t include enough pickles or because many lawyers are self-​entitled jerks who think that their having passed the bar somehow makes them better than people who work in courthouse cafes for a living. But you know what? The workers here are better at their jobs than many of these lawyers. I know that from personal experience.
Prices aren’t great, but they’re not horrible either, considering they have a captive audience. The lunch line is long, but they’re very good at moving things along during the rush. Oh, and read the signs. There are separate lines for people picking up pre-​made food and those ordering real food. You might think that’s unfair, but it makes a ton of sense, especially during ten-​minute recesses.
I don’t want to be on a jury again, but if I have to be, and if I’m at this courthouse, I’ll definitely be happy to see my friends at Mint Café again. They are wonderful people.

Very very friendly staff and it feels like a home café. The portions are large and they offer typical American fare. Their Southwest salad is delicious and if you get the half sandwich n half salad combo, you will definitely be satisfied for under $ 8 !!!

Ummm yes please!
Recently I’ve been seeing people in my building (fox plaza) walking in with these delicious looking salads, alas I found out it’s from the Mint Café.
I’ve now tried their Southwest and Buffalo Ranch, both were excellent. Prices are not too bad, comparable I would say. The food is fresh and they do a good job with preparation.
I give this place 5 stars (unless there are some delicious food trucks around, then 4.5 stars)!

My associate and I go here every time we are in court, and sometimes even when we are just in the neighborhood. We love it… the ingredients and coffee are fresh, the staff is so very friendly each and every time, with a clear dedication to friendly and efficient customer service. They remembered my name by only my second or third time there.
The prices are also pretty darn reasonable.

I came here unknowing that I’d need to go through a metal detector to eat — oops! Very friendly cashier said this was her first outsider. So go if you’re prepped to be looked at oddly! Croissant breakfast sandwich was solid, friends ham sandwich the same. Good price– I’ll pretend to be a lawyer to come here.

the café in the basement of the superior court building looks dingy but the food is way better than its appearance. the people who make the food are happy and kind, making the food they make taste great!

I’ve only been a few times so far, but I’m already obsessed with the Mediterranean wrap. It’s delicious and filling. Also love how friendly the employees are. I suppose I’ll get around to sampling some of the other things they have soon…

Mint Café is a hidden gem buried away in the basement of the SF county courthouse. My co-​worker loves coming to the MC, and I’m glad she introduced me to it, because I love it too! It’s a perfect place to grab a quick and fresh lunch.
I loved the ½ sandwich + ½ salad combo:
Choose from a list of a dozen or so «fancy» sandwiches. I say fancy because we’re not talking about sliced deli meat here, instead there are sandwiches made with ingredients such as prosciutto or grilled eggplant (ok, I know prosciutto is technically a sliced deli meat…)
For the salad: Select your type of green (e.g. romaine, spring mix, spinach) and select up to 5 different toppings. Choose from toppings such as walnuts, cranberries, raisins, blue cheese, feta cheese, tomato, beats, croutons, bacon bits, etc. etc. etc. Finally, select your dressing.
The proportions are very generous – I couldn’t believe my sandwich was a «half.» The staff is super/​genuinely friendly! Service with a smile!
Cons:
1.) You have to go through security.
2.) This place gets pretty busy during lunch, and with limited seating, finding a place to enjoy your grub can be difficult.
Overall, a great place to get lunch! Check it out!

Do you have a court date & a hankering for a tasty bagel? Don’t fret! Just stroll to the bottom level (I believe it’s L in the elevator) and look over Mints’ lovely menu. They have a variety of options; from breakfast bagel sandwiches to salads, even tasty sandwiches. My Sister and I took BART into the city from the East Bay and desperately needed our breakfast fix and I needed something caffeinated badly. We saw food going downstairs and after meeting up with our parental units we decided to break for food. I ordered the lox bagel (with no red onion or capers) and a 12oz. cappuccino. The prep took a bit too long for my liking, after all they just need to put smoked salmon on a bagel with cream cheese. My coffee came out quickly though, hot and tasty! They have a condiment/​coffee bar near the entrance with half and half, creamers, sugars, etc. so I added a little dusting of chocolate powder and cinnamon on top of my cap foam. I walked out of Mint spending a little over $ 7 on a salmon bagel sandwich and a coffee, I think that was a bargain!
They take both cash or card!

–1 star for their ham and cheese egg. Why? Because they cooked my egg in the microwave! Yeah, you read it right! They put my my eggs in the microwaved and cooked it for 6−10mins.
2 stars for the variety of sandwiches, drinks, and pastries!
1 extra star for the friendly workers! Especially the nice lady who remembers me as the girl with the nice wallet! I like that she remembers me at all :]

I like that you can get a half sandwich here. I of course want an entire sandwich, but as the ol’ metabolism isn’t what it should be, and as I opt for the caprese chicken sandwich with pesto on a french roll, I gotta cut things where I can.
Plus, you don’t want to go into a food coma in court! Ineffective assistance of counsel, y’all. Not me.
There are better sandies, but this place is three-​star, A-​OK worthy fo sho.

It’s a little strange to be giving a café in the basement of the courthouse 5 stars… and even stranger that I hang out here from time to time but, so be it! I usually order the same thing every time; the Mediterranean wrap! MMMM it’s oh so good! I love their falafels and they don’t skimp on the feta, hummus and tahini.
The people that work here are super friendly too :)

This place is inside the courthouse where I work so it makes it VERY convenient. I usually get the vegetarian sandwich and it is TRULY addictive. It’s one of the best veggie sandwiches I’ve had. I’ve also had salads and wraps here and they’re also excellent.
And as for the staff. Really. These people are some of the nicest, friendliest people. Really makes it a pleasure to support a business like this.

Jury duty, paralegal or City Hall employee-​on-​the-​verge-​of-​a-​layoff would classify you as a prime candidate to be considering this basement joint for a quick-​hit lunch.
Try your best to come before or after the Noon rush hour. Either way, come for the delectable wraps — honey pepper jack chicken comes to mind — and walk away a happy 9-​to-​5 employee, ready to hit the ground running.
By ground, of course, I’m referring to the «afternoon slump» that will be sure to follow after a satisfying $ 6-​wrap entitles you to a temporary date with pure bliss. Try that with your homemade turkey sandwich. Yeah, I didn’t think so.
Spend the spare change and leave the metal at your cubicle to pass through the metal detectors and venture over to Mint Café for a gratifying lunch hour. Assuming, of course, you’re still employed.

Mint Café is an unexpected standout in an otherwise drab location. Walk down the steps of the courthouse and you are greeted by the bright and colorful décor, friendly service and rather extensive menu. I was already giving four stars for breakfast. Loved my every bite of my lowfat yogurt, strawberry and banana filled parfait. Also loved every sip of my nonfat, sugar free vanilla latte. Just the way this Unilocaler likes them.
The fifth star came later in the day at their unopened second location. Popping into the library a few blocks away, I was surprised to find a table set up with the Mint menu and a few grab and go items. I asked the lady what was up, and she told me this would soon be a new Mint Café. Rocking. I shared how much I loved my parfait and coffee earlier in the day, she shared how much she loved hearing that, and we both spend a minute or so repeating our effusive compliments. It was good parfait karma.
Ream (that’s dream without the d as you put it), fifth star is for you. Can’t wait to come back and sample the delicious looking lunch offerings.

If you’re going to be stuck doing jury duty, and you’re limited on time, the Mint Café located on the lower level of the state courthouse building is a convenient spot to grab a quick bite at a reasonable price.
For the past several days I’d arrive at the courthouse barely in time for proceedings to begin and I found myself getting breakfast here daily. They have made to order breakfast sandwiches available or you can get a pastry or muffin at the cash register. Mint Café has a huge selection of bottled drinks and dairy products (or equivalent) along with the basic hot beverages.
When our case went to deliberations my fellow jurors and I decided to take a short 35 minute lunch just to try to come to a verdict in a shorter amount of time. Most of our group headed straight to the Mint Café. For lunch, they have made to order specialty salads or sandwiches. You can create your own too. They have hot soups and a daily lunch special. My sandwich was nothing special, but it filled me up and got me back to the deliberations room in less than 30 minutes.
The lady at the cash register is über friendly and really sweet. I’ll add an extra star just for her! It’s cash only but there is a swipe ATM inside the café.