Best Lunch Spots For Twin Cities Jurors

Jury duty might not be glamorous, but there is one perk: the opportunity to try a new place for lunch that you might otherwise never try. You are fulfilling your civic duty, after all, so treat yourself to lunch at one of these great local restaurants. Note: Jury duty is based on your county, and for the sake of concision, this list is limited to Hennepin and Ramsey counties, which see the most jurors day in and day out.

Ramsey County (2nd District) 

Ramsey County Courthouse
15 W. Kellogg Blvd., Room 30
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8200
www.mncourts.gov

In the historic Art Deco St. Paul City Hall is where you'll find jury duty. Here are a few places only a hop, skip and a jump away for a great lunch while you're serving.

M St Café 
350 N Market St.
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 228-3855
www.mstcafe.com

In the basement of the St. Paul Hotel, and only a two-block walk down St. Peter Street from the courthouse, this awesome eatery offers sideboard lunch options or a la carte ordering to suit all tastes. You'll forget all about jury duty in this elegant basement restaurant.

Sakura
350 St Peter St.
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 224-0185
www.sakurastpaul.com

Directly across the street from the courthouse lies Sakura. You can find excellent sushi and other Japanese specialties in a spacious restaurant, which can make the day feel a little less tedious after sitting in the sterile environment of the courtroom. Such a short walk away also means you won't freeze during the winter.

Aroma's Pizza 

350 St Peter St.
St Paul, MN 55102
(651) 293-9040
www.aromascafe.com

For something quick, easy and delicious, grab a slice at Aroma's, just down the street from the courthouse in the Lowry Building. It also offers sandwiches, soup and salad. Sit down and relax, or order for takeout.

St. Paul Skyway System 
www.skywaydirectory.com

The courthouse is connected to the skyway, so it is quick and easy to jump up into the skyway system and find dozens of options. Some your best options include Skyway Grill, Pino's Pizzeria, Bars Bakery, At Miguel's Mediterranean and La Loma Tamales. Of course, all of your chains are represented, but there are many locally owned and operate restaurants for you to keep an eye out for.

During the summer, you can also find a myriad of food trucks parked along Kellogg, right across the street from the courthouse, or along Rice Park.

Related: WCCO Viewers' Choice For MN's Best Food Truck

Hennepin County (4th District)
Hennepin County Government Center
4th Judicial District Jury Office
A-Level, Jury Assembly Room
300 S. 6th St.
Minneapolis, MN 55487
(612) 348-3158
www.mncourts.gov

The Hennepin County Government Center is located in the middle of downtown Minneapolis. Though downtown is sprawling and many tasty options are outside of walking distance (at least for quick lunch), there a many places close by for you to enjoy.

Brasserie Zentral
505 Marquette Ave. S.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 333-0505
www.zentral-mpls.com

Located along the light rail, and just a quick skip away from the Government Center, the highly-regarded Brasserie Zentral restaurant has a skyway-accessible cafe open for breakfast and lunch. It's a grab and go, or sit down and stay, and you just might want to stay. This café can make jury duty worth it, so make sure you pop in and relax with a crepe, panini or excellent cup of coffee the next time you've been selected.

8th Street Grill & Tap House
800 S. Marquette Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 349-5717
www.8thstreetgrill.com

Just around the corner from the government center, you can find classic lunch fare to fill your stomach after time sitting in the courtroom. No need for anything fancy for lunch when you're stuck with jury duty, and the burgers, sandwiches, salads and other entrees are sure to hit the spot. Maybe even order a much-needed beer with lunch?

Minneapolis Skyway System
www.skywaymyway.com

Minneapolis' skyway system is just as extensive as St. Paul's. You can find many different options for lunch if you feel like stretching your legs and walking around a little. Especially during these cold winter months, this can be a great way to find something to eat. The above link will take you around the twists and turns of the skyway, and show you where all the best options are to eat.

Related: Best Restaurants With Organic Food In Minnesota

Adrian Schramm is a resident Saint Paul writer with a passion for all things local. Through his work with Saint Paul Almanac and Minneapolis Examiner at Examiner.com, as well as in the kitchens of bars and restaurants around town, he has discovered what truly makes the Twin Cities tick.