The Ultimate NYC Jury Duty Lunch Guide

Yes, Shake Shack is an obvious (and tasty) choice, but you can also find Shanghai noodles and soup dumplings at Yaso Tangbao, carnitas tacos at Dos Toros and all-day breakfast at Clark’s Restaurant. (C’mon, you deserve some midday pancakes.)

We’re not saying you should try to get picked for a jury just so you can get the legendary jerk chicken gyro at Fauzia’s Heavenly Delights every day, but we also wouldn’t blame you if you did. If you’re bestowed a longer lunch break, treat yourself to a grilled cheese and a pint at Bronx Drafthouse.

Jury duty here is synonymous with incredible Chinatown eats, and we’re not mad about it. Between pork-and-chive potstickers at Tasty Dumpling, overstuffed sandwiches from Banh Mi Saigon and Cambodian noodles at Bo Ky, your biggest challenge will be fighting off your afternoon food coma. 

Lucky you: You’re smack-dab in the middle of some of the best Latin American food in the entire city. Pop in for pupusas at El Comal, $5 Dominican lunch combos at Puerto Plata or (for a change of pace) sesame pancake sandwiches at Beijing Dumpling House.

OK, there’s a McDonald’s across from the courthouse, but it’s worth walking a little farther to get an old-school slice (New York-style or Sicilian) at 58-year-old Dani’s House of Pizza. If you’re not in a pizza mood (gasp), head to Cipollina Market for a cappuccino and a speck-and-Brie panini.

You’re definitely not short on options: Head to LIC Market for sandwiches and super-fluffy frittatas; The Burger Garage for the magical trifecta of a cheeseburger, fries and a shake; or the semi-hidden Sushi Citi (it’s inside an office building) for bibimbap and chirashi.

Trials can be stressful. Luckily, there are grandmas (yes, grandmas) ready to comfort you with a hearty meal at Enoteca Maria. Drunken noodles at Chang Noi Thai or a margherita slice from Giuseppe’s Pizza should also do the trick.