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Lettuce Restaurant & Catering
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
Lettuce Restaurant & Catering
7.9
Downtown counter-service staple known for custom salads, soups, and a house vegetarian/vegan sandwich—many items offered gluten-free. Fast, reliable lunches for the Locust Street office crowd.
Must-Try Dishes:
Custom chopped salad (gf), Vegan/gluten-free minestrone, Half-salad + half-sandwich combo on gluten-free bread
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Quick, customizable salads and soups with gluten-free options.
Who should go: Office lunchers prioritizing fresh and fast
When to visit: 11:15–12:00 or after 1:15 to skip lines
What to order: Chopped salad; gf minestrone; half-and-half combo
Insider tip: Confirm gluten-free bread availability before peak lunch hours.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Locust and nearby side streets; limited spots during weekday lunch hours. Free garage parking available at Broadway Plaza within a 5-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual and workday-appropriate—most guests come in office or business-casual attire.
Noise level: Low to moderate; easy to hold a conversation even during the lunch rush.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner service; daytime-only hours.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minutes during peak lunch, often no wait before 11:30 or after 1:15.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple salads, soups, and sandwiches clearly labeled vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes – vegan sandwich, soups, and build-your-own salad options available.
Gluten-free options: Yes – many salads and soups are gluten-free; gluten-free bread available on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s a fast-casual spot geared toward lunch rather than evening dining. Better for a quick, low-pressure meet-up or post-work bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—reservations aren’t accepted or needed. Most guests order at the counter and find seats quickly except during the noon rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids—simple menu, quick service, and plenty of healthy choices. Limited space makes it less ideal for strollers or large families.
Best For
Better for: Fast, healthy lunches with clear gluten-free and vegetarian labeling—ideal for quick downtown meals.
Skip if: You’re seeking full-service dining, a dinner date atmosphere, or indulgent comfort food options.
Lettuce Restaurant & Catering
7.9
Long-running Locust Street counter-service spot known for customizable salads, soups, and a vegetarian sandwich on Acme bread. Quick, reliable lunches with fresh produce and easy catering options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Custom Chopped Salad (build-your-own), House Vegetarian Sandwich on Acme, Vegan/Vegetarian Minestrone
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Custom salads and vegetarian staples served fast downtown.
Who should go: Office crowd seeking fresh, efficient lunches
When to visit: 11:15–12:00 or after 1:15 to skip lines
What to order: Veg sandwich; minestrone; chopped salad combo
Insider tip: Half-salad + half-sandwich combo works with the veg sandwich.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Locust and nearby blocks is metered and fills during weekday lunch; garage parking available at Lesher Center within 2-minute walk.
Dress code: Casual—office attire, jeans, or workout wear are all common at lunch.
Noise level: Low to moderate—order counter buzz but easy to hold conversation once seated.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner; lunch-only operation.
Weekday lunch: 5–10 minute line peak 12–1 pm; otherwise minimal wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Fully vegetarian menu with customizable salads and soups.
Vegan options: Several vegan soups and salad builds available; staff familiar with requests.
Gluten-free options: Many ingredients are gluten-free; dressings and bread can be adjusted on request but no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—this is a quick, counter-service lunch spot better suited for casual or workday meals.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s walk-in only. During peak lunch, expect to share tables or wait briefly for turnover.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—family-friendly for older kids who enjoy simple soups or sandwiches, though space is limited for strollers.
Best For
Better for: Fast, healthy vegetarian lunches with reliable freshness and downtown convenience.
Skip if: You’re seeking table service, dinner hours, or elaborate plated vegetarian fare.
Lettuce Restaurant & Catering
7.8
Long-running Locust Street counter-service spot (since 1980s era) known for salads, soups, and a house vegan sandwich on Acme bread. A reliable, fast option downtown with build-your-own salads and vegan minestrone.
Must-Try Dishes:
Vegan sandwich on Acme bread, Vegetable minestrone (vegan), Build-your-own salad with avocado & veggies
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Fast casual with specific vegan soups and sandwiches.
Who should go: Downtown vegans on a lunch break
When to visit: Weekdays 11:30–1:00 for freshest turnover
What to order: Vegan sandwich; vegan minestrone; custom chopped salad
Insider tip: Half-salad + half-sandwich combo works with the vegan sandwich.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Locust and nearby side streets; garage options within a 2-minute walk at the Locust Street Garage.
Dress code: Casual and business casual—most guests come from nearby offices or shopping downtown.
Noise level: Low to moderate during lunch; conversational throughout with light music.
Weekend wait: Closed for dinner service; lunch-only operation.
Weekday lunch: Generally no wait, though 12–12:45 pm can see brief lines for salad bar orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – nearly all items are vegetarian-friendly with flexible mix-ins.
Vegan options: Yes – several soups, salads, and the signature vegan sandwich are fully vegan.
Gluten-free options: Limited – salads can be made gluten-free but sandwiches use standard Acme bread.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a first date—it’s a fast-casual, counter-service setup better suited for casual lunches or quick meetups.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes. It’s first-come, first-served and rarely full outside peak weekday lunch hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids who like salads or sandwiches, though there’s no dedicated kids’ menu or high chairs.
Best For
Better for: Health-conscious lunchers wanting vegan or light fare downtown.
Skip if: You’re looking for a full-service dinner, drinks, or a more atmospheric dining experience.