0 Followers
Blue Barn (Polk Street)
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Blue Barn (Polk Street)
8.0
Neighborhood salad-and-sandwich counter known for customizable greens and hearty ‘sandos.’ A fast, produce-forward lunch that still feels substantial for meetings on the go.
Must-Try Dishes:
U-Pick Custom Salad, Cobb Salad, Diablo Fried Chicken Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Fast, customizable salads and sandwiches with peak produce.
Who should go: Health-minded pros needing speed
When to visit: 11:15–12 or after 1:30 to skip the rush
What to order: U-Pick salad, Cobb, Diablo sandwich
Insider tip: Order ahead online to grab-and-go in minutes.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only, can be tight on Polk and Union during lunch rush; meter spots available nearby.
Dress code: Casual-professional; workout gear is fine, but many come in office attire.
Noise level: Moderate – conversations are possible, but counter bustle can get lively during peak lunch.
Weekend wait: Not applicable – this location closes by early evening.
Weekday lunch: 10–15 minutes at peak hours; quicker if you order ahead online.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes – multiple salad and sandwich options, plus customizable greens.
Vegan options: Yes – several plant-based proteins and dairy-free dressings available.
Gluten-free options: Yes – gluten-free bread and salad customization available, though not a separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal – it’s more of a quick, casual lunch counter than a romantic setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes – seating is first-come, first-served; during peak lunch expect to wait briefly for a spot.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes – casual counter service works for families, but no special kids’ menu; better for older kids comfortable with salads and sandwiches.
Best For
Better for: Quick, produce-forward lunches that still feel hearty; healthier and faster than many nearby sandwich shops.
Skip if: You want a sit-down, extended lunch with table service or a quieter, more formal meeting spot.
Blue Barn (Polk Street)
8.0
Casual salad-and-sandwich spot focused on produce-driven plates, with a kids section and fast service. It’s a handy choice for families wanting something fresher without a full sit-down commitment.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cowgirl Cobb Salad, Chicken Pesto ‘Sando’, Kids Grilled Cheese
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 6.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Farm-leaning salads and sandwiches with speedy turnaround.
Who should go: Health-minded families
When to visit: Weekdays 11–12 or after 1:15 for shorter lines
What to order: Cowgirl Cobb, chicken pesto sando, kids grilled cheese
Insider tip: Build-your-own salads help picky eaters customize.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Polk can be competitive, especially midday; no valet or dedicated lot.
Dress code: Casual—athleisure and jeans are the norm, no need to dress up.
Noise level: Moderate—family chatter and counter buzz but easy enough to hold a conversation.
Weekend wait: Not a dinner destination—closes earlier, so evening lines are minimal.
Weekday lunch: 10–20 minutes at peak times; generally no wait before 11:30 or after 1:15.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple salads and sandwiches are fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Yes—several vegan-friendly builds and customizable salads.
Gluten-free options: Yes—gluten-free bread and salad options, though no separate prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for romance—better for a casual meet-up or healthy bite with friends.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, it’s counter-service only; just expect short lines during lunch rush.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes—there’s a kids menu, quick service, and flexible seating, making it easy for families with young children.
Best For
Better for: A fresher, healthier fast-casual option compared to typical sandwich shops.
Skip if: You want a full-service dinner experience or quieter, linger-worthy seating.