Mendocino Farms' New Financial District Location Opening Monday
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — It's not uncommon to find a line of hungry office workers snaking around California Plaza during the lunchtime rush, the scene drawing onlookers wondering what could possibly attract such a presence. For those in the know, Mendocino Farms is nothing short of a way of life.
Luckily for us, the restaurant's new location at 5th and Flower in Citigroup Plaza is well positioned to serve those in the Financial District who may not have the time to trek up Grand Avenue and wait in line during short lunch breaks.
Try the Highway 128, a chicken, goat cheese, apple and ancho-cranberry chutney sandwich -- but don't miss the jalapeno relish -- or this author's favorite, the kurobuta pork belly banh mi: a Vietnamese-style sandwich with just the right level of spicy kick.
Prices are higher than a normal sandwich shop -- $7.75 to $9.75 -- but the quality of the product is second to none. And despite the long line, it moves along at a snappy conveyor-belt pace.
Grand opening for the new space is Monday, November 16, at 11:00am. As always, call to confirm hours before visiting.
Mendocino Farms: Citigroup Center, 444 S. Flower St., Los Angeles, California; (213) 627-3262; 11:00am-3:00pm Monday-Friday; mendocinofarms.com
JM on November 11, 2009, at 02:21PM – #1
I don't suppose it's open in the evenings or on weekends?
Rich Alossi on November 11, 2009, at 02:23PM – #2
JM: Like its Bunker Hill counterpart, it's lunch-only, at least for now. I hope that changes in the future.
Traci Larson on November 11, 2009, at 02:44PM – #3
I also hope for weekend hours!
loveandhatela on November 11, 2009, at 02:46PM – #4
Mmm that "highway 128" is great. Despite the economic times we are in, I still splurge on 2 things- a good sandwich and chocolates of course.
I might have to suspend my "no eating red meat" temporarily to have some beef and pork :)
I do wish they had longer hours and were open on weekends, but this new location is super duper convenient to me (before or after work) and near my favorite Coffee Bean-sure beats trekking up to California Plaza.
nanorich on November 11, 2009, at 07:09PM – #5
Jimmy at the Sandwich Shop on 6th and Grand has an awesome pork banh mi sandwich!
carter on November 12, 2009, at 03:28PM – #6
Stopped by after Disney Hall rehearsal today, ate sandwich at Cal Plaza, then walked over and talked to Sean at the new location and he was handing out 2 for 1 cards good for opening Monday and Tuesday next week, so hurry over and you might still get in on this promo early next week. Better designed space, some interior seating, plus he said the landlord will be doing more with the outdoor seating area than is currently there. Should hit a home run on opening day, and never look back.
Sure would be nice to have it stay open until at least 7:30 to take care of the concert-goes on bunker hill as well as late night workers in the local towers, and Saturdays and Sundays as well.
Matthew Jackson Cooper on November 13, 2009, at 05:19PM – #7
Steak BLT on rustic white, a lemonade, and a bag of jalapeño potato chips
Naturallawyer on November 16, 2009, at 12:02PM – #8
Just got back. I showed up at 5 mins til 11, and there was already a line forming! There was a huge line by the time they were able to open, but the staff was nevertheless extremely courteous and energetic. And of course the food was every bit as good as the one up the hill, which is to say, the best sandwiches downtown. Have a sandwich with their cranberry stuffing on it. Yum!
Once they have evening or weekend hours (at least, I hope that's coming), I'll be able to visit more. The financial district is pretty quiet during non-business hours, but I think they'll draw sufficient business to be profitable then. There's nothing else with a similar menu that could compete.