The Courtyard Café

It is extremely rare that food we eat is labeled this well. If you are mindful about what you eat, or have restrictions on the food you can eat, like Vegan, etc. then you will really appreciate this restaurant labels clearly, the items on the menu, and if they are Vegan, or Vegetarian or «mindful» even. In addition to burgers and the grill, there are two main entrees every day, with about 4 hot side dishes which go with the combo for about $ 5, excellent price. Also, they have 2 soups and 4 (sides) salads which change every day. Those side dishes which are salads, often include ingredients like Quinoa, Kale, Baby greens, Bulgar, root veggies, couscous, various beans, etc. Thanks to the establishment, workers, managers and Cal Endowment for helping us be healthy. The workers are very nice. Outdoor seating area is sweet, with large area of flowing water which is a fountain. There are many succulent plants and bamboos, so it’s very green, with nice, tables, chairs and umbrellas. The outdoor seating area is thus very peaceful and calming. Often they have large groups who get training, etc. at Cal Endowment. Very interesting people visit this building. Some from non-​profits, community service type of good folks

The Courtyard Café holds a dear place in my heart. It is a place that provides affordable healthy meals without compromising taste and the California Endowment’s goal of healthier living.
It is located almost right across from Union Station and it is tucked inside the courtyard of the California Endowment building. If driving, they have a private lot located in the back accessible by guard. Sometimes there is an event and the lot will be full, in that event you will have to find parking somewhere nearby.
Their menu is also located online always. This is a link to their menu. The same link changes menu every week!
An entrée and 2 sides will never exceed $ 6.00. EVER. Tax included and everything. One of my favorite dishes from this place was their seared ahi burger with a pineapple sauce with mixed greens and a side salad. But of course their menu changes every day, but they offer weekly specials in case you are looking for a weekly consistency.
The service is really fast and you can be in and out within 10 minutes (even during rush hour), as long as you are utilizing the cafeteria style ordering and not the hot grills.
My only complaint is that their portion sizes varies with which worker is servicing you. The main cook seems to be stingy with his portions and will give you less than the other employees. The staff is really nice and they are very attentive to our needs. The cafeteria is set up almost on a trust system. They charge you according to what you tell them you had gotten. Please do not take advantage of it, I believe this kitchen is probably not-​for-​profit.
Also try their pudding! It’s 1 dollar and it’s amazing!

THANK YOU UPS guy for sharing with my coworkers and I about this little hidden gem!
This place cannot be seen from the outside (as it is located inside of a commercial business building).
They offer free parking on the back side. There is an attendant there, but all you have to say is that you’re there for the Café and they will let you in for free!
When you enter, there’s a front desk area where you are required to sign in and follow the signs to the back of the building for the Café!
When you enter the Café, they have tiny paper slips to fill out what you want. Then you hand the paper to the cashier who will charge you for the order and will call you when your order is ready.
They have indoor and outdoor seating and it is a beautiful environment with a nice fountain surrounded by trees and plenty of seats with umbrellas to shade you from the sun.
Price: SO CHEAP!!! It would totally be able to fit my coworker and I’s budget for $ 20 a week for food. No burger is over $ 3 (unless you add extras such as avocado and bacon) and an additional $ 1.99 for fries and a drink! SO WORTH IT!
Food quality: fresh off the grill and freshly prepared. So yummy and can’t wait to try the other items on their menu!
Super friendly staff :)
Now, I will pay it forward and share this with all my fellow Unilocalers! Enjoy~!
**NOTE:
–Closed every other Friday.
–Grill foods end at 2pm
–Closes at 3pm

I really enjoyed the fast service and the amount of options at this café. It was very convenient when you are only given about 45 minutes for a break during a training. I had the burger and fries. The burger is your average burger you can expect from a small café in a conference center. The best thing is definitely the conscience, speed, and friendliness of the staff!

I work for a large local employer with staff that previously enjoyed the healthy choices in The Courtyard Café. However, their recent offerings are laden with excessive oil, salt and sugar. We will not return until they return to healthy offerings.

The Courtyard Café is located inside of the California endowment. You need to sign in at the front desk before you go to the Café. Go inside the café, get in line for food then get in line to pay. The lines can get long around normal lunch time so try going a little earlier or a little later. If you want to order anything from the grilled menu, you will need to fill out an order for and hand it to one of the cooks. They’ll make your food and hand it over to the cashier side where you will pick it up.
The food is very good for the price. the full meals usually cost around $ 6 and come with a main and two sides. the menu is different every day so check the menu online before coming. They have a good selection of gluten free, vegan and vegetarian food if that is what you require. They also have a good choice of salads and sandwiches every day.
They mostly have outdoor seating but there are umbrellas for shade.