Best Lunch Spots Near DFW's Jury Duty

Doing your civic duty by serving on a jury might be part of being a good American citizen, but there's no getting around the fact that it can certainly be an inconvenience. However, you might as well make the most of it, especially when it comes to taking advantage of a much-needed lunch break. To help steer you away from an inedible lunch in the courthouse cafeteria, we've rounded up the best spots for you to have a nice breather and fill up your stomach at the same time.

Fuel City Wash
801 S. Riverfront Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 426-0011
www.fuelcitywash.com

If you're doing your civic duty in the Frank Crowley Courthouse near Union Station, your options for a quick getaway are fairly limited if you're planning to go by foot. However, you're in luck if you like tacos, because according to Texas Monthly and D Magazine, the best tacos in the state come from the Fuel City Wash, located right down the street. Not only can you munch away on barbacoa and pastor tacos with a side of elotes, but you can eat on the patio, have your car washed and check out a few longhorns, donkeys and zebras while you eat.

Klyde Warren Park
2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway
Dallas, TX 75201
(214) 716-4500
www.klydewarrenpark.org

Doing time in the George Allen Courthouse can be a good thing as there are many more options in the heart of downtown. But if the weather is nice, the last thing you'll want to do is eat inside. So hop on the free DART D-Link shuttle and head over to Klyde Warren Park (3 minutes away) where an array of food trucks are ready to tempt your taste buds. Or take in a leisurely lunch at Savor, the park's sleek glassed-in gastropub and enjoy everything from short rib sloppy joe grilled cheese to Nicoise salad and lobster puffs.

Bird Cafe
155 E. 4th St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 332-2473
www.birdinthe.net

Fort Worth citizens who are doing their duty at the Tim Curry Criminal Justice Center might enjoy some time off in Sundance Square, located only a few miles away. There are several eating options in the square, but it doesn't get any better, in terms of food and atmosphere, than the Bird Cafe. Lunching here might include a bowl of green pork chili topped with cojita, or a poached salmon salad with quinoa. The sandwiches are pretty incredible as well, especially the one-eyed jack with bacon, ham, cheddar and egg on jalapeño bread. If the weather's nice, snag a seat on the upstairs patio so you can enjoy lunch with a prime view of the square.

Related: Best Food Trucks In DFW

Rooster's Roadhouse
113 Industrial St.
Denton, TX 76201
(940) 382-4227
www.roosters-roadhouse.com

You may want to start volunteering for jury duty just so you can have an excuse to chow down more often at Rooster's Roadhouse. Less than a 15-minute walk from the Denton County Courts Building, this place is renown for its awesome burgers and barbecue, but it's the hotter-than-hell sliders that caught the attention of the folks from the "Heat Seekers" show on Food Network. These spicy mouthfuls even require a signed waver before being downed, but that shouldn't stop you from taking the plunge. Though, perhaps a little heat won't go down well if you're stuck in a courtroom all day. No worries, the menu is chock full of salads, sandwiches and burgers that are equally tasty without burning a whole through your stomach.

The Life House
506 N. Goliad St.
Rockwall, TX 75087
(469) 264-7962
www.thelifehousetx.com

If you're summoned to the call at the Rockwall County Courthouse, you'll certainly want to check out The Life House's scrumptious selection of gluten-free, organic and freshly made treats while you're in the neighborhood. Even better, the place serves breakfast all day, as well as lunch. Can't decide which meal to go for? Make it easy and choose the hole in one—which is a sandwich with an egg baked on top. You can also build your own toasted cheese sandwiches with fillings like roasted chicken or veggies. But be sure to save room for coffee and dessert—the chocolate croissants are to die for.

Related: Best Sandwiches In DFW

Ilene Jacobs is a freelance writer living in Dallas, Texas. Ilene enjoys writing about a variety of topics, ranging from food, fitness and travel, to kids, pets and senior care. You can find some of her work at Examiner.com.