Hidden among the discount rug stores and converted lofts in downtown’s Fashion District, Gram and Papa’s offers those in the know something precious: the workday meal that can make even the most mundane Monday feel special. To put it in the local parlance, Gram and Papa’s is lunch-counter couture, not because it’s fancy but because each dish—from flapjacks to the turkey burger—is carefully constructed with organic, sustainable and/or locally sourced ingredients and loving attention to detail. The chicken salad sandwich is filled with freshly grilled meat, vibrant heirloom tomatoes and crisp iceberg, and it’s all nestled inside a Röckenwagner pretzel bun. Much of Gram and Papa’s business is takeaway and delivery (free for much of downtown), which explains the disposable plating, even for customers who eat in.

Marci’s fried eggs with tomatillo salsa, tostada and queso fresco
Apple flapjacks with apple compote and cinnamon butter
Grilled-chicken salad sandwich
Arugula farm salad with spinach, charred corn and ricotta
House-made potato chips view full menu here

Grab one of the tables in front near the floor-to-ceiling windows and the well-stocked magazine rack. Note: Gram and Papas is first come, first served, so if you’re planning on dropping in during the lunch rush, be patient or drum up the nerve to ask a new friend to share one of the few but relatively large tables.

In addition to all their salads on the menu, Gram and Papa’s will happily custom-make a salad to your specifications from your choice of more than 50 locally sourced ingredients. Go for it!

Mon.–Fri. 8 AM–3 PM
closed Saturday and Sunday

$5.95 (Greek salad) to $14.50 (grilled-shrimp salad)