Chestnut Tree

Wow. Just wow. Ok, I was hungry but not famished and took a short walk from my hotel to a courthouse (?) to grab a quick bite. But based on two Unilocal reviews it sounded like it was decent. I ordered a half sandwich. This thing comes and it’s huge, packed with turkey and bacon and on bread that makes me never want to shop at a grocery store again. Seriously I would have paid the $ 5.49 for the bread alone. I couldn’t even eat a full sandwich here in one sitting (but I’d want to). I don’t live in SLC and this is my first trip and my first meal. I can only hope that this is indicative of how you eat here cuz it was fabulous. Nice lady working there too. Well worth the rating.

So, there’s a little café in the back of the Matheson courthouse that’s usually packed at breakfast and lunch. Is this because it’s literally the only place to get food inside the courthouse and an hour really isn’t enough time to wander the streets to look for food? Maybe. But it’s also really good. The prices are about on par with any in-​house cafeteria and definitely cheaper than most food trucks. Their regular food is fine, especially their turkey dip sandwich, which is possibly the most simple and delicious thing ever: layers and layers of turkey on warm, roasted and buttered baguette-​like bread, melted Swiss cheese and a thick, tangy dipping sauce… where was I? I zoned out thinking about it. Anyway, I digress. Where they really excel are the daily specials and their cookies. If you’re lucky, you’ll get there at exactly the right time and they’ll be warm out of the oven. $ 1.25 in exchange for a better afternoon? Yes, please. Word to the wise: avoid the muffins because they’re boring and salads. Not worth it, but their hot things… delicious.
Oh. And they have online and phone ordering. It’s pretty hit and miss as to whether your food will be ready when you get there during the lunch rush, but it helps me feel better about life.

This café is located inside the Matheson Courthouse — in the back. I had no idea this place even existed until I had business at the court that was delayed and needed to find a place to pass the time.
The ambiance of the place is cafeteria style but they may have outdoor seating (it was raining on the day I visited so I did not explore). It is located outside of the secure area of the courthouse so if you already went through security at the front of the courthouse you will need to go back through security at the back of the court when you are finished at the café.
The staff is friendly and has good service. I get the impression that the staff knows a lot of the regulars — who I am sure are lawyers, judges, and other court staffers.
I was there for breakfast and had the breakfast buritio– which was pretty good and good portion size. I posted some pics of their menu.
I would be interested to hear what others have tried and what they have to say (and post pics)… but for me, I thought it was a good place for breakfast/​lunch if you happen to be at the courthouse.