Mendocino Farms Introduce
For Houstonians looking for a meal that's both satisfying and made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, Mendocino Farms is a name that stands out. This sandwich and salad shop, located in the heart of downtown Houston, offers a culinary experience that goes beyond the ordinary. It's a place where you can find innovative flavor combinations and a menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, from meat lovers to vegans. Mendocino Farms has quickly become a go-to spot for those seeking a quick bite, a healthy lunch, or a full catering spread for their next event. This article will provide an in-depth guide to everything this trendy and casual restaurant has to offer.
In a city with a dynamic food scene like Houston, Mendocino Farms distinguishes itself with its focus on creative, chef-driven sandwiches and salads. It’s not just about filling a craving; it's about providing a thoughtful and flavorful meal. The atmosphere is relaxed and trendy, making it a great place for solo diners or a casual get-together with friends. The commitment to offering healthy, vegetarian, and vegan options means that everyone can find something to enjoy, and the inclusion of a kids' menu makes it a welcoming spot for families as well.
We've gathered all the key public information, including the menu and customer reviews, to give you a comprehensive overview. From the fan-favorite Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada to the seasonal specials, we’ll highlight what makes Mendocino Farms a great choice. We'll also cover the practical details, such as location and service options, to help you plan your visit. Our goal is to provide a factual and engaging resource that helps you discover what makes this Houston restaurant a local standout.
Mendocino Farms is conveniently located at 1200 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002, USA. This address places it in a prime spot in downtown Houston, making it a perfect lunch or dinner destination for those working in the area or visiting the city center. The central location provides easy access from various parts of the city.
The restaurant is highly committed to accessibility for all patrons. It features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, parking lot, restroom, and seating. This level of thoughtfulness ensures that individuals with mobility challenges can visit the restaurant comfortably and with ease. The availability of outdoor seating also provides a great option for enjoying a meal in the fresh air, weather permitting.
The combination of a central, accessible location and a variety of seating options makes Mendocino Farms a convenient and welcoming choice for a diverse crowd of locals and visitors.
Dine-in: The restaurant offers a trendy and casual dining atmosphere for those who want to sit down and enjoy their meal on-site. The seating options include comfortable indoor seating and outdoor seating.
Takeout: For those on the go, the takeout service allows you to pick up your order and enjoy it elsewhere, making it a quick and convenient option for a meal on a busy day.
Delivery: Mendocino Farms offers delivery services, bringing its fresh sandwiches and salads directly to you. This is ideal for a quick office lunch or a night in.
Catering: With its designation as a caterer, Mendocino Farms provides an excellent option for group events, corporate lunches, or parties. They offer a range of menu items designed for larger gatherings.
Wi-Fi: The availability of Wi-Fi makes it a suitable spot for remote work or a quick meeting over lunch.
Creative and Diverse Menu: Mendocino Farms is known for its inventive menu that includes not only a wide array of sandwiches but also unique salads, deli sides, and soups. The offerings range from the "Not So Fried" Chicken sandwich to the Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada, ensuring there's something for every palate.
Healthy, Vegan, and Vegetarian Options: A major highlight is the restaurant's commitment to providing healthy options, including clearly labeled vegan and vegetarian choices. The menu features items like the Vegan Banh Mi and the Vegetarian Pesto Caprese, making it an excellent choice for those with dietary preferences.
Seasonal Specials: The menu frequently features Chef's Specials, like the Summer Heirloom BLT and the Hot Honey Peach & Prosciutto Sandwich. These limited-time offerings showcase the use of fresh, seasonal ingredients and keep the menu exciting.
Exceptional Customer Service: As highlighted in customer reviews, the staff is known for being friendly and knowledgeable. The personal touch of staff members helping customers choose their meal, as seen in the reviews about a young lady named Faith, adds to the positive experience and makes diners feel valued.
Inclusive and Welcoming Atmosphere: The restaurant's atmosphere is described as casual and trendy, and it is explicitly noted as being LGBTQ+ friendly and a transgender safe space. This creates a welcoming environment for all members of the community, making it more than just a place to eat.
Kid-Friendly Amenities: With a dedicated kids' menu and high chairs available, Mendocino Farms is a great spot for families. The menu offers classic options like Grilled Cheddar Cheese and Crispy Chicken Tenders that kids will love.
Address: 1200 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Phone: (713) 595-8086
When considering where to eat in downtown Houston, Mendocino Farms offers a compelling combination of quality, variety, and a positive atmosphere that makes it truly worth choosing. The restaurant's commitment to using fresh ingredients and crafting unique flavor profiles is evident in every bite. A key reason to visit is the food itself, particularly the items that are consistently praised by customers. The Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada, for example, is not only a popular choice but is also described as having a "great mix of flavors" and a refreshing taste that leaves a lasting impression. Similarly, the Sweet Peach and Goat Cheese salad is noted as being "delicious" and "fresh."
The "Not So Fried" Chicken sandwich, which uses "Mendo's krispies" instead of a traditional fried coating, is another fan favorite that showcases the restaurant's innovative approach. For those who enjoy a more classic sandwich, options like the Chimichurri Steak & Bacon and the Prosciutto & Chicken offer rich, savory flavors. For a truly personal experience, the "Build Your Own Sandwich" and "Build Your Own Salad" options are a fantastic way to create a meal that is perfectly tailored to your cravings.
Beyond the food, the service is a significant reason to choose this location. As highlighted in multiple reviews, the staff, such as a young lady named Faith, are not just friendly but also incredibly knowledgeable about the menu. Their willingness to offer personalized recommendations shows a genuine passion for the food and a commitment to customer satisfaction. This level of service enhances the entire dining experience, making you feel welcomed and cared for. The fact that the restaurant is also a safe and inclusive space for all communities is a powerful statement and a great reason to support this local business.
Whether you're looking for a quick, healthy lunch, a delicious vegetarian meal, or a satisfying sandwich, Mendocino Farms delivers on all fronts. Its combination of creative, high-quality food and a truly welcoming environment makes it more than just a place to eat—it’s a place to enjoy a great meal and feel like part of the community.
Mendocino Farms Food & drink
SANDWICHES
- Chimichurri Steak & Bacon $18.90
steak & applewood smoked bacon, marinated red peppers, caramelized onion jam, chimichurri, shredded romaine, herb aioli, on toasted sesame roll (940 cal) can be requested gluten-free by selecting the gf bread option
- Vegan Banh Mi $14.22
baked salt & pepper tofu, pickled daikon & carrots, cucumber, jalapeño, thai basil, cilantro, sweet chili sauce, vegan mayo, on panini-pressed ciabatta (670 cal) vegan Contains gluten in the ingredients and cannot be requested gluten-free
- Vegetarian Pesto Caprese $13.92
fresh mozzarella, marinated red peppers, basil pesto, mixed greens, balsamic glaze drizzle (600 cal) on panini-pressed ciabatta (260 cal) vegetarian, can be requested gluten-free by selecting the gf bread option
- Chicken Pesto Caprese $13.92
"sliced chicken, fresh mozzarella, marinated red peppers, basil pesto, mixed greens, balsamic, on panini-pressed ciabatta can be requested gluten-free by selecting the gf bread option
- "Not So Fried" Chicken $15.90
sliced chicken, Mendo’s krispies, mustard pickle slaw, tomatoes, pickled red onions, herb aioli, on toasted ciabatta with a side of golden BBQ sauce or mustard remoulade (900-1020 cal) contains gluten in the ingredients and cannot be requested gluten-free, though gf bread is available if you have a preference rather than an allergy
- Chicken & Hummus Crunch Wrap $16.74
chicken, hummus, pita chips, Kumato tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeño, pickled red onions, sprouts, romaine, baby spinach, Lebanese garlic sauce, mint labneh, wrapped in an artisanal flour tortilla (1060 cal)
- Prosciutto & Chicken $16.86
sliced chicken, Italian prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, crushed honey roasted almonds, basil pesto, balsamic glaze, tomatoes, on panini-pressed ciabatta (830 cal) can be requested gluten-free by selecting the gf bread option, contains nuts
- Turkey Avo Salsa Verde $14.70
roasted turkey, smashed avocado, smoked gouda, cotija, Mama Lil’s sweet hot peppers, jalapeño salsa aioli, tomatoes, romaine, red onions, on panini-pressed sourdough served with a side of jalapeño salsa verde (880-900 cal) can be requested gluten free by selecting the gf bread option
- Summer Heirloom BLT $18.60
heirloom tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon, habanero honey, arugula, mayo, on toasted sourdough (860 cal)
- Chicken Parm Dip $16.56
shaved, roasted chicken breast, Mendo's krispies, melted mozzarella and Grana Padano cheeses, pomodoro sauce, Italian basil, Calabrian chili aioli Contains gluten in the ingredients and cannot be requested gluten-free
- Hot Honey Peach & Prosciutto Sandwich $16.50
Italian prosciutto, sliced peaches, fresh mozzarella, crushed honey roasted almonds, Calabrian chili aioli, hot citrus honey, arugula, on toasted sesame roll (1000 cal)
- Build Your Own Sandwich $0.00
When you build your own sandwich, the item price includes one cheese, two accents, and three fruits or veggies
- The Happy Hippie $16.50
avocado, cucumber, carrots, Kumato tomatoes, beet caviar, hummus, white cheddar, sprouts, cucumber dill ranch, on toasted honey whole wheat (820 cal) Make it vegan! Skip the cheddar & sub ciabatta
- The Farm Club $15.90
shaved, roasted turkey breast, smashed avocado, applewood smoked bacon, herb aioli, tomatoes, mixed greens, pickled red onions (440 cal) on Mom’s seeded honey whole wheat (320 cal) can be requested gluten-free by selecting the gf bread option
- Peruvian Steak $18.42
"steak tossed in a spicy aji amarillo sauce, oaxacan cheese, tomatoes, red onions, shredded romaine, herb aioli, on toasted potato roll (760 cal) can be requested gluten-free by selecting the gf bread option
1/2 SANDWICH COMBOS
- 1/2 Vegetarian Pesto Caprese $14.76
fresh mozzarella, marinated red peppers, basil pesto, mixed greens, balsamic glaze drizzle (600 cal) on panini-pressed ciabatta (260 cal)
- 1/2 Chicken Pesto Caprese $14.76
shaved, roasted chicken breast, fresh mozzarella, marinated red peppers, basil pesto, mixed greens, balsamic glaze drizzle (600 cal) on panini-pressed ciabatta (260 cal)
- 1/2 "Not So Fried" Chicken $14.76
shaved, roasted chicken breast topped with Mendo’s krispies, herb aioli, mustard pickle slaw, tomatoes, pickled red onions (640 cal) on toasted ciabatta (260 cal) with a side of tangy mustard barbecue sauce (80 cal) or mustard pickle remoulade (120 cal) contains gluten in the ingredients and cannot be requested gluten free, though gf bread is available if you have a preference rather than an allergy
- 1/2 The Farm Club $14.76
shaved, roasted turkey breast, smashed avocado, applewood smoked bacon, herb aioli, tomatoes, mixed greens, pickled red onions (220 cal) on Mom’s seeded honey whole wheat (160 cal) can be requested gluten free by selecting the gf bread option
- 1/2 Vegan Banh Mi $14.76
organic marinated, baked tofu with vegan aioli, sweet chili sauce, housemade pickled daikon & carrots, cucumbers, jalapenos, cilantro (195 cal) on panini-pressed ciabatta (130 cal) vegan
- 1/2 Turkey Avo Salsa Verde $14.76
shaved, roasted turkey breast, smashed avocado, smoked gouda, cotija cheese, mama lil's sweet hot peppers, jalapeño salsa aioli, tomatoes, shredded romaine, red onions (290) on panini-pressed sourdough (130) served with a side of jalapeño salsa verde (20 cal) can be requested gluten free by selecting the gf bread option
COOKIES
- Lemon Cheesecake Cookie $3.90
- Ginger Molasses Cookie $3.90
- Plant-Based Oat Hemp Date Cookie $3.90
- Chocolate Chunk Cookie $3.90
BEVERAGES
- Bottled Water $3.18
- Orange Mango Spindrift $3.90
- Diet Coke $3.30
A crisp, refreshing taste you know and love with zero calories.
- San Pellegrino $3.90
- Lemon Spindrift $3.90
- Coke $3.30
The cold, refreshing, sparkling classic that america loves.
- Sprite $3.30
The cold, refreshing flavors of lemon and lime, perfectly blended.
- Raspberry Lime Spindrift $3.90
UTENSILS
- No, Thanks! I Have My Own Utensils! $0.00
- Yes, Please Add Utensils! $0.00
CHEF'S SPECIALS
- Sweet Peach & Goat Cheese Salad $17.70
chicken, goat cheese, sweet peaches, honey roasted almonds, pickled red onions, shaved fennel, fresh mint, romaine, kale, mixed greens, farmhouse vinaigrette, hot citrus honey (750 cal)
- Summer Heirloom BLT $18.60
heirloom tomatoes, applewood smoked bacon, habanero honey, arugula, mayo, on toasted sourdough (860 cal)
- Hot Honey Peach & Prosciutto Sandwich $16.50
Italian prosciutto, sliced peaches, fresh mozzarella, crushed honey roasted almonds, Calabrian chili aioli, hot citrus honey, arugula, on toasted sesame roll (1000 cal)
- Watermelon Poke Salad $15.54
poke-style marinated watermelon, edamame, avocado, pickled daikon & carrots, cucumber, scallion, cilantro, napa cabbage, romaine, kale, bean sprouts, spinach, sriracha mayo, crispy rice, ginger ponzu dressing (600 cal) ADD marinated, baked tofu
DELI SIDES & SOUPS
- Spicy Curried Couscous $6.60
roasted cauliflower & carrots with Mendo's signature spice mix vegan
- Oaxacan Potato Salad $6.60
creamy potato salad with roasted corn, cotija cheese, cilantro, scallions, and a hint of jalapeño
- Corn & Hatch Chile Soup $6.90
with crema, tortilla strips, and cilantro
- Basil Pesto Shells $6.60
pasta shells, basil pesto, sun dried tomatoes, feta cheese, parmesan, arugula vegetarian
- Kale & Apple Rainbow Salad $6.60
kale, granny smith apples, rainbow carrots, candied pecans, dried cranberries, toasted coconut, Thai basil vinaigrette vegetarian, gluten-free, contains nuts
- Lemon Chicken & Farro Soup $6.90
a hearty chicken soup with whole-grain farro, carrot, celery, onion, baby spinach, and lemon (150cal / 290cal)
SALADS
- Sweet Peach & Goat Cheese Salad $17.70
chicken, goat cheese, sweet peaches, honey roasted almonds, pickled red onions, shaved fennel, fresh mint, romaine, kale, mixed greens, farmhouse vinaigrette, hot citrus honey (750 cal)
- Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada $15.66
avocado, roasted corn, black beans, jicama, grape tomatoes, red onions, quinoa & millet, superfood krunchies, kale, romaine, cilantro, cotija, chipotle vinaigrette
- Build Your Own Salad $0.00
When you build your own salad, the item price includes one cheese, two accents, and three fruits or veggies.
- The Modern Caesar $14.10
kale, romaine, superfood krunchies, parmesan, red onion, grape tomatoes, avocado, lemon, Caesar dressing
- Watermelon Poke Salad $15.54
poke-style marinated watermelon, edamame, avocado, pickled daikon & carrots, cucumber, scallion, cilantro, napa cabbage, romaine, kale, bean sprouts, spinach, sriracha mayo, crispy rice, ginger ponzu dressing (600 cal) ADD marinated, baked tofu
- Baja Green Goddess $17.10
impossible chorizo OR chicken adobado, roasted corn, black beans, jicama, avocado, grape tomatoes, red onions, Monterey jack, taco crunch, romaine, arugula, cabbage, cilantro, Baja goddess dressing (880 cal) Vegetarian when you choose chorizo
- Thai Mango Salad $18.54
sliced chicken, mango, ramen noodles, pickled daikon & carrots, honey roasted almonds, napa cabbage, kale, romaine, baby spinach, carrots, bean sprouts, basil, mint, cilantro, lime, crispy shallots, Thai almond dressing
- Mama Chen's Chinese Chicken Salad $16.50
sliced chicken, napa cabbage, kale, romaine, baby spinach, carrots, bean sprouts, scallions, cilantro, toasted cashews, crispy wontons, miso mustard sesame dressing
- "Not So Fried" Chicken Sandwich - Salad Style! $16.20
Our chef's special "salad style" recipe for the "not so fried" chicken sandwich - shaved, roasted chicken breast, mustard pickle slaw, grape tomatoes, pickled red onions, chopped romaine, mixed greens, and mendo’s krispies, (470 cal) with mustard shallot dressing and a barbeque sauce drizzle (280 cal)
CHIPS
- BBQ Chips $3.78
- Dill Pickle Chips $3.78
- Mama Zuma's Habanero Chips $3.78
- Joe's Classic Chips $3.78
KID'S MENU
- Pepperoni Pizza Melt $7.68
pepperoni, melted mozzarella, and pizza sauce on brioche
- Crispy Chicken Tenders $9.60
with a side of ketchup or vegan ranch (320 cal)
- Grilled Cheddar Cheese Sandwich $9.00
(610 cal) vegetarian
- Peanut Butter & Strawberry Jelly $9.00
creamy, natural peanut butter & strawberry jam (520 cal) vegetarian, contains nuts
- Grilled Turkey & Cheddar Sandwich $9.00
(540 cal)
Mendocino Farms Details
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
- Wi-Fi
- Wi-Fi
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Trendy
Crowd
- LGBTQ+ friendly
- Locals
- Transgender safespace
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Mendocino Farms Photos










Mendocino Farms Location
Mendocino Farms
1200 Smith St, Houston, TX 77002, USA
Mendocino Farms Reviews
saladatmospherelunchchicken pesto sandwichthe menusuperfoodcurried couscouschicken sandwichhealthytraining
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1I had a fantastic experience at this place! The food was really great, and the service was equally impressive. A young lady named Faith helped me decide on my meal, and I’m so glad I listened to her suggestion for the Sweet Peach and Goat Cheese salad—it was delicious! I loved the flavors and how fresh everything tasted. I’m definitely planning to come back and try her favorite dish, the Peruvian steak. If it’s as good as my salad, I know I won’t be disappointed. Highly recommend checking this spot out!
July 16 · Aaron LinI recently visited this spot for the first time, and I was fortunate to be helped by a young lady named Faith. She was super friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. I was torn between trying the Avocado & Quinoa Superfood Ensalada and the Watermelon “Poke” Salad. Faith recommended the Avocado & Quinoa, saying it was the #1 item on the menu. She also mentioned that the Watermelon Poke was really good and only available for a limited time, so I decided I'd have to come back for that.The Avocado & Quinoa salad was delicious! It had a great mix of flavors and made for a refreshing meal. I’ve been thinking about that salad since I left. I’m already looking forward to my next visit to try the Watermelon Poke Salad that Faith suggested. Overall, a great experience, and I appreciate the helpful service!
July 28 · Butterfly SHonestly one of my favorite places and locations to eat. The service is always top tier, the quality never misses whether in store or to-go and the atmosphere is always just what I need when I’m trying to grab a quick bite on break. The manager, Tasha, and her team are always looking for ways to help and make sure you’re satisfied. They even remember my order, the “Not so Fried” chicken sandwich 🥹 I will definitely continue to come as long as they’re here!
June 10 · Devyn WilliamsI recently tried this place for the first time, and I have to say, it was amazing! Even though it was really busy when I arrived, the wait wasn't too bad—only about 10 minutes. The atmosphere was lively, and the staff were friendly, which made the experience enjoyable right from the start. I loved the food; everything was delicious and definitely worth the stop. I can’t wait to go back and try more of the specialty items from the menu!
May 14 · James HoustonService was amazing! I ordered the spiced curried couscous (it’s served cold) and the chicken pesto sandwich. It was my first time and it was really good! Feels fresher than Panera but still standard soup and sandwich place. Really loved the outdoor seating area!
March 21 · Rachel Kendrick
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