So, you got the notice in the mail: time for jury duty. Most people try to think of a way to get out of performing their civic duty, but I actually looked forward to it. Not only was it a chance to say thank-you for allowing my vote to count this past election, but I'd also get a chance to sample some great downtown lunch spots I usually don't have the opportunity to visit. My recommendation? Take advantage of that court-mandated lunch hour and try some of these downtown eateries surrounding the courthouse - that is, if you can make it past the wafting smell of street meat. If you have other downtown lunch haunts that are perfect for the members of the jury, let us know at rochestercitynewspaper.com.

Byblos Cafe (9 E Main St, 262-2890, Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m.) There is nothing like a two-level eatery with a great view of Main Street, and good food to boot. You don't go to Byblos for the presentation, or for above-average service (lots of order confusion on the day I visited). You go for the foil-wrapped pitas. I started with dolmades, firm mounds of rice enclosed grape leaves lying atop a crisp salad, liberally sprinkled with feta cheese. The star of this particular lunch show was the beef shwarma. The first bite exceeded expectations with a warm burst of meat juices and tahini, all of it nestled in a toasted pita. Further bites found that some of the beef was not quite as tender as that first bite, but all still equally delicious.

Di Pisa Subs (196 Court St, 232-6220, dipisa.com, Mon-Thu 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Fri 8 a.m.-3 p.m.) is a small but brightly lit sub shop, which is surprising considering its proximity to a parking garage. I ordered a Buffalo-style chicken sub, which was quite a healthy small. The bread lived up to the "crunchy on the outside, chewy on the inside" claim, appropriately soaking up the sauce. The sauce itself was a bit of a disappointment, however; my preference is for something much hotter. The staff was distracted over a take-out order, which slowed the service, and the shop was out of cannolis (they are delivered weekly from an outside vendor and are rarely around come Friday).

He's (18 Exchange Blvd, 325-3880, Mon-Thu 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri-Sat 10:30 a.m.-10:30 p.m.) is a tiny stand-alone building that serves take-out only, and they'll have you in and out in a jiffy thanks to the food already being prepared. That really isn't meant as a negative; the food is still fresh, due to the volume of customers that swarm this place. He's has a great express lunch box special for $5 during the week, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. I chose lo mein that was buried under a heaping mound of pepper chicken. The pepper was prevalent, adding a terrific spice to the dish, the mushrooms firm but tender, and the chicken moist. I found the lo mein to be slightly greasy, but overall it didn't significantly detract from the dish. Great stop, great price, and very filling.

Sweet Chicks Pastry Shoppe (17 E Main St, 454-1050, sweetchickspastry.com, Mon-Fri 7 a.m.-5 p.m.) may not be the first place you'd think to try for lunch. But this festive, colorful bakery came recommended, so I decided to give it a shot. There isn't a large selection of food available, and I guarantee you will be tempted by the dessert cases, but it is well worth the walk. I ordered the chicken salad sandwich, featuring chucks of chicken with a very subtle grape and walnut undertones, packed between some of the most deliciously soft and thick rye bread I have tasted. Also good was the slightly crumbly on the outside, yet dense in the middle peanut butter cookie.

Yumbo's (39 W. Main St, 454-2666, yumbofood.com, Mon-Fri 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.) recently moved from Fitzhugh Street, making this Southern-style grill a lot easier to get to on the hour break. Tucked under the gorgeous Monroe County Office Building lobby, this small shop is all about the food. You can't miss the bright purple sign, or the unmistakably Southern smell that will guide you downstairs. You can play it safe and have a sub or salad, or dare to be messy and have them whip up a sandwich made with seasoned, slow-roasted meats. After deliberating over the large menu, I was most intrigued by the Cherokee, a roasted pulled pork sandwich with homemade spicy pineapple jezebel sauce. The moist pork and surprising pineapple taste took me south of the Mason-Dixon Line with its subtle sweetness and thick bread. Also tried was the Carolina, a beautiful combination of hot & cold, with sweet barbecue and tangy coleslaw. Of the side dishes we tried the potato salad, which was old-fashioned goodness; the macaroni salad, which surprised with a strong olive taste; and the tomatoes and cucumbers in a vinaigrette, which can never go wrong. What was most notable was the strong showing of Southern hospitality: friendly greetings, food delivered with sass and a smile, and even an offer to clear our plates. This topped service at some sit-down establishments.

Looking for more restaurants? Check City's online Restaurant Guide at rochestercitynewspaper.com/restaurants/guide/.