I really love all the options they have here. Solid and delicious as can be!! I went late this day for a bowl so they ran out of some sides (which is great bc THATs how I know it's fresh here). Still a great lunch though! read more

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The food is great!! But the manager BRIAN is rude and very short with everyone. I'm standing inline and there's a cashier, that's running between the coffee shop part, and ringing in all the people waiting in line. Literally working 2 registers and making coffee. While I was waiting, cause it was lunch so it was obviously busy, the manger BRIAN, got frustrated that, that person, 'wasn't working fast enough'. Maybe don't berate your staff when it's the lunch rush. The staff rocked! Management, not so much. read more

Tray has food at prices that are hard to beat. Every meal has variety. From breakfast to lunch, the value is exceptional for Downtown Los Angeles. read more

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Love that the good is cooked to order. The bacon breakfast burrito with potatoes is sooooo good!

I noticed the meat options were placed together, especially the pork products. There was definitely cross-contamination, as the same tongs and scoops were being used to prepare and serve different foods. For people with allergies or dietary restrictions, this is a serious concern, especially with the vegan options placed right next to the meat trays. read more

Tray is a great place for a quick bite during your day. It's hidden pretty well and not really visible from the street. Although it's located inside the bottom floor of the Cal Trans building in Downtown LA, it is open to the public. It's like a college cafeteria setting, where you could pick up a tray, grab your food items and/or order off the hot grill. But since the pandemic started, only the hot grill is open and is only take out at the moment. The staff is really friendly and their service quick. As majority if their customers are working in downtown and don't have that much time for lunch. They are always trying out new food items on their menu. Like their new Birria ramen (see photos). Also, they have daily specials like; Wednesday is "Nashville Hot Chicken" and Friday is "Baja fish tacos" yum!! Everything is made to order and you can customize your order any which way. read more

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I thought the tray was someone's name, but it's actually a cafeteria and the tray is probably for the cafeteria tray. Tray DTLA is in the CalTrans building and open to the public. I enjoyed the breakfast burrito a lot of reviewers talked about. It would be easy for me to go and grab food since I live in Little Tokyo. read more

I ordered a patty melt and fries, and literally was given strips of meat on bread. Where's the patty? Waste of $12.25. This was done intentionally and I feel disrespected. I will never spend money here again. read more

Tray DTLA - Cafeteria Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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BREAKFAST BURRITO - 11/10 Tray is a hidden gem tucked away inside the CalTrans building with a simple menu at the perfect price point. Whether you're a blue or white collar worker, you can't argue with simple food done well. If you can, grab a breakfast burrito (only served during breakfast hour) and douse it with their hot sauce. Word of caution though, their hot sauce is not for the faint of heart. I like to think that I have a high tolerance for spice but boy does that hot sauce burn so good. read more

Prices are very reasonable and food is tasty. Everyone is nice. My coworkers order quite often when they don't bring lunch and everyone is usually happy with their food selections. read more

I decided to try this place out because it's a 0.0002 second elevator ride down. And I'm glad I did because the breakfast burritos they make are so so good! I come to the office once a week and as honest as can be, looking forward to eating this burrito makes the drive worth it. I always order with bacon, and ask for a mix of hash browns and diced up potatoes. Make sure to ask for spicy mayo! So so good, I think I've found my new favorite breakfast burrito, wish I can have it more than once a week! read more

Tray DTLA - Cafeteria Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Located in the Caltrans building, this place is open to the public. They have the usual snacks, sodas, juices, convenience type goods. They have a grill with daily specials and ready made salads. We came after 1 so probably avoided the lunch rush. We tried the cheeseburger and chili cheese fries. The patty tasted fresh and homemade. The large portion fries was cooked well with lots of chili and cheese. It was defiantly worth the under $20 we paid for both. There is no soda fountain but only canned or bottled drinks. Service was quick and the dining area was clean and had enough seating. This is a nice place to find in DTLA especially with all the closures of eateries in the underground LA Mall. Also it would probably be a. Nice place to cool off away from concrete jungle that is DTLA. If you are ever near city hall or surrounding buildings this is a nice cafeteria type cafe. read more

I'm lucky enough to work in the CalTrans building so I know this place well. Starting with the service, everyone I've encountered have been friendly, attentive & excellent at their jobs. Although you're in a very large government building the eating area has plenty of seating, indoors and out. The Wednesday buttermilk fried chicken is delicious, spicy or mild. Sides are collard greens (they will make you like your vegetables) & macaroni & cheese. This is one of my favorite Mac & cheese, even including some great homemade ones. Even their scrambled eggs are delicious & breakfast meats are cooked to perfection. Can you tell I'm a regular? read more

I get breakfast here sometimes in the morning. The early crew really hustles, making food, tuning people up and just being great friendly people. Food is consistently solid as well read more

All of the staff are incredibly nice, and for a cafeteria in the middle of downtown, the food is very reasonably priced.

The food is fresh and good. The coffee is great. The staff are efficient and friendly. It is a cafeteria but also the dining area is very pleasant. read more

Love love LOVE coming here for lunch! I work in the area and my coworker kept telling me about this place. Best in the area to my opinion! Good food, super nice chefs, and reasonably priced compared to what you'd normally see in DTLA. Their breakfast burritos are out of this world by the way! read more

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Yummy food. Very reasonable prices. Large quantity. Could a government employee ask for more? Breakfast: I've had the breakfast burrito and omelette. Both delicious. I love their salsas!!! Sooooo good and actually spicy w a kick. Lunch is great! I've had their sandwiches, salads,burgers, and "lunch specials"/entrees. Brian, the owner, cooks daily specials and they're delicious! The hot chicken on Wednesday's is my favorite... w the collared greens, and Mac and cheese. Call me crazy, but this place has my favorite Mac and cheese! Ugh so good!! I've had the Greek food several times as well--the rice and roasted tomato are yummy but that hummus is bomb. The entrees change by the day and they've all been consistently good (and w leftover for me)! read more

Their chicken is halal and anytime they are serving any chicken dishes, they will put up their halal sign! I move that they provide Caltrans employees with such easy access, especially those that only eat halal! Food is so good and I love their Korean Honey Butter Chicken dish! read more

It's been 1 year since my last review. The only thing I can say is that the food and service has gotten even better!! I never thought that could be possible. OUTSTANDING food & service that doesn't break the bank. This hidden gem is a must try spot if you are ever in DTLA. read more

Extremely affordable food with enough variety to make each visit an opportunity to try something new. Recently tried their tomato basil soup and quinoa salad. It was filling and significantly cheaper than Trimana or other lunch places. read more

Tray DTLA - Daily special - Korean Honey BBQ Chicken over rice, with mixed veggies. - Cafeteria Near Me - Los Angeles, California

This week started out to be terrible because I was summoned for Jury Duty. This was my first time ever doing Jury Duty so my only experience with it was what I heard from other people. I have never heard anyone speak positive things about Jury Duty. Not only was I summoned but I was actually chosen to be a Juror as well which meant I was stuck there until the whole case was over. Fortunately, there has been one constant delight to this tough week. I was lucky enough to find this restaurant, Tray DTLA, and it TOTALLY saved my week. The food is BEYOND delicious! It was actually so delicious that I went everyday this week. Every time the Judge gave us a lunch break my mind went straight to Tray DTLA. I didn't even consider another place. I had 4 lunches there back to back and they were all amazing. I was very happy to see the consistency in the help and the quality of food everyday. I was helped by a gentleman named Eray who was so kind and helpful. I ended up eating the special of the day everyday because that's what was recommended to me. Eray was so patient and informative about the specials and made me feel comfortable with my choice of food (I'm an extremely picky eater). And I believe the owner and head chef is a gentleman named Brian. He took time out of his busy schedule to come meet us at the eating area to check on us and see how our meal was going. I haven't seen that kind of customer service in a very long time. The amount of food that they give you for VERY reasonable prices is extremely generous. I have yet to find a negative about this place. Maybe if I had to name one it would be that there isn't one closer to my house in west la. But still, I would drive out here again for the loving and friendly staff and the delicious food every single day. I still have to go back to court on Monday so I'll definitely be able to go to tray DTLA once again. Thank you guys for your amazing food and service :) read more

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Quick and easy food at its finest. Located right at the feet of the massive and totally extra Caltrans/LADOT building, tray serves tasty american/Mexican food in a cafeteria style with not-so-cafeteria-like elegant decor. I came here for lunch today because of convenience (I just work upstairs haha) and all of the workers had a great attitude and made me feel very welcome. The chefs prepare the food carefully but also very efficiently and my total wait time from start to finish was under 8 minutes! You definitely won't overstay your lunch break here :) I ordered the veggie burger since I decided to take a break from meat and it seemed like a very affordable option ($5) and it was far better than I had expected! All of the ingredients tasted fresh and there was a certain vibrance to the burger! Kinda like in n out haha. The patty was also far better than I had expected and they did a great job on the grill - juicy, tender and crispy! The burger isn't huge but for $5 in this part of LA Id say that it's definitely worth a visit. Check it out if your nearby! read more

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The best chicken tenders! Good portion. Great customer service. Favorite place for a quick lunch. read more

Tray DTLA - Chicken tenders - Cafeteria Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Great food !! You can't beat the price. Owner is super chill as well as staff. There is such a chill vibe in this place

I love this place for lunch or even a simple breakfast. The owner is a cool , chill guy. I had their special with the chicken, Mac and cheese. I didn't get the greens because they come with pork. I didn't like the chicken because it was like fried chicken it was more like popcorn chicken wasn't really my thing. But the Mac and cheese was bomb it tasted like how my people cook it(African Americans) and come to found out the owner cooks the food- a Korean guy! Also had a breakfast sandwich where you can make it your way. It was just an egg, cheese, sausage sandwich and I added tomato and aioli and it was so good! I wish I worked in downtown la every week so I can could by here on my lunch breaks. read more

Best breakfast burrito I've had (my arteries don't like Lucky Boy). A lot of fast to-go options like salads and cold sandwiches. But seriously, get the breakfast burrito. Brian the chef/owner is super friendly too. There are some metered and free 2 hr parking on Los Angeles St between 2nd and 3rd. read more

Total hidden gem , it's in the courtyard, of the caltrans building. There's indoor and outdoor seating, food is not what you expect from a govt building. Nashville hot chicken on Wednesdays !!! .. all the food is legit and prices are very reasonable, check it out if you are in little Tokyo area for lunch!! read more

Tray DTLA - Nice space indoor and outdoor seating - Cafeteria Near Me - Los Angeles, California

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Cafeterias are a hit or miss. We tolerate the "miss" out of convenience looking strictly for fuel. They're run by business people trying to make food. Hence, the flavors....or lack thereof. What makes Tray DTLA a hit is the owner. He's an actual chef who knows and loves food. This isn't just a byproduct of the business he has, this is an outlet for his passion. The love translates well. AND the prices are great! Even better with being located in DTLA! read more

Tray DTLA - This place closes at 2 pm but the night view is amazing! - Cafeteria Near Me - Los Angeles, California

What a hidden treasure in LA! I work downtown and find it a bit difficult to look for foods during lunch with varieties at walking distance (or maybe because I'm just lazy). Tray DTLA is all I think about now! They've got daily specials (from fried chicken to Mediterranean inspired food) which is about $9. I love their chili cheese fries - $4.50 for a small box but it's PACKED with delicious fresh fries... definitely worth it! Quesadillas are $7 more or less. They've also got burgers, salads, etc. and side snacks :) Add fries and a drink for $2.50! They've also got breakfast!! I've never tried them though but they've also got a wide selection! As you can tell, I'm pretty excited about the foods + their prices :) it is located in the department of transportation building. read more

Grab your tray! That's the first thing, then pass a wall with a Big selection of bottled and canned drinks (water, coconut water, every kind of Monster, teas, sodas etc). There's an area with desserts: parfait, jello (which I heard was very good), and the very rare and delicious fresh banana pudding (that I will fight you for). Next are the salads, yummy Cobb salad, vegan options( bean salad looks good), and pesto pasta salad with olives is certified...delicious. Across from that you have the hot lunch area, which is open towards regular lunch hours, but I've sometimes been able to get a proper lunch around 1030. Wrap around to the grill area and get something like the breakfast plate: delicious and filling with your choice of eggs, bacon/sausage, hash browns, and pancakes. There's also fountain drinks, hot tea, hot coffee, baked goods... When dining, you might feel some tremors (mini earthquakes) this is normal... the area is always clean with plenty of room to sit. Overall, a great breakfast/brunch/lunch spot. read more

I love Tray, a hidden gem in DTLA! Tucked away in the Caltrans court yard, you'll find this restaurant that serves yummy in your tummy type of food They have daily specials each day and my favorite is Wednesdays because it's fried chicken! You'll receive juicy chicken with two sides, Mac and cheese and collard greens Customer service is fast, friendly, and hospitable overall which receives major brownie points because the lunch rush can get crazy but Brian and his crew makes you feel at home read more

This is the best cafeteria you will find- it's like eating at a classic diner with all the options being very good. They have a daily special that is always quality- the fried chicken, mac and cheese, and collared greens is the most popular day (Wed), but the Pulled Pork, beans, and plantains are terrific (Tues?), as is the Mediterranean special with hummus (Thurs). And don't sleep on the soups or the side salads that are always tasty. Highly recommend! read more

Service is very friendly and fast! I really think tray gives you such a good bang for your buck. The amount of food they give you for how much they charge is so uncommon in LA; very generous. The ambiance at tray is so aesthetically pleasing too; the spacious location and the building in which it's in-- all unique. Parking is not as easy but it's located near so many businesses and a perfect stop for those on a lunchtime crunch. Opened Monday to Friday from 630a to 2p. I love breakfast burritos and I think theirs are not only huge (score) but oh, so tasty! Their Nashville hot chicken is delicious and my favorite. Go and check it out, now!!! * drool * read more

This is probably my favorite cafe in DTLA. They serve daily special menu and the price is very reasonable ($7-9/meal). The portion is really big. 2 people can share one plate. One of my favorite is Fried Chicken and balsamic Salad, the spicy chicken is the best fried chicken in Los Angeles. read more

Little hidden gem nestled on the street level of the Cal Trans building. Just follow your nose ..... it'll lead you to the delicious smells of today's special. I had the Mediterranean chicken plate and it was a great choice. First and foremost, you get GENEROUS portions. The chicken was soooo moist and tasty. Hummus was just a bit watery, however the taste and creaminess still managed to shine through. That basmati rice though OMG!!! IT DEMANDED ALL MY ATTENTION!!! And I obliged!! I could have had a plate of all rice and hummus and called it a day! The staff is EXTREMELY friendly and they all seem to enjoy working there! read more

Great lunch spot if you're in the downtown area near LAPD Headquarters or LA Times. They have daily lunch specials including Nashville hot chicken on Wednesdays! Get a tasty lunch and enjoy taking some photos in the futuristic design of the California DOT courtyard space. read more

They're open! Glad I can get my breakfast burritos again. Safe and clean place for when you're hungry and in a rush.

So this place has good food but what gets you is the sauce! They charged you for ranch and bbq sauce. Like what? They charged me $1. I guess one small container of ranch will cost you $0.50 each. Such a rip off! read more

Who knew you could eat at Cal Trans even though you don't work there? My friend and I stopped by to grab some food and saw that the staff had masks and gloves on. They had plexiglass up to separate the staff from the customers. They are following social distancing guidelines. The staff were all welcoming and friendly to me and my friend. This place has quick service. The food is tasty and very fairly priced for the area. You can't dine in but it would be cute if it was open for dine in. read more