"The salads at Blue Barn are topped with so much grated cheese that speaking too loud around one might cause an avalanche. But it would be an avalanche on top of a salad, so there is some health benefit. Aside from that, they serve consistently awesome sandwiches that won’t make you feel conflicted for eating them in gym clothes. This place gets a little pricey, especially if you add proteins to your salad, but one of these and a to-go box will give you enough to eat for two meals." - taylor abrams, will kamensky
"Blue Barn is like Panera, except for people with working tasting buds (and slightly larger wallets). The build-your-own salad situation is unparalleled and they don’t skimp on the avocado, but if you’re looking for something a little heartier (read: not at all good for you), you can’t go wrong with the truffle sandwich and a side of fries." - nic strain 2
"Blue Barn is a classic place to stop pre- or post-hike. Their salads are big enough to help you tackle Marin Headlands, but if you want something with a little more weight to it, go with the Truffle or Rooster sandwiches. And throw in a churro rice krispy treat in case you start to feel a little faint and need something to jumpstart your blood sugar." - nic strain 2
"Your Order: Spicy Tuna (but, really, choose your own adventure) This counter-service spot in Russian Hill feels like a deli in the middle of Wine Country. It’s the answer if lunch is quickly approaching and you think, “I really need a great salad and I really want a bunch of options.” Have a Choose Your Own Adventure-style salad and add on a bunch of extras, or go with a set combo from the menu, like the standout spicy tuna tartare with crispy soba, mangos, edamame, and miso-ginger vinaigrette. The bowls are all sizable and they don’t skimp on the ingredients—which certainly helps to justify the $20-ish per salad you’ll end up spending. " - julia chen 1, lani conway, ricky rodriguez
"This counter-service spot in Russian Hill feels like a deli in the middle of Wine Country. It’s the answer when lunch is quickly approaching and you think, “I need a great salad and I really want a bunch of options.” Have a Choose Your Own Adventure-style salad and add on a bunch of extras, or go with a set combo from the menu, like the standout spicy tuna tartare with crispy soba, mangos, edamame, and miso-ginger vinaigrette. The other half of the menu is made up of sandwiches, like a passable buffalo chicken that’s a bit too light on the buffalo sauce." - Lani Conway