8 Healthy DC Lunches That Aren’t Sweetgreen
Within the beltway, the lunchtime crowd has high standards for everything and limited time between congressional hearings or client meetings to grab a bite, let alone check their personal phones. However, lunch is necessary, because happy hour isn’t for another 5 hours.
Here are 8 quick-grab spots that will keep you full and focused for the rest of the workday:
Buredo – DC & Bethesda
This burrito take on sushi will have your mouth watering and your waistline praising you. It’s basically your favorite rolls in a more convenient packaging and overstuffed with all-natural ingredients like fresh fish, seafood and loads of veggies.
Try: Gogo burrito (spicy tuna tartare, avocado, cucumber, cilantro, jicama, coconut flakes, tempura crunch, coconut crema)
Fruitive – City Center
Liquid meals pack a punch of flavor at this District juicery. Everything on the lengthy menu is organic, plant-based and made from scratch. And for those needing more lunchtime sustenance, their solid food options – like the Tuscan Kale Grilled Wrap – will have you leaping out of your desk at 12:00 PM on the dot!
Try: PB No J Superberry Bowl
Chaia – Georgetown
Meatless Mondays are every day at this airy Georgetown restaurant. With a tagline of “farm to taco,” it comes as no surprise that this eatery boasts humble beginnings as a former farmer’s market stand. Gourmet tacos, enveloped in delicious housemade tortillas, are filled with locally sources veggies and flavorful toppings.
Try: Roasted Beet taco (ricotta salata, cilantro-lime yogurt, fresh jalapeño)
Beefsteak – DC & Bethesda
The fast-casual brainchild of DC fav – José Andrés – Beefsteak puts the emphasis on the veggies. With “Vegetables, Unleashed.” as the motto, there’s a ton of healthy offerings to ward off any afternoon hunger pains. While most options are either vegan or vegetarian, meat eaters will find options as well to add on top.
Try: Frida Kale (Rice, Kale, Sweet Potato, Black Bean, Spicy Tomato, and Topped with Cherry Tomato, Scallions, Corn Nuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Cranberries, Lemon Honey Dressing)
Cava – DMV
This Mediterranean-style healthy chain has taken over the DMV in recent years, so there’s probably a location down the street from your office. With locally-sourced ingredients – listed out on a chalkboard when you walk in – you can create a heaping bowl with grains, dips, proteins and vegetables. For those super conscious about calories, Cava’s website offers a nutrition calculator.
Try: Greens + Grains bowl with Crazy Feta dip
SouperGirl – Dupont and Takoma
A hot bowl of soup will chase away these winter blues immediately. Their seasonal soups – along with sandwiches, salads and hummus – tap into the regional farming network; the individual farmers are even featured on its website. If you’re more into the brown bag lunch option, SouperGirl is sold in a variety of grocery stores in town.
Try: Winter Root Vegetable Chili
Poke Papa – H Street
This poke spot made it onto ZAGAT’s top list and for good reason. Made with fresh sushi-grade fish, rice and veggies, these Hawaiian-inspired bowls are open to a 6-step customization process or for those in a hurry, choose from 7 signature bowls. Self-ordering tablets and online ordering mean even shorter wait times during the lunchtime rush.
Try: Onolicious Bowl (Ahi tuna marinated with seaweed, lotus root, ginger, sesame, scallion, onion)
HipCityVeg – Penn Quarter
This entirely vegan menu is made with fresh, often local and organic ingredients and promotes sustainability and recycling. The showstoppers at HipCityVeg are the meatless sandwiches and burgers – served with sweet potato fries! Plus, there’s a dessert menu for when you need it all.
Try: Crispy HipCity Ranch Chick’n Sandwich (Battered chick’n, lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle, peppercorn ranch)
