8 Best Places to Grab a Healthy Lunch
Whether on-the-go or enjoying a long lunch with a friend, these are the best nutritious places to grab a bite to eat without skimping on the flavors.
Words by Sam Lauron Photo of Nancy’s Sky Garden by Shelby Bella
Between all the tacos, happy hours, and barbecue in which Austinites indulge, it’s important to fit in a healthy meal every once in awhile. If you’re looking for a nutritious workday lunch, these Eastside restaurants are serving up all of the fruits, veggies, and healthy proteins needed for a healthy mid-day meal.
Bento Picnic
Colorful, nourishing ingredients are the foundation for the signature bento bowls found at Bento Picnic. Inspired by Japanese homestyle cooking, the menu here focuses on balancing seasonal vegetables with responsibly-sourced proteins and can even be customized to different dietary needs. For those on the go, Bento Picnic also operates a kiosk inside of Austin Bouldering Project which makes it easy to grab a quick meal on your way into work. {Read more here}
2600 E. Cesar Chavez St. | bentopicnic.com
Flyrite Chicken
The fast casual eatery may be known for its “feel good fast food” offerings, namely the thoughtfully crafted chicken sandwiches, but Flyrite’s menu also features nutritious salads and wraps. For a flavorful mid-day treat, consider getting the veggie wrap which includes tempura fried cauliflower, lettuce, kale slaw, and a fresh herb mix all rolled into a rice paper wrap.
2129 E. 7th St. | flyritechicken.com
Blenders and Bowls
Açaí bowls may be the staple menu item at Blenders and Bowls, but their lunch special can’t be beat. For just $10, patrons can get toast and a small smoothie, a perfect combination of fresh fruits and hearty carbs to stay satisfied for the rest of the workday. The smoothie menu offers a variety of fruit blends while the toast menu includes their signature avocado toast as well as sweeter options like peanut butter and jam.
1625 E. 6th St. | blendersandbowls.com
Lucky Lime
Oftentimes planning what to eat for lunch is the hardest part, especially for a nutritious meal. That’s where Lucky Lime steps in. The meal delivery service simplifies meal planning by delivering premade meals for the entire week to the home or office. Dishes include a sweet potato breakfast bowl, wild salmon poké salad, and an arugula Greek salad, to name a few. For an on the go meal, Lucky Lime can also be found at all three locations of Thom’s Market.
eatluckylime.com
Rebel Cheese
In addition to its selections of vegan cheeses, Mueller’s new vegan cheese shop offers a menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches that make for the perfect lunch. Though the menu items are all vegan, even non-vegans can appreciate the classic combinations like the Reuben, a caprese, and even a bacon and brie sandwich.
2200 Aldrich St. | rebelcheese.com
Curcuma
Most known for their signature, turmeric-based Golden Mylk drink, the food truck is also a good spot to grab an energizing midday meal. Among Curcuma’s many Ayurveda-inspired offerings, the Kitchari bowl is a solid choice for a heart, yet nutritious, lunch. The bowl is made with a base of warm quinoa and mung beans and topped with organic spinach, avocado, pickled red onions, and pepitas. {Read more here}
2324 E. Cesar Chavez St. | curcumakitchen.com
Nancy’s Sky Garden
A well-balanced meal is defined as having healthy portions of each food group, and this is exactly how Nancy’s Sky Garden designed their menu. Here, diners can build their own bowl with layers of colorful fruits and veggies, nourishing proteins, and healthy carbs. The menu also features Asian-inspired dishes like poké bowls, prism rolls, and soba noodle soup. {Read more here}
6448 E. Hwy 290 #A-100 | nancysskygarden.com
JuiceLand
In addition to being a go-to for refreshing juices and superfood smoothies, JuiceLand is also a reliable place to satisfy a craving for a quick, plant-based lunch. Choose from colorful salads, house made wraps, and even unexpected dishes like a burrito made with Beyond burger meat. Eastsiders can grab a healthy meal from one of their three East Austin locations, including the newest one at Plaza Saltillo. {Read more here}
1109 E. 5th St., Ste. 110 | juiceland.com
thanks for introduction to “new” good food sites. I’d love to add my favorite for fab fresh – plenty of vegetarian and vegan options – convenient location -290 west bound access road and Cameron Road. Comfy dining in w/ conversation friendly ambiance. Where? Nancy’s Sky Garden-290
http://www.nancysskygarden.com/nancy-290