Healthy Eating Downtown
Looking for some healthy lunch break options? Join us as we continue to explore nutritious and low-fat meals at area restaurants.

EnotecA, located at 58 West Congress on the corner of Church & Congress, specializes in simple and good Neopolitan Italian food. Although EnotecA offers traditional dishes, which are fine in moderation, there are many healthy options to choose from including a nutritious array of salads. A few choices are: EnotecA Sliced Pears, mandarins, candied pecans, gorgonzola cheese, dried berries, served on a bed of mixed greens with raspberry vinaigrette; Nicoise Albacore tuna, red potatoes, green beans, black olives, sliced egg, red onion, tomato, served on a bed of mixed greens with an herb vinaigrette; Greek Goddess Feta cheese, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, tomatoes, red onion, pepporcini, served on a bed of fresh spinach with a lemon herb vinaigrette; Mediterranean vegetarian Misto Grilled eggplant, roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, feta, served on a bed of mixed greens and spinach, with a sun dried tomato vinaigrette. EnotecA’s Tuscan Grill menu features charbroiled fresh steak, chicken or fish served on fresh Artesian Bread with field greens & fresh fruit. Other healthy menu items include homemade soup, cottage cheese and Pellegrino sparkling water.

Quesadilla’s Grill Mexican and Seafood is located in La Placita Village, 110 S. Church Avenue. The menu has a wide variety to choose from. To cut down on fat and calories, order the Burro without cheese and sour cream or a quesadilla with ½ the amount of cheese. Increase your veggie intake with Calabacitas - a specialty dish traditionally made with zucchini, yellow squash, corn, tomato and chiles. Quesadilla's offers a low carb menu where the tortilla is replaced by a leaf of Romaine Lettuce. Healthy sides include rice and beans with corn tortilla, extra lettuce and tomato and guacamole which contains heart-healthy fat (just watch your portions).

Lovin’ Spoonfuls Kielbasa Cart is located downtown at Stone Avenue and Pennington Street in front of the Main Library. It operates Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This cart is unique because it offers Vegetarian Kielbasa and Italian Sausage served on organic whole wheat buns. These tasty alternatives provide a delicious, no-cholesterol, high protein way to enjoy a traditional favorite. Add kettle chips or vegan cookies and bottled water or a natural soda for a quick lunch.

Casablanca Bar and Grill is located on the corner of  Stone Avenue and Franklin Street. Their menu includes a wide variety of authentic Mediterranean cuisine including vegetarian dishes, kabobs, stews and salads. Mediterranean dishes are often rich in whole grains and fresh vegetables, legumes, herbs and spices.

Some of the lighter menu items include Eggplant Slices, Spinach Salad and Stewed Tomato Dishes. Make a meal out of a Maza Appetizer like Humus Chick Pea, Tabuleh (cracked wheat with tomato, onion, cucumber and lemon), Foul (cooked fava beans, lemon, garlic and salt) or Kousa Belaban (squash baked and mixed with yogurt, garlic and herbs). 1/4 cup of hummus is about 105 calories, 4 oz of tabouli-170 calories. A small pita (4" in diameter) will add about 75 calories.

Other menu items include a shish kebabs, gyros and shawarmas made with lamb, beef or chicken. A 4 oz gyro is about 380 calories and 33 grams of fat whereas 1 stick of shish kabob runs about 130 calories and 7 grams of fat. . Try to avoid or limit fried options and pay attention to portions and the amount of dressings. It's easy to eat half and take the rest in a "to-go" container for dinner or the next day's lunch.

Coyote Café is located in the Arizona Inn. They offer a fresh lunch buffet every weekday with healthy choices. Both organic greens and Romaine lettuce are featured with a variety of fresh vegetables, toppings and salad dressings along with chicken breast for the Caesar salads. Lighten your salad with a low-fat dressing, or use a small quantity on the side. They also offer a soup of the day.

Bruegger’s Bagels is known for freshness. Their bagels are kettle-boiled and hearth-baked, never using oil, preservatives or artificial ingredients. Keep it healthy by choosing a whole wheat bagel topped with a light cream cheese for only 480 calories; or try the Garden Veggie Sandwich for 400 calories or a Smoked Salmon Sandwich for 490 calories. They also offer a variety of soups, salads and fresh fruits. Bruegger’s Bagels is located on the corner of Congress and Stone.

Monkey Box is located on the corner of Congress and Stone in the historic Pioneer Hotel. Their lunch menu includes daily specials, soups, salads and sandwiches. They use organic, additive free, local products and specialize in the finest cured meats and imported cheeses. A few unique choices are Zuppa Pomodoro, a light and hearty vegetarian tomato soup, Parmesan and Proscuitto Salad or Mediterranean Sandwich.

Subway has a great new addition to their menu. Evolve Your Fast Food with a ‘Fresh Fit Meal’. It consists of a 6” Veggie Delight Sub, apple slices and water all for only 265 calories. Compare that to a fast food burger meal of over 1000 calories. They also offer a ‘Fresh Fit for Kids’ and an assortment of wraps and salads to choose from. Subway is located on Congress and Stone.

Jim’s Place offers a healthy Veggie Sandwich made of provolone cheese, avocado, red onion, lettuce and tomato served on a12 grain bread. Enjoy another nutritious option with a variety of vegetables and fixings from the salad bar or choose from their daily salad option. Other healthy items include yogurt, fresh fruit, 100% juice and 2 % milk. Jim’s Place is located in the Administrations Building on level B.

Did you know that Deb’s Coney Café located in La Placita Village offers both veggie dogs and veggie burgers: plus wraps and pitas filled with grilled chicken and fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots and green peppers. Fat-Free Ranch dressing is available or you can always request an item “light” on the dressing.

Also located in La Placita Village is Scooter’s. Try out one of their sandwiches on whole wheat bread or a vegetarian wrap on tomato basil or honey wheat tortilla. A salad of green leaf lettuce, tomatoes and cucumber slices is served with the House Oil & Vinegar. Smoothies are available with an option of adding protein to the drink.