Best Grab And Go Food Places In Minnesota
As more activities are crammed into already busy schedules, a leisurely lunch becomes a luxury. For the time pressed majority, here are some places to go for a quick nutritious grab. We've tried to pick dining spots and food services for heart health, as well as fast delivery. Just don't forget to take the time to chew as well.
Zelino
831 Nicollet Mall
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 333-7000
www.zelinomn.com
This downtown deli has a flair for comic entertainment as well as delicious deli sandwiches. The fare is sumptuous and nutritious: turkey, egg salad, chicken salad, roast beef and turkey avocado sandwiches; chicken and smoked turkey panini; buffalo, Cajun Caesar chicken and southwest wraps with gourmet dressings; whole grain, pasta and mixed green salads; classic lasagna and soups to go. The line at the front door is long, so try to get there before lunch begins.
Simpls
601 Marquette Ave, Suite 210
Minneapolis, MN 55402
(612) 223-8545
www.simpls.com
Simpls prides itself in dishing out real food fast. But you won't get the rush treatment from the likable staff of preparers and servers. Simpls finds and features local fare that is preferably organic. Soups, salads, sandwiches and oatmeal for breakfast and lunch are freshly made everyday. The muffins are gluten free and freshly baked. For a change from the usual soda beverages, sip prohibition kombucha on tap. A sweetened, slightly fermented drink made from black or green tea, kombucha is said to have health benefits. In addition to a healthy menu, Simpls has catering services.
Common Roots Café
2558 Lyndale Ave., S.
Minneapolis, MN 55405
(612) 871-2360
www.commonrootscafe.com
You can order to-go or dine inside the café. The food is fresh, handcrafted and made with organic ingredients. This café delicatessen serves a hearty farmer's breakfast: turkey hash, lox omelet, breakfast burrito, lemon ricotta pancakes and other breakfast dishes to start your day. If a sandwich is your thing, try a Reuben made with corn beef tongue, fish taco filled with cornmeal dusted cod, egg salad with smoked salmon and fresh dill, roasted veggie with eggplant or grilled cheese on sourdough. There's a tasteful selection of gourmet burgers made with beef or wild rice. Vegan options can be requested. Common Roots serves beer and wine and has catering services.
Fresh Flame Burger
16777 Market Place Drive
Big Lake, MN 55309
(763) 207-8475
www.freshflameburger.com
This burger place has drive-by appeal because of its convenient drive-thru takeout. Orders can also be placed online, at the restaurant or over the phone. Fresh Flame's affordably priced fast food is made with fresh ingredients. The whopping burgers are served with generous sides of fries, onion rings, cheese curds, chicken wings or jalapeno poppers. Also on the menu are chicken and fish sandwiches and burger/sandwich combos served with sides. The sides alone make a complete meal. The restaurant's dining atmosphere is comfortable and family friendly.
Flameburger
4800 Central Ave., NE
Columbia Heights, MN 55421
(763) 571-3267
www.theflameburger.com
Family-owned and run since 1955, Flameburger serves breakfast all day. Order a ranch breakfast with eggs, country sausage, smoked bacon, fresh ham, a pork chop, beef patty, hash browns, toast or whatever else. You can also get a plate of steak and eggs, biscuits in sausage gravy, eggs with hash browns and toast, French toast or pancakes with berries and whipped cream topping. For lunch and dinner, the restaurant has mega char grilled burgers loaded with bacon and cheese ( a side of fries is optional). Burgers are also served for dinner. Supplementing the dinner menu are a full order of steak and full orders of fish, chicken or shrimp. Ever had a shrimp dinner with 21 pieces of shrimp? Open 24 hours a day with dine-in and takeout services, Flameburger is perfect for all-day and late night dining.
Related: Best Burgers In The Twin Cities
Linda Cameron has written home design, home improvement and lifestyle articles for The Boston Globe and City Shopper Magazine. She has related interests in the building industry, travel, real estate and financing. She is a contributor to Examiner, House Spot, Techsling and Behance, covering topics on career, people, businesses, education and technology.
