Summer 2019: What I'm Eating for Lunch in Downtown OKC
I changed jobs about a month ago and am now working on historic Film Row in downtown OKC. Needless to say, I am loving the abundance of tasty lunch options in the area! Below, I’ve outlined some of my favorites that are guaranteed to keep you full and focused throughout your work day.
Beautiful falafel plate at The Jones Assembly
FALAFEL FROM THE JONES ASSEMBLY
The summer menu at Jones features a super interesting falafel plate. Underneath those massive falafels and smattering of pea shoots, you’ll find lime + spinach yogurt, puffed wild rice, pickled romanesco + cauliflower, grilled portobello mushrooms, fresno peppers and jalapeños. The falafel was a bit cakey for my taste, but overall the plate was packed with unique flavors and a variety of textures. Worth a try!
Pamplona Bowl from Packard’s New American Kitchen
PAMPLONA BOWL FROM PACKARD’S NEW AMERICAN KITCHEN
If you’re deciding whether to visit Packard’s for brunch, lunch or dinner, I would definitely recommend lunch. Their selection of vegetarian/vegan bowls, including this Pamplona Bowl, is killer. It’s a bit carb-heavy, but it’s well worth it! The combo of papas bravas, cilantro lime rice, black beans, corn, avocado, peppers, onions, fire roasted pesto and cotija cheese is seriously delicious.
Cauliflower Tacos from Elemental Coffee
CAULIFLOWER TACOS FROM ELEMENTAL COFFEE
Elemental Coffee never fails to deliver an inventive vegetarian meal, and their new Cauliflower Tacos certainly didn’t disappoint. Featuring roasted cauliflower with almond chili sauce, avocado, chili lime pepitas, poblanos, cashew sour cream and cilantro, the tacos are 100% vegan and are chock-full of flavor. And at $8 with a side or $10 without a side, you can afford to eat these every day if you want!
Build-your-own romaine + spinach salad with southwest vinaigrette and toppings galore!
BUILD-YOUR-OWN SALAD FROM COOLGREENS
Coolgreens has been a go-to for me since college when I was an assistant manager at one of their Norman locations (they have several others, including one in downtown OKC). I’m all about the toppings, so their build-your-own salads are right up my alley! Here are two of my favorite combos:
Romaine lettuce, carrots, black beans, quinoa, red onions, red bell peppers, artisan cheese blend, avocado, southwest vinaigrette
Spinach + arugula, carrots, quinoa, red onions, walnuts, broccoli, goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette
Spinach & Mushroom Enchilada from Iguana Grill
SPINACH & MUSHROOM ENCHILADA FROM IGUANA GRILL
If you’re craving Mexican food but don’t want to end up with a food baby, then definitely check out Iguana Grill. For lunch, you can get a single enchilada + two sides for $9.99 (maybe slightly overpriced, but I promise it’s plenty of food). My favorite is the Spinach & Mushroom Enchilada with verde sauce and sides of black beans and green rice.
Wild mushroom tacos from Revolución
WILD MUSHROOM TACOS FROM REVOLUCIÓN
I had shunned Revolución for awhile because they got rid of two of my favorite tacos ever (details here), but upon trying their Wild Mushroom Tacos, the restaurant is now back in my good graces. These simple yet delicious tacos include pan-roasted local wild mushrooms, corn salsa, queso fresco and house salsa. I’m a fan!
Southwest Quinoa Bowl from The Loaded Bowl
SOUTHWEST QUINOA BOWL FROM THE LOADED BOWL
I’m not a fan of “faux meat,” so whenever eat at The Loaded Bowl my go-to is their Southwest Quinoa Bowl. This baby has all the good stuff—seasoned quinoa tossed with black beans, cashew queso, green chile sauce and corn on a bed of fresh spinach and topped with fresh pico and guacamole and served with chips + salsa. It’s deceptively filling, too!
