5 Delicious Veggie Meals To Try Downtown
by Liz Felix
You may have abandoned that New Year’s resolution but it’s never too late to start eating healthier. Here are five Downtown Tucson restaurants that offer yummy veggie options to satisfy the loudest of stomach growls.
Veg In A Box - Squash Fettuccine Pomodoro
Veg In A Box serves up exactly what your body needs and craves in the form of tasty, plant-based, gluten-free American favorites. Their squash fettuccine pomodoro made with zucchini and squash, tossed in an almond-tomato pomodoro sauce with peppers and basil, is the perfect meal for a hot Tucson day. Make sure to pair your dish with a side of their addicting sweet chile fries and a cool yourself down with their house-brewed hibiscus tea.
For more information, make sure to follow Veg In A Box on Facebook here.
El Charro Cafe - Vegan Enchiladas Simptica
If you’re a vegan or just looking for some great mexican food, head over to El Charro Cafe on Court Avenue and try out something from their Viva Vegan menu. Ditching the meat doesn’t mean you have to lose any flavor and El Charro’s Vegan Enchiladas Simpatica proves that veggies satisfy all on their own. Two corn tortillas filled with calabacitas and topped with a gluten-free green enchilada sauce served with a side of charro beans and arroz blanco, all for $10.95. Hungry yet?
For more information, visit El Charro Cafe at elcharrocafe.com.
Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink - Vegan Pizza
There’s nothing like a slice of pizza to curb that anytime hunger and over at Reilly Craft Pizza and Drink, they know a thing or two about making the perfect pie. You can’t go wrong with any of their pizza selections but if you’re looking to “beef up” your veggie intake, go for their vegan pizza. The vegan pie comes loaded with delicious mushrooms, eggplant, peppers, onion and garlic, satisfying even the hungriest of souls.
For more information, visit Reilly Craft Pizza & Drink at reillypizza.com.
Sparkroot - Pressed Sandwiches
From simple granola and fruit to a savory portobello burger, Sparkroot’s all-vegetarian menu has something for everyone, for any time of the day. Feeling homesick? Just hungry? Whatever it is, there’s probably something on the menu to cure what ails ya. If it’s a bit of comfort food you’re looking for, make sure you try one of Sparkroot’s pressed sandwiches (aka their upgraded grilled cheese sandwiches). Gruyere, brie, cheddar, mozzarella, definitely elevates these grilled cheese sammies to the adult table and at $7.75, you won’t even feel bad for ordering two.
Featured Sandwich: The #2 (Welsh cheddar, avocado, cucumber, fresh chives)
For more information, visit Sparkroot at sparkroot.com.
Penca - Tacos de Rajas, Tacos de Nopales
Sure, Penca serves upscale Mexican cuisine but did someone say tacos? Whether dressed up or dressed down, it’s hard to say no to tacos and at Penca they practically make it impossible. Skip the meat and try out their veggie selections like their tacos de rajas made with roasted poblano, onion and corn topped with a creamy avocado and chipotle sauce or the tacos de nopales made with grilled prickly pear cactus, salsa verde, pickled onion, cilantro and topped with queso fresco. With fresh corn tortillas, you really can’t go wrong with the filling.
For more information, visit Penca at pencarestaurante.com.