With our lives becoming increasingly hectic, we (including myself) hardly have to time to sit and enjoy a full on meal. I define fast casual as made to order meals that can be enjoyed in less than 20 minutes, 30 if you are a snail.
This list is in no particular order.
1. Bombay Bowl- A southeast asian style chipotle with recognizable sauces such as Korma, Tikka and Saag served with choice of meats (or tofu), basmati rice, chutneys and veggies. Get the warm chewy naan bread for an extra $1. The kid size will satisfy an average appetite, too bad there is currently only one location in South Denver off of Arapahoe.
2. Garbanzos- A mediterranean style chipotle with the crunchy falafel ball to chomp on while you instruct the "food designer" ( i believe that is what they call em these days) to build your wrap or bowl filled with classics such as hummus, tabbouleh, babaganoush and your choice of meats and sauces. Served with a warm white or wheat pita.
3. Pho 79 or 95 on Federal
People debate as to which is better, i think they are both excellent. Softball or basketball sized bowls of steaming beef broth flavored with asians spices with choice cuts of meat including rare beef, brisket, tendon and vietnamese meatballs (note: this is not like an italian meatball, but more like a chinese fish ball...if you know what that is like....). Served with a pile of additions such as thai basil, jalapenos, limes and raw beansprouts, these places are amazing on a frigid day. P.S if you don't eat red meat, this probably isn't the place for you, i don't think the chicken version is quite the same, but thats just me.
4. Santiagos
Before I moved to Colorado, I had no idea as to what breakfast burritos or green chile were. But after enjoying many of them during professional development sessions at school, I am so glad I do. For $2 you can enjoy this handheld gem of a soft flour tortilla filled with shredded potatoes, eggs, and green chili and the daily meat (ham, sausage or chorizo (my fav)). The are many locations in the denver area but I've been going to the one on 25th and Federal and it has yet to disappoint me.
5. Parsley
My former roommate described the odd combination of tuna, miso, sesame seeds and sriracha in this sandwich located off of speer and 11th which certainly peaked my interest the first time around. Now I am loyal patron of this sandwich shop, mind you this place is not cheap especially their organic apple and carrot juice which runs at least $4 for 16oz.
6. Masterpiece deli
A top 10 best new restaurant from a couple years back, this place continues to churn out great sandwiches, salads and soups. Still a bit pricey but absolutely worth it. Don't miss the fried egg sandwiches with the roasted wild mushrooms or the popular smoked turkey sandwich with brie, pears, arugula and cranberry honey on toasted wheat bread.
7. El Taco de Mexico
Not the most asthetically pleasing restaurant, but this yellow shack in the santa fe art district makes authentic tacos. My favorite is the beef tongue with cilantro and raw onions on 3 corn tortillas.
8. Dim Sum at Star Kitchen
Yes there are waiters, but don't be fooled by this place. The dim sum (chinese brunch tapas) sit in bamboo containers ready to be enjoyed by hungry patrons. Come before 10:30 to avoid a long wait and you can be happy and full on your way out in less than 30. Promise.
9. Thai food cart
This unique food cart owned is operated by a tiny asian lady who works in an elevated glass/metal kitchen stirfrying authentic lunch orders for the business crowd. Yummy pad thai on the go!
10. Still in the hunt for delicious southern style bbq.....if you have suggestions, i would love to hear them
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