5 Quick and Healthy Meals in Tenleytown Restaurants
You’re starving and in a rush. You want to stop at a popular fast food joint, but you’d prefer to avoid that crash that occurs approximately 3 hours later.
What to do?
Believe it or not, whether you’re on the prowl for a quick bite or a full-blown meal, there are Tenleytown restaurants with fast, fresh meals that won’t bust your diet. (Even Z-Burger made it on the list, assuming you can resist their onion rings and milkshakes. )
Note before we start: this post isn’t so much about a particular diet—Paleo, Vegan, or Gluten-Free—but if you’re looking for quick meals with a good balance of nutrition and taste, read on.
Whole Foods Tenleytown
4530 40th St NW, Washington, DC 20016
Sure, this one’s kind of obvious. If you live around Tenleytown, you’re probably a regular at Whole Foods! It may be small, but there’s room enough for all the essentials and a wine bar, so we can’t complain. Plus, there’s a covered parking garage that makes winter grocery shopping trips easy. If you live at Tenley View, you could easily walk to grab a few items for dinner, and completely avoid DC post-work traffic.
What to get: A pre-work breakfast at the prepared foods bar. (Choose wisely!)
How fast is the food: Fast, but you’ll need to dodge shoppers.
Z-Burger Tenleytown
4321 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
Yeah, we don’t usually go to Z-Burger for fast health food either. But in a pinch, there is a healthy option! Plus, you can always load up on free toppings like banana peppers, and skip the sauces and (deliciously greasy) onion rings.
What to get: A surprisingly delicious black bean veggie burger (with all the veggies your heart desires) for a fast lunch.
How fast is the food: Z Burger defines fast food. Get in line.
Panera Bread Tenleytown
4501 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016
Panera Bread atmosphere might feel a bit sterile, but the food is always a step above usual sandwich chain fare. Plus, the Tenleytown store gets major props for friendly service, even on busy days. It’s also so close to the AU Tenleytown Metro, perfect for students and faculty at nearby American University.
What to get: The You-Pick-Two deal for a filling and pretty healthy lunch. Try the low-fat Vegetarian Black Bean Soup and Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Almonds.
How fast is the food: Pretty fast. Take it to go, and skip the table hunt.
Cava Mezze Grill
4237 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
Cava Mezze Grill is the Chipotle of Greek food. Almost everything on the menu could be called “healthy”—as long as you don’t eat it all at once. Choose from grilled chicken, spicy lamb meatballs, or perfectly fried chickpea falafels, top with everything from pickled onions to kalamata olives, then drizzle on the sriracha greek yogurt or classic yogurt dill sauce for a complete meal that’s sure to leave you feeling full—but lighter, somehow.
What to get: Greens + grains with grilled chicken and plenty of fresh toppings
How fast is the food: The long line moves fast.
Guapo’s Restaurant
4515 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016
First, let’s get one thing straight: Guapos isn’t Mexican food. It’s Tex-Mex. If you’re into Mexican food, you’ll know the difference. If you’re just into good food, you won’t care! Guapos serves up plenty of diet-busting options, but if you play your cards right, you’ll get a meal with just the right balance of filling, delicious and healthy.
What to get: Camarones Tequila—jumbo shrimp sautéed with spring onions, green peppers, tomatoes, and garlic. Ask them to go light on the sauce, and skip the side of rice and beans unless you’re rabid.
How fast is the food: On the slower side. Call ahead for takeout.
Now that you know about all of these great Tenleytown restaurants, it’s time to get ordering! A delicious, fresh, filling meal awaits you.
By the way, if you’re looking for an apartment that’s super close to the Tenleytown AU Metro Red Line and just a 4-minute walk from American University, Tenley View was made for you! Get in touch with us today to find out more.