No matter what side of town you find yourself on during your lunch hour, you’re sure to find an abundance of local dining options, making for some tough decisions, or at least some mild indecisiveness.
Next time you’re on the hunt to try something new (during your lunch hour or beyond), here are five light and local veg-friendly bites to consider. Each of the eateries represented on this list offers a creative menu with both vegetarian and vegan friendly options.
1. Black Bean Hummus at Small Plates
Small Plates is what you might be in the mood for if you find yourself craving a sampling of a few somethings, rather than limiting yourself to a full meal of a single selection. Appropriately enough, Small Plates is also the name of downtown’s new tapas eatery on Hypolita street. As opposed to traditional tapas, Small Plates focuses on Southern ingredients, inspired by international flavors. From Zucchini Caprese to Daily Crostini Flights, Small Plates serves up a diverse selection of fine fare to share, including veg-friendly choices, like Black-Eyed Pea hummus topped with Black-Eye Pea cavier. 17 Hypolita Street, www.smallplatesflorida.com
2. Veggie Sandwich at Hyppo Cafe
Usually when you hear a mention of hyppo here in St. Augustine, it’s in reference to delectable gourmet ice pops. Beyond these iconic pops, the Hyppo Cafe (/HQ located off of 312), offers a full selection of gourmet salads and sandwiches daily. Their Summer Salad Sammy features fresh mozzarella, cucumber, tomato, sprouts and balsamic vinaigrette on sourdough bread. Another tried and true veggie sandwich is the Du Jardin, featuring hummus, black olive tapenade, cucumbers, avocado, mixed greens and sprouts on ciabetta. Bonus points: With booths, tables and casual gathering areas, the Cafe offers plenty of seating options, meaning there’s room for you to bring along your family, a group of friends, or your office mates if you so choose. 1765 Tree Blvd. #5, www.thehyppo.com
3. Vegetarian Dogs at Brewz N Dawgz
Along with their original spin on traditional meaty selections, local beer and “dawg” joint Brewz N Dawgz offers more than one veg-friendly gourmet hot dog. Selections include a Garden Dawg and Vegan Beer Brat, plus their “Eh, What’s Up Dawg?” This organic carrot dawg is marinated in cider and spices then grilled and topped with organic sauerkraut plus a house-made datil sauce. No matter what you choose, Brewz N Dawgz prides itself on using the best ingredients (no junk!) throughout the entire menu, so you can chow down guilt-free. In the mood for an appetizer? Spring for Samantha’s Healthy spinach and tomato bites (gluten-free)! If you’re craving a brew with your bite, stop by between 2 and 6pm for happy hour. 1974 U.S. 1 South; www.brewzndawgz.com
4. Southside Salad at Ned’s
If you’re hungry for a filling, leafy green salad loaded with everything you could imagine and then some, look no further than Ned’s Southside Kitchen. Though Ned’s menu includes a number of heavier, comfort food favorites, their menu also features a noteworthy salad lineup, including the signature Southside Salad. This particular salad comes loaded with a ton of veggies (including chickpeas, onions, carrots, and cucumbers) and is served with a house nutritional yeast-based dressing. Switch and swap salad ingredients as you wish, based on your dietary needs and taste preferences. 2450 US 1 South; www.nedssouthside.com
5. Falafel Sandwich at Falafel Queen
You don’t have to travel far for authentic falafel. It can be found right here in St. Augustine! Local staple Falafel Queen serves up delicious, authentic falafel day in and day out. These sandwiches make for an easy to eat lunch on the go. Beyond falafel, Falafel Queen serves up a tasty selection of Mediterranean cuisine. 1080 S. Ponce De Leon Ave. Read more about Falafel Queen’s veg-friendly choices in the April/May issue.
