With the sun shining and spring in full bloom, being chained to a desk can feel like torture. It’s easy to want to play hooky with the warm weather tempting you outside, but unfortunately, that’s not always an option. If you have an insurmountable amount of work that needs to get done but need to escape for sanity’s sake, here are a few quickie lunch options that’ll get you out of the office without waiting hours on table service. If you’re lucky, you can even pick these up and make it a picnic (Tyrrell Park, perhaps?).
Jason's Deli
The local O.G., Jason’s Deli is obviously the go-to spot to grab sammies for the co-workers, but their other lunch options are pretty tasty, as well. With one of the best salad bars in town, baked potatoes as big as your head, and even pasta choices, Jason’s is great for groups since you can please even the pickiest of palates. Plus, if you’re on pickup duty, free ice cream is definitely a perk.
Katharine & Co.
One of the downtown staples for their heavenly soup, sandwich, and salad combos, you’ll likely run into at least one person you know at Katharine so a quick errand may not end up being all that quick, but we promise the food is worth the sacrifice. It’s hard to pick just one favorite but the pecan parmesan crusted chicken salad is certainly a crowd pleaser and it’s impossible to leave without at least one of their scratch-made pastries.
Green Light Kitchen
Green Light Americana’s fast-casual concept, their sister eatery, GLK, is tucked behind the Edison Museum and fairly convenient for those working downtown. They have a variety of salads, burgers, and more filling entrees like flank steak, lamb meatballs, salmon, and veggies.
Amelia Farm & Market
While not super close to downtown Amelia is exactly where you’d go to play hooky. What began as a humble farm stand back in 1916, their third-generation business has run the gamut from selling pecans to plated delicacies. The menu is a bit eclectic with everything from Mexican specialties to BBQ with a market that sells meats by the pound. You can get a meal to go, but you have time to dawdle outside, the patio is pure heaven on a nice day.
Rao’s Bakery and Coffee Café
While most people think of Rao’s as a coffee shop and breakfast staple before heading to the office (kolaches, anyone?), their café menu has a variety of paninis and salads for lunch, as well. And if you need some midday caffeine, the hot and frozen beverages might be just the pick me up you need.
Tacos La Bamba
Counter-service that doesn’t sacrifice quality, if you’re craving tacos, tortas, burritos, or any Mexican delight, Tacos La Bamba won’t disappoint. Just being in their colorful establishment is a surefire way to brighten your mood, but if that’s not enough, they also have midday cervezas because you know what they say – it’s 5:00 somewhere.
Amuny’s Liquor & Deli (Port Arthur)
A family institution since 1953, sequestered in the back of a liquor store, Amuny’s is Port Arthur’s best-kept secret. They call it a po’boy but it’s more of a torpedo (super skinny baguette) with an original sub that’s stacked with ham, salami, provolone, and mayo with a cravable pickled relish topping. Their sandwiches are delightfully tangy, sweet, salty, and spicy all rolled into one but no one will judge if you order two. In fact, it’s hard not to.