With a cozy fireplace and inventive flavors, Cardigan Donuts offers a sweet escape from office drudgery.  Try the crunchy old-fashioned donut made with Greek yogurt or an airy French cruller.  Premium fried dough offerings include a cinnamon sugar-dusted churro roll and a cake donut flavored with Black Eye Roasting Co. coffee; check the website for limited-edition “inspired” flavors.  There’s also a selection of Greek yogurt and oatmeal bowls, from wholesome baked apple to dessert-inspired chocolate sundae.  

Café Patteen is a rare find: an independent coffee shop in a landscape dominated by chains.  Coffee beans are locally roasted and the tea is loose leaf, but the food is really what puts Café Patteen ahead of the competition.  There’s a rotating menu of tasty soups, and the giant cookies and other baked goods are made on-site from scratch.

The Brothers Deli is a classic New York-style deli with an extensive sandwich menu. Start with something including the corned beef or pastrami that’s seasoned and roasted right in the open kitchen. The Brothers Reuben or the Pepe (pastrami with melted pepper cheese) have rabid fans.  There’s also a selection of salads that pair perfectly with the generously-sized popovers. Don’t forget to swing by the salad bar for a scoop of potato salad, coleslaw, pickled herring, bread pudding, or three-bean salad.

Green + The Grain makes eating a healthy lunch satisfying, with a lineup of filling salads and wraps.  Pick what you like salad ingredients include the restaurant’s namesake greens (baby spinach, kale, spring mix, or romaine) and grains (quinoa, farro, or wheat berries), plus a slew of toppings, and dressings.  Salads include the familiar, like a Caesar with ciabatta croutons, as well as more unique creations like a Thai beef tenderloin salad with rice noodles and a spicy peanut dressing.  

Food truck turned skyway level grilled cheese spot. Sandwiches stuffed with the gooey good are perfect for frigid winter days.

Simpls is different sort of skyway convenience store: there are better-for-you snacks like energy bars, nut butters, and fresh salads and sandwiches.  Many products are sourced locally, like Kakookies, Barsy’s Almonds, and K’ul Chocolate.   A rotating lineup of soups includes options like grass-fed beef chili and Jamaican jerk chicken, and Prohibition kombucha is served on tap.  

Allie’s Deli offers something for everyone, with an efficient queuing system that runs like a well-oiled machine.  Line A serves specialty sandwiches, including a chicken salad on multigrain and “Allie’s Dip”, a hot corned beef and roast beef sandwich served with au jus.  Opt for line B for scratch soups like chicken wild rice, tomato dill, and beef chili.  Line C is for wraps and the popular create-your-own-salad.  Don’t forget dessert: giant cookies, Rice Krispie treats, and bars, all made from scratch.  Located in the Rand Tower.

Bếp Eatery offers a Vietnamese spin on the familiar fast-casual formula.  First, pick the format: a vermicelli bowl, pho, spring rolls, or bánh mì. Then select a protein (chicken, pork, steak, tofu, or shrimp), add some fillings, and top with Vietnamese vinaigrette, citrus soy, or peanut chili sauce.  Tasty beverage options include fresh pressed sugarcane juice, Vietnamese coffee, and coconut water.