By Alexi Zentner
Photograph by Katherine Bish
Even though the industry likes to call it “quick service food,” it’s still fast food to you, and sometimes you just need a fix. If you’re hankering for something other than the big burger chains, try one of these alternatives. While some tout their healthy fare, a lot of it depends on what you order (you can make anything full of fat and calories if you try hard enough). No matter what they serve, these places will provide a good meal for less than $10 and will get you in and out quick. Some even have drive-through facilities, so you can indulge in that most American of pastimes—eating in the car.
Crazy Bowls & Wraps
Seven area locations, www.crazybowlsandwraps.com.
Fresh veggies and chicken or salmon with a variety of flavors over rice—or burrito-style wraps.
Einstein Bros.
11 area locations, www.einsteinbros.com.
Bagels, sandwiches and (what do you know!) bagel sandwiches, plus salads, soups and baked goods.
Penn Station East Coast Subs
14 area locations, www.penn-station.com.
Grilled subs include the Philadelphia cheese steak, chicken cordon bleu or artichoke, with fresh-cut fries.
Qdoba
Eight area locations, www.qdoba.com.
Made-to-order burritos, tacos and fajitas, with your choice of five salsas.
Roly Poly
Seven area locations, www.rolypoly.com.
Choose among 50 wraps, from the spinach stuffer to the Russian beef.
SanSai Japanese Grill
Three area locations, www.sansaiusa.com.
Hot grilled dishes and sushi made to order with fresh ingredients.
St. Louis Bread Company
34 area locations, www.stlouisbreadco.com.
Soups, salads, sandwiches and, yes, bread.
