Best Downtown Lunch

Colleen R.

1. Downtown Deli
   This place has everything from paninis to hot dogs on the menu. And the fries! Delicious. Warning: Dieters may want to steer clear of Downtown Deli. Get the skyscraper--and the fries, of course.
2. Z Pizza
   Perhaps my favorite lunch spot, Z Pizza uses organic ingredients to make some downright scrumptious pizza. I also love that you can sit on a stool at the window and watch the light rail go by. Get the pizza and salad combo (the salads are super fresh).
3. El Portal
   This El Portal location is the faster, younger sibling of the full-service restaurant on Grant Street. Although it's fast casual, the food is just as good as the original and will quench any Mexican food craving. Get the carne asada tacos.
4. Thai Elephant
   You know a place is good when there's a line out the door. Get here early to secure a table before the lunch rush begins in force. Also, if you're a fountain soda person like myself, be prepared: They only serve soda in cans. Get anything on the menu--it's all good.