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MARIO’S FAVORITE CHICKEN BOWL
Mario’s Favorite Chicken Bowl from Carrot Express
Carrot Express

19 Fast-Casual Miami Restaurants Worth the Hype

For those hungry and on-the-go.

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Mario’s Favorite Chicken Bowl from Carrot Express
| Carrot Express

There’s not always time to sit and spend a whole hour or more in a restaurant setting for a meal, and these days many people are opting for delicious grab-and-go options. The popularity of counter-service dining has made it easy to grab a satisfying meal while on the go.

Thankfully Miami is full of counter-service restaurants that do the job and allow for a full spectrum of foods — from salads and sandwiches to tacos and ceviche. No matter the craving, there is bound to be a great spot nearby for a fast lunch fix. Here’s where to get the goods quickly from north to south.

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Ms. Cheezious

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What started as a popular food truck has become a brick-and-mortar location in MiMo that’s become a staple in the neighborhood. The menu features plenty of grilled cheese options to pick from the classic to the “not-so-classic” menu like the Croqueta Monsieur made with ham croquetas, ham, Swiss cheese, and bechamel on sourdough bread.

Rice Mediterranean Kitchen

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A long-time Miami favorite, this counter-service Mediterranean spot offers build-your-own bowl options with a bevy of choices, but the real ones know the lunch specials (served all day and night) are the way to go. The Chicken Joojeh platter comes with a skewer of chicken, hummus, a massive salad, basmati rice, and pita, but make sure to order extra sumac sauce to complete the meal.

The Taco Stand

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Who doesn’t love a quick made-to-order Mexican meal? At the Taco Stand in Wynwood, there’s more than just the long list of tacos on the menu. Opt for a burrito filled with all the fixings and a side of Mar y Tierra fries topped with a generous portion of carne asada, shrimp, queso, crema, and guacamole.

Avo Miami

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This Sunset Harbour spot serves a long menu of healthy dishes that don’t skimp on the flavor. From power bowls filled with salmon and lentils to crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside falafels to avocado toast drizzled in truffle oil, Avo is a counter service spot that’s got something for everyone.

Delicious Raw

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Head to Delicious Raw in Sunset Harbor for a quick meal that also works with a vegan or vegetarian diet. Highlights include the vegan sweet potato pasta topped with corn salad and portobello mushrooms. Craving toast with veggies piled high? Order the LeSmash, aka an over-the-top avocado toast.

Taula Fresh Cut Mediterranean

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Build a counter-service Mediterranean feast in five steps at Taula Fresh. Start with either a box or bread, pick a base, a protein, vegetables, and then get saucy with options like beet cilantro, turmeric garlic, or spicy harissa,

Poke OG (Multiple Locations)

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Nosh on hearty yet healthy poke bowls at Poke OG’s Downtown Miami outpost. The menu here features build-your-own poke options and restaurant favorites, while a selection of sushi boxes makes it possible to enjoy omakase-style dining on the go. Not into fish? There’s a vegan section of the menu featuring fruit and vegetable-filled bowls.

Sanguich De Miami

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At Sanguich De Miami, guests get more than a quickly made sandwich. Everything is made in-house, from the ham to the pork, right down to the mustard and the pickles. Order a classic Cuban sandwich or add croquetas to enjoy the Miami classic croqueta preparada (Cuban sandwich filled with croquetas).

Zuuk Mediterranean Kitchen (Multiple locations)

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From the same people behind Miami mainstay, My Ceviche, Zuuk features an assembly line set up where diners can create their own Mediterranean bowl in seconds. Mix and matching toppings are encouraged, but the spicy beef piled high with veggies and covered tzatziki sauce is a crowd favorite.

My Ceviche (Multiple locations)

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During the course of a decade, My Ceviche has expanded to multiple locations and much more than just ceviche. The counter service restaurant serves ceviche bowls, burritos, and toasts piled high with a choice of fish, shrimp, chicken, and newly added filet mignon.

Tinta y Café (Multiple locations)

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This quaint cafe serves soups, salads, and sandwiches pressed to order. Seats are limited, but the service is quick, free parking, and the coffee will keep just anyone awake. Try the El Callejero sandwich made with chicken, prosciutto, cantimpalo, manchego, caramelized onions, and cilantro mayo, which pairs perfectly with a cortadito. 

Pincho (Multiple locations)

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The team behind Pincho has come a long way from its original restaurant on Bird Road. Now it has locations all over town, from Pinecrest to Hialeah, serving up items like burgers with tostones in place of regular buns, cheese fries, salads, and pinchos (meat on a stick). (Find all the locations here.)

Doggi's Arepa Bar (Multiple Locations)

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The Venezuelan hotspot features a menu of counter-service dishes from arepas to patacons (sandwiches using crispy fried plantains as bread) to burgers, salads, and more. The namesake arepas are most popular and stuffed to the brim with white cheese and various toppings. (Find more locations here.)

Carrot Express (Multiple locations)

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This hometown favorite has been serving healthy cuisine throughout the Magic City for more than 20 years, offering an extensive menu perfect for guests on the go. Carrot Express has something for every healthy craving from hearty power bowls to healthy burgers, nutrient-dense juices, and even an assortment of avocado toasts. (Find all locations here.)

Chicken Kitchen

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Perhaps the original chicken bowl, Chicken Kitchen is known for its rice and chicken bowls, most often covered in the restaurant's coveted curry mustard sauce. Not in the mood for a bowl of rice? Skip a Chop Chop and opt for a salad, wrap, or quesadilla.

Mr. & Mrs. Bun

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Mr. & Mrs. Bun is a West Kendall haven for massive sandwiches filled with flavor on fluffy buns. Complement them with one of the equally tasty appetizers or save room for dessert, as there’s always a sweet daily-made special.

Diced (Mulitple locations)

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Another build-your-own bowl spot, but with a bit of Miami flair as bowls are often topped with a sweet guava sauce. Pro tip: order a mix of all the sauces. With locations all over Miami, Diced is never too far away. See all locations here.

Big Tomato (Multiple locations)

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This old-school spot started with pizza and now has expanded to chicken wings, paninis, and salads served in massive homemade bread bowls. Quick and affordable, it’s definitely a go-to when looking for something casual and filling. (Find all locations here.)

Maxwell Bros Clothing Store

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Not actually a clothing store but a pizzeria and brewpub by the same people who behind Lincoln’s Beard Brewing and Strange Beast. Small bites, charcuterie, and Neapolitan-style pizza are what’s on the menu here. Pop in on a Monday or Tuesday for BOGO beers, and save room for dessert as sister restaurant CryBaby Creamery is right next door with ice cream and cookies galore.

Ms. Cheezious

What started as a popular food truck has become a brick-and-mortar location in MiMo that’s become a staple in the neighborhood. The menu features plenty of grilled cheese options to pick from the classic to the “not-so-classic” menu like the Croqueta Monsieur made with ham croquetas, ham, Swiss cheese, and bechamel on sourdough bread.

Rice Mediterranean Kitchen

A long-time Miami favorite, this counter-service Mediterranean spot offers build-your-own bowl options with a bevy of choices, but the real ones know the lunch specials (served all day and night) are the way to go. The Chicken Joojeh platter comes with a skewer of chicken, hummus, a massive salad, basmati rice, and pita, but make sure to order extra sumac sauce to complete the meal.

The Taco Stand

Who doesn’t love a quick made-to-order Mexican meal? At the Taco Stand in Wynwood, there’s more than just the long list of tacos on the menu. Opt for a burrito filled with all the fixings and a side of Mar y Tierra fries topped with a generous portion of carne asada, shrimp, queso, crema, and guacamole.

Avo Miami

This Sunset Harbour spot serves a long menu of healthy dishes that don’t skimp on the flavor. From power bowls filled with salmon and lentils to crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside falafels to avocado toast drizzled in truffle oil, Avo is a counter service spot that’s got something for everyone.

Delicious Raw

Head to Delicious Raw in Sunset Harbor for a quick meal that also works with a vegan or vegetarian diet. Highlights include the vegan sweet potato pasta topped with corn salad and portobello mushrooms. Craving toast with veggies piled high? Order the LeSmash, aka an over-the-top avocado toast.

Taula Fresh Cut Mediterranean

Build a counter-service Mediterranean feast in five steps at Taula Fresh. Start with either a box or bread, pick a base, a protein, vegetables, and then get saucy with options like beet cilantro, turmeric garlic, or spicy harissa,

Poke OG (Multiple Locations)

Nosh on hearty yet healthy poke bowls at Poke OG’s Downtown Miami outpost. The menu here features build-your-own poke options and restaurant favorites, while a selection of sushi boxes makes it possible to enjoy omakase-style dining on the go. Not into fish? There’s a vegan section of the menu featuring fruit and vegetable-filled bowls.

Sanguich De Miami

At Sanguich De Miami, guests get more than a quickly made sandwich. Everything is made in-house, from the ham to the pork, right down to the mustard and the pickles. Order a classic Cuban sandwich or add croquetas to enjoy the Miami classic croqueta preparada (Cuban sandwich filled with croquetas).

Zuuk Mediterranean Kitchen (Multiple locations)

From the same people behind Miami mainstay, My Ceviche, Zuuk features an assembly line set up where diners can create their own Mediterranean bowl in seconds. Mix and matching toppings are encouraged, but the spicy beef piled high with veggies and covered tzatziki sauce is a crowd favorite.

My Ceviche (Multiple locations)

During the course of a decade, My Ceviche has expanded to multiple locations and much more than just ceviche. The counter service restaurant serves ceviche bowls, burritos, and toasts piled high with a choice of fish, shrimp, chicken, and newly added filet mignon.

Tinta y Café (Multiple locations)

This quaint cafe serves soups, salads, and sandwiches pressed to order. Seats are limited, but the service is quick, free parking, and the coffee will keep just anyone awake. Try the El Callejero sandwich made with chicken, prosciutto, cantimpalo, manchego, caramelized onions, and cilantro mayo, which pairs perfectly with a cortadito. 

Pincho (Multiple locations)

The team behind Pincho has come a long way from its original restaurant on Bird Road. Now it has locations all over town, from Pinecrest to Hialeah, serving up items like burgers with tostones in place of regular buns, cheese fries, salads, and pinchos (meat on a stick). (Find all the locations here.)

Doggi's Arepa Bar (Multiple Locations)

The Venezuelan hotspot features a menu of counter-service dishes from arepas to patacons (sandwiches using crispy fried plantains as bread) to burgers, salads, and more. The namesake arepas are most popular and stuffed to the brim with white cheese and various toppings. (Find more locations here.)

Carrot Express (Multiple locations)

This hometown favorite has been serving healthy cuisine throughout the Magic City for more than 20 years, offering an extensive menu perfect for guests on the go. Carrot Express has something for every healthy craving from hearty power bowls to healthy burgers, nutrient-dense juices, and even an assortment of avocado toasts. (Find all locations here.)

Chicken Kitchen

Perhaps the original chicken bowl, Chicken Kitchen is known for its rice and chicken bowls, most often covered in the restaurant's coveted curry mustard sauce. Not in the mood for a bowl of rice? Skip a Chop Chop and opt for a salad, wrap, or quesadilla.

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Mr. & Mrs. Bun

Mr. & Mrs. Bun is a West Kendall haven for massive sandwiches filled with flavor on fluffy buns. Complement them with one of the equally tasty appetizers or save room for dessert, as there’s always a sweet daily-made special.

Diced (Mulitple locations)

Another build-your-own bowl spot, but with a bit of Miami flair as bowls are often topped with a sweet guava sauce. Pro tip: order a mix of all the sauces. With locations all over Miami, Diced is never too far away. See all locations here.

Big Tomato (Multiple locations)

This old-school spot started with pizza and now has expanded to chicken wings, paninis, and salads served in massive homemade bread bowls. Quick and affordable, it’s definitely a go-to when looking for something casual and filling. (Find all locations here.)

Maxwell Bros Clothing Store

Not actually a clothing store but a pizzeria and brewpub by the same people who behind Lincoln’s Beard Brewing and Strange Beast. Small bites, charcuterie, and Neapolitan-style pizza are what’s on the menu here. Pop in on a Monday or Tuesday for BOGO beers, and save room for dessert as sister restaurant CryBaby Creamery is right next door with ice cream and cookies galore.

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