Almost all fast casual lunch places these days give customers all the freedom in the world to create whatever flavor combination they want. But this means there’s about a million and one versions of what you thought would be a simple salad. “Would you like a…?” “how about some…?” and “what about that….?” Sometimes you just don’t want to play Picasso with your food, and you just want someone to tell you how it is, knowing that you’re getting your protein, veggies, and tons of flavor. That’s where Protein Bar comes in. With a wide variety of salads, quinoa bowls, breakfast options and smoothies, Protein Bar is where you go when you want something healthy without having to think…
For starters, they serve breakfast. D.C. isn’t as deli-laden as some other cities (yet), so this is like winning a food lottery. Sure there are a few grab-and-go places sprinkled around, but when you want something on the more nutritious side, you’re far better off grabbing one of Protein Bar’s three “Power Scrambles.” Fluffy scrambled eggs, veggies, and an organic quinoa blend – that’s a GOOD morning. Crowd favorite is “The Denver,” which comes packed with broccoli, cheddar, fresh salsa and raw onions.
Another great thing about Protein Bar is that their lunch starts at 10:30 am. This means the world to the 5 am elliptical-crazed individual who ate breakfast before the sun was up – no more waiting until noon! You can get your gluten-free lunch fix in so many ways. If it’s cold outside, cuddle around a bowl of their chili. Choose chicken or vegetarian (soy protein), and you’ll get smoky spicy flavors topped with a dollop of fat free Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese.
None of their salads are topped with bread or tossed with croutons – all are hearty, gluten-free, and packed with protein. There are 6 pre-built options to choose from, each with either all-natural chicken, beef, or tofu. The Backyard BBQ is one of their latest additions. Radishes, kale, corn, and spicy beef – it will have any die-hard meat lover downing their veggies. See something you kinda like but wish it were with something else? Feel free to swap the protein options or dressing – the staff will adjust it to your liking.
If quinoa is your thang, you’ll be sure to try one of their protein bowls. They’re similar in flavor to their breakfast dishes with the same organic quinoa blend, but with meat instead of egg. If you used to be a pasta person, aim for the spinach and pesto, you won’t be disappointed.
How’d you like to wrap up your protein-packed meal with more…. protein? Dessert comes in two healthier forms at the Protein Bar. The first are smoothies, which vary in flavor, and come with either milk, soy, or almond milk and are supplemented with protein powder. Vegan? Request their soy protein powder instead of whey. Sweetened with agave (or not, upon request), they’re a great snack, thirst-quencher, and post-workout treat. All are gluten-free except for two that use their house-made malt-syrup, which can be taken out.
There’s also a handful of baked goods from the Protein Bakery. These aren’t your ordinary brownies, blondies, and chocolate chip cookies – they’re made with whey protein powder, and are all gluten-free with loads of fiber and protein. More importantly, they actually taste good. So feel free to sin a little.
For a quick and easy, gluten-free, flavorful breakfast or lunch, the Protein Bar has your back. Penn Quarter, Farragut Square, Farragut North…. get your protein in.