I recently started an office job and now get to experience the joy of a lunch hour. While this concept might not thrill everyone, for me, it’s an opportunity to explore an entirely new range of food options that never mattered much to me before: lunch specials.
What are the good, centrally located spots that make for an efficient outing? Which places are good for groups with a range of dietary restrictions? What about when you’re pressed for time and need something delicious to take back to the office for a solid desk lunch? These are the hard-hitting questions I’ve been asking myself.
Here are the results of my research should you be in need of a good midday pick-me-up.
What: chicken yellow curry lunch special
Where: Thai Lotus, 6430 S. Virginia St., Reno
Contact: www.thailotusreno.com; 775-852-5033
Price: $12.95
If you feel like sitting down to lunch outside of the office yet need to get back in time for a meeting, Thai Lotus is a great option with quick service for a work lunch. Featuring a special lunch menu with a variety of dishes from curries to noodles, it’s a great place to pop in, either alone or with a group, and know that there are plenty of options to satisfy the party. If you order from the lunch menu, each entrée is served with an appetizer, salad and rice, and most combinations are less than $15, depending on your choice of protein.
I recently opted for the yellow curry with chicken and found it to be delicious—a perfectly light option for the middle of the workday. I also enjoyed the gyoza appetizer and side salad, which came with a peanut dressing. This meal is best eaten at the restaurant.
What: pepperoni lunch pizza
Where: South Creek Pizza Co., 45 Foothill Road, Reno
Contact: southcreekpizza.com; 775-622-1620
Price: $12
South Creek Pizza Co. recently started offering its lunch menu again, which is great news for anyone who needs an afternoon pie. Pepperoni is usually my go-to, and the version at South Creek never disappoints due to its crispy pepperoni cups, oozy melty cheese, and crisp, bubbly crust.
South Creek’s lunch pizzas are smaller than its regular pizzas, which makes sense, because it’s hard not to finish the entire pie here, and it’s never fun to want to take a nap when you are back at your desk to work. A side salad option automatically makes the entire meal healthy, in my book.
What: Hawaii BBQ chicken plate lunch
Where: Kenji’s, 3940 Spring Drive, Suite 6, Reno
Contact: www.kenjisfoodtruck.com; 775-384-9022
Price: $13.95
If you’re looking for a quick pick-up lunch that you know will travel back to your desk well, a food-truck-turned-brick-and-mortar place is always a good choice. Enter Kenji’s, a Hawaiian joint off Longley Lane and McCarran Boulevard that has a great plate-lunch special. It’s filling and delicious, with two scoops of rice, protein and a side. I love Kenji’s Hawaiian BBQ chicken for the protein and the macaroni salad as the side, but carb-conscious guests can opt for slaw or spring-mix salad instead.
Two pro tips: While Kenji’s service is often quick, they can get pretty busy at lunch, so, if you’re really in a pinch, I recommend ordering ahead for pickup. Also, during the sriracha shortage this past year, Kenji’s decided to make their own hot sauce in-house—and be sure to try it, because it is an absolutely delicious addition to whatever you order.