San Diego Casual Dining: Good Food, Fast

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            Though fast food has a bad rap these days, sometimes it’s a necessary evil. But there’s no reason that being in a hurry means that you have to eat something that’s been sitting under a heat lamp since, well, who knows. For great eats real-quick, check out these top local eateries, and impress your friends and coworkers alike with your insider knowledge of America’s Finest City.

Milano Coffee Company

            Located on a bustling corner in Mission Valley and nestled in the first floor of a huge condominium complex, Milano Coffee Company offers a quiet retreat and delicious, fresh food to more than just the condo-dwellers in the floors above.

            Early-risers can indulge in the breakfast buffet, or run out the door with a breakfast sandwich and mocha. At lunchtime, try the sun-dried tomato turkey wrap or the California club home style sandwich, both served with your choice of a side salad.

Croutons

            At Croutons, it’s not uncommon to see a line of people staring with wonder at the menu. Who knew that there could be this many varieties of salad? Check out the Santa Fe with apple, corn, onion, smoked gouda, toasted walnuts, and specialty cornbread croutons tossed with a fiesta ranch dressing. Or try the Raspberry Chicken, where you get diced chicken, mandarin oranges, roasted cashews and berry vinaigrette dressing.

            If you’re just not a salad person, try a chicken pesto panini or warm up with a pumpkin lemongrass soup at this La Jolla hotspot.

Corner House Café & Pizzeria

            With the busy traffic of I-5 on one side and the luscious Torrey Pines State Reserve on the other, Corner House Café & Pizzeria has found a little niche in the bustling Sorrento Valley business district. While other food-court style establishments in the area serve up quick food, Corner House caters to those looking for quality food, despite a short half-hour lunch break.

             Order your Ironman Deli sandwich (grilled chicken, fresh avocado, Swiss, honey mustard, tomato, and sprouts) or Sorrento Special pizza slice (pepperoni, mushrooms, onions, olives, and mozzarella) at the window. Turn the corner for your first fill-up at the soda fountain. Then find a patio table in the San Diego sunshine, while you wait just a few minutes for your food to be prepared with expert precision.

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