The freshest choices around campus

While Portland boasts an eclectic grouping of restaurants around its metro area, Portland States’ city blocks seem to have a more commercialized atmosphere. Many of the restaurants surveyed did not have any of their nutritional information available, so instead the restaurants were chosen for their fresh ingredients and mainly because they weren’t named McDonalds.

Pizzicato

1708 SW 6th Ave.

Located near the PSU bookstore

This pizza chain boasts an ‘everything made from scratch’ mantra of cooking, including the salad dressings. While Pizzicato may be known for their pizza, the salads may be what separates them from the rest of the pack. A Portland chain that began in 1989, Pizzicato offers gluten free crusts for their pizza, as well as vegan options such as the Pomodoro and Thai + Tofu pizza.

The Pita Pit

1811 SW 5th Ave

Next to the UPS Store

Pita Pit is an international chain that introduces Lebanese style pitas in a large variety of ingredients. You really can make whatever you want here. The pita with the most calories is the 600 calorie Gyro, which is still less in total calories as well as total calories (as well as total fat) than McDonalds’ Big Mac, and certainly much better ingredients. Pita Pit offers six different veggie style pitas in addition to their meat pitas.

Rice Junkies

506 SW Mill St.

Next to the Seattle’s Best Coffee

Rice Junkies offers tasty bento and what they call “fat wraps”. The name is a misnomer however, and refers more to the size of the wraps rather than any nutritional downside. The food is prepared fresh, vegetables are steamed, and any bento dish can be substituted with brown rice instead of white. In addition, you can substitute tofu for chicken in any of the wraps of bento. Rice Junkies boasts a “healthy addiction” to their food.

Blue Fin Sushi

1988 SW Broadway Ave

Near the Chipotle

Sushi is always a healthy alternative for a hungry appetite. Blue Fin Sushi’s biggest draw may be their price. At just 1.50 a plate (for some dishes) you can fill up your stomach and leave with a generally small bill. All sushi staples are here. Avocado rolls, asparagus rolls, and edamame are all offered as well as a salad roll.

For those of us choosing to eat healthy, it’s nice to know there are some tasty options nearby. It is always easy to grab the quick alternative, but there are always good alternatives to the dollar menu.