These Grab-and-Go Dishes Are Surprisingly Satisfying

Snagging one of these on-the-fly meals won't leave you disappointed in a pinch.

By Chelsea Lin and Jess Thomson December 19, 2017

This article originally appeared in the November 2017 issue of Seattle magazine.

Let’s face it: There are times when having time to grab a premade wrap or a sandwich from a deli case feels like winning the lottery. You’re lucky to have lunch at all, so you’d probably eat anything. Yet, wouldn’t it be nice if you knew which sandwiches to grab before going?

Molly’s
Molly’s sandwiches and salads—which are sometimes also sold as a café’s own product—have become the city’s ubiquitous go-to for grab-and-go. Its most popular item is the black bean, yam and kale wrap (about $7). Available at local Top Pot Doughnuts and Drip City Coffee Company locations, plus many other coffee shops.

Eat Local
Although Eat Local rocketed to fame as the city’s best take-and-bake frozen-dinner provider, both because of its commitment to natural ingredients and the impressive variety (Szechuan chicken! Coq au vin! Saag paneer!), it’s also a great secret weapon for lunches. Scour the frozen cases over the weekend and bring your finds to work. Every day, pop one in the microwave, and voilà—delicious beef madras at your desk. Plus: It delivers in time for dinner if you order before 11 a.m. Multiple locations.

Starbucks
With the July launch of Starbucks’ new Mercato menu (all priced below $10), Seattle-area customers gained access to a wider variety of good-for-you, grab-and-go lunch options at our most prolific coffee shop. When the need arises, you can count on the za’atar chicken and lemon tahini salad, with added protein from superfood grain freekeh. Multiple locations.

Sunrise Tacos
A leading pioneer in 2017’s trend toward Texas-style breakfast tacos in Seattle, this company supplies local coffee shops with the simple, foil-wrapped goods. The Mt. Bakon with eggs and bacon is a fan favorite, but even the vegan Vashon—with Soyrizo and avocado—is a delightful way to start the day. Available at Broadcast Coffee Roasters in the Central District, Cone and Steiner locations, Tougo Coffee and other establishments.

Tres Sandwich House
Stick with the crustless triangles from Bellevue’s Japanese sandwich house that stay true to the simple Japanese 7-Eleven style: those stuffed with egg salad, tuna salad or tonkatsu (fried pork cutlets). Japanophiles will relish the neat plastic packaging and nifty opening mechanism—rarely is an American sandwich this much fun to open. Prices vary, usually about $6. Available at Fresh Flours locations, Kai Market and Seattle Meowtropolitan; or in Bellevue, 1502 145th Place SE, 425.643.7333.