We're all in a rush to get somewhere. But our lack of time doesn't mean we want to sacrifice the taste of our food. A handful of new restaurants are hopping on the fast-casual chuck wagon but with decors and menus that mix white-tablecloth dining with fast-food burger joints — and that appeal to the on-the-go foodie in all of us.
Burger Fresh
What you'll find ‡¨ Truly have it your way at this local burger joint, which lets guests customize quarter-pound, hand-ground Angus beef patties from a menu of freshly prepared ingredients. "We wanted people to be able to come out with burgers, fries and a shake for under $10," says general manager Phil Skoczen. The ingredients ‡¨ Go for the 20 free toppings such as Stadium Mustard and sliced red onion or pick from the add-on menu — think bacon, avocado, Cincinnati chili ($1 each). Other patties include salmon or black bean. Try this ‡¨ Order the California Burger ($5.79), a black-bean patty topped with red pepper salsa, avocado, baby greens and chipotle mayo. 8121-B Chippewa Road, Brecksville, 440-546-9900, alwaysbff.com
Choolaah Indian BBQ
What you'll find ଠFour tandoori ovens are the culinary gem in this open kitchen, which serves traditional Indian fare as sandwiches, bowls, salads or plates. The ingredients ଠPick from more than 100 combinations of vegetables, sauces and curries to go along with proteins such as chicken and salmon, which are cooked on skewers inside the ovens. "The meat and the cheese never hit a surface so all the fat drips off, and it's very healthy," says chief creative officer Jay Nesbitt. Try this ଠDig into the chicken biryani bowl ($8.49) with long-grained basmati rice, curry, herbs and spices layered in a nan-covered bowl. 27100 Chagrin Blvd., Orange Village, 800-459-8860, choolaah.com
