Tasty and quick options for lunch on Columbia’s Main Street

Main Street in Columbia has become a veritable avenue of eats in the past few years.

For those who lunch out daily or often, no need to tire of the same ol’ same ol’.

Here are just a few suggestions – many with outdoor seating perfect for nice weather.

Want a tasty sandwich?

Try this veggie option at East Bay Deli: A portobello mushroom wrap with grilled portobello mushrooms, light Italian dressing, sautéed onions, bell peppers, avocado spread, and melted Swiss cheese rolled in a sun-dried tomato wrap. The deli offers almost endless sandwich, wrap, and salad choices, but this is a hearty and healthy option.

And at Michael’s Cafe & Catering: At summer tomato time, try to the Brie-L-T, featuring brie spread, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce and roasted tomatoes.

Interested in a taco?

Cantina 76 has many to choose from with made-fresh ingredients. For those still-sweltering, energy-depleting summer days, try the fried tilapia with pickled jalapeños and a roasted poblano tartar sauce. And, on this week’s specials: a honey Sriracha taco with fried chicken tenders topped with a sweet and spicy honey Sriracha glaze and slaw.

What about a salad?

Sample a Mediterranean salad trio bowl at Zoe’s Kitchen. Three tastes are attractively arranged in one bowl: pesto farro, zesty quinoa, and orzo tabouli. Added is a creamy tzatziki, flavorful Italian salsa verde, crumbled feta cheese, fresh cucumbers, and dill. An additional add-on of chicken will make this salad even more substantial.

What about a half and half?

You can the traditional menu offering of a soup or side salad – paired with a not-so-traditional half sandwich at The Oak Table. The sandwiches options might include a grilled portobello, white truffle grilled cheese or house smoked pulled pork. Try to get a seat at the bar for lunch with a State House view.

Need quick and filling?

Pop into Persona Wood Fired Pizzeria for a 12-inch pan pizza. Quickly convey sauce and cheese preferences and select toppings – there are more than a dozen – and the 800-degree oven cooks to perfection in 90 or so seconds.

This story was originally published August 9, 2017 at 4:05 PM with the headline "Tasty and quick options for lunch on Columbia’s Main Street."