Best Order-at-the-Counter Restaurants
“Fast food” takes on a whole new meaning at these counter-service joints where you walk in, walk up, and place your order sans servers. The plates may be prepared pronto, but the ingredients are all fresh, ensuring a memorable, mouthwatering meal for all.
La Fiesta Alteña brings street-style Mexican favorites to Roseville and Folsom and gets it right every time with their Shrimp Ceviche Tostada. Fresh, raw shrimp is cured in lime juice flavored with jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, and served on a crisp tostada that’s spread with mayonnaise and topped with slices of ripe avocado. The ingredients blend harmoniously to create a refreshing taste of the seaside and sun-kissed days. lafiestaaltena.com
By Tara Mendanha // Photos by Dante Fontana
Dominick's NY Pizza & Deli
Holy moly, do we love the Large Stromboli at Dominick’s NY Pizza & Deli. Stuffed to the max with all our favorite meats (ham, pepperoni, salami) and oozing with provolone and mozzarella, this savory selection checks all the indulgence boxes and brings a touch of New York to your taste buds. Best for a grab-and-go meal, it's the perfect replacement for pizza—although, I must say, their pies are hard to resist! dominicksfolsom.com
Rock-N-Fire
Rock-N-Fire in Folsom brings the heat with The Ringer—an all-natural beef burger accompanied by a hefty, panko-crusted onion ring, bacon, lettuce, and tomato on a brioche bun (their burgers can be served on a bun or in a bowl). BBQ and fire sauces bring a subtle, sweet heat to the ensemble, making the familiar flavors come alive. Hungry yet indecisive? This is the burger for you.rocknfirerestaurants.com
Lucille's Coffee Hops & Vine
Lucille’s Coffee Hops & Vine in Folsom makes an Egg Salad Sandwich worthy of praise. Perfectly seasoned eggs combined with mayo, Dijon mustard, green onions, and parsley make for an ideal midday meal along with the simple accompaniments of tomato and lettuce on sourdough bread (sliced wheat or a lettuce wrap are also available). The nostalgic sandwich comes with "Shane’s famous macaroni salad" or mixed greens tossed in a champagne vinaigrette. Better start an "egg salad sandwich fund" because you’ll be coming back for more. lucillescoffeehopsvine.com
Farmer's Delicatessen and Bakery
One of the (many) popular desserts at Farmer’s Delicatessen and Bakery in Cameron Park is their fresh Lemon Tart with almond flour crust. You can almost always find individual portions of these delectable tarts at the bakery, making it the perfect ready-to-go sweet treat. Using freshly squeezed lemon juice and boasting a gluten-free crust, these bright yellow discs are every lemon-lover’s dream come true. farmersdeli.net
BLVD 41
El Dorado Hills’ BLVD 41 has some pretty unique pizzas and equally interesting signature salads. The Sesame Chicken Salad consists of Napa cabbage tossed in an Asian sesame dressing with edamame, chicken, peppers, green onions, broccoli, tofu, and almonds, finished off with a generous drizzle of creamy sriracha and dainty sprigs of micro cilantro. A salad of substance that’s bursting with flavor, it’s a great bite to have while you sample any of their 41 beers and wines on tap. blvd41.com
La Fiesta Alteña
La Fiesta Alteña brings street-style Mexican favorites to Roseville and Folsom and gets it right every time with their Shrimp Ceviche Tostada. Fresh, raw shrimp is cured in lime juice flavored with jalapeños, onions, tomatoes, and cilantro, and served on a crisp tostada that’s spread with mayonnaise and topped with slices of ripe avocado. The ingredients blend harmoniously to create a refreshing taste of the seaside and sun-kissed days. lafiestaaltena.com
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