Are you a baseball fan that considers a tofu dog as American as any ball park frank? Are you headed out to catch some spring training games? Did you answer yes to both? Well, then, keep reading to find out the best veggie dining options in Peoria, Arizona.
Pita Jungle
For the truly health conscious, check out this yummy “jungle.” With a selection of black bean burgers, garden burgers, hummus, pitas (of course), grilled Portobellos, and a “new age,” Southern Cal-vibe, vegetarians and vegans will feel welcomed here. Save some extra innings for your stomach, and get dessert. Perhaps a slice of turtle cheesecake, or a peanut butter banana smoothie that even Elvis might enjoy. Want to try something unique? Then nibble on caramelized cauliflower with tahini (and if you know what “tahini” is then you’ll love this trendy joint).
Price range: $5 (smoothies); $6-$10 (salads); $6-$9 (pitas); $7-$10 (“burgers”); $3-$5 (desserts)
Website: www.pitajungle.com
Barros Pizza
If you enjoy delicious Chicago-style pizza, stop here. With two locations in Peoria, this is a perfect dining option for baseball-ites and dirt dogs. Barros’ menu includes the prerequisite salads, mozzarella sticks, pasta, along with a vegetarian special pizza (loaded with onions, mushrooms, black olives, green peppers, and tomatoes), and a white pizza, which makes it a great choice for non-meat eaters. Their crust is a cross between deep-dish and thin-crust, and the toppings and cheese are loaded as high as home plate. If you’re there for lunch, check out the lunch specials: one slice of pizza and a soft drink for $2.50.
Price range: $10 (large cheese pizza) – $15 (large specialty pizza)
Website: www.barrospizza.com
Buca di Beppo
Headed to the games with family, or a group of friends? Want to enjoy Southern Italian immigrant cuisine? Then check out Buca di Beppo, a vintage-style Italian restaurant, serving colossal food portions, which are meant to be shared! For a chain restaurant, it’s surprisingly authentic (my Italian friend vouches for the joint’s “Itali-thenticity”). And their menu is filled with veggie options: numerous salads (including apple gorgonzola); three types of vegetarian pizzas (including the classic Neapolitan margherita); a selection of pastas (think cheese manicotti); eggplant parmigiana; and an assortment of charming antipasti; and vegans should check out their spaghetti marinara. Before you say “arrivederci,” make sure to try Buca’s triple layer, chocolate mousse-filled cake.
Price range: $6-$16 (antipasti); $8-$16 (salads); $20-$35 (entrees); $10-$24 (pizza); $8-$17 (desserts)
Website: www.bucadibeppo.com