downtown lunch-in a rut

I am totally stuck in a rut for lunch downtown. It's either Proof, YaChings (at least twice a week), or Bistro 301.
I need somewhere that has healthy food (preferably vegetarian), is relatively cheap, and, since I will be starting to take the bus next week and won't be able to drive anywhere for lunch, within walking distance of 6th and Market, which would be from 8th to 1st and from Main to Broadway. Help!

Safiers, Saffron's, Blue Nile Buffet, Shiraz, Down to Lunch Cafe, the salad bar at Cravings Ala Carte in National City Bldg.

I am totally stuck in a rut for lunch downtown. It's either Proof, YaChings (at least twice a week), or Bistro 301.

I need somewhere that has healthy food (preferably vegetarian), is relatively cheap, and, since I will be starting to take the bus next week and won't be able to drive anywhere for lunch, within walking distance of 6th and Market, which would be from 8th to 1st and from Main to Broadway. Help!

There's City Cafe at Broadway and Fifth.

I'm a fan of the Main Eatery at Main and 7th. They have several kinds of soup, baked potatoes, salads and sandwiches etc. I remember them having several vegetarian friendly options.

There's City Cafe at Broadway and Fifth.

I second the vote for City Cafe. Good food made from scratch, very reasonably priced and quick service. They also offer a daily vegetarian dish. And you can get on their mailing list for their weekly menus.

Ellen, I'm shamefully lazy and generally don't go far for lunch. Most days, I just walk across the alley to Gavi's Restaurant at 222 South 7th (between Market and Jefferson), across the police headquarters.

Every day they have at least six home-cooked vegetables. There are the obligatory mashed potatoes and green beans, but also various greens, cabbage, baked cauliflower, zucchini in tomato sauce, etc. David serves cheese ravioli. I'm sure he could make you a veggie pizza. A former co-worker used to love his pineapple pizza and I know he had an alfredo pizza for a while. I'm a fan of his BBQ chicken pizza. I know it's hot, but they have several soups every day, including chicken noodle, chicken rice, Russian vegetable (I think it's meatfree), gazpacho, leek soup, spinach soup, etc. Lately, they've offered hummus with pita bread. A lot of people like their baked chicken on Mondays and Fridays. Wednesday is fried chicken day and people call in all morning long "reserving" their favorite part of the chicken. Friday is baked fish in carrot sauce and salmon patties. If staying meatfree is important to you and you're not sure about a dish, just ask Zina or Ida. They make everything from scratch, so they can easily tell you what's vegetarian and what isn't.

They're open till late afternoons now since David started serving beer (6 PM, I think).

Also, Gavi's delivers breakfast and lunch within a several block radius of 7th and Market.

Lois

Pesto's and Cunninghams.......two of my favs

I had a great lunch at Vincenzo's recently. Very tasty and not too bad on the pocket.

I second recommendations for Safier's, Blue Nile & Gavi's. If you are looking for something very casual you could try Heitzman's Bakery on Market between 4th & 5th - they do good veggie burgers and benedictine sandwiches. There is also Wolfgang Puck, although I find it a bit on the pricey side.

You could take the Market St. trolley to Market on Market, Jennica's, Toast, Bodega, Mellilo's ...

One I forgot and never see mentioned here is Down to Lunch Cafe in the basement of the Ky Home Life bldg. Good variety at a great price.

I recommend Queue Cafe in the E-On/LG&E building on 3rd and Main. They have great gourment sandwiches and salads.

I really like Mayan Cafe they have this egg, cheese and plantain sandwich that is delicious. They have great black bean and cheese empanadas too. A lot of vegetarian options.

BBC on 4th in Theater Square,across from The Brown Hotel.

Wolfgang Puck is great, and really not too expensive for what is is, imho. The butternut squash soup is amazing, and the BBQ wrap is fantastic! I also enjoy their garlic chips.

There are also Delta Restaurant (434 W. Market) and TC's Sandwich Shoppe (438 W. Market). My mom really likes TC's. as they have some interesting soups and sandwiches. A location of Los Aztecas is at 530 W. Main. You could always go fo Skyline Chili or Jimmy John's if you wanted (*I* like those places).