Why go to a generic chain when there is a better-tasting, healthier alternative that began right here in Philly? Honeygrow, whose slogan, “Honest Eating + Growing Local,” is committed to providing sustainable and healthy food on the go. This sounds great and all, but you’re probably still wondering, “Okay, but how good does it taste?” Excellent as far as fast-casual dining goes.
Unlike other fast-food restaurants, the lines are pretty minimal. It has no comparison with a Chick-Fil-A drive-thru.
When you first walk into a Honeygrow, you’ll first hear the sizzling sensations of the chefs working the woks. The interior is clean and minimal, with brushed metal tables and wood paneling. As HG is neither fast food nor a buffet, there are no heat lamps or refrigerators, since all of their food is fresh, local, and made-to-order. Along the counter are a series of touch screens, with customers shuffling in and out after placing their orders. Unlike other fast-food restaurants, the lines are pretty minimal. It has no comparison with a Chick-Fil-A drive-thru.
As for the food options, picky eaters rejoice: Like a Chipotle or a Panera, the menu at HG is fully customizable, allowing you to pick between stir-fry, salad, or a dessert cup that they call “honeybar.” First, you pick your base, protein, veggies, and a choice of one of thirteen sauces. All of these add up to numerous combinations. On top of it all, HG caters to almost every dietary need: gluten-free, paleo, keto, or vegan. Prices vary depending on how many ingredients you add, but expect to pay a base price of around $10-15 for the stir-fry or salad of your dreams.
My personal go-to pick is a rice noodle stir-fry, topped with steak and bacon, piled with scallions and sesame seeds and smothered in sesame garlic sauce ($16.56). Even if this combo isn’t for you, the menu is like a Choose-Your-Own-Adventure book where you can experiment to your heart’s content. I’ve found my ideal combination, but if you like trying something new every visit, you could probably go a year on the noodle options alone. According to ChatGPT, there are over a trillion meal combinations. Is ChatGPT accurate in its calculation? Maybe not, but the point still stands: it will take you a while before getting anywhere close to trying everything.
Now, some of you might be saying that having a variety of choices gives you a panic attack. HG still has you covered. If you’re scared off by the many options, there are plenty of set meals on the menu, like the Steakhouse Chopped Salad with zesty croutons and a creamy ranch dressing. Plus, if you hate tomatoes, that’s fine. The touch screen ordering system makes it easy to modify and substitute. There’s even a kids menu if you need to drag your little sibling or cousin along with you. Starting at $8, the kids menu lets you create your own stir-fry and salad. If the kid is extra picky, they even have a Garlic Butter + Parm Meal with a side of grapes.
Why go eat with the outsiders when you eat at one of your own?
Honeybar desserts are another of the unique things that Honeygrow offers (from $6). In practice, a honeybar is a cup with fresh fruit such as strawberries or banana, garnished with two toppings such as granola or chocolate chips and one of three honeys (buckwheat, wildflower, clover). There’s even maple syrup for New Englanders and vegans. Like everything else Honeygrow offers, everything is entirely customizable for the exact sweet treat you’re craving.
According to Philly Voice, “Some popular honeybars include the traditional fruit and granola; the Cobbler honeybar, made with maple yogurt, apples, streusel crumble and whipped cream; the Apple Pie honeybar, made with roasted apples, streusel crumble, candied pecans, whipped cream and wildflower honey,” and more. So, if you have a sweet tooth, HG provides a healthier alternative to ice cream or frozen yogurt. Well, Honeygrow offers one dessert that’s not so healthy: a “rich” and “decadent” double chocolate brownie, made with Ghirardelli chocolate chips.
Did I mention that Honeygrow was born and raised in Philly? They were founded in 2012 in Rittenhouse Square. Justin Rosenberg decided to skip the suit-and-tie life of finance, going to culinary school and starting the restaurant of his dreams while giving people on a plant-based diet like him a chance to eat decently. Today, Honeygrow has expanded to Boston (by Fenway Park of all places, but no one is perfect) and even the heart of Washington, D.C. You can even now buy five of their signature sauces in stores for $5.99 a bottle.
For lunch, you have many choices, but Chipotle is from Denver, Panera is from St. Louis, Sweetgreen is from D.C., and Jersey Mike’s is, well, from Jersey. Why go eat with the outsiders when you eat at one of your own? The choice is yours.
