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CAVA
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
CAVA
7.8
Fast-casual Mediterranean chain offering customizable grain bowls and pitas with quality ingredients and modern sensibility. Build-your-own format features fresh roasted vegetables, house-made dips, and protein options with over 50 million possible combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Harissa Avocado Bowl, Chicken Shawarma Pita, Crazy Feta
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.1
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Chipotle-style customization with Mediterranean flavors and premium ingredients
Who should go: Health-conscious diners wanting fresh, customizable Mediterranean bowls
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early dinner to avoid peak crowds
What to order: Greens & grains bowl with harissa, falafel crunchy pita chips
Insider tip: Download the app for faster ordering and loyalty rewards
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking and public lots nearby - metered until 8pm, generally available. Paseo Colorado garage within 2 blocks
Dress code: Casual comfort - athleisure, jeans, work casual all fine
Noise level: Moderate - counter-service vibe with music, easy conversation
Weekend wait: 5-10 min during peak (6-7pm), moves quickly
Weekday lunch: 10-15 min line 12-1pm, order-ahead recommended
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - falafel, grilled vegetables, multiple dips and grain bases
Vegan options: Very good - falafel, hummus, roasted veggies, tahini (skip feta/tzatziki)
Gluten-free options: Yes - rice and greens bases available, most proteins and toppings safe (confirm at counter)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or daytime coffee alternatives - fast-casual format lacks romantic ambiance but shows you're health-conscious and low-pressure
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - counter service with open seating. Grab your bowl and find a spot, usually available even during lunch rush
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - build-your-own format lets picky eaters customize, quick service keeps restless kids happy, casual atmosphere welcomes families
How does it compare to other fast-casual Mediterranean? More polished than local shawarma spots, fresher ingredients than Daphne's, similar model to Sweetgreen but Mediterranean focus. Best in category for customization
Can I eat here if I'm watching calories? Excellent choice - nutritional info displayed, can build sub-400 calorie bowls easily with greens base and grilled proteins, plenty of vegetable options
Best For
Better for: Healthy customization, dietary restrictions, solo dining efficiency, consistent quality across locations, macro tracking
Skip if: You want authentic sit-down Mediterranean with full service, traditional preparations, or romantic date ambiance - head to Gale's or Levant instead
CAVA
7.6
This fast-casual Mediterranean chain brings customizable grain bowls and pitas with fresh vegetables and quality proteins to South Lake Avenue. While modified for American palates, the build-your-own format delivers healthy, flavorful meals with transparent calorie counts and consistent execution across 50+ ingredient combinations.
Must-Try Dishes:
Greens + Grains Bowl, Harissa Avocado Bowl, Chicken Shawarma Pita
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 6.5
What makes it special: Customizable Mediterranean bowls with transparent nutrition for health-conscious diners
Who should go: Solo diners, fitness enthusiasts, Chipotle-style bowl fans
When to visit: Open late (10:30 PM daily) for post-event dining
What to order: Build your own with saffron rice, harissa, and tahini
Insider tip: Download app for rewards program and easy ordering
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on South Lake Ave with 2-hour meters ($1.50/hr), or public structure one block east on St. John Avenue
Dress code: Ultra-casual - workout clothes, office attire, anything goes in this fast-casual setting
Noise level: Moderate - open dining room with some echo, fine for casual conversation but not intimate
Weekend wait: No wait - counter service with 5-8 minute food prep time
Weekday lunch: Possible 5-10 min line during 12-1pm rush, moves quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - falafel, roasted veggies, multiple grain options, hummus varieties
Vegan options: Yes - clearly marked proteins (falafel, chickpeas), dressings, and sides with full customization
Gluten-free options: Yes - grain bowls can use supergreens base or cauliflower rice, skip pita for lettuce wrap
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - fast-casual counter ordering lacks romance and the open layout can feel impersonal. Better for casual hangouts or lunch dates where the focus is conversation over ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's counter service with open seating. Grab a table after ordering, though peak lunch hours (12-1pm) can fill up.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 5+ - kids can build their own bowls with familiar ingredients (rice, chicken, pita). High chairs available, casual atmosphere means noise isn't an issue. Under-5 may struggle with spicy options.
How long does a meal take? 25-35 minutes total - order and pay in 3-5 minutes, food ready in 5-8 minutes, then eat at your pace. Perfect for tight lunch schedules.
Do they do takeout well? Excellent for takeout - bowls travel well in secure containers, ingredients stay separated until you're ready to mix. Order ahead on app to skip the line entirely.
Best For
Better for: Transparent nutrition tracking, dietary customization (50+ combinations), consistent quality across visits, and late-night healthy options when most restaurants close. Beats Chipotle for Mediterranean flavors and veggie variety.
Skip if: You want authentic Mediterranean cooking, a romantic atmosphere, table service, or complex flavor profiles. Go to Momed or Orris instead for traditional preparations and elevated dining experience.