It can be a sad, lonely world for those hunting for an inspired vegetarian sandwich. All too often the choices are either a riff on caprese or some rendition of hummus and sprouts. Both are fine every once in a while, but a little creativity would be nice.

You’ll find that at Bites Coffee Bar & Cafe, a month-old cafe on South Broadway.

This cheerful spot (which, by the way, seems to do most of its trade at breakfast) makes a crave-worthy veggie sandwich with baked portobello mushroom, zucchini, roasted red pepper, and Parmesan cheese. If this sounds like another bad interpretation of the portobello, think again. The combo arrives cooked down, so it’s almost jammy, with a balsamic tang, and stacked between chewy flatbread.

Order the dish, a side of fruit , and a large glass of the citrus green tea, then check “healthy lunch” off your to-do list.

2796 S. Broadway, 720-382-1272

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.