Regular readers and diners might notice a trend in restaurant names: replacing the last letter of a word with another. It’s clever, and the newest to join the change-the-end-character club is Clean Eatz.
Its, or should I say itz, emphasis is on healthy, ready-made meals that can be ordered weekly for pickup. The friendly employee who greeted us provided an explanation about the various meal plans (he also took our order). There are also options for those interested in dining in the small cafe or grabbing a meal to go.
We chose the latter. Although the food was packaged hot and remained so by the time we arrived home, I question whether all of it was made to order.
Pretzel bites with queso to-go at Clean Eatz.
Still, there’s no doubt the restaurant stresses wholesome, nutritious food. For example, our order of whole grain pretzel bites ($5.99) was served with low-sodium queso. A dozen thick chewy compact pieces, dusted with herbs, are included in each order. The best part was the creamy queso with the suggestion of piquancy.
Clean Eatz Restaurant (Located at: 5118 N Nevada Ave.) “Chicken Pesto Wrap with Sweet Potato Fries To-Go” Tuesday February 13, 2024. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
The chicken pesto “wrapz” ($8.99) was recommended. Cubes of chicken, spinach, diced tomatoes and cucumber with kale pesto were encased in a garlic herb wrap. The pesto was underwhelming, if only because it seemed a scant amount for the impressive quantity of fillings.
All wrapz come with a choice of sides: sweet potato fries, veggie cup, apples and peanut butter dip, and whole wheat macaroni and cheese. I opted for the fries and paid extra for mac and cheese ($1.99). I appreciated the addition of the crispy waffle fries. The gummy mac was less pleasing.
The menu includes Build Your Own Bowl options with three sizes available. The containers remain the same size; it’s the amount of protein that increases with price and calories. Chicken, salmon, bison, shredded beef, black bean burger and shrimp are the protein choices.
Clean Eatz Restaurant (Located at: 5118 N Nevada Ave.) “Salmon Bowl with Brown Rice, Zucchini, Broccoli and Green Peppers To-Go” Tuesday February 13, 2024. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
For the base of our small bowl ($11.69), we had a choice of whole grain pasta, rosemary potatoes, brown rice, kale and quinoa and superfood salad. We chose brown rice with salmon (a $2 upcharge) as the protein; our veggies were broccoli, green peppers and zucchini.
There was a veritable garden of other possibilities. Teriyaki sauce was the final decision we had to make from a selection of eight. Sauces are served on the side.
Salmon was the culprit I think was not cooked to order because it was dry. The vegetables were al dente. The rice was plentiful, and the sweet yet savory sauce tied it all together.
The menu also includes melts, flatbreads, burgers and something called “Makin’ Muscle.”
A large refrigerator case features an array of ready-to-take-home items. We were told there are 58 meal choices with the aim of soon offering as many as 78. These include honey garlic chicken, Asian beef with vegetables and more — including numerous breakfast meals. A variety of smoothies, or smoothiez, are also available.
The restaurant’s website includes a complete nutrition guide for all of its menu items.
Clean Eatz is in University Village Colorado on North Nevada Avenue.
Clean Eatz
Clean Eatz Restaurant (Located at: 5118 N Nevada Ave.) “Pretzel Bites with Queso, Chicken Pesto Wrap with Sweet Potato Fries and Salmon Bowl with Brown Rice, Zucchini, Broccoli and Green Peppers To-Go” Tuesday February 13, 2024. Photo by Jeff Kearney.
Healthy and nutritious cuisine for dine-in or takeout.
Location: 5118 N. Nevada Ave.
Contact: 1-719-892-3289; cleaneatz.com
Prices: $5.99 to $15.89
Hours: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday; 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Details: Credit cards accepted. Wi-Fi.
Favorite dishes: Pretzel bites with queso; sweet potato fries
Other: Gluten-free and vegan options available.