The fourth Washington location of Chicago-based Protein Bar debuts Wednesday at 17th and K streets, and it’s giving away $10,000 in freebies. The first 100 customers in line at 11 will receive $100 gift certificates for future use, or roughly a dozen “protein bar-ritos.”
The health-minded chain, with shops in the Windy City, Boulder, and Denver, made its local debut in Penn Quarter in 2012 and has been expanding its Washington presence since. The breakfast and afternoon menus emphasize protein-packed blended drinks, egg whites, quinoa bowls, salads, and chilis, which can be topped off with the likes of vegan cheese or nonfat Greek yogurt. You’ll also find the whole-wheat “bar-ritos,” stuffed with burrito-esque combinations such as chicken, black beans, and salsa, or wrap-like chilled versions with tofu, kale, chickpeas, and chia dressing. Vegans and the gluten-free set will find plenty of options.
Protein Bar (17th and K). 925 17th St., NW. Open Monday through Friday 7 to 8, and Saturday 10 to 4. Closed Sunday.
Anna Spiegel covers the dining and drinking scene in her native DC. Prior to joining Washingtonian in 2010, she attended the French Culinary Institute and Columbia University’s MFA program in New York, and held various cooking and writing positions in NYC and in St. John, US Virgin Islands.
