Hungry Guys Kitchen brings fast-casual food to Granville Street

The bustling, ever-changing Granville Street has recently become home to a new independent eatery. Residing in a space that was previously tenanted by UFood Grill, The Hungry Guys Kitchen offers patrons a variety of delicious, fresh, belly-filling burritos, salads and bowls.

This Granville Street newcomer has been brought to life by chef/owner Aldo Velaj, who has made it his mission to provide customers with tasty, healthy fare. Having worked at a number of restaurants in his lifetime, Velaj, who learned to cook from his mother, knows what people want, when it comes to quick, reliably good, wholesome food.

Wagering on a universal love of Mexican food, Velaj recognizes the importance of simple cuisine, and lets the ingredients used speak for themselves. Striving for freshness and quality, Hungry Guys sources, whenever possible, ingredients that are local, sustainable, free-run, responsibly raised, free of GMO, and free of artificial flavorings, colours, sweeteners, trans fat, or preservatives.

Offering fresh food with integrity, Hungry Guys is an absolute gem on an otherwise fast-food driven stretch of Granville Street.

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Think Hubbub meets Chipotle, Hungry Guys not only offers a range of itemized salads, but also encourages customers to pick and choose ingredients to create their own meals.

Burrito lovers will enjoy the build-your-own burrito (and bowl) bar. For $8.89, customers pick what type of rice and beans they want, brown rice or white rice, and pinto beans or black beans. This preference is then followed by the choice of protein (grilled chicken, grilled steak, organic tofu, or carnitas).

The final choice comes in the form of an array of toppings, like pico de gallo (mild tomato salsa), sour cream, corn, chopped romaine, shredded cheese, guacamole, and more.

Other menu items include hearty, jazzed up salads. Made on the spot, Hungry Guys prepares unique creations like the sweet yet punchy Pepita De Mi Vida, which is comprised of organic tofu, shredded kale, organic quinoa, edamame, red beets, red cabbage, fresh mint, local apples, dried cranberries, blue cheese (not overly aggressive), pumpkin seeds, and a maple balsamic vinaigrette.

To drink, homemade lemonade comes in flavours ginger and carrot; cucumber, chile and cilantro; unsweetened hibiscus tea, and a refreshing lemonade squeezed with lemons on-site. The flavour combos will change in the springtime.

The fast-casual lunch and dinner concept is intended as a grab-and-go spot, but there’s inside seating for 70, if diners feel inclined to sit-in — and why wouldn’t they? The space is ultra clean, modern, and inviting.

Those who were familiar with the space before Hungry Guys moved in will be amazed at the transformation that 988 Granville Street has undergone. Bright and airy, Hungry Guys exudes warmth with its woody interior, rustic furnishings, and comfortable lighting.

Hungry Guys Kitchen

Address: 988 Granville Street
Phone: 604-559-7000
Twitter: @Hungry_Guys
Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.