I admit - I work downtown (Farragut area) but I bring my lunch 99% of the time, so you'll rarely see me reviewing a "fast casual" lunch place. The few times I don't bring my lunch, I generally hit Chop't because it's easy to eat healthy there. Today, though, was one of those rare occasions where I didn't bring lunch and didn't feel like having Chop't. Turned to Yelp to see what was around (I was specifically looking for a 'build your own bowl' place - I love the concept of being able to choose what you eat and I had leftover chicken I wanted to ensure didn't go to waste). Chose Schwarma District as 1) hummus sounded good and 2) it wasn't too far of a walk and 3) high praise from my fellow Yelpers.
I arrived around 12:30pm on a chilly, rainy Tuesday - expected the place to be packed but I was pleasantly surprised at the short line. Like other places that have bowl options, you can choose a (pita) sandwich, salad bowl, or rice bowl. Trying to stay healthy, I went for the salad, which was a mix of parsley, onion, cucumber, dill, radish, and mint. I admit, I didn't taste much mint but the parsley actually really made up the 'salad' part (if you don't like parsley I wouldn't go for this option). NOTE: because of my leftover chicken, I did not actually get a protein - they asked me if I wanted more salad to make up for it and I asked for a scoop of romaine hearts.
For toppings, I got hummus, chickpea salad (touch extra $$) baba ghanoush, tzatziki, tabbouleh, sumac onion, and diced tomato and cucumber. I really wanted to get it but I forwent the garlic whip as I didn't want to reek at work for the rest of the day - figured the sumac onions + the onions in the salad would be enough. Portion size was good (I'm full but not uncomfortable) and the cost was around $10. I think it's great that they will give you unlimited toppings, and they also gave me a bit extra more hummus when I asked for it.
As for my bowl (+ my chicken from home), two words are in my head for Schwarma District: FRESH, followed closely by DELICIOUS. I could really tell everything was made fresh on site, and it was easy to customize a bowl to meet your preferences. The line moved fast - I was in and out of there in less than 10 minutes. I also like the idea of supporting local businesses - I'd go to Schwarma District over Roti any day. If I don't have lunch that day and need a place to go, I'll definitely consider Schwarma District. Given the flavors of everything I had, I bet my bowl would taste even better with their chicken schwarma!
Honestly, I can't think of a reason not to give them 5 stars. read more