On those days when you want to escape the office, there are plenty of lunch options in St. Louis for busy professionals to enjoy. Whether you work downtown or elsewhere in the city, there are dozens of great restaurants to sample. Some make for the perfect quick takeout option, while others lend themselves to a more leisurely lunch. For those work days when a bagged lunch won’t cut it, here are 5 superb spots to sample the St. Louis culinary scene on your lunch break:

Sauce on the Side

Where: 411 N. 8th Street St., Louis, MO

This homemade-calzone spot is a popular place where patrons can choose from over a dozen options of chewy cheesy doughy goodness. Try their rotating monthly specials, like this month’s “Gyro Anniversary”, made with housemade lamb meatballs, Roma tomatoes, red onions, kalamata olives, cucumbers, fontina and feta cheese. You can even create your own custom calzone. Their downtown spot is conveniently located for nearby professionals to grab a bite. They also have locations in Clayton, The Grove, and Chesterfield if you’re further out of the city. If you’re too busy to leave the office, they even offer a delivery service to nearby destinations.

Bailey’s Range

Where: 920 Olive Street Rd., St. Louis, MO

This is another downtown spot that stands out for its convenience and quality. With a host of unique burger options made from grass-fed local Missouri range beef, this a great option for a fast, delicious lunch. If you’re not in the mood for a traditional burger and fries, they also offer chicken and lamb as well as several salads. One adventurous option is their “PB&J” bison burger topped with arugula pesto, house-made tomato jam, goat cheese, and arugula. If you have a sweet tooth they’ve got you covered with homemade ice cream for dessert. They open at 11am daily so, visit them to find your next favorite lunch spot.

Tazé Mediterranean Street Food

Where: 626 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO

For something a little different, try Tazé’s Mediterranean Street Food for lunch. It’s the perfect option for a quick break from the office. This spot is a casual eatery where you can build your own rice bowl or pita with all of the Mediterranean fixings you’d expect. With protein like chicken and beef skewers, falafel, portobellos, and gyro meat, you can create a custom lunch that suits your taste buds. They also have several delicious hummus flavors and sides to choose from.

Like Home “Comme À La Maison” Café and Bakery

Where: 3855 Lindell Boulevard, St. Louis, MO

For a lighter lunch and a coffee to power you through your afternoon, try visiting Like Home “Comme À La Maison”. Owned by a mother-daughter duo from France, this café delivers authentic treats. At Like Home, you’ll find all kinds of homemade pastries and sweets as well as savory lunch options, like their quiches, tartines, and croques. Try their Croque Monsieur, a gruyere and ham-filled sandwich bread served with a side salad. This quaint and welcoming café feels homey, as the name suggests, and it makes for a great leisurely lunch spot. With free Wifi, you can even make it a longer working lunch. Come for the sandwiches, and treat yourself with a macaroon or bonbon for dessert.

Blues City Deli

Where: 2438 McNair Avenue, St. Louis, MO

At Blues City Deli you can get an exceptional and reasonably-priced sandwich on your lunch break and maybe even pair it with a craft beer of your choice. In addition to their traditional meat-centered sandwiches, they also offer a slew of vegetarian options, like their Panino Fresco, with fresh mozzarella, provolone, homemade olive salad, tomato, onion and Italian vinegar oil on an Italian roll. You can take it to go or stay and enjoy their cozy indoor space. They also have a few streetside patio tables. Be aware that this spot is popular, so arrive early for your spot in line.

In the vibrant Gateway City, brunch and dinner get a lot of hype in the lively food scene, but lunch will not disappoint. When you occasionally need a break from the office, a lunch break at one of these spots is the perfect reason to sample the culinary culture. Whether you have a few minutes to grab a meal to-go, or you can take your time enjoying the out-of-work atmosphere, St. Louis is ready to meet your lunch break needs.