This was my first time here and I was a bit overwhelmed at first by the set-up. I wanted to do takeout and was envisioning something different - when you walk in, it's mainly a restaurant set-up, with the take-out counter way in the back. It's not difficult to navigate, just took time to adjust. Service at the register was good, although somewhat difficult to hear and see. The ceilings are really high and the sound gets lost (especially with the open kitchen set right behind) and the lighting is dimmer than I would expect for a healthy food cafe. i took a star off for that. I didn't have to wait too long (15 minutes), but I would recommend calling in as their waiting area isn't the most comfortable (tucked in right next to the people dining at tables). But mmm, the shrimp & corn chowder today really hit the spot for lunch. I also ordered the roasted eggplant & red pepper panini on wheat. It was a little on the wet side, but still very tasty. Maybe the eggplant was a little overcooked. I look forward to devouring the guac & corn with dinner tonight!
(3)
Tyler R.
Three coworkers and I went to lunch on the first warm, sunny spring day in Philly. We were looking for outdoor seating, and Fuel was the place. I didn't know much about Fuel, but I definitely had biases. First, I thought it was a workout/gym spot for those who want "fuel" for their workouts. False-- it's more healthy options with fairly low calorie counts. Second, I thought it was more fast-food-esque, and it was definitely a sit down, take your order and relax atmosphere. Last, I thought the food would be awful. Wrong again. It was decent. I had the Thai Chicken sandwich with a mixed greens salad. The salad was fine, maybe something from a bag or box, but it was well dressed and fresh. The sandwich was a little bit of a let down as it did not have much Thai flavor (maybe a chicken with peanut sauce?), though as a panini it was cruchy, and delicious. The daily specials looked good, and the rest of the menu seemed fair. Four stars for being better than expected, but one star because it's not as good as they want you to think it is, regardless if the bites are healthy or not..
(4)
Lia B.
i come here for sit down dinners sometimes after the gym. the hummus sampler is great sized for sharing plus they will do half veggies half pita. the deconstructed guac is good too as a nice appetizer. i like that they let me do all types of substitutions and changes to customize my meal. im a very particular eater and this location is sensitive to that and they go out of their way to ensure that i am getting what i want. i find its easy to get a table here, the service and speed of the food coming out is decent, and there is plenty of seating, and i love the calories and points on the menu. i love when places are transparent with their ingredients. just docking one star because the juices are dumb. i saw them using prepackaged apple juice which is irksome because why am i paying for a premium juice when its obviously not fresh made. also there have been times when the produce hasnt been so fresh, but i get it - its winter. *** note to fuel: would love to see some organic options ***
(4)
Kerry R.
I ate the shrimp and avocado salad. The pro is I'm a fan of the dressing; it's tangy and citrusy. Everything else about the salad is, 'Eh.' My biggest 'beef' is with the shrimp. My preference is for a slight sear on shrimp because most types of shrimp are just mushy. Also, I really don't understand leaving the tail on, especially for a salad.. Last gripe is that the proportion of spinach to everything else seems a bit out of whack. If this was like a $6 salad I'd probably be OK with these things. But it's$10 and change. This probably goes for almost all salads in Center City though. They're all over priced cause it's center city. But this one specifically doesn't seem worth the price tag more so than most. ** Update 8.9.13 ** Added a star for customer service.
(3)
Matthew R.
Wake me up smoothie was extremely sweet and tasted artificial. Chicken TBM was very mediocre. Very dry and the chicken was a little tough to chew
(2)
Michelle C.
This location is definitely more my speed than the one on Passyunk. It's not nearly as in-your-face with regards to music and decor. There is plenty of seating, which I imagine is necessary to serve the weekday lunch crowd. The menu is filled with healthy choices. I wish there were more places in Philly that catered to a health conscious crowd, and I applaud FUEL for being one of the few. So the reason for only three stars is that my take-out salad ended up costing me over $12. Which would have been fine, since I was the one who chose to add grilled shrimp for three bucks, except my salad contained just three shrimp. Three. One dollar per small-sized shrimp. I felt a little had. They were delicious, I just wish there had been more for the cost of the up-sell. I'd return if I were in the area and in need of a healthy option, but I wouldn't go out of my way.
(3)
Donna A.
Great food, but hit or miss service. Which really sucks. Yeah, the music is loud and the decor is bare bones or maybe they're shooting a porn later, Whatever. It's healthy! Call ahead and pick it up.
(3)
John Q.
I'll be the first to admit that generally healthy food is not my favorite but FUEL is the exception. I've mainly stuck to their shakes and sandwiches and haven't had a bad experience yet. My favorite sandwich is their Protein Grilled Cheese. It's very cheesey and the bread is always toasted perfectly. My favorite shake is the Rush but I also enjoy the Protein Buster when I'm in the mood for Peanut Butter. My girlfriend always orders the Protein Buster without the whey protein so they let you customize your shake which is nice. I recently got their Groupon for a 10 shake punch card and went through that thing pretty quickly. I usually grab one on my way home from the gym. I highly recommend this place. The service is fast, the food is fresh and healthy, and the concept is cool.
(5)
Kristina C.
Every review that I complete for this restaurant is always 5 stars because they are consistently awesome! Service is fantastic and they do GLUTEN FREE paninni sandwiches (which are so delicious)! Detox smoothies are absolutely amazing and a delicious addition to any meal. The guacamole is a large portion and the amount of chips they give (I know, details) is a generous size. Any appetizer I have had here is a good size and very tasty. Smoked salmon gluten free panini is what I got for my meal and it was so good I ate the entire thing, and that is after I ate the guacamole lol! Thai chicken my husband got as a salad and it was huge! He said that is was delicious as well (no surprise here). We always take food away from here because they give such great portions. If you are looking for a solid, healthy, and DELICIOUS, then you must go here.
(5)
Danielle S.
I cannot really say too much about the service because I have only actually eaten there once, but I am probably at Fuel about once a week for take-out. It's on GrubHub, so I can order from work, run errands, and pick up my food on my way back to the office. So convenient! I would suggest for take-out ordering ahead of time. While the staff makes orders quickly, there is not a ton of seating available to wait for your order and if all the seats are filled, it's easy to feel "in the way" as wait staff go in and out of the kitchen. I absolutely love that there is a take-out place that stresses healthy, tasty options! My favorites are the Strawberry Spinach Salad, Chicken and Gorgonzola Panini, and Eggplant and Goat Cheese Panini. The chicken is seasoned perfectly and I often get asked where I got my food in the office because the chicken smells so great! Really refreshing concept for those getting food on the go! Hope it spreads in the City!
(4)
A K.
Went to Fuel for takeout. Paid with a credit card. After I signed the receipt and gave it back to the cashier, she wrote in a tip. Found out when I checked my bank statement. Called the restaurant and eventually received a refund. Restaurant gave the excuse that receipts get mixed up. The reality was that the cashier knowingly stole money in the form of a tip on a credit card charge. Food tasted fine (ordered a salad).
(1)
Michael T.
I want to like Fuel. I've been a bunch of times because it's close to work and healthy. I love that they display the calorie count on all of their food items. However the decor is cheesy, the curtains look like they came from a prop shop from a high school and the ambiance is comparable to an 80s discotheque. The service is fair. There have been times when I've been attended to and other times where I've waited at the counter for five minutes because the cashier was just hanging out with the dudes at the grill. There are healthier and more efficient places in the area to go to.
(2)
Joanna H.
I wanted to get take-out from the area and was feeling something healthy and light. My first experience at Fuel when I got a sandwich was pretty good so I thought why not give it another try!?! I got two orders -it was a busy day for me so I wanted to save the 2nd order for dinner :) I got the Shrimp and Avocado Salad for lunch. I was not a fan of this. I would give 2 stars for this. The lemon vinaigrette dressing had no flavor. It tasted like an "appetizer dressing" rather than a "lunch dressing" if you get what I mean.... The salad overall was lacking in flavor as well. I added craisins, sunflower seed, and feta chesse at home when I was halfway done. The avocadaos were not fresh either. I was so disappointed in this salad and will never get it again. However, the Grilled chicken in a wheat wrap was decent. I think the balsamic reduction gave the wrap a nice end to the taste. The chicken was tender, artichokes were slightly salty but came in an abundant amount, I could not taste the tomato spread that much..but the wrap was nicely wrapped and my dinner did not end up messy. So the overall vibe I get from Fuel everytime I come here for food or drinks...it's very unique. I like it b/c I don't feel like I swallowed a hamburger and feel gross. You'll def feel light and healthy after a full meal, but I am never fully satisfied b/c there's no good grasp to the taste. Will I ever go back again? Yes most likely-but I will keep on ordering something different until I find that GOOD meal !
(3)
Julie G.
What a great spot. So many amazing choices and I couldn't decide. We sampled a variety if items and loved them all. Took a Togo menu home and will be back. A must go!!!!
(5)
Ashley L.
Fuel is the perfect lunch spot! Healthy, hearty, and delicious. Everything on the menu is under 500 calories and I don't know how they do it. The panini's are very filling and most come topped with gooey melty cheese. Great smoothies as well, whether your looking for a protein boost, more energy, or just a healthy snack.They usally offer $10 for $20 deals so be sure to buy one before going with a friend! Staff is always friendly and you don't usually have to wait too long for your food. I see myself becoming a regular here. topped
(5)
Christine B.
So I hadn't eaten in about 24 hours, just sort of happened. I went for my noon time crossfit session and needed to grab lunch on the way back to the office. I've been trying to be healthy so the options down Walnut street were not exactly what I was looking for. Then I spotted Fuel across the street. I figure if I go there it will be easy to stay healthy. I went with the Thai Chicken Wrap. I was unaware of the Gluten free bread option. Will definitely get that next time. The wrap was tasty, the veggies were fresh, and there was a good amount of chicken. I also grabbed a kiwi smoothie (remember I skipped two meals?). That was pretty good too, not overly sweet. I won't be going out of my way to get here, but definitely a good option for a post-work out lunch, although its a little expensive.
(3)
Sohee C.
I agree with a lot of what other reviewers have been saying about the atmosphere of Fuel, but note that I have only ordered to-go, so I haven't experienced the place as a sit-down restaurant. CONS: the atmosphere (hence the 4/5, not 5/5). It doesn't seem to be very accommodating .. the high ceilings make doesn't make the place very intimate/cozy, as I would expect a cute vegetarian/healthy food joint would be. Also, the staff seem a bit stressed out (understandably so, as I can see it being a busy place), but it doesn't help with the weird vibes. The side salad for my panini was also bitter, but that's a con for my personal preference. PROS: the food ... there are so many varieties that it was hard to choose. I've only had the detox smoothie (in a sketchy purple-black color but very good .. there seemed to be a lot of juice in it and not much fresh fruit, which was a con for me, but the sweetness was addicting and strangely felt healthy) I also had a turkey panini with wheat toast.. the turkey was thickly sliced, and the pesto sauce, tomato slices with goat cheese (I believe?) was a fantastic combo. The food is worth all of it, and I will probably continue ordering to-go.
(4)
Stephanie C.
Really Disappointing. We typically Eat-in and have a great experience, but we ordered delivery last night and it was just pitiful. $40 for 2 smoothies and 2 salads and after waiting an hour, the salads were like a side salad. They were the smallest $10 salads I've ever seen and not worth the money at all. We almost took them back bc it was so ridiculous to pay $10 for something that fits into a small bowl. I don't know if it was because of delivery that they just didn't care and threw something into a plastic container but it just made us angry- what a rip off. It filled probably 1/3 of the plastic container. When you have to supplement your take out with a sandwich it's not worth it. Save your money. Plus side- the smoothies were good. My advice- eat in.
(1)
Laura O.
Ordered from Fuel for the first time tonight, and I was very pleased! I wasn't expecting the food to be as fresh and delicious as it was, especially for being healthy. This is now my "go to" delivery place. Cant wait to try more of their menu, especially the smoothies!
(5)
Ashley M.
I was actually recommended this place from the owners father. He was absolutely right I LOVE this place! Always a great experience every time I order from both locations. My office is in center city and I live in south Philly so I get the best of both worlds. I'll have to make it a point to actually go in and eat as I've been told the experience is even better. Great lunch spot!
(5)
Linda M.
This place is great! Healthy, tasty REAL food for people who don't eat garbage, that is, fast food, pizza, cheesesteaks, Chinese, etc. I had a delicious salad with grilled chicken and roasted red sweet peppers, hubby had a wrap which he enjoyed. The Banana Whip was not good, kind of icy-frozen texture. But I liked the concept and menu and would recommend it to anyone dieting, or who cares about what they eat. Prices are reasonable and the location is funky and cool.
(5)
Bran G.
I won't be back. We went post work out thinking where better to refuel than Fuel, right? We were greeted by the most miserable waitress ever, no introduction, no name, just "Sit here" and "You ready?". I have never really experienced anything like it, she sort of reminded me of Wednesday Adams so maybe that was her problem, she was dead or something. The TVs had some weird music videos on when the Sixers were playing in the playoffs. Just did not make a lot of sense. The food was probably 3 stars. We had guacamole with corn. It tasted like basic guacamole with corn. Nothing special but nothing bad. After our wraps were thrown on the table, yes thrown, I knew this place's food was just average. The wraps took forever and I am fairly certain they aren't carving up a fresh turkey every time someone orders one. I got the Roasted Turkey wrap and would have preferred a Wawa hoagie. The tortilla and turkey weren't fresh and it was loaded with cheap pesto. I don't know if they are trying to be healthy, but healthy food DOES NOT have to taste bad. I would not recommend to anyone, even with the Yelp discount (you can get $20 worth of food for $15). The only healthy part is they display the calorie count and don't serve basically anything fried. You can eat healthy elsewhere if you order wisely.
(1)
Kristin S.
A friend and I ate here tonight and thought the food was amazing. However, I can't bring myself to give this place 5 stars, because the service was awful. The food: The hummus was perfect - hands-down the most flavorful hummus I've ever tasted. The serving was very generous, but didn't come with nearly enough pita. (Be warned: they charge extra for additional pita!) The Strawberry Spinach Salad was equally good. The service: Our waitress barely made eye contact with us, and answered questions in brusque, one-word answers. When I asked if I could substitute feta for gorgonzola on my salad, she said "yeah" - but didn't tell me that I would be charged 50 cents for making the substitution (I found out when we received the bill). I'm not really sure why they charge extra, since many (similarly priced) salads on the menu come with feta - but in any case, it would have been nice to be told of this charge when I placed my order. At the end of the meal, we asked for boxes for our leftovers. The waitress said ok, cleared away the empty dishes and all of the silverware, and returned with the check. After a few minutes, we realized that she had completely forgotten about the leftovers. We flagged her down and asked a second time for boxes - and she returned a minute later, wordlessly dropped them on the table, and walked away. At that point, we realized that she hadn't left us with any silverware with which to transfer the leftover hummus and salad into the boxes. Not wanting to bother her again, I stole a fork from a nearby empty table. In the future, I might consider getting takeout from Fuel, but I definitely won't be returning for table service.
(3)
Rebecca S.
When you're out looking for some good fairly quick grub on a Friday night, a sign noting "500 calories or less" is typically not what I like to see. I want a burger, I want a beer, I want a gluttonous calorie feast. After all, I deserve it don't I? I worked hard all week for a little savory satisfaction. So here I am on Friday and my friends say we HAVE to go to Fuel. But why? I say to them...it's health food...it can't possibly be good. On the contrary and being rather dumbstruck by the food that sat in front of us, I had to hand it to them...maybe they knew what was up with the new kid on the Walnut fast food block. We started with chips and black bean salsa that was tasty, but kind of lacking on the black beans. We then migrated into dinner mode and out came a loaded roast turkey wrap with goat cheese for my male companion, a thai chicken wrap for my female companion, and a grilled cheese on wheat panini for myself. A grilled cheese with not one, not two, but THREE kinds of cheese? How can this possibly be healthy? Maybe it was the spinach and tomatoes tossed in, but I wasn't about to question it. The lemon cream cheese that was used was absolutely delightful. Each dish came with a salad with a light balsamic vinegar type dressing, and each for being under 500 calories was equally enjoyable. The restaurant itself has kind of a strange vibe, maybe because I remember it being a home goods store previously, or maybe it was the loud house music, or the plastic furniture...at least the food makes up for it's off-beat ambiance. My only qualm is that they don't open early enough to pick up a juice or smoothie for breakfast, they're more of a designated lunch/dinner joint; I guess it's not much of a complaint and look forward to trying out the juice bar in the future.
(4)
Kory A.
I eat at FUEL a few times a month (if not a week). I have introduced many colleagues and friends to FUEL. I already have a large review on YELP about FUEL - but two items this week made me want to revisit my review, as both were so outstanding they needed a special mention. Just in time for Thanksgiving, FUEL offers a Thanksgiving Turkey sandwich. It featured deliciously seasoned, tender turkey, surrounding by a delicious cranberry relish, Mascarpone Cheese, and apples. Everyone at my table wanted a bite - and I had to steal my sandwich back from them! If you get to FUEL before the holidays, this is a definite winner. (P.S. FUEL should add this to their permanent menu!) The other item of note was the Shrimp Canapes. Four picturesque canapes arrived, with over-sized, fresh tasting and delicious shrimp, that sat on a cucumber, with fresh humus, basil and tomatoes. It was healthy and tasty! I can't wait for my next visit to order both items again!
(5)
Ayana P.
I tried Fuel with a groupon. I thought it was ok. The food wasn't bad at all, but it wasn't the greatest either. I would go back probably because of the hype if nothing else (bad right?). It's also seems a little overpriced. I gave it an additional star because the entire menu is made up of sensible options. You can't really overindulge unless you make a conscious effort to. I just think that's important for this fat a**, diabetic society that I exist in.
(4)
Ryan W.
Rocco Cima, radio host and owner of Fuel, is awesome! I left an unglamorous review about this location because of a one-off issue and he responded immediately (as you can see below). This type of customer service made a huge impact on me. I'll definitely be giving this Fuel location another shot. Thanks Rocco!
(5)
Mandi J.
A nice little lunch spot. I like that their menu is full of healthier options, and they were easily able to make small changes to a starter I ordered. However, my partner was dissatisfied with his panini, noting that it was the second time he had ordered one from Fuel, and both times found the bread to be mostly burned. Add that to a strangely long wait, despite being the only ones waiting for take-away. So, overall I would probably go back, but not if I was in a rush (and I'd probably stay away from the paninis).
(3)
Jen N.
After hearing my roommate talk about Fuel, I decided to stop in back in May to grab a quick lunch before a doctor's appointment. I was able to sit outside, which was nice, and ordered the organic thyme lemonade and the grilled veggie wrap with no ricotta. It was quite delicious! Since I was impressed, I bought a groupon while eating. I went back last night and used my groupon and was far less impressed. :/ I ordered the same lemonade because it is so yummy!! And I ordered the fuel stacker Panini. At the top of the menu, they advertise "we can veganize anything". Since the menu clearly stated this I asked for vegan mozzerela on my Panini. I was informed by the waiter that they do not have vegan cheese, I showed him the menu and just said oh ok. He asked if I still wanted cheese and I said sure and just took a lactaid. The Panini was very good, but the salad served with it had no dressing what so ever. Since I had to use the whole group-on while there, I also ordered the Tuna Salad to go for lunch the next day. What I received was argula and tuna. It is advertised to have tomatoes, kamalata olives, and red onions. I had 2 cherry tomatoes, 3 kamalata olives, and about 5 slivers of red onion. I wish I would have packed some crackers or crostini to go with the salad because eating tuna and argula with dressing is just boring. My advice to customers: stick to the paninis and wraps -- they seem to be more flavorful. My advice to Fuel: do not advertise that you can veganize "everything" when you simply cannot.
(3)
Katherine L.
The menu here is a simple approach to vegetarian cafe food. Plenty of smoothies, juices, salads and sandwiches for you to peruse and ponder. The place is spacious inside with high ceilings and offers some outdoor seating. The staff has some knowledge of the menu, but concerns like vegan and gluten-free may receive short shrift. If all you care about is vegetarian food, you'll be fine. It's nice to have a great big menu, but it would be nicer if the staff were more knowledgeable. It's nice that there are a lot of smoothies and juices with unique blends, and it's great to have size choice! It's great to have fresh ingredients and healthful options. It's a decent and reasonably healthful place to dine, but I can see why some people find the pricing too high or the service less than stellar. I would go back if hungry for a quick bite, but I would not go back expecting Michelin star dining or service by any measure. Think cafe-style all around, and you'll be fine.
(3)
Mike M.
I work right in the heart of Center City and Fuel is the absolute clutch for lunch. Granted, I've only had their smoothies when I wasn't feel entirely hungry and they hit the spot every time. I'm a huge fan of any business that utilizes technology like Level Up because paying with your iPhone is a better feeling than an Amex any day. I recommend the Detox Smoothie because it is delicious and is a perfect pick-me-up for that afternoon haul.
(4)
Ancy T.
I've been here a few times and the food has never disappointed. I love their wraps and paninis because they just taste so fresh and clean cut and that is key for me when it comes to food. I have a pretty sensitive stomach so I love that I know I will feel good after eating anything from here. Today was no different. I had a nice and attentive waitress and this was a new experience because normally I get food to go, but I'm glad I decided to dine in. I wasn't really hungry so I just got a smoothie and requested if I could just have a small bowl of fruit. Even though it wasn't on the menu they were still able to accommodate and I LOVE that they did that. Kudos to your customer service!
(4)
Tommy M.
Came here for lunch with my mom yesterday since she had a Groupon that was expiring the end of April. I've passed this place a hundred plus times but never went in, so this was a great chance to try something new. The hosts in the front were very nice and gave us a table by the window (sunny and gorgeous out, so, well done hosts). I'm not going to lie, as I first looked over the menu, I was a bit confused - everything can be made into a salad/wrap/sandwich/flatbread?! The answer is, basically, yes, which is fantastic for a wide range of people. We were given a while to look over the menu before our waitress appeared with waters (which was probably good since I was still figuring things out food wise), and then my mom and I were able to place our order. We decided to share the Spanish skewered shrimp, my mom got the grilled veggie (salad), and I got the Thai chicken (also as a salad). The salads were absolutely fantastic - fresh, light, and full of flavor. The shrimp was a major disappointment - far too salty, a bit on the undercooked side, and an overwhelming amount of what tasted like old bay seasoning. Aside from that, our server was super friendly, and the salads were great! Definitely worth another return trip, but make sure you order enough food, since everything is 500 calories or less!
(4)
Rachel U.
This place is so much bigger inside than it seems from the outside; has a nice airy, coffee-house-y feel with nice bright walls, a good amount of seating, high ceiling. I'm not into the gym feeling of their logo and whatnot, but I get it. The traffic on Walnut is a bit much for me to enjoy sitting outside, but the people-watching is prime and they'll serve you at the outside tables, which is nice. We've also come here with our 7 month old; they don't have high chairs but we were able to fit the stroller at a table in the front so it wasn't in the way. The food isn't complicated but everything we've had here was tasty and filling. My favorite so far is the fuel stacker, and I liked that you can exchange ingredients pretty easily if you want a different type of cheese, spread, etc. The lemonade was way too sweet.
(4)
N G.
Trying to like this place, but after the third botched meal I won't ever be going back. Ordered an avocado arugula salad. The avocado was spoiled and all I got was 10 servings of arugula with 1 cherry tomato and a few crushed chips. Also had the carrot ginger OJ juice which tasted like shredded carrots (not juiced at all). Take your money elsewhere folks
(1)
Emma T.
Super healthy, freshly prepared food which will leave you very satisfied. I have yet to eat anything at Fuel that I didn't absolutely love. All of their wraps come with a side of salad with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. Their South Philly wrap is a must for garlic lovers. Their hummus is some of the best I've ever had, and it is a huge portion, perfect for sharing. The decor itself is minimalistic and bright with TVs often playing weird music videos, but overall it is unoffensive. If you don't like the decor, you can always order delivery - it's just as good. Fuel also almost always has some sort of deal.
(5)
Japhet R.
Nice little spot. It gets a little busy durring lunch hours but its worth it. I had the TBM (Tomato Basil Mozerella? I'm guessing) pesto w/ chicken panini on wheat. The bread was a little too thin and got soggy kinda quick with all the oil from the pesto. I still enjoyed it. I'm used to eating sloppy sandwiches. some would say that's the best kind of sandwich. I'm definitely going back as its probably one of the healthiest places to eat downtown and they serve protein shakes and natural juices. Prices are up there but still... Not bad.
(4)
Jimmie B.
Fuel gets a thumbs up from me. The food is healthy, delicious and affordable. The service is nice and some of the staff are VERY easy on the eyes. What great place to grab a light lunch and relax with friends.
(5)
Ali C.
The menu at fuel is filled with healthy choices and the calories are listed beside each item (which I like). I have eaten at fuel several times (how can you pass it up when there is a groupon listed almost all of the time?). This time I ate the Grilled veggie panini and the baked potato soup. My fiance had the Egg, turkey, and mozzarella wrap. The food to me is always just ok. It's not bad but it's not very good. The smoothies are pretty good (strawberry banana).
(3)
KC C.
The kale green tea smoothie is AMAZING. Their food and other smoothies are also really good- love their guacamole. But this is, hands down, the best smoothie I have ever had. Solid.
(5)
Kelsey T.
Hi Rocco, You were actually the manager on staff the evening of my catered delivery. Your day manager, Ashley, must have matched my review with my order since she called me shortly after posting it on yelp. I returned her call and left a message. I will be happy to update and change my review if this is settled.
(1)
Ben K.
Ok this place should have got a four and I couldn't quite bring myself to give a two. I was teetering though. This is a fabulous model. Good healthy food not too many calories and reasonable price. This should be a home run. The bad: the ginger chicken had about three tiny pieces of red pepper and barely any more onion. Can we say dulllll! Visually food should have color and this was an even tan. Come on veggies are not that expensive. The good: It tasted good and there was tons of chicken. They use brown rice and the people were super nice! Add a couple of veggies maybe add some green peppers and this would be great. Give these folks a try and encourage them to tune up their fare. I will go back and do the same.
(3)
Andrew W.
Ordered a chocolate-ccino. It was pretty good considering. The place lacks personality as it is really worse than the Cosi down the street. If it wasn't for the Groupon, I wouldn't have come this way. There's no Wifi and the place isn't too big. I would come again with some reservations.
(3)
Kelsey S.
As for smoothies, I recommend "protein buster" or "detox". A medium is about $7, so it's a little bit of a splurge but it's worth it if you are in the mood for a smoothie and you're in the area. I came for brunch today and also had a solid experience. I ordered a mozzarella, avocado, turkey, and egg panini on whole wheat. The sandwich was paired with black bean salsa, which added some good flavor. My friends ordered the buckwheat pancakes and a frittata and they both said the meals were delicious. Each entree was $10 so it was a good price for a health- conscious meal. I can't wait to come back to try lunch!
Was strolling down Walnut Street in CC and came across Fuel. Loved that everything is under 500 calories. First impression was the staff. Wow! So friendly. Patricia took really good care of me. She recommended the TBM as a salad. I added Salmon and it was delicious. Thanks for the hospitality and great service.
(5)
Emily H.
Went here today for the first time and it was pretty good! It was a nice casual place to grab some food and catch up with friends. Service was great - our waitress was very friendly. I got the tomato basil soup (my favorite) which was vey good and the chicken lettuce wraps. The chicken lettuce wraps weren't my favorite but they were still good - and a little spicy! Prices are pretty reasonable, I would say this place is on the cheaper side which is great considering it has such a large and appealing menu with all healthy options. I definitely want to go back some time and try one of the paninis, smoothies, and breakfast!
(4)
Lisa S.
I came to Fuel Center City a few weeks ago on a Saturday early afternoon when I was in town for a conference. This was my second time to Fuel, but the first time at this location. The ambiance is a casual, seat-yourself, quick food type of place. However, there were people behind us sharing a bottle of wine and a good looking meal- so some people settle in for a bit longer :-). I ordered a T.B.M. with egg panini ($9.95)- tomato, basil pesto, mozzarella, and scrambled eggs. It was delicious. I also ordered a soy latte with sugar-free vanilla syrup ($3)... it came with some nutmeg on top and was one of the best lattes I've had. The food came out quickly, the waitress was friendly, and we were able to linger at our table catching up for awhile without feeling rushed. The place wasn't too busy, which was nice. Two thumbs up- a good place to grab a casual brunch or lunch with a friend, with some interesting and unique (and healthy) options!
(4)
Jessica W.
I'm not really sure WHAT is going on with this location- especially since I used to love this place when I moved to CC.... Yes, the food is yummy and I *WAS* a big fan of the thanksgiving panini but that's all been shot to hell! I've had too many horrible customer service experiences at this location that have left me completely confused and scratching my head... I've heard countless stories of orders being completely messed up or delivery being super late and food arriving cold but I still supported them and wanted to give them my business... ... Until now. I convinced my boyfriend to give Fuel ONE LAST TRY (he has been completely turned off by Fuel from our last experience with "Ashley" who claimed she was the manager yet was completely rude to us over a Groupon deal and we watched her curse us out from our table in the kitchen). Half way through my sandwich and mid chew I pull a slimy piece of plastic out of my mouth!!! I *WISH* I was making this up! I call them back to let them know (we ordered our food for pick up and we're eating at home) and guess we got- MORE ATTITUDE and BAD customer service. NOPE. I'm done with you, Fuel. DONE. The only reason why I'm even giving 2 stars is because I used to love this place and I'm nostalgic for those memories. Until then, Fuel needs to revamp for cleanliness and retrain their employees for customer service!
(2)
Anupma S.
I actually really really like this place for a light and healthy sandwich or smoothie. They have great options and everything is organic and low in calories! I would prefer Fuel than other similar spots like HipCityVeg. The service is great too -- everyone is very willing to explain to you menu items. I love that the sandwiches come with a small side salad because I never order salads on their own, so it's nice to be given a salad! Healthy! I really liked the salmon sandwich and the eggplant one. Also, I love their smoothies. They are very unique and tasty. The best part about Fuel is the Yelp and Groupon deals -- you can almost always find a $20 for $40 of food deal, how great is that! I've used it a couple of times and was very happy -- great food for a great price.
(4)
John C.
(1) Horrible calorie per dollar ratio given the quality. (2) Nutrition information seems inaccurate. I understand that this restaurant is marketing to a fitness-minded crowd that that is generally interested in creating energy deficits (and being hungry). But it is highway robbery to charge $10 per plate for a 400 calorie salad. For the price, that salad better taste amazing. And Fuel's salads don't. Gym-goers are better off making their own salad for $1.50 since most of Fuel's stuff is replicable at home. I'm curious to know how Fuel is able to provide calorie values as specific as "385" (that is, down to the single-digits). With that kind of specificity, I'd expect them to be measuring what they put in their dishes to some extent, but it seems like they don't. I've been there 4-5 times trying new things and portions are all over the place -- especially cheese in the salads. Not something to complain about for most restaurants, but a real problem for one that holds itself out as meeting specific calorie needs.
(2)
Christina K.
WHAT I ORDERED: Smoked salmon panini with avocado and lettuce + Protein buster smoothie with soy milk PROS: Delicious protein buster smoothie + fresh ingredients + price CONS: So so panini ----MORE DETAIL---- FOOD: GOOD: Fresh ingredients, but the panini was just so so. To their defense, I'm recovering from a GI problem and my diet is strange, so I had to omit several of the ingredients. Definitely worth another try. The protein buster smoothie with soy milk was AMAZING. SERVICE: NEUTRAL: Lackluster, but came by frequently and often. AMBIANCE: NEUTRAL: Casual place to grab a quick bite - nothing special or bad.
(3)
John M.
Great tasting food full flavor and fresh this was my first visit. I'll be back to try other dishes. If you are walking by open the door and come on in.
(5)
Tanya D.
Ordered two chicken Caesar salads today and I was really upset. One had a fly in it and they didn't include plastic knives which made it very difficult to eat bc the lettuce is served as whole leaves layered on top each other.
(2)
kate j.
I come here often because it's convenient and they have a good amount of vegetarian options for lunch. Delivery service is great, but in the restaurant it's just okay. Beware when you order anything that contains salmon! If you do not indicate that you would like for it to be cooked, not just pan seared, you must tell them this or you will receive a sandwich or wrap with uncooked salmon. The menu does not indicate this. Not my style. I do recommend ordering wraps from here for a group/office lunch - their platters include a good variety of meat/vegetarian/vegan options.
(3)
Natalia L.
Found this place through Groupon since we were in Philly for the holiday weekend and as a vegan my options are limited to asian/indian food. Nice and trendy lay out with The Cure playing in the background and free WiFi. Wish they'd open one up in DC/Northern Virginia. I like the fact that anything on the menu can be modified to your needs, whether vegan, weight conscious, bread or no bread, etc. It was a bit confusing but I settled on the roasted veggie on a wheat wrap, and chose to replace the ricotta with tofu. It came with fresh spring greens tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, but still I found it to be a bit bland. I asked if they had any mustard or extra vinegar and they said they don't carry any side sauces like mustard or ketchup in order to keep calorie counts down. I thought mustard was like 5 calories per serving? I understand the whole ketchup thing since it's full of sugar, but I didn't ask for ketchup. Regardless, the waitress was generous and offered me a side of berry vinaigrette, which gave it more of a flavor. I suppose I'm used to spicy Indian and Thai food so regular American food just doesn't do it for me anymore. My husband's food was "meh" in his own words; the Thai Chicken. Like me, he said his food didn't have much of a flavor. Guess I'll go back to my Asian hang outs for now....
(3)
Jessica S.
I'm a huge fan of unhealthy delicious food, but it's nice when you can go out and not feel terrible about how much calories you consumed either. I came to Fuel with a friend a few weeks ago with our goal in mind to have a healthy but satisfying dinner. We were seated right away and opted to sit outside, as it was a nice night in the city. We started off with the guac appetizer with goat cheese and tomato and asked for extra veggies instead of chips. The guac was delicious and the veggies were fresh and crunchy! We were off to a good start. For my meal, I got the strawberry spinach salad with tofu. Tofu is pretty hit or miss, but this was cooked well and went nicely with the salad. The salad was a good sized portion and had fresh berries mixed with gorgonzola and pecans. My friend got the same, but with chicken which came with a ton of chicken for the price. We both left feeling full and happy that we stuck with healthy options. We also used a yelp deal which was pay 15 dollars for 20 bucks worth of food, so the cost was an added bonus. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Rose V.
I brought a groupon deal for this place and finally decided to use it last week. I really like it, they have very healthy selection of foods on their menu and outdoor seating. Its near the gayborhood section of downtown philly so, it gives on a nice city feel. I had the grilled cheese on what and my gf had the chicken flat bread with peanut sauce, in which both was delicious. They have a lot more stuff I would like to try on the menu so I will definitely be visiting this place again.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Initially I was very excited to try Fuel because of all of the healthy options. Everything on the menu is under 400 calories. Great! We opted for delivery which we ordered through Grub Hub. This took almost an hour. My one roommate ordered the cucumber salad as her meal. This was most definitely NOT a meal nor a salad. It was probably something I would feed my pet rabbit, if I had one. It was four measly slivers of cucumber and four slices of not yet ripe tomato. This was very disappointing. We then called and Jamal was extremely rude and not accommodating. He said that if we were to order at the restaurant he would have given us more greens and thats just how the salad is. This should NOT be under salads on the menu, its more of a side. The "salad" was also 7 dollars. NOT worth 7 dollars. I will say the paninis were good, but soagy. I don't reccommend getting delivery from here. Maybe dining in is a better experience, but we won't be giving this place another chance.
(1)
Pira T.
I have been wanting to go to Fuel so many times. I walked by everyday. I think I havent been here until now because of the interior and the way the place looks. Lesson learnt, Never judge the book by its cover. I finally went in yesterday. Wow I should have come here long time ago. I could eat here everyday! Fuel Stacker Panini and pineapple power lunch smoothie. SO GOOD!!! You can even request the song you want to listen to here. You just need to download an app. The service was awesome as soon as I walked in. They make sure you have everything you need. I dont even have to ask for extra napkins. Some restaurant are very stingy, you will be surprised. I have nothing bad to say about this place at all. I feel good, healthy and full when I walked out the place. Yes I am going back for sure probably today. I will try their brunch very soon.
(5)
Amy K.
I love this place! It's one of the few places in center city that deliver healthy organic food and juices! Every entree is under 500 calories. My favorite sandwich is the south philly panini and I always order the Hulk Juice. Only downfall is the delivery wait time. Last time I ordered I waited for an hour and 15 minutes after being getting ETA of delivery under 45 mins. It wont stop me from ordering from here, but I'll be placing my order a lot earlier.
(5)
Shari A.
Love their food. Although have never quite figured out why they are always empty. Well horrible service can do that. They have a strange staff dynamic. A bunch of angry girls constantly rolling their eyes at each other and customers. I hope the owner reads this and fixes this issue. Their food is amazing and would hate to see this joint die in probably one of the most competitive restaurant market in the U.S.
(3)
Arkady V.
Stopped in for a quick bite and boy was that a good choice. Definitely not your standard sandwich place. First take made me think I'd be starving by the time,I left as nothing on the menu was over 500 calories but boy was I wrong. Their breads are absolutely delicious and filling and getting them pressed warm is a bonus. I only had the chicken wrap with sundried tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and saracha but it was absolutely delicious. Staff is friendly service was quick though it was not that busy when we were in. Great stop for a quick bite to eat. Additionally they do have many GF bread options that can be substituted. Would give 5* if portions were a bit bigger. Prices are pretty fair for the quantity and quality. Got away with $20 for 2 people.
(4)
Christina W.
This place is consistently meh for me. The food is alwyas on point, but the service is terrible. Every time I've gone here, the waitstaff forget about me and my party at some point during our meal. Either they forget to seat us because they "thought someone else was taking care of it" or they forget to bring us our food or they forget that they gave us the check already and we waste 25 minutes waiting for them to swipe our credit card. Management here should invest in some additiional training for their staff and/or better organize who was what responsibilities.
(2)
Kirby J.
I want to give this place five stars, but their delivery times are astronomical. And their minimum amount for delivery seems to change based on how busy they are, which is obnoxious. That being said, I've never had a bad meal here, and if you're either willing to pick up or wait 1-2 hours for your food, it's definitely worth it.
(4)
Allison G.
I had the South Philly chicken panini for lunch today. It was flavorful, but I wish it had been a little more melted. I went around 11:30 and barely had to wait. They have a lot of menu options, and the prices seemed about average for lunch. I'd go back!
(4)
Chinmayi V.
I have eaten here several times, and everytime I have got great tasting fresh food! The paninis are excellent and they can veganise anything on their menu, without compromising the taste. Service is very prompt as well. Very consistent and great tasting food!
(4)
N W.
Good food for the money. Had the "deconstructed guacamole salad" and it was delish. They have a full juice bar if you are in to that kind of stuff. You don't feel as guilty eating here either because they list the calories and protein content. Atmosphere is ok. Loud but they have more secluded tables.
(4)
Porter R.
I've had both good and bad experiences here. Normally I will go here for brunch (most likely influenced by a groupon).. The food seems like it should be good, but sometimes small oversights bring it down. One that stands out is wraps that are served wet on the bottom. That being said, it is worth a shot if you are getting a deal.
(3)
Juliana K.
I'm not in love with fuel like others are. Weekday Lunch time gets busy so expect a line and a bit of a wait. I got a salad here that had onion, avocados, grape tomatoes, bland chicken, and lime vinaigrette and it was pretty underwhelming. For the price, it wasn't worth it. Nothing special. Smoothies (more like juice) are pretty good and Friendly service though.
(3)
Brittany R.
I could eat here for every meal. I love the Fuel Stacker Salad with Chicken or Tofu. I also recently went there for brunch and got a Frittata which was delicious. Everything is so fresh and healthy. It is pretty pricey but you get what you pay for. The servings are huge (except if you get the shrimp...) My one complaint is about the avocado- it always tastes as if it was frozen and then defrosted unless I was served bad avocado- I only got it a couple of times but each time it had a weird consistency.
(5)
Chuck M.
Poor service with a slightly bad attitude. I live in Philly and eat out a lot. I just happened to be at a seminar next to this restaurant. I went for lunch. I ordered one appetizer and one flatbread. The hostess was polite. The server didn't seem like she wanted to be there. She wasn't rude to me, but she was condescending and obvious about her feelings about being there. I asked for a soda (I wasn't in the mood for a shake). She rolled her eyes - rolled them - and pointed behind me and told me, "Sweeties, this is all we have." I turned around to see a 2ft. x 6ft. soda cooler - barely stocked - that was situated behind a table. Of course, I didn't notice it when I sat down; it wasn't obvious and the menu suggested a lot more of a selection. The server rushed me out as well. I began to ask her for more napkins and she cut me off and said, "Oh, you're finished? Let me get your check." I had to tell he no and that I really just needed a napkin. The food was okay. It seems like it would be different, and it kind-of is. But, I could order most of the protein from the menu from any India restaurant. I did not have the opportunity to try a smoothie, but I don't see myself trying this place again.
(2)
Louis C.
This place is the best...my brother and I own a small retail store in the neighborhood and we send our clients there when ever they ask for quality food/service...Franco and his team at Fuel never disappoint highly recommend this establishment for lunch and catering parties.
(5)
Sam A.
I come In all the time for their healthy shakes and sammys. Good stuff and feel good food. Today's omlet was a disappointment. I ordered Greek egg white feta cheese omlet on wheat panini and the bread was charred. I tried to ignore the burnt taste but it overpowered my eggs and cheese. Whyyyyy?!!!! I will have to be that annoying cusmer to say please don't burn my food...
(3)
Susan L.
Love this place as a healthy eater. Big menu but kind of the same ingredients over and over in different variations. That's okay tho cuz it's all good fresh stuff. Very healthy and vegetarian friendly!! Calorie counts on everything.
(4)
Patrizia C.
I love Fuel. It's only a few blocks from my office and it offers a variety of low-calorie, healthy-while-still-being-yummy food. I tend to be boring when ordering lunch so I always get the eggplant and goat cheese panini, which is always delicious. I usually have to add something on since the minimum delivery amount is $15 and today I ordered the Spicy Grilled Shrimp appetizer which was also delicious. My only gripe about this place is the amount of time it takes for them to deliver. Today, I placed the order a few minutes before 11am (I was hungry, ok?) but the food arrived after 12pm. Over an hour for a panini? Unfortunately that is the one thing that often deters me from ordering from here, especially when I am extra hungry. But for days when I can be patient, I guess it is sort of worth the wait....
(3)
Jordan P.
Accepts LevelUp, quick, professional service, tasty treats, hard to go wrong. I've watched a number of friends get Fuel for take-out, salivating at their healthy-looking sammies and salads, so I stopped in the other day to grab a quick juice (I was feeling a little worn out, fresh green juice sounded like just the trick). My last experience with buying "just a juice" was a $7 "treat yo' self" moment at Pure Fare. And, while that was delicious, sometimes you're not really feeling the whole "Empty your wallet for this cuppa green stuff!" vibe from PF. Enter Fuel, where a 16oz juice costs merely $4. I was floored with joy, and able to use my LevelUp app to pay the piper. The juice itself (I believe it was called the hulk) was cucumber, spinach, apple, lemon and I requested some extra ginger. My only complaints were a) not enough ginger [coming from a bit of a ginger addict, this could be ok for most folks] and b) they tossed some ice in there. Maybe I'm a juicing purist, but I'm assuming that ice took up precious room in my cup that could've been full of nutrients. Juice-trients. Either way, it hit the spot, tasting just as refreshing as it made me feel, and I left happy and satisfied. I saw a number of happy patrons enjoying their lunch break in the very trendy-looking interior, and they also were running a holiday gift card deal of "buy $20 worth of giftcards, get $30!" so... if you're in the business of dining/drinking at Fuel, I'd say that's 150% value and totally worthwhile. I think I'll stick to Fuel for my future juice-fixes. Gets the job done without feeling like my wallet is being gouged with an (all-organic) knife.
(4)
Nicole B.
Great gluten free options with bread that tastes like regular breads! Everything is fresh and there are lots of combinations and variety. Order for take out or sit and eat it there!
(4)
Mishana K.
I only went here for a juice/smoothie to go. I found the selection to be limited and the ingredients repetitive from drink to drink. But the real kicker was the terrible service. Once I ordered my drink, no one decided to make it for 10 minutes. The juices aren't pressed but blended and then placed over ice. Leaving you with a chunky watery sludge. While waiting the language used by the staff was very inappropriate for a work environment. There's nothing wrong with goofing around with your coworkers but must you use such foul language within customer earshot. Will not be back.
(1)
Laura G.
They have a ton to choose from on their menu, its a little overwhelming but I don't think you can go wrong. I ordered the strawberry spinach salad as an entree and chicken lettuce wraps to share with a friend. The wraps were very large and plenty for two people. The salad was decent size and very refreshing. I would suggest getting dressing on the side because they put a little too much on. I was in and out within 30 mins even though they were packed.
(4)
Lisa D.
I've had two experiences with this place. One, I walked over to get a banana whip, which was.... not great. If you're looking for banana 'icecream,' it's definitely worth the few extra blocks down to Yellow Juice Bar. Fuel's whip was somehow dry, and they put a lot of whipped cream on top of it without asking, which was odd. (Although they gladly made me another one when I requested one without the dairy!) Two, we recently ordered catering for a work lunch. It was AWESOME. You get a decent amount of food for the money. The sandwiches were interesting combinations, and the salads had more than enough toppings on them besides lettuce, an issue we regularly have with other salad joints. Plus their catering manager was friendly, professional, and delivered it himself. Definitely recommend their catering.
(4)
Sara P.
There are three friends, all of whom eat differently: a vegan, a follower of Dr. Atkins, and someone who follows the Standard American Diet. They have one thing in common: they care about their figures. So where do you take them for lunch in Center City? Fuel of course! I had just this experience last Wednesday when clients were in town and found ourselves needing a place for lunch that accommodated all of our goals. We did not need to eat a lot, we did not need to spend a lot of money, we wanted a quiet atmosphere, someone wanted just vegetables, someone wanted just protein, and someone wanted something she could take home to share with her family afterward. Everyone was pleased. I had the butternut squash soup made without dairy products, along with a grilled veggie sandwich. I was thrilled with how low the calories were. My friend had a huge salad full of tuna, and she was able to get it without cheese and fattening dressing, making her and Dr. Atkins thrilled, I am certain. My other friend had a huge vegetable salad and a warm brothy tomato soup. Those items became part of her family dinner Wednesday night. The prices are great, the service was terrific. It is in center city so it is convenient for commuters and walkers and bikers, but good luck with your car! Next week we are going to Fuel on Passyunk for a comparison. I'll let you know.....
(5)
Liia R.
I wish there was a 2.5. The food is pretty good--some of the paninis are delicious, I'm a picky eater so I like knowing what's in everything and they have tasty salads. BUT we've ordered 4 times from here, and 3 have been disappointing. They added chicken to a vegetarian salad (SO frustrating) and took 1 hour and 40 minutes to deliver when they said it would be under an hour and we called right at 11. We order from the office and our team member wasn't able to eat lunch. I would have ordered somewhere else had I known they'd take forever! So next time we'll be ordering elsewhere, but if you have time, it's not a bad place to eat.
(3)
Rich D.
Sitting here for lunch 5/21 and it's been 25 minutes without food. The server actually asked, "are you in a rush?" I'm not in the habit of having casual extended lunches during the workday, so I wouldn't advise this place.
(1)
Katie L.
Before heading to a cake-tasting event with a friend, we decided we needed something else in our bellies for the evening besides sugar. Fuel hit the spot. There were so many salad choices on the menu that appealed to me, it was hard to decide. I chose the cucumber and tomato salad with white beans, and it was a well-dressed, huge bowl of veggies. Perfect. My friend went with the Ridiculously Delicious Kale Salad, which she enjoyed, but one can only eat so much kale in one sitting, so she didn't quite finish. Besides the salads, the menu looks stellar, and I can't wait to go back and try more.
(4)
Katherine S.
I got a chicken Gorgonzola wrap from Fuel today. It was tiny! I can't believe how high their prices are. The wrap was fine but certainly nothing to write home about. I think it's a total rip off.
(3)
Erin E.
I ordered pick up here. It was ready on time which is always nice. The goat cheese and eggplant panini was very good, but the caesar salad is literally lettuce, some parm cheese and dressing. Not really worth the 8 or so bucks I paid for it but it's cool. Im looking forward to trying the green tea matcha. Im a fan of anything green tea. Will probably stop in again soon.
(4)
Evan F.
I was convinced to try Fuel after a friend told me that she "has eaten there the last three days in a row." So I did, and I'm a fan. I had the Chicken and Gorgonzola Panini and LOVED it. Seriously though, this panini was amazing. I also asked for a cold coffee drink with pumpkin spice and the kitchen staff whipped up something amazing. The think I like about Fuel is how few calories there are per dish. My Panini which tasted like 1000ish calories was only 345. Amazing. All the dishes are like this! My only complaint (which is why there are not 5 stars) was our waiter. He seemed standoffish and bothered when we asked for more time with the menu and for desert. Otherwise, the food is amazing and I will be back despite a bad server experience.
(4)
Lani H.
Service was bad. Ask for dressings on the side. Good atmosphere.
(3)
Nikki R.
The Hulk juice = tasty and $4 for a small might be a little steep but hard to find a smoothie that tastes healthy and good. Fuel Chopped Salad was solid and for $8 not too bad, doused with dressing though so get that on the side forsure. Buddy got the Spicy Chicken flat bread which takes a long time for them to make but still good. Sriracha sauce on top is something you can't play with. Note that the lunch service is extremely slow which is the reason for the 3 stars. If you're going to be a "sit down" place then staff accordingly. Also hire people who like to provide service, if it was a walk up counter I would have been cool with the attitude.
(3)
K. L.
Ugh... One of my worst dining experience. Came here because of a Groupon deal. Like many have said, they seem to have an identity crisis. They advertised themselves as organic and natural but they use Red Bull for drinks and sell Fuze Iced Teas (GMOs)??? The host was friendly, but it all went down hill after we were seated. It took quite some time before our waitress even acknowledged us. After she took our order, the food came out quick. I ordered the roasted turkey breast on a flat bread, brother ordered the tuna salad wrap, and my sister ordered the South Philly Chicken Panini. My dish would have been delicious if my flat bread wasn't completely burnt on the bottom. I have a feeling they knew about it but decided to serve it anyways. I would have sent it back but waitress was nowhere to be found. I was hungry so i just ate it as a salad without the bread and thought to myself, "good thing i have a Groupon". My brothers tuna was too lemony and my sister's chicken sandwich is the only decent dish. My sister purposely flipped my bread over to reveal the completely charred side for when the waitress come to take our plates. She looked at it but didn't say anything and came back with our check. This will be my first and last time here. On the bright side, I'm just glad I had a Groupon.
(1)
Mary M.
Second FUEL location I've been to. First one was in South Philly. I love this place! And the food is healthy and satisfying. I am now your loyal customer Oh! Great One!
(5)
Albert L.
The Veggie Panini was Delicious!! Very fresh, and tasty veggies. The price is right. It was a quick stop b4 hitting a bar
(4)
KG O.
Got the Groupon and had to go, as we were enjoying a bit of vacating. Started with the Guacamole, shouldn't have. It should have been called, mashed avocado, with no seasoning. Plus the chips, were the $1.00 bag you can pick up at the grocery store. A bit of salt, and fresh chips (FYI, Fuel Team you could bake 'em on site) would have gone a long way. I ordered the Turkey Burger, with side salad, and it was phenomenal. The burger was cooked perfectly, and came adorned with red pepper relish, feta, some sort of yogurt sauce, on a brioche type bun. Yum, yum, yum...took a pic, but it's a bit blurry. HIGHLY recommend, looks like it's a monthly special, so go soon. Lil' Darlin' ordered the Roasted Turkey sandwich. She enjoyed it as well, a bit of Thanksgiving flavor in March. Overall, it's good food and quite tasty. Moderate price on the high end. Couple of things: We couldn't figure out what type of restaurant they want to be. It appears to be an upper end, healthy sandwich shoppe, though the quasi host who seats you with the Menu's and seems to help bus tables, didn't make a whole lot of sense. You get a feel you should go to the counter to order, but then a wait person comes to you. It just felt weird. Great concept, and as time goes on, I'm sure they'll work out the kinks. FYI, it'd be great to have a simple, easy to understand menu for the kids. $4.99 combo would be a good idea.
(4)
Beryl K.
Ok, so I love all of the healthy choices. Our waiter was very friendly and gave good food suggestions. We ordered 3 dips to try for our app. All were good, the hummus, guacamole and sweet pea dip. For the meal 3 of us got salad and 1 person got s panini. I got the chopped salad and it was ok, but the lettuce wasn't as fresh as I would prefer. My friend who ordered the kale salad was eating hers, got to the bottom and found a HAIR.... Eww. She had already eaten almost the whole thing, so what can you do. I wish the place was a bit cleaner too. So, some good and some bad.
(3)
Luba P.
I love Fuel! It's fast, cheap and express healthy food! The prices and portions are great. You will get huge salads and great sandwiches. I love the tuna arugula salad and the salmon sandwich. Also the smoothies are delicious with tons of options! When no one knows what to get for lunch this is the place to go!
(5)
Erin B.
So Fuel CC sorta reminds me of those Venn Diagram charts from elementary / middle school. One circle is for delicious food, another circle is for healthy food and the intersection is Fuel CC. Philly is synonymous w/ delicious food... But, delicious food, does not always healthy food make and most certainly, vice versa. I am on the 12th day of a 12 day cleanse ... so I've had to sorta expand my culinary horizon in order to avoid having 3 home prepared meals per day. This was a perfect excuse for me to finally try Fuel. Because it is less than a 10 minute walk from both home and work, there is really no excuse that this was my first visit. However, on the times that I've contemplated Fuel in the past, it has always been defeated by a more non-caloric/carbohydrate friendly option. Alas, I went w/ my girlfriend Jodi last Thursday. We ordered the strawberry spinach salad w/ grilled chicken and the tuna arugula salad. They were both delish! So much so, that we are heading back today for lunch! In addition to the food - they played really fun music and the server (name I forget - but personality and topknot bun I will never forget) was super cool as well! The true test will be whether or not I go back to Fuel after my cleanse is over... I'm thinking yes!!
(4)
Mandy H.
Fuel is a good place for healthy fast food. For lunch my boyfriend and I ordered an assortment of things (probably too much for 2 people, but we were indecisive). We got the shrimp and avocado salad (way too much spinach and not much else. Won't be ordering this again). The guacamole with goat cheese and chips (very yummy and a good snack), the roasted turkey (my bfs pick, not bad, but I would like to try the grilled chicken next time), and the chicken lettuce wraps (my favorite of all the things we ordered. Spicy and fresh tasting). I also appreciated that the calories for fuel were listed on myfitnesspal, which was really helpful too! It's right around the corner from me and always seems to offer groupons and other deals, so I'll be back to try more.
(3)
John K.
I'm known for my gluttony and my love of all things pork belly. However, even if something is healthy, as long as it's tasty - I can can appreciate it. Case in point - Fuel. Most, if not all, of their dishes are under 500 calories. The ingredients are fresh and more importantly, delicious. Sampler ($10.95) Choose 3: Charred corn or tomato goat cheese guacamole, black bean tomato salsa, hummus, sweet pea For the sampler, I chose the hummus, black bean tomato salsa, and charred corn guacamole. With these came fresh corn tortilla chips, huge and fresh cucumbers, and sweet red peppers. Fuel's hummus was vibrant and creamy, seasoned well with salt and lots of lemon. The black bean salsa had a punch of flavor with cilantro, black beans, red onions, and black beans. Perfect to balance out the creaminess of my other two choices for the sampler. This guacamole was perfectly creamy, with hints of roasted garlic and charred corn. Roasted Portabella and Eggplant Panini ($8.95) Roasted portabello and eggplant with roasted peppers, olive tapenade, provolone, and garlic spread This panini had some surprising heft to it - thanks to the delicious eggplant and meaty portabella. The roasted peppers provided some sweetness to the sandwich, while the provolone and garlic spread added creaminess. The olive tapenade provided a punch of flavor to this sandwich. The mixed greens with balsamic vinegar and oil were pretty standard, but a nice addition to the sandwich as well. High Protein Grilled Cheese ($6.95) Mozzarella, provolone, fresh lemon cream Cheese, spinach and tomato The mozzarella and provolone added the heft for the grilled cheese, while the lemon cream cheese made the grilled cheese luxuriously creamy while adding brightness to the sandwich. The tomatoes were a bright addition to the sandwich as well. Chicken and Gorgonzola ($8.95) Grilled chicken, gorgonzola, tomato and pesto The chicken was grilled and perfectly moist. The tangy, funky gorgonzola added some nice heft to the wrap, while the tomatoes helped to brighten up the dish. Overall, if you're looking to eat healthy - Fuel has a myriad of options available to you. And more importantly, especially for me, the flavors are spot on, the food is filling, and ultimately - tasty!
(4)
Gar L.
I gave this place another shot and must report that my first review does not do this place justice. There are many options here for those of looking for healthy calories and protein. I think this place is the perfect place to hit up after a workout when you are short on time and need something healthy fast. No place like it!
(4)
Meredith B.
Fuel has a great concept. I've gotten take out here a few times and I've been satisfied both times. Its a great option on more of the healthy side. People should really read the menu before they go ordering crazy thinking everything is crazy good for you. Keep in mind wraps and such are not added to the caloric count on the menu (gotta read the fine print!) The music and the videos on the television are kinda strange but I'm here for the food so I don't pay much mind to that. Overall I really like it here for a quick, reasonable healthy option. I'm excited for the Arch street location to finally open. Does anyone know when that is going to be? Plus - Fuel is right by 12th street gym so good meal option afterwards. Minus - Fuel is not open at their other center city location (on Arch) (near my work/apt)
(4)
Megan A.
This is my new favorite lunch place! I was not sure if I was going to like it. When everything is under 500 calories you are thinking there might not be too much taste!! But I was so wrong!! Everything is so good. My go to is the chicken and Gorgonzola wrap!! The best part is there is always a groupon $10 for $20 worth of food.
(5)
N R.
Eggplant goat cheese sandwich was delicious, inexpensive, and healthy. What more could you ask? Definitely going back. (Though table service was a little slow.)
(4)
Ewelina C.
My husband and I ordered Thai chicken panini and spinach strawberry salad! It was all very good! Salad was very big and we had plenty of food to share! We felt full and fueled :-) The decor is a bit strange. The place has a weird floor plan, and it looks like the owner did not have a clear idea on how to decorate the place. They need to buy more fans for summer. We wanted to sit by the window, but it was extremely hot. I do not understand why they have TVs there if there is nothing interesting playing. I do not care about TV as much, but if they have it, they should have some interesting channels or maybe some info on the restaurant and healthy eating.
(4)
Nicole M.
3.5 star review. I've only ever gotten delivery from Fuel, but it's my go-to when I want something healthy or not as bad as the normal delivery I'd get when I'm working late. I was impressed how few calories their sandwiches seem to have, but be warned, the calories listed on the menu for sandwiches DON'T include the calories of the bread or wrap. Everything is still pretty low-cal, but just remember the bread isn't included when you think that savory grilled cheese is only 400 calories. Speaking of which, I'm a grilled cheese addict, and Fuel's is one of my favorites. It comes with spinach and a lemon cream cheese spread, which adds the perfect sweetness and sourness to the sandwich. I love this grilled cheese. It can get a little soggy, though, after the time it takes to get delivered. But that's to be expected. The deconstructed guacamole salad (arugula, avocado, torilla chips, onions, tomatoes, with a jalepeno citrus dressing) is so light and refreshing. I want to use this dressing on every salad I eat. The salad was like 98% arugula, though. I wish there was more of everything else. Fuel has an awesome juice/smoothie selection. The desserts look amazing, and I really need to try them next time!
(3)
Jemi J.
It's a great lunch option in the area when you don't want to spend too much money. We used the sunday lunch special deal (might actually apply lunch all days of the week-check with your waiter!) , and got a soup, house salad, and half a panini for $10. Our waitress was awesome and super sweet. My tomato soup was spot on. The ceaser salad was salty but pretty sizeable. My friend had the thai chicken sandwich which she liked; my chicken gorgonzola panini was great. You can turn most of the sandwiches on the menu into paninis. If not for the $10 deal, this would have been hugely overpriced.
(3)
Rosa C.
Fuel was exactly what I expected. A hipster "green" and healthy quick meal kind of restaurant. The restaurant had a green and white theme and stuck to simple decor with a couple of oil pantings on the wall (kind of out of place...?) It is kind of small, so not great for large groups. I think the staff consists of only males, and there's also a hipster dude who makes free deliveries on his bike! We ordered a chicken lettuce wrap as our appetizer, which was quite delicious. The lettuce wrap filling consisted of grilled cubed chicken, carrot shreds, peanuts, chickpeas, and sriracha sauce. For our entrees, we ordered a grilled chicken salad (with turkey breast in place of the chicken) and a chicken gorgonzola panini. The salad was pretty good, but nothing spectacular since it consisted of spring greens, artichokes, and balsamic vinaigrette. The chicken panini was delicious. The gorgonzola must've been mixed in with the pesto or something, but it was quite tasty! We also ordered the Zen smoothie- cucumbers, apple, and pineapple. It was refreshing and the perfect amount of sweetness. (16 oz smoothies are $4 and 20oz are $5) Also, if you're an avid carnivore, this might not be the best place for you. Their choices in terms of meat are very limited- only chicken and turkey, I believe, and their dishes are definitely not heavily loaded with protein. We enjoyed our experience at Fuel and I will definitely be returning to try more smoothies and maybe order another chicken lettuce wrap!
(4)
Angie K.
I don't really get what's going on with this place. I walk in, and there's seating right there. Then you go through another door to the main dining room that's painted in green with local art hanging (local art is cool, but it's not arranged in such a way that it's attractive), and a TV with the "Fuel" station that is just "?!" when I see it. Getting past that, I go to the register to order take-out, and it's Russian roulette from there. Once, just once, I got great service, but the other times, I was just plain ignored. Literally. With 3-4 people directly in front of me. The concept of everything under 500 calories intrigues me since I always come here after a workout. Sure this doesn't include bread, but the calorie and protein content is clearly marked. The food isn't half bad, either. The Toasted Hummus is ok- a bit dry, I suppose, to make it healthier and emphasize the fact that the chickpeas are toasted. It's too lemon-y for my taste. The Chicken and Gorgonzola panini is filling, but my favorite is the T.B.M- tomato, pesto and mozzarella- the pesto is pretty good. The High Protein Grilled Cheese can use more spinach and tomato- I just had one thin layer of spinach that slid out when the tomato did. The panini's come with a side salad, and the vinaigrette is a bit strong. The food is healthy and tasty, ingredients are local, but the staff is lacking and makes me hesitate to return.
(3)
Zachary R.
Eat Here! I order from Fuel all the time, both dine-in delivery. If you're looking for great tasting, healthy food, without high costs or long wait time,s Fuel is the place to go. Also - try their TBM with Pesto - it's awesome!
(5)
Laura D.
I can't believe I haven't been here sooner! Healthy paninis, salads, smoothies and coffee bar... yummm. My smoked salmon panini on rye was delicious and filling. And so many other delicious-sounding options with moderate calorie counts. I also had a coffee with sugar-free peppermint syrup - didn't realize what I've been missing here! You know hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps? Obviously this wasn't as good since it's lacking chocolate and alcohol. But the taste was comparable and wonderful, and won't pack on pounds or give you a DUI. My solo dining experience was a little awkward, but that was my fault. Apparently the options are to-go or full service (not fast food counter style). Not realizing this I inadvertently sat down at the nearest table to the counter to wait for my food, which then became my private dining table... awkwardly right next to everyone ordering and me basically facing the wall. Oh well - still great!
(5)
Reem C.
Eating lunch at the same restaurants or take out spots gets old after a while. I was glad to discover Fuel. The food is healthy, fresh and organic. The menu has something for everyone...meat eaters, vegans and vegetarians. I was in the mood for a wheat panini, which seems hard to find. Well, Fuel provides this option. I ordered the South Philly, which is a grilled chicken panini with provolone, spinach, roasted red peppers and garlic spread. It was one of the best paninis I have had. My goal is to try every single panini on the list before the year ends. One down, twelve to go.
(4)
Melissa W.
Great place! Just stumbled upon it one night late while trying to find somewhere still open for dinner. Didn't even yelp it first! Got some chicken pesto panini thing. Yum. Healthy too, which is awesome. Came with a side salad with balsamic, which I didn't realize was included. Open late, and almost everything on the menu looked great. Will return again.
(4)
Jess D.
How have I never reviewed FUEL?!?! Since it's opening day I've been addicted to FUEL. Quite simply it's healthy food that actually tastes GOOD! Better than good, it tastes AMAZING. Their food is fresh, made to order, and ready in a matter of minutes. This is my go to spot for fast food without the ridiculous calories. What's even better is that their sandwiches actually fill me up and I don't need to snack or have dessert afterwards (saving me even more calories!). This is a city gals dream. It's conveniently located 2 blocks away from home, always offers deals in the mail or online (appeases my appetite for savings!), and is consistently meeting my expectations for a filling, yummy dinner on the go! Honestly, I can't live without FUEL. It literally fuels my evenings and gives me energy to run errands and stay up late getting work done! I hope they open more locations and their concept spreads. FUEL is living proof that food doesn't have to be fattening to taste delicious!
(5)
Kris G.
Went here for lunch to order espresso, coffee and paninis. Espresso is bland and diluted whereas coffee was flavorless and luke warm. Food quality used to be fantastic but now panini are served cold and dry. we complained to the server but he didn't respond to our lack of satisfaction. So one star to food and service quality!
(1)
Aye M.
Love Fuel! My boyfriend & I come here almost every time we're in Center City. We love their smoothies! We've eaten here twice: my boyfriend always loved his food. The first time, I got the egg plant & goat cheese on a wrap. I wasn't a huge fan of it because it kept falling apart. It definitely had awesome flavors though! The second time, I got the sweet potato risotto rice bowl. One of the most delicious things I have ever had! I can't wait to go back and have it again. I recommend it 100%. There were so many amazing flavors. My favorite smoothies are the Islander and the Protein Buster. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. Can't wait to come back and try more smoothies & rice bowls!
(5)
Becky K.
Yes, this place won my heart by it's fresh ingredients, low-calorie choices, and simplicity in flavors. A perfect place for the lunch crunch-- or in my case, a quick after-work dinner. It's decor is basically no-frills, so my four-star rating reflects taste only. You will not leave feeling weighed down by your meal. I recommend getting the hummus, subtly smokey and tinged with garlic. Based on someone's recommendation, I got "The Hulk", a green-colored selection from their juice bar, full of all that's healthy and tasty in the world. The eggplant and goat cheese panini was also a treat on the tastebuds. There are so many things I need to try there.
(5)
Courtney A.
Every time I order Fuel on GrubHub my food comes so soggy and cold - it's gross and never good. The only things they can seem to do right are their juices.
(2)
Cat P.
Damn damn damn damn damn. I've tried Fuel a few times now for both take-out/dine-in and I really wish I liked it here, but I'm just not a huge fan. The place is always packed, so it's not a good spot for a lunch break; even people who are there to pick up their call-ahead orders still have to wait a long time. The other day, we sat there for a solid 20 minutes before we even saw our waitress or got menus at our table. Then our food took another 30 minutes to come out. Getting the check also took forever and a day. I've liked the food I've gotten here, but the drinks are a complete waste of money. I got the $4 "Give Me a Tan" OJ, ginger, and carrot juice. It clearly had some kind of concentrate in it and it was tiny. I know patience is a virtue, but Fuel was utter chaos and drove me nuts with the wait time. Don't think I'll be back anytime soon.
(2)
Katy T.
This is my go to spot for delivery. I love their toasted hummus and their sandwiches are always great. Best thing is that nothing is over 500 calories but the food is so satisfying and delicious! It's difficult to find healthy options in the city when you're in a pinch, but Fuel to the rescue! Everything I've tried here has been wonderful... I recommend the Strawberry Spinach salad or the Grilled Chicken panini (grilled chicken, provolone, artichokes, mixed greens, sun dried tomato spread and a balsamic reduction) YUM! Also, all the paninis come with a small side salad... you don't even have to ask!
(4)
Srujana Y.
My husband and I went there for brunch. Some places compromise on the taste when it comes to health food. But fuel is different. We loved the buckwheat pancakes and veggie omelette! I like that they can substitute with just egg whites in most cases. The portion sizes were not too big or small, just apt for one meal. I also tried one of their fresh juices- 'give me tan', it was really good. Overall, nice brunch while maintaining the low calorie goal.
(4)
Jeremy L.
Great place for a heathly meal. Absolutely love their food. It's fresh, local and organic (well, as much as possible). Very tasteful and healthy. Their juice and smoothie selection is just incredible with very creative combinations. Thumbs up for one of my favorite place !
(4)
Kevin C.
One of my co-workers told me about this joint but I never got around to checking it out until I spent a weekend in Philly. Glad I did - great breakfast. Had the South Philly Frittata and a protein shake. Both equally great. The only thing better was the gal who waited on me. Wish I remembered her name because she was awesome - great personally and treated me like I was family.
(4)
Sara G.
It's...like....okay. I am totally onboard with the idea of a diverse healthy, low-calorie menu. But the food itself is a little below average. I had the eggplant and goat cheese panini, and it was fine but not super delicious..the bread was a bit too well done and dry. I did enjoy my juice, and I might grab some juice to go if I'm ever passing by again. The 'Give Me a Tan' was a little sugary for my taste (probably thanks to the OJ) but I think it could easily be modified to be just to my liking.
(2)
Lawrence S.
I approached Fuel with some apprehension. I don't like to think of food as just "fuel" but rather as something to savor and enjoy. But, when I saw a $10 for $20 Groupon, I figured I'd give it a shot. Here are the results... The best: Thyme Lemonade. I've never had this before, but I'm sold. In fact, I may try to recreate it at home as a summer-time beverage. The OK: I shared two sandwiches with my gf -- the smoked salmon and the TMB with smoked salmon. (We must have been craving mercury.) The TMB was the better of the two, thanks to the extra flavor provided by the pesto. But neither were stand-outs. The miserable: I generally don't mind if a restaurant's decor is a bit lacking. But Fuel was particularly unpleasant. The music -- pulsating techno -- was more suited to a jazzercise class than a sit-down meal. (In fact, I think they may have stolen the soundtrack from the 12th Street Gym.) The interior is very poorly designed. We were crammed into a thin passageway with just enough room between tables for the waiter to walk -- sideways. Definitely not enough space to loosen your belt. Alas, I'm afraid I won't be refueling at Fuel in the near future.
(3)
Sarah F.
Fuel South Philly definitely wins over this location. I've eaten here twice, and both times I've been pretty underwhelmed. They forgot some of the ingredients on my sandwich, but the service was incredibly slow so I didn't even mention it. I tried the Sweet Pea Wonton app for the first time here. OMG, get in my belly. I absolutely detest peas, but the bright color made me want to try it. Very glad that I did. I'll stick to the Passyunk location.
(3)
Kelsey G.
Fuel is definitely a nice, quick place in the area to grab a quick sandwich, salad, or wrap. All of the ingredients they use are delicious and fresh and I've never really had a bad experience with their food. I typically prefer to grab take out considering the restaurant itself is a little stuffy, but there are some tables hidden away by the windows, which seem nice. I recommend the B.M.T panini or their brunch wraps, but seriously, it's all pretty good. The only negative thing I have to say is that the calorie count on the food can't be accurate. Some of it seems much more fattening than it says, but I guess it's better not to know, right? I'll just pretend my panini slathered in pesto and fresh mozz was a healthy decision for the day.
(4)
Dan A.
The menu at Fuel isn't very helpful. Even if you look past the "Start Er' Up" they have instead of appetizers, and the "Fill Er' Up" instead of entries, the menu still doesn't indicated what is vegan. And while the food is purported to be healthier, it didn't have any interesting flavors. I thought the service was satisfactory I didn't get the vibe of Fuel. But if you're calorie counting you might give Fuel a try.
(3)
Noah G.
This is a tough review for me to write as I'd much rather go to a KFC buffet (remember those?) than go to a restaurant touting everything on the menu under 500 calories. That being said, with wedding season rapidly approaching boo and I are both trying to slim down a bit so during a recent Walnut St. shopping excursion I agreed to try out Fuel. It has the feel of a cafe inside a gym with the decor, music, and patrons dressed in gym clothing. I sort of feel like it would be better to have a walk up counter like a Cosi rather than servers but we still received our food quickly. I got the South Philly wrap which came with grilled chicken, mozzarella, and spinach (it really should have been broccoli rabe, I marone...). It came with a light salad that was decent and the wrap was filling it just didn't have much taste. Boo got the stacker which is an eggplant veggie wrap with pesto. It was actually too much for her to finish so I ate it. Much more flavor. It was a decent meal that was definitely healthier than a lot of other options I just don't know how many times I'd go back.
(3)
Katrina C.
I have been at FUEL a lot lately. I am pretty in love. See, my trainer has me on this diet. I'm only really allowed to eat brown rice or potatoes, proteins, and veggies. That leaves for some terribly boring meals at most restaurants. At Fuel, however, I can get pretty much any sandwich (minus cheeses which a lot of them don't have) as a salad. The tuna as a salad..... arugula, artichokes, tuna, and lemon vinaigrette is seriously my new favorite thing. I've heard good things about the juices, but I haven't tried one. I will say though that the time I got coffee there, I was very badly disappointed. Maybe someone just didn't know how to make coffee. Service is always fast. They split salads and sandwiches you are sharing onto 2 plates which always scores points with me. They deliver and take out is always done quickly. Also, there are yelp deals and check in offers so you don't really ever have to pay full price if you don't want to.
(5)
Erica J.
I went here for lunch today and not surprisingly the food was amazing, however, the service was horrible. When I asked my server for a refill on my glass of water he scoffed and said something to the effect of "when I get around to it". I asked two other servers before I was able to get a refill (about 10 minutes later). It took over 30 minutes for the guacamole we ordered as a starter to be brought to the table. When it was time to pay the bill after waiting over 15 minutes for the server to come by I eventually had to take the bill to the front counter to pay. This is a shame because the food is outstanding.
(2)
Gautam T.
This place is starting to become my go to place for quick healthy delicious food post working out. All dishes are under 500 calories which is great and there are three options for every dish. Dishes can be ordered in panini form, salad form and wrap form. I typically go for the wrap because I'm not a fan of panini's or salads. The best part is they provide health information on all the items, so you know how much protein, fat and sodium you're getting in every meal. Besides the healthy aspect of this restaurant the food is quite delicious and the ingredients are all very fresh. I never leave this place feeling sluggish or food comotosed. Lastly the juicee/smoothies are amazing. I've tried most of them but my current favorite is the protein buster. I never had a shake that has such a peanut buttery taste. It was sooo good I felt like screaming "MA, Thanks for the PROTEIN!!!"
(4)
Jeri B.
Thumbs down for enticing me in with a level up discount and then not being able to scan my code. Won't be back.
(1)
Brian S.
We've been to Fuel several times and found it to be pretty decent. Our last visit this past weekend left us less than impressed, though. While we had a hilarious server and decent lemony hummus, whoever was doing the cooking was burning off more than just extra calories. My chicken and artichoke panini featured chicken that was drier than the bread it was served on and the two other sandwiches we tried were pretty meh. The smoothies were good as always, though. While the concept of healthy, low calorie fare is a good one, I doubt that the folks at Fuel want us to save even more calories by having us eat just half of our food.
(2)
Liz F.
Fuel can't decide what it is. It's having an identity crisis. Bold font, house music, ikea decor, and everything under 500 calories- local, organic and fresh. Are you an indie vegan dream or an awkward bro 12th street gym after party? I don't really get it but I like it. Fuel is my go to spot for a good sandwich or salad. It's always good and fresh. I'm a big fan of anything smoked salmon and they'll add that to anything. Three stars because eating at fuel never fails in having the absolute worst service of all time. I.e. sit there for 10 minutes without menus, get them yourself, wait another 15 minutes, angsty waitress takes your order that won't come for 45 minutes (wait, it's just a sandwich...), no chance of ever getting more water, then waiting about a century for a bill. Go for takeout/delivery. Avoid the bs.
(3)
Andrew W.
I was a bit thrown off by Fuel, I wasn't really expecting a waitstaff type of place when I envisioned it. Vibe aside, I had a relatively mediocre experience there. I had guacamole salad with chicken, which was above average. The good: the dressing was really good, it was a pretty big salad as there was a ton of lettuce. The bad: probably the smallest amount of chicken& avocado they could get away with without an immediate complaint, there were several pieces of wilted lettuce through-out the salad. That's just sloppy. I think I'd give it another try, there were a lot of things that looked interesting, but I'd probably go with take out to make it a quicker experience.
(3)
Heather T.
I ordered a smoothie and the TBM stacker through Grubhub. I decided to order pickup since my office is less than a mile away. They told me it would be ready between 11:45 and 11:55, but it was actually ready much earlier. This might normally be a good thing, except I specifically ordered it to be ready closer to noon since that's when I take lunch. They didn't refrigerate my order, so by the time I got there, the smoothie was just slightly thickened juice, and the salad (the TBM "stacker" is definitely more of a salad than a stack) was warm and soggy. Back to the "stacker," three anemic looking pieces of cheese sandwiched between mushy tomatoes with bagged spring mix (fresh basil, my butt) and balsamic "reduction" (I do not think that word means what you think it means) is NOT worth $7!!!! Edited: I originally posted 2 stars just based on service and looks. Then I ate the salad. GROSS!!! That is not quality mozzarella... it tastes like Polly-O string cheese.
(1)
Faith Q.
Love fuel. Awesome juices, great casual and quick healthy meals or snacks. Never been let down and highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick bite in center city.
(5)
Katie C.
Awesome food and smoothies. It's a shame their customer service is terrible. Even if the place isn't crowded plan on waiting for your waiter. If the food wasn't worth it I would not visit here.
(1)
Justin Y.
The service was really quick, staff was friendly, and the high protein grilled cheese was pretty good and good for you!
(4)
Aubrey E.
I have eaten at Fuel several times, and I have always been more than pleased with the food. The menu is quite large and they offer a lot of different options. They accommodate people with gluten allergies with gluten free bread and other gluten free alternatives. Everything seems very fresh and it's a great option for a light and reasonably-priced lunch. However, it's only a great option IF you can tolerate consistently horrible service. The poor service is why I'm not giving this restaurant 4, or even 5, stars. On busy days, I've had my water basically thrown at me or I've been told "look at your menu quickly, if not you'll have to wait 5 minutes before ordering because I won't be back to your table before then." Some of the servers are just rude. You may be asking: "if the service is that bad, why go back?" Well, I guess, in sum, the service is not SO bad that it completely deters me from eating at Fuel. The good food certainly outweighs the bad service. I just wish I didn't have to brace myself for the rude wait staff every time I wanted to dine there.
(3)
Johnny B.
I wanted to like this place because it is so close to my apartment. I wanted to go there every day to get a healthy meal. I tried it twice. I was sorely disappointed both times. The first time, I tried a wrap. It fell apart, it was dry, the chicken was tasteless. Disappointed. Tried again the next week. Got two salads. The strawberry one was better than the other, which came with balsamic vinagrette --- emphasis on the vinegar. My god. Most bitter dressing. Overall, the salad was lackluster.
(2)
Colleen T.
Eggplant goat cheese panini is awesome. Service is slow but that's because they have a cook and a waitress, so she can only do so much at one time. The menu listed the calories for each entree, which is really nice.
(5)
Kelly M.
I've been ordering from here since it opened because the food is delicious but portions are not big enough, leaves me wanting a little more to eat. I decided to try a latte today for a little caffeine kick and it was a bullcrap latte-tasted like the powdered crap you push a button for at Wawa and at $4.50 I found that really offensive- prob won't order from here any more out of principle.
(3)
Kristyn F.
I'm putting them right down the middle for a few reasons. We ordered from them for delivery last week, and it took over two hours for them to arrive. We actually ended up canceling the order before they even made it to our building because we were so disappointed. But to my surprise, the next day they stopped by our office an a complimentary wrap tray and their apologies. And I must say, the tray was a big hit, and all under 500 calories. I still have faith in this company. Maybe I'll give them a second try.
(3)
Elisabeth W.
I've recently gotten into banana whips (just blended bananas that taste like ice cream!), and was excited to try the nutella banana whip from fuel, but I couldn't have been more disappointed. I don't know what they could have done to make it so bad, but it was icy and seemed to have been re-frozen. Overall the food at fuel is okay but I wanted to write a review specifically about the banana whips and let people know that it's not worth the time. If you want to try a good banana whip go to HipCityVeg on 18th street!
(1)
Cristie K.
This place was decent, but I think they need to decide if they are a restaurant or a cafe. The waitstaff/servers (if you'd even call them that) seem to duo as counter, so it is hard to tell how to order/pay. The food seemed really fresh and was prepared well. They have a pretty extensive menu for such a small kitchen. I liked the open feel of the kitchen, and the atmosphere is comfortable, albeit the loud music. I'll definitely come here again, but as a server myself, I noticed quite the table etiquette faux pas. There was a table of 3 in front of me, and the minute only one person was done eating, the "server", upon walking by, cleared his plate, while the other two people were still eating! I just observed how uncomfortable this made the other two people feel. In the restaurant industry, you never do this!!! I lightly mentioned this to the "server", just as a friendly reminder, and she had no idea that there was a certain table etiquette involved with this! Wow. I understand that it is not fine dining there, but any server, in any style of establishment, should know this.
(3)
Laura S.
So I stopped in last night after work, pre-meeting. It was hot and humid and the beginning of yet another heatwave. I couldn't handle actually eating anything because of the heat and wanted something refreshing to get me through my meeting. I ordered a smoothie to go from a somewhat sullen server and ultimately decided on the Detox. Blech--it was awful. First of all when I read the ingredients: berries, pomegranate, etc., I actually thought I'd see these ingredients go into a blender. instead, the server took a big jug out of the refrigerator and poured a premixed liquid into a machine with ice. My drink came out with ice cubes still visible. It was basically a sickly sweet drink over ice--nothing I couldn't have picked up at a 7/11. $5 plus tax and I could barely drink half it was so cloying. I would give the food a try because it does sound good but the smoothies--yuck.
(2)
Mary D.
Great food, huge selection and very healthy dishes! I love the grilled veggie panini on wheat and I've also tried the chicken gorgonzola one, which was great, too!
(5)
Kristen S.
It's easy to make delicious food with fresh and organic ingredients. The fact that each dish I have tried of theirs has been disappointing, doesn't make much sense to me. The descriptions sound good, but I find most everything dry and lacking basic depth of flavor that is so easy to achieve with a few fresh ingredients and some spices. I'll say that I will probably go here again, but only because it's close to my apartment and a good place for something quick and healthy. The decor does not fit the product and the staff is iffy. Yeah, I MIGHT be back, but only because of the lack of quick and healthy choices, which is unfortunate for FUEL.
(2)
Daniel T.
The food is ok, but closer to bad than good, and the calorie count is the same for wraps and sandwiches which means something appears off, unless they fixed that. The owner is rude, unprofessional, and treated my friend and I like hoodlums trying to rob him because his waiter input our unused groupon number incorrectly. I'll never be back her again.
(1)
Quel D.
Service was lovely; charming brunette waitress was attentive and kind. The blasting techno was acoustically-offensive and the food was mediocre, though the gluten-free options were appreciated.
(3)
Vanessa L.
fresh & healthy. overpriced. salads are good. do not order the avocado with salsa - not worth the cost at all.
(5)
Michelle K.
Went in for dinner. Had the chicken lettuce wraps as an appetizer. They were good, but the chicken was dry. I had the veggie panini on white bread for my meal.. It was ok.. I don't think I'd get it again, though. The highlight of the evening was the pumpkin cheesecake.. YUMMO!!!! Our service was ok.. I did notice the waiter making rude comments to two other tables (one table ended up leaving before ordering).. Upon seeing the couple leave, the waiter made a rude remark, which we all could hear.. Not professional at all. The music was too loud and a weird choice (dance/techno) for the restaurant.
(3)
Mike L.
Unlike it's South Philly site, this location wasn't dance club thundering loud, thankfully. I had the shrimp canapes as appetizer (quite nice), and a roasted turkey panini with pesto as main course. That was very good. The salad, however, had so much vinegar that I literally was gagging and coughing. Way overdone with that. My companion had the portabella panini which she enjoyed very much. Also had the pumpkin cheesecake with walnut and pralines for dessert, which was very good also, as was my friend's key lime pie. The waiter was very helpful, describing everything in detail. Almost too much detail. :-) Quite vegetarian and vegan friendly, and they made a point of emphasizing their gluten-free options, didn't really notice any difference with non-gluten free, which is a good sign. I would come back..
(3)
Kas M.
With all these great reviews I don't know how much more I can add. On my first visit as soon as I entered, the people who run the restaurant were very friendly. I ordered the spinach strawberry salad, Which was amazing. The atmosphere is great. Food was great and inexpensive. I really loved it.
(5)
Katrina C.
I like coming here after the gym to get some low cal but healthy food despite the overpriced food. But this might just be the last time. They offer a special on paninis before noon where you get one for $6 instead of $8 or $9. However, some of the waiters seem to have difficulty charging the correct price. You also get 10% off your bill if you show a receipt from a day within the past week. They also seem to have an issue with honoring this discount.
(2)
Joyce T.
grilled chicken paninis & salmon avocado salad. regular for weekday take out. 4 starts b/c i see gnats flying around sometimes.
(4)
Jose A.
Tried fuel once, when it was opening up, it didn't look that enticing but it was a new place in the area so why not. Kinda expensive for the sandwich I got, and it was just pretty good. I'm being picky here, but I don't like the name, and I don't like how it looks inside, the music was annoying. Doubt I'll go back.
(2)
Katie M.
If your on a diet or if you aren't on a diet FUEL has delicious food! As a vegetarian it has a multitude of options which is always nice. I ordered the T.B.M. with pesto and it was really good. I'll deft be back again to try some of their other sandwiches. I hear the smoothies are good as well. Can be a tad pricey compared to surrounding restaurants but worth it in my opinion.
(4)
D K.
Vroom! That's for being fueled and happy, not for the speed of the service (which is what kept this from being a 5-star review). A solid start for this place. For someone like me, who quite dislikes Saladworks, this fills a void in the area -- relatively healthy, lots of vegetarian options and everything freshly made there (including their mozzarella). They have some kinks to work out, service-wise (too many folks right now, I think, and they haven't worked out a rhythm), but if they do that and continue with the solidly good food (great salmon wrap and my colleagues loved the grilled cheese and tomato soup), they should be around for a long time. I hope they are!
(4)
Kimberly Z.
Fuel is one of my favorite "fast food" restaurants in Philadelphia. Some people may scoff at the fact that everything is under 500 calories, but I can assure you you aren't missing a thing! The food is always fresh--I tend to get wheat panninis--the smoothies and juice drinks are fantastic (my favorite post-workout filled is the Protein Buster), and I have yet to encounter a negative staff experience, though at times eating in can be a bit on the slow side. All in all, I highly recommend Fuel, both in Center City and South Philadelphia.
(5)
Tori E.
Sunday 10$ for soup, salad, and half a panini. SUCH a sweet deal. I had the tomato basil soup, caeser salad, and high protein grilled cheese panini. The grilled cheese had this lemon cream cheese in it that was ridiculous. I was so sad when my meal was over, but I was totally satisfied. I got the sweet pea wontons to go, and they were also delicious. Not what you would think a wonton should look like. The peas are mashed up and the 'wonton' is actually wonton chips. The pea mixture is cold, too. The food is fresh and delicious. You can see the ingredients in what you're eating! Today my friend and I got that deal plus a vanilla chai- hellooooo. So yummy and warm on a cold day. They deliver, too, but only up to Spring Garden. Sad for us Girard folks, but I'll definitely be going in again soon!
(5)
Andrea T.
Completely obsessed with the Protein Buster shake (290-340 Cals. 5 points) - Skim milk, Peanut Butter, Banana, Honey, & 25g. Whey Protein. You won't find anything else as peanut-buttery and delicious for under 300 calories - which is why I return nearly every other day for this tasty treat!
(5)
G T L.
I have never been to the South Philly location, and the Center City one just opened. I went today for lunch, and I liked it. I had the Thai chicken (wheat) wrap, and I loved it. I had a carrot/orange/ginger juice, and it was great. But what I loved most was the pumpkin cheesecake. Everything on the menu is under 500 calories, and under $10, so you can't go wrong. Oh, I also had a cup of regular coffee, and it was very good indeed. I'm going back! I really like this place!
(4)
Lindsay O.
Food is OK. Smoothies are good but pricey. Service at lunchtime is terrible! The service was so slow that I had to have them wrap it up to-go. Also, I ordered a salad and asked if it had red peppers on it. The waiter's response was "no, if it's not listed on the menu, it definitely isn't on the dish." So, when I got back to my office, I was surprised to find that it was coated in Balsamic Salad Dressing, as the menu said NOTHING about this and said it had a peanut dressing. I've been three times with Meh experiences the first two times and a horrible experience the third time. I think I'll be skipping this joint the next time I need a meal.
(2)
Michael T.
Not bad, got the chicken Italian wrap to go, which was pretty good. Can't comment on service or decor since I didn't dine in, but would probably make a return trip.
(3)
Michael K.
Slightly more expensive, but as is most healthy food. Soup is amazing, but runs $4.50 each. The sandwiches and wraps are also delicious and at ~$9 they're a bit more reasonable, served with a mixed green salad as well. The music selection is pretty unique, mostly remixes of top 40. Service is fair, you're probably better off going with take out if you're in a time crunch.
(4)
Tk R.
I've been here twice now and the second time I used a Groupon Now where I got $20 worth of food for $10. The salads, juices, and deserts were all very tasty and unique, but the service could use some improvement. The decor is fun but the music selection playing was a bit too much. Overall, I'd come here again :)
(4)
Andrea R.
I have to give this place a just ok. The hummus was really good and lemony, but everything else I've tried was mediocre to crappy. Also I wondered why a "healthy" place didnt offer whole wheat pita. Also why they don't label items vegetarian or vegan. The thai salad sucked. The just slapped a few slices of raw tofu with gross sauce onto lettuce. They added store bought crispy noodles that were a disgusting mush by the time my food arrived. Not good. The grilled antipasto was better but still disappointing. I like their concept, but the food doesnt deliver.
(2)
Meghan W.
Fuel soups rock! I went in around lunch time and the gentleman at the counter was so friendly and helpful. I had my soup in a few short moments. By the way, Rocco's butternut squash and apple soup is delicious!
(5)
Beth A.
Went today for lunch on a recommendation. Walked over from Loews and it was nice. Everything under 500 calories. I had the hummus (voted best in Philly as a note) and then the eggplant and goat cheese panini. Both wonderful. HUGE portions and I couldn't finish them both. The iced tea was different, had a nice flavor. The price was very inexpensive. I'd go back again. The only issue I had was not having a refill on my iced tea and finally having to flag someone down for it. The place was not very busy (later in the afternoon on a sunday). Outside tables as well as inside, take out as well as eat in. Wish we had this in San Diego where I am living now.
(4)
Kate W.
Thai tofu wrap was SOOOO good but also SOOOO messy - ask for a stack of extra napkins and don't eat this on a first date! it's a little pricier than I can handle on a daily basis, but the food was really good and it felt great to know I wasn't putting junk into my body, per the usual. :)
(4)
Pauline S.
I love it! I ordered the detox drink and it was so unbelievably yummy. It was naturally sweet and didn't taste fake. The food choices are healthy and aren't limited to just veggies. The prices might be a bit pricey for what it's worth but it's tasty enough to keep me coming back for more.
(4)
Kennedy T.
My friend and I had dinner here using "Groupon Now". Everything was really fresh and tasted wonderful! We split a salad, a panini and dessert and left super satisfied! I highly recommend the strawberry/spinach salad and the flourless chocolate cake... de-lish! We couldn't believe that the cake was only 350 calories! It was so rich, creamy and delicious. We kept checking the menu - front and back - to make sure there was no disclaimer or fine print about the calories being a hoax - Lol! A girl's gotta double check! Fuel was fantastic - we'll definitely be back!
(4)
Wendy S.
Purchased a Groupon on a whim, knowing I would be visiting Philly, and so glad I did! The TBM with Chicken is super fresh and really flavorful. I had it as a panini and my friend had it as a wrap-both delicious-both sandwiches came with a side of greens and salad dressing. Smoothies were good as well. The decor is simple, the restaurant crowded, but take-out is really quick. Our experience was enhanced by a little "tif" between two waiters fighting over who got to put their order into the register first. The exchange was a little appalling at first, but rather hysterical. Definitely plan to return to Fuel on my next visit to Philadelphia.
(4)
Jason Z.
I am so happy that there is a place in Center City now that you can get a healthy meal that won't break the bank. It's also conveniently located around the corner from 12th Street Gym. Perfect for an after workout meal.
(4)
Adrienne S.
Could be a great alternative to unhealthy fast food. The fact that the service is painfully and disrespectfully slow is its detriment. The first time we came I believe we were the first customers of the day. We stopped by on our way to an appointment. We had plenty of time to spare for a quick bite. After 25 minutes of waiting for wraps, we were out of time and had to race to our next appointment and eat in the car. I was impressed by the calories and WW points on the wall, so I did decide then that I would return. On my second visit I returned with my boyfriend and we decided to dine in...big mistake. We walked in and waited in line only to find that no one was seating people, so everyone went to find their own seats. Eventually someone appeared and they were miffed that we had (about four tables) seated ourselves. Perhaps the rest of our visit was punishment? The waiter came back with water for one table and took thier order and then she NEVER returned! They left and handed us their menus. My bf was starving, so he went to the counter to order and he brought back our food on his own. After that the waitress would not even look our way. NO water, no nothing. I love the concept, but it is poorly executed. While we were waiting for our food we discussed the decor that is part nightclub, part health store, part fast food restaurant with a weird video playing on a TV in the background. We just did not get it. The food was ok, but not worth the wait. Perhaps take out would be better?
(2)
diana s.
For some reason I cannot stand going inside this place...it just has a smell i cannot take....but does that stop me from going here??? hell no....they have banging smoothies...Green Tea Matcha is amazing!!! and if are like me...the one that goes to the gym right after work, skips dinner...then gets out of the gym and is starving and dont want to waste a work out...Fuel has just the right menu for you....very healthy and filling.
(4)
Rachael B.
The food is great, healthy, and creative. I LOVE the Zen fruit drink. The only downside is its pricey. Otherwise, I'd eat here everyday! I like the music videos they have playing on the tvs too.
(4)
DM D.
This is my new favorite lunch spot! All the dishes are under 500 calories and they mark the calories next to each item on the menu. You can eat in, get take out, or delivery. I usually get take out which is super fast. However I have eaten in the restaurant several times. Once we requested to be outside because our friend had a puppy and they were super accommodating. The staff here is all friendly I've yet to encounter a rude or lazy person. The prices are great too. Every time I go I get the chicken lettuce wraps. You wouldn't think so but they fill you up and they taste great. Be warned they are a little spicy which I love. The decor is cool I guess it's like a space theme I'm horrible at describing that stuff. I come here dressed casually and sometimes in my workout clothes straight from the gym. My only suggestion would be for them to Get a soda machine..I know it's not healthy but I would eat in more often.
(4)
Arun P.
Great local biz. Awesome food...fast and friendly!
(4)
Neil D.
"Good food, strange ambiance" is how I would sum up Fuel on Walnut Street. It's like a cross between a gym, an Old Navy, and a lunch place. The ceiling is high, the floors are hardwood, and from the TV pumps out fast-paced dance music, which makes this place feel like a gym. Plus, everyone wears an all-black shirt/pant uniform. So, for me it's not really a cozy place to sit and have lunch. However, the food is tasty and they have a lot of choices.
(3)
M K.
Went w/Groupon. Food was fine and tasty (nice tomato soup) but probably not quite worth full price. Biggest issue & why I won't rush to return is that you can't just order at the counter and sit down and eat - and for a place called FUEL with techno music, the service was sluggish. Just drop the waiters and make it a take-out or counter service, like Panera, and it might have a shot. Otherwise why not just go to Cosi (which is mediocre at best) but at least it's not pitch dark.
(2)
Emily C.
Wholesome meals without having to break the bank. The hummus and lettuce wraps are heavenly. They're constantly working on new dishes which is always exciting, hello less than 300 calorie cannoli! The menu is vegan and gluten-free friendly which is a plus in my book. They are also okay with bringing your own booze. FUEL is relatively new and still working out the kinks but you got to have faith in new restaurants with strong concepts. We'll definitely be back ;)
(5)
Jeannine K.
This is a great place if you are looking for eating a healthy meal in the city. I love the fact that they post the nutritional information of all menu items! I have tried both the Hummus with Veggies and the Grilled Veggie Wrap. The Hummus was good, but was a bit more oily than I prefer. The Grilled Veggie Wrap was delicious! The portion sizes are larger than I expected, but that's not a bad thing. The prices are a bit high, but I think getting a healthy meal made with fresh ingredients is worth it.
(4)
Ryan R.
Incredible tasting healthy food at an affordable price. I can't get enough of this place!
(5)
Shannon L.
Great place, but I wish they had more of a healthy vegetarian/vegan selection and some more fresh green juices. Most of the items I've tried are awesome, but there have been some misses... All in all, a good healthy option for Center City.
(4)
Sahran P.
Delicious and quick, best grilled cheese I have had in a long time!
(5)
Ashlee G.
False advertising! A bunch of us went there for lunch, and after being surprised that the food was under 500 calories, the waitress informed us that only the ingredients used in our sandwiches were under 500 calories. The entire lunch was probably well over! For a place that is directly advertising this low cal menu, it was very disappointing. It also took us about 90 min to dine because the service was so slow!
(1)
donna b.
I've gone to Fuel on four separate occasions and this is what my experience has been thus far: The soups: (forgetting proper names right now so forgive me) Tomato - liked it, this visit was so long ago forgetting details but I do recall enjoying it. Creamy potato-very good and probably my favorite out of them all, the light cream didn't effect the creamyness/tastyness of the soup Crab Bisque- Good but peppery and the crab was a bit stringy. The Panini's The thanksgiving special Panini The Eggplant and Goat Cheese Panini The Grilled Chicken Panini I can safely say across the board, the panini's were just ok. I can leave satisfied eating one but they can do so much better flavor wise, with the grilled chicken panini I'd thought they didn't include the sun-dried tomato that comes with it so the waitress brought me out some, and it tasted like specks of SGT in butter, which didn't bring a ton of SGT flavor but possibly increased my calorie/fat intake majorly. And their chicken tastes to me like the chicken that I make at home, which is pretty good but I always want to get it to a restaurant quality that I haven't mastered yet. So I'd want the restaurant I'm buying from to master a restaurant quality chicken breast as well (call me crazy). The thanksgiving special panini was flavorful but felt like it could pack so much more. And I don't believe it has anything to do with the lower calories, I eat flavorful low cal/fat food all of the time so I know what can be done. Lastly dessert I've tried Banana whips- pretty good, I could get this when wanting something frozen and creamy and be satisfied. Pumpkin Cheesecake- Love this cheesecake and I'm not even a huge fan of pumpkin. I'd buy an entire pie for an event they did this well. And I love the whip cream that it comes with, again the lightness of the cream doesn't take away from the flavor. The service was pretty good each visit(four visits total), the only complaint I have (and reminded to email the business about this as well) is one visit where the waiter got indignant when I asked if I could take the check up myself because I was in a hurry. I was clear about it having nothing to do with his service, I'd just over did it during a lunch break during my work hours. I typed this out in detail which is very long so decided to spare you guys, just in short felt it was really unprofessional of him, how he reacted that is, I deduct a star for that incident, future visits and dependent upon the response from the owner, that will likely go up in a future review. My only other complaint is that the 500 calories doesn't account for bread, which is fine but people who want to know calorie intake, typically need to know in detail so it should mention somewhere on the menu the calories for the items not included in that 500. You can always guesstimate but it just helps a great deal, when I am actually counting a calorie to have full detail so that I'm not eating more than I think I am later in the day. Oh and to those who commented on it looking/sounding like a gym I wonder if that is intentional....I do know I can't take those club music videos, at least switch them up if they must exist.
(3)
Ann C.
Summary: Food: fresh, with potential, but lacking distinction Service: friendly but P_ poor Atmosphere: sorely lacking personality, akin to Crunch gym cafeteria (gym simile attributable to Neil D.) Value: meh. I was particularly disenchanted by the juice bar rip-off. Let me preface by saying that I love Philly, but one thing it dearly lacks are healthy lunch places with decent salads under $10. So naturally, when I found out about this place through Groupon, I was super excited to go check it out. And, yes, I had my Groupon in hand. I walked in before the lunch rush, totally psyched because I just won the parking ticket hearing I had at the Philly Parking Authority 4 blocks away-- so I'm in a good mood, ready for some healthy fueling food, and definitely not primed for the very annoying experience that followed. I was greeted by a very nice server who sat me down once I announced I came to eat in. I also announced I had the Groupon, so there are no surprises. There were plenty of other tables with a single person in them, so I wasn't feeling uncomfortable for my table of one. All this, despite the incredibly uncomfortable plastic chairs and the dance music blaring from the TV sets with a FUEL Logo permanently imprinted on the screens showing the music videos in the background. Wow, I thought, if they'd only invested in some better chairs and floor boards (that rocked every time someone walked up to 15 ft away) rather than the VJ to digitally add their insignia to the videos they're showing... Neil who mentioned the gym-like atmosphere in his review was right on. Perched above the gym with the juice bar at the end, is a room which looked like it was set up for a party. I gather they have space for private parties. I tried to imagine the Weight Watcher parties that may go on there (I'm not being mean, menu specifies the calories AND WW points for each item) The squash soup I ordered from the specials showed up relatively soon, so I stopped my musings and lunged in. Mind you, it was a cold cold day, and I was looking forward to my... very cold cold soup!? But by the time I'd realized it was cold I'd already tasted it, and was in a good mood, and didn't want to make a fuss, so I decided to gloss it over. I was about 2 spoons from finishing the bowl (which was about medium size) before the server reappeared: "How is your soup" "Pretty good" I said (because it WAS, a bit on the too sweet side, but generally pretty good, despite the temperature) "It wasn't cold?" "Yes, it was! You knew about that?" Here began my ire- if she knew it was cold- why did she serve it? And if it was a mistake- which I'm willing to accept- perhaps insist on bringing a warm one out? Next I ordered the tuna and arugula salad, dressing ON THE SIDE. I must note that first thing I asked was whether the tuna was canned or fresh. Server said it was fresh. When my salad came out, FULLY DRESSED topped by a heap of so clearly canned tuna, it still had the shape of the can it came from (be it high grade canned, but still canned), I did decide to send it back. I politely asked if the dressing was on the salad. The server was very polite-- she clearly remembered I'd asked for it on the side since she did not seem surprised, rushed to apologize and remove the salad from the table. The salad came back out. I have to say that the arugula was very very fresh. Not a single leaf was tired in the massive heap of greens. The white beans were alright. Overall, the salad engineering pretty good. That dry, canned albacore tuna left something to be desired. So, by now, I've had a cold soup, a salad, and when the server asked me for the third time if I wanted a drink (yes, she was persistent), I ordered the 'I want a Tan' TO GO which is the simplest drink they seemed to have on the elaborate juice bar menu: fresh carrot, OJ, and ginger. The drink came out with about 19oz of fresh ICE and 1 oz of juice from which the ginger pieces were not filtered out (I'm still picking my teeth as I write, sorry for the graphic detail...). Yes, it's true, I am at fault for not specifying I don't want a $5 cupfull of ice when it's 35 degrees outside and I'm about to take this to go. Finally, although I knew my check came out below the amount specified on the Groupon, I was done with this unsatisfying meal (which only had a cold heap of greens going for it). I asked for my check. Check arrived way after the ladies in the next table (who were seated after me) had already left the premises. The server was quick to ask whether I'd been explained that the Groupon doesn't cover taxes when the total amount falls below the groupon value. I just really wanted to get out of there before I get stuck to that annoying Bruno Mars song for the next week, so I paid them the tax and even very generously (24%) tipped the staffer because I didn't have change. But that's the last of my cash they'll see. I'll go get my fresh arugula and HOT soup at the Terminal market a few blocks away.
(1)
Kathy L.
I'm giving FUEL a solid 4 stars because they've recognized a severely under served market here in Philadelphia. My favorites in this category back home in San Francisco were Boxed Foods and Mixt Greens. Check out their websites and you'll see what I mean. Relatively affordable, tasty, HEALTHFUL food options. Honestly, can people please recommend where I can get salads with fresh, varied ingredients? Don't say Cosi... And I don't want to pay $20 for take-out at a stephen starr restaurant. From Fuel, I had the shrimp, avocado spinach salad which was delicious and filling. All options are supposed to be around/under 500 (depends if they counted the wrap and if you got one) - but who's counting anyway! The ambience of the place is a little dim and could be better - it doesn't scream fresh...just neon orange? Next time, I'm dying to try the whipped banana with nutella and strawberries. Apparently it's just a frozen banana, whipped...so it's like ice cream?! But without the guilt, in case you had any.
(4)
Lisa L.
Good eats we randomly found touring Philly. Strawberry spinach salad and portabella and eggplant panini. Not the freshest, but great veggie options. Nice ambiance. Great presentation.
(3)
Amber L.
i love this place! i almost always order the grilled eggplant and goat cheese panini, im totally in love with this sandwich! ive also had their version of a grilled cheese which is excellent, and i stop for a smoothie there at least 2-3 times a week. Just a warning*** their under 500cal claim does not include your choice of bread on the sandwich. Not enough to steer me away, but if you are the type to count calories keep that in mind.
(4)
Joelle J.
After about 6 months of steadily going here 1-3 times a week, I think I can give it a solid 4 stars although this rating can vary from experience to experience. Some days, it's a 2 star and some days it's a 5 which kind of makes it a 3.5 but I'll round up. Pros: 1. The food: On a good day, their food is amazing. You'd never think you wrere eating healthy. The thai chicken w/wheat wrap is my favorite and I pretty much order it every time I come in but the Thanksgiving Panini is delicious. The turkey is moist, cheese adds a nice creaminess and the apples provide a good crunch (although sometimes it seems they forget to add the apple). Also, if the soup of the day is crab&corn chowder and you like a little spice, order it and you will not be disappointed. Sweet pea mash is another favorite of mine. 2. The speed of service: You're food is done fairly quickly and they tend to package it in a way that is convenient to carry out. 3. The owner, Rocco: He seems to have great passion for his business and he actually took my order the first time I came there. I think he understands that the best thing for his business is repeat customers and a good reputation. I'd never actually written to a restaurant or made a comment about a bad experience at one until I got a really bad salad here for my mom. I'd told her soo many good things about the food but was really disappointed with the quality of salad so I sent an e-mail and he, or an agent of his since I don't know that he responds directly to people but his name was signed to it, sent me an e-mail that same day and made my next purchase on them. 4. You can pay with LevelUp: I love this app and if it weren't for the LevelUp person outside of the store back in April/May, I never would've known this place existed. 5. Points: Being on WW, it's nice that they calculate the points. It's one less thing I have to worry about doing. I still can't believe that some of the points values are soo low but the pounds I've lost seem to indicate that they aren't too far off. Cons: 1. Consistency: Like I mentioned above, some days they are really off the mark. Like yesterday for example. I was quite disappointed with my thai chicken, it seemed like the peanut sauce and balsamic vinegar were both cups of oil with not much else. I'm going back today though and will probably get it again unless I go for the thanksgiving panini because everyone has off days. 2. The service: This definitely isn't a service with a smile or your neighborhood Cheers type of place but I think that it could be. It seems like Rocco is the opposite of his staff. Even I notice some of the same people there when I go and being on a name basis with your customers only helps them come back. I 've gone to other restaurants a few times and now when I go back it's like a reunion with old friends which has actually lead to more frequent trips back and more recommendations to others. All in all, it's still my go to lunch when I don't want to sacrifice taste for a healthy option and the pro's outweigh the cons. I think these specific cons are what have lead to low ratings though.
(4)
Chau L.
This place has good salads and decent sandwiches. The juices and smoothies are also pretty good. The service is so-so to blah, but when I'm feeling like something a little healthier, this is where I go in Center City. It's difficult trying to find healthier food on a time crunch in the city.
(3)
Judy R.
I'm a healthy eater, a calorie counter, and a runner/yogi. So I am a fan of Fuel and it's wonderful concept. The food is usually delicious, but I do have a few things to forewarn customers about. 1. Order the dressing on the side for the side salads they give you. They drench them. 2. Don't order off of grubhub. They will not make the food. (Although, when you call and complain, they are great about making ammends.) 3. The calorie count includes the content of the sandwich but not the bread or the actual wrap itself. 4. The service is eh. The server would wander away a lot during my experience. She wasn't terrible, or rude, but she also didn't give a crap, apparently. It happens. 5. The atmosphere is great, except the weird techno remixes of top 40 songs and their music videos playing on the big screens. Top 40 is bad enough... Stop that.
(3)
Jenn V.
I haven't tried anything at Fuel yet that I haven't loved. For under about 500 calories you can get a great meal which isn't outrageously priced compared to some other restaurants in the area. All the ingredients are fresh and a filling size- considering it is as healthy as the menu states. Usually, I order the Strawberry Spinach Salad (with Chicken) which is huge- I can't even finish most of the time. Also, the sandwiches are delicious- I recommend the Smoked Salmon Sandwich or The Roasted Turkey (I am a sucker for anything including Goat Cheese). Sometimes, the service is a little bit on the slower side, so if you are crunched for time you may want to let them know. Sidenote: the calories listed for the Panini's do not include the bread, so if you are counting calories- take that into consideration.
(4)
Norma R.
Really enjoy their food. The food is tasty and healthy. Had the tomato basil soup, and Salmon Wrap which was delicious. They advertise using only fresh ingredients and I could def tell they did once I ate their food. Their smoothies are also tasty, my favorite is the Detox Smoothie which pomegranate and acai berry. The atmosphere is hip and contemporary. The staff is very friendly and they gave great customer service. I was very impressed overall and have been there many times as a happy returning customer.
(4)
Catherine W.
I have tried a few of the varieties of smoothies from and enjoy them. I would give this place 4 stars for product and 2 stars for service. The people that work here haven't been particularly friendly, and the aesthetics of the place leave much to be desired. It's a little dark and dingy. The atmosphere doesn't match the menu. I'll still grab smoothies here when I'm in the neighborhood. Hopefully the experience will improve.
(3)
Jenny L.
For the health conscious who also likes good food! Came here with a coupon from Yelp. We shared a strawberry chicken salad, and we each got a panini. Can't really remember what types.. i think it was either TBM or grilled veggies, and also got a panini with chicken. The chicken was pretty well seasoned but it was flat (probably a way to reduce that calories in a panini). Overall, pretty good portions and its a healthy meal without sacrificing the taste. Made me wonder, how were they able to keep it at such low calories?
(4)
Jon Z.
I came here because I had bought a gift certificate from one of the deal promotion sites. I live by here and the menu really seemed attractive. I went on a Saturday lunch around 1pm. The food was pricy for small portions and the service was very unfriendly! Food: we got the chicken lettuce wrap which consisted of cut chicken pieces, peanuts (crushed from a can) on top of 3 large, flat, two days too old lettuce leaves. The wrap was mushy and soft and lacked any kick or flavor. For $8.95 you'd expect better. The smoothies were tasty but very watered down, get the smoothies here if you like it to be half water within 5 minutes. Goto Smoothie King instead for a "real smoothie" The also got the Thai chicken sandwich which had something similar to a wet peanut butter sauce plastered over the bread. If you are used to the usual thai peanut sauce, this sauce is not what you would expect. Lastly, we got a greek salad and that was the best part of the meal. You can't mess up a salad and although this placed messed everything else up, the salad was spot Overall, very underwhelming and overpriced for the quality of food. It seriously feels like a place run but a bunch of guys from a college frat. The 13th street area is a very up and coming and there are much better options to spend your money when in the area!
(2)
Philly B.
Great food. Good deals. Horrible service. The food is very healthy and fresh but the service is just so bad all the time. Might prefer to order delivery or take out
(3)
Danielle S.
4 stars because: -Everything under 500 calories (note that this does NOT include bread for sandwiches, chips for dip, etc. - so ask questions) -Tons of vegetarian options -Any sandwich can be gluten free -Yummy, fresh food - I love the tomato basil mozz pesto sandwich. -They are on like, every deal site known to man... there's a Yelp deal, Foursquare deal, Groupon Now deal, they're on LevelUp, they give you a 10% off coupon at the bottom of every receipt... -Weight Watchers points listed right on the menu - although they are suspiciously low compared to the calories, which brings me to... Not 5 stars because: -My partner did some number crunching for the Weight Watchers points and things just don't add up. Next time I'm there, I'm going to ask for the full nutrition info. -Why not delineate which dishes are vegetarian or vegan on the menu? -Service is consistently bad, but honestly, I can get over that if the food is good enough.
(4)
Nate H.
Been sitting on publishing this since last summer... but here we go. Decided to check this place out finally, even though I've had little interest in it's low-calorie mantra since hearing about the Passyunk Ave store opening. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of menu choices that source fresh ingredients, but don't claim on your chalkboard to use local ingredients when the tomato in my sandwich was so mealy and pale pink it's impossible it's from nearby soil. Local tomatoes in the summertime are a dime a dozen, and have a deliciously full flavor. The fact that James Van Der Beek recently dined there should have been enough of a red flag to get a sandwich somewhere else... Oh, and the under 500 calories bit doesn't include the bread the sandwiches come on. Give me a break.
(1)
Nicolette H.
I ordered delivery from here one night last week after hearing wonderful things. I ordered the Fuel Stacker on whole wheat bread and my boyfriend got the eggplants & goat cheese as a salad. The delivery driver courteously called to let us know he was having car trouble (which happens), and we got our food an hour and a half later. I was a little upset, but you can't do anything about that. But you can do something about the fact that my sandwich was not great. My bread was soggy everywhere. Juice was just seeping through the sandwich. It came with a side salad that was warm because it was next to my warm sandwich. My boyfriend didn't have anything bad or good to say. I was not impressed. Probably won't be trying them for a while now.
(2)
Jihye T.
Philly needs more places like Fuel. Affordable, tasty, healthy quick meals for the lazy days when you do not feel like cooking at home and you've indulged too much to eat a real restaurant meal.
(4)
Melissa W.
This place tastes... healthy. In an average kind of way. Healthy food can be tasty (e.g. sweetgreen), but they don't seem to have mastered that here. The chicken was dry, flavorless, and they just packed too many solid slabs of it into one wrap. It was like eating a brick of solid dry chicken wrapped in a mediocre tortilla. Very underwhelming. The atmosphere is also weird, like a super-trendy-healthy takeout place, but there's sit-down table service and fancy flatware? If you're gonna have a takeout counter, make it more fast-foody. Takeout + table service is a weird combo. The service was nice enough, but pretty slow and inattentive (they didn't refill our water). It's kind of expensive too, at $12 for a mediocre wrap after tax and tip. At least the portion sizes are decent, for what that's worth. I also walked out of here smelling like fried food, for reasons I can't even begin to fathom. If you like your food bland, boring, and healthy, definitely come here. If you're looking for something smothered in bacon, cheese and everything else delicious, look elsewhere.
(2)
Alyssa A.
Came in on a Sunday for lunch the food was good and the service was great. Our server Abby was very accommodating to our needs and requests. I would definitely go back sometime soon.
(4)
Vi M.
Love, Love, Love!!!!! Ordered a grill chicken gluten free panini and fell in love!!! What's even better? Everything is under 500 cal!! This is the perfect place for a bread/wrap loving people with Celiac's! GLUTEN FREE paninis/wraps?!?!?! !! Didnt know any place that served that! EVERYTHING is so FRESH!!! I will def be eating here for the rest of my week in Philly! :)
(5)
Chris M.
VERY healthy. Love what they are aiming for, we need MORE healthy options in this city.. time for eating garbage is no time. Service was quick, food was good.. drinks at juice bar were ridiculous.. we loved them. Sit down service, or takeout.. it's worth checking out. A little pricey, wish they could lower their margins a bit to make this a place we can hit more often.
(3)
Jen B.
While staying at a nearby hotel, I went here twice. This place sounded great - healthy meals, juices and smoothies. There are a ton of juice and smoothie choices; I chose the "Detox" smoothie both times I went (16 and 20 oz). The Yerba Mate and berry combination (açai, pomegranate and blueberry) was thirst quenching. If you've never had Yerba Mate (I hadn't) - it's supposed to be give you a combination of satisfaction (like chocolate), alertness (like caffeine) and health benefits (like tea) - at least according to the Guayaki website: guayaki.com/mate/130/Yer… . Chicken lettuce wraps were good (though the romaine lettuce wasn't large enough to really wrap the chicken, sriracha and peanut filling). Fuel Stacker - Portabello mushroom, eggplant, zucchini, squash, mozzarella and pesto (I took out the tomato): I ordered this in wheat wrap. Tasted great though I wish they warmed up the wrap and veggies (I didn't ding them points because they did deliver it). Came with a side salad with dark green lettuce and balsamic vinaigrette. Overall, healthy and good. It reminds me of some of the restaurants you would find in San Francisco, and is a good alternative to fast food. I'll be back next time I'm in the area!
(4)
Evan G.
The world needs more food establishments like this. Healthy and surprisingly filling selection of guilt free deliciousness.
(5)
Carlo D.
Desert was great but a bit pricey
(4)
Moira T.
As I was eating, I couldn't believe that one of the wait staff was repeatedly wiping his nose and carrying out food without washing his hands. I saw him rinse his hands in a sink but did not use soap. Lost my appetite. I won't eat there again.
(1)
Victoria L.
Fuel isn't terrible.... I just think it's overpriced for a sandwich I could make myself. It's a nice concept with a convenient location, so I humored my health conscious boyfriend by coming here for lunch dates. Although, I will say that their smoothies are good. The service isn't even that great so I'd rather go to Pain Quotidien for more varied options.
(3)
Rachel A.
I got a party tray from here for a function a few weeks ago. I got three different types of wraps - the smoked salmon, the tofu with peanut sauce, and the veggie one with eggplant and lots of other good veggies. The wraps were all really good. It was the first time I had eaten there let alone ordered anything, but I had heard nothing but good things about the food and the place itself.
(4)
Jayna B.
I have been here three times so take this as you please. Experience 1: Waitress did not know what smoked salmon was even thought it is a staple on the menu I paid 5 dollars for a smoothie that was very small. Experience 2: I shared the wonton app with a friend. It was ok but nothing special. Also, WAY overpriced. Experience 3: Waiter spills water on my boyfriend and does not respond to our calling attention to it. Good salad, shitty service. Hummus app tasted like it was bathed in lemons- in a bad way. I won't be returning after the shit service we had.
(2)
Kelly B.
I ate here Wednesday for lunch and liked it so much I went Friday night with my husband and dog to sit and have a smoothie on their patio/sidewalk seating. The girl at the counter (Friday night 8/30/13) was extremely rude!!! I walked in and the girl asked "for here or to go?" I said "me and my husband want to sit outside. We are just gonna have 2 smoothies." Pretty simple Friday night right? FYI there was NO ONE else on the patio. She says "you can sit outside and wait for a server to be with you". When I went Wednesday I got everything to go and it was counter service. Due to the fact we were not eating and no one else was on the patio I did not think it would be a big deal to get the smoothies at the counter and have them outside. The girl told me no. She said I would be taking up a table for someone who wanted to eat there. Did I mention there were 3 tables in the whole place with people at them and NO ONE ELSE outside. I told her that was a pretty silly thing to lose a customer over and she was straight faced and rude about it the whole time. I live on 13th and locust and wk on 15th and walnut. I WOULD have been a regular customer. Thanks for the reply Rocco:)
(5)
Laura R.
This place is a great place to eat. Everything here is under 500 calories, and the meals leave you feeling content, so you don't have to worry about still being hungry when you leave. The first time I came, I got the Shrimp and Avocado salad. It was delicious. I was so glad I found this place, I couldn't wait to return. I returned to Fuel today and split the Fuel Sampler with a friend. The Guacamole with the charred corn was the best! I also decided to get "The Wake me up" smoothie, which was a great choice. Definitely a must, if you are in Philadelphia!
(5)
Salima C.
I'm all for healthy food and I have had a prior good experience but today O_0 I got a tomato basil soup because I am having dinner later and wanted to keep it light but not that light. The soup was like water with tomato juice in it. This blasphemous attempt at comfort food and the cold shoulder from the cashiers has me convinced hunger is a better alternative.
(1)
Clare D.
I wish I could say all good things about this place because I was really enamored with their sample offerings at the recent Yelp food and drink party, but I can't give it a great review because my first experience there wasn't good. I ordered the Fuel Sampler, which gave me a choice of three items from a list of guacamole, black bean and tomato salsa, hummus, and sweet pea mash. The sweet pea mash was incredible, but the salsa and guacamole were too salty. The guacamole was especially salty and I let my server know that. She tried to rectify the situation by giving me a substitute of hummus, but that, too was too salty. Why was this place awarded "Best Hummus"? I can certainly appreciate the fact that it's freshly made, but something in the guacamole, hummus, and salsa just didn't taste right. That aside, if I had just ordered the sweet pea mash or perhaps the shrimp canapes that I tried from the Yelp party, I would've given this place four or five stars. I'll give it another try before I dismiss it. I'm sure the wraps and salads are good. I did like my Zen smoothie (cucumber, mango, pineapple).
(2)
Amber G.
While the Thai Tofu Wrap was delicious, the service was awful. No warm greeting, swift but cold checkout plus a long wait for my food. I ordered it as takeout with the thought of eating outside, but it started to pour so I sat at a table inside. A server approached me to tell me I couldn't sit there because they have "waitress service" -- Which I totally get because I work in the industry -- But she didn't give me a chance to discuss before shooing me away. I would have tipped had she let me stay. At $12 for a wrap and green tea, I'd expect much better hospitality. Also a warning: The posted calorie count does not include bread, so my wrap was actually 535 calories versus the 375 that's listed ( fuelrechargeyourself.com… ).
(3)
Daniel R.
This place was a huge disappointment. I suppose the food is nutritious, but I can't get past the horrible service. Waitress was not just inattentive, she was absent. I even had to get up and go to the counter to ask for a refill while she sat there and had a snack and talked to the cook. I never did get a check so I left some money on the table and walked out. Don't be fooled by the seemingly great deals (groupon and others) to visit this place. Food is mediocre, at best. The tomato and cucumber salad was if I had put my head in the garden and was eating the stuff dry. How hard is it to put some local or natural dressing on that? The portion was big; I'll give Fuel that much. Next, I had the turkey sandwich (because they did not seem to have the fixings for the much ballyhooed Thanksgiving sandwich). The sandwich was large, but again, mostly flavorless. I suppose if you want to feel good about yourself by eating what probably is good for you, this is an ok place. I walked directly to another place to get more food though because I felt like I ate a lot of nothing. I will not return to Fuel as the whole place is running on empty!
(1)
Lou P.
It all seems frantic There's way to much going on Just make food, okay? Fuel needs to get over itself. I can't be the only one that thinks this place is just got some sort of identity crisis: it looks like a dance club mixed with a health spa, japanese templa and Sherwin-Williams. The TV's play some trippy station with odd colors and shapes all swirling together. There's probably some subliminal messaging in there too. "buyfoodbuydrinksdon'tgetfatdon'tgetfatdon'Âtgetfat." And they have sandwiches. Acceptably filling but not overly thrilling sandwiches. They're tasty enough, but for 100 more calories you can hit up any number of other places in the city without being assaulted by color, lights and a barrage of overly energetic thin people who haven't tasted a roast pork sandwich in years.
(3)
Wei T.
Great alternative to Panera and Cosi. I've been here 3 times and everything that I had was very good... I love a good Panini, especially when it's under 500 calories. The South Philly panini is my favorite! The only thing that I've had here that was disappointing was the peppermint mocha. I do like how they use sugar free syrups but it tasted like it came out of one of those gas station mocha machines... Don't be thrown off by the poor decor (lime green walls) and bumping club music. This is a great little place if you're looking for a healthier option. I'm excited to try some of their desserts. This place just opened but is in need of a serious makeover.
(4)
Shelly R.
What a great find this place was!! I work around the corner and we are always looking for new places to try for lunch. We stumbled across this little gem awhile back when we noticed a sign saying that everything on the menu is 500 calories or less. We became curious and thought we'd check it out. It surpassed our expectations ten-fold. In my past experiences, whenever a place offers low-cal, low-fat, etc., it ends up being "so-so" or tasting very low-fat, with all of the goodness stripped out. This place is definitely a RARE exception! The food here is made with the freshest ingredients, not to mention the fact that they are organic and gluten-free. They offer a variety of paninis, wraps and salads that are all extremely delicious and I haven't been disappointed yet! My favorites are the TBM (tomato,basil,mozz) Chicken Wheat Panini and the Chicken Gorgonzola Wheat Panini. They both are to die for and the wheat bread is outstanding! It's so hard to find a good-tasting, healthy bread that is low in calories (without being semi-transparent)! Another thing I really love about this place is how they break down all of the nutritional ingredients of their menu items. The calories printed on the menu do not include the bread, but you can easily look up that nutritional info on their iPhone or Droid app. We visit here usually a couple times a week and can't say enough about the freshness and high quality of taste of their food. I highly recommend trying it!
(5)
Kelly P.
this place is exactly what was missing in my life. free delivery for $10+ orders. under 500 cal meals (that usually end up as two meals for me). creamy hummus and warm fresh pitas. various smoothies, substitute whatever fruit your little heart desires. it's the perfect meal on a hot summer day, top it off with a low-cal cannolo if you're feeling adventurous.
(5)
Cynthia H.
Everything I've ever ordered from here has been excellent! I work at a salon, and everytime someone gets word that I'm ordering from here they jump to be included! It's nice to have a very healthy and fresh alternative to ordering out. They deliver so quickly as well. My favorites include the chicken and gorganzola wrap, the tuna wrap (prepared w lemon and oil, no mayo) and the sweet pea mash.... And on a sat if I don't have time to 'eat' I order one of their healthy smooties, mixed berry being my favorite!
(5)
Sara P.
I'm always looking for organic/local options, which I find surprisingly hard to find in Philly. So I was looking forward to trying Fuel even though the reviews were mixed. Had the detox juice that was delicious! The tomato, basil, mozzarella salad was really tasty and good size for $7. The pesto that comes with it is also yummy. The roasted turkey panini was a generous sandwich. It was a savory combination of pesto, turkey, tomato and goat cheese. It was still however just "good". Nothing terrible nothing fantastic, but worth the money, healthy and really filling. Lastly let's talk about the music. Seriously it needs to go. This isn't the gym or a night club, in fact there is nothing relaxing, refreshing or rejuvenating about juice bar if the bass is thumping the silverware off the table. There seems to be a disconnect between the mission and the decor. Perhaps sticking with the "local" theme you could play some Philadelphia musicians for those who dine in. Overall I'm really excited to have found a tasty organic/local restaurant, but look forward to see how Fuel evolves.
(4)
Erin F.
Here's my reaction to Fuel Center City: "Um... okaaayyy..." For whatever reason, it's taken me a long time to stop into Fuel, even after opening this location a couple blocks from my office. I decided today was the day. I had a taste for a big fresh squeezed juice and their juice bar came to mind. So I headed down to Fuel. This place is extremely busy around 12:30 on a weekday and also extremely corny. With loud electronic gym music playing, abstract, bright videos playing on the flat screens that scream FITNESS, the space itself is poorly lit and loud. But I get it - many 9 to 5ers are looking for healthy, low-cal alternatives to the usual lunch spots around the area. That's fair. Also, I just remembered that this place used to be PHAG, and will now take a moment to mourn their kitschy stock and snotty staff. Moving on, the people who working here look OPPRESSED. The guy who took my order had the phone up to his ear for most of the time I was here, including when he took my order and the time it took to make it. [Edit: He wasn't even talking into the phone. It was just up to his ear the entire time, pinched between his shoulder and head. I'm guessing someone was on hold, but I still found this disconcerting.] After sitting around waiting for someone to at least approach the juice making station to fix my "Give Me a Tan", a staffer walked in hurriedly from the outside, I'm guessing to report for duty. He, eventually, got around to whipping up my order, but what if he wouldn't have walked in for another 5 or 10 minutes? The situation here is weird. Everyone is ultra-rushed and looked visibly upset to be there. Is everyone having a bad day? So he eventually got around to making my juice (the only person working I saw smile at all) which wasn't the juice I expected (I anticipated a smooth, liquidy, relatively pulp-free - basically the kind of stuff you see pouring out of the spout of a Jack LaLanne juicer on the infomercials). Instead, it was just orange juice, carrot chunks and apple liquefied in a VitaMix blender. A puree with ice and a straw in it. For $5.40 (incl. tax, people) you get 20oz, which is a fair amount, but I don't think I'll be back any time soon. I might have to order my own Jack LaLanne mixer or perhaps count that his people will read this local review and send me one for free.
(2)
Sarah L.
The one time I ate I. At Fuel, there was a table of about 20 dudes, each walking around with a huge bottle of vodka. I'm not sure if putting vodka in smoothies keeps them "healthy" but I did find the whole experience entertaining. Fuel for takeout or delivery is kind of that fallback plan for when you're too lazy to do anything else. Gluten free paninis are good, but considering most gluten free bread tastes like cardboard, the bar is set pretty low. All of the sandwiches seem a little dry, I'm not sure why this is. Whatever the reason, it means I'm always left feeling like my meal was less exciting than I'd hoped it would be. Everything sounds so delicious...and the first bite usually is, but by the end, I'm reaching for water and considering dipping my sandwich in a side of ranch. I feel like it's one of those meh places that I'll keep going back to just because it is easy. Ha, insert inappropriate easy joke here....
(3)
Ryan E.
I was seriously waiting for the whole staff to start fist pumping. When I first walked in, I wasn't quite sure if I walked into an Old City night club or not. The service is pretty bad. I waited in line for five minutes just to order. There was a woman in front of me who was checking on her order for the 2nd time and had been waiting 10+ minutes for a juice drink. I also ended up waiting for 15+ minutes for a salad only to have them give my salad to some girl who ordered the same thing five minutes after me. Oh, and she still sat waiting while her boyfriend waited for his food. I was by myself and ordered first, why wouldn't they give it to me first? So I sat and waited another 2 or 3 minutes until they finally called my order. To top it all off, the bag they stuck it in had sticky juice on it which got all over my clothing. With that being said, the salad was pretty good. Not fantastic but I'd be willing to go back and try some other items on the menu. I appreciate the healthy spin on food. Conceptually, it's a great idea. Don't be fooled by the "everything under 500 calories" though. They have a small print disclaimer which states that their sandwich calorie counts do not include bread. None the less, everything seems pretty healthy and fresh. I guess we gotta keep those bodies tight for the Jersey Shore.
(3)
Erica M.
I had a great lunch experience at Fuel yesterday. We were seated promptly by a courteous host/server. Our server was attentive despite the fact that they were busy with the lunch crowd. The food was very good - I had the veggie stacker panini with goat cheese instead of ricotta and my cousin had the Thai chicken wrap. I really enjoyed that my veggies and the bread had a VERY minimal amount of grease/oil...the food truly seemed healthy! My cousin lost her earring and when I called a few hours after we left, the guy who answered the phone was very friendly and offered to take my name and phone number in case it turned up. Overall, a good experience - check it out!
(4)
Kiley P.
As a health-conscious business traveler, I was astounding to find Fuel. Everything I've ordered has been tasty yet nutritious without the added fat and calories. I highly recommend the grilled shrimp, Thai chicken wrap, grilled chicken and artichoke Panini on whole grain, grilled vegetables and the pumpkin pie. Each item was well worth it's cost as well as the savings to my waistline. I can't wait for more locations to open across the country - it's a health nuts dream come true.
(5)
Jamie G.
I stopped here for lunch and was seated in the tiny foyer area which was great for people watching but I have NO idea what the rest of the restaurant looks like. I had the Roasted Turkey wrap and was delighted it was also served with a side salad. For someone that went through an obsession with counting calories I thought the calories looked a little low for the amount of food served (about 350) but I am far from an expert on these things and kind of stopped caring. Overall - fresh food and quick service - I love a good 'healthy food' joint so this place fared well for me and I'd go back again.
(4)
Aisha L.
3.5 I Like what they are doing here its just seems a little poorly executed. When you get there you see that the decor is trying to be kind of modern chic, and with a name like fuel they are trying to be cool and edgy with a sense of humor and realism. It ended up looking a little cheap in my opinion. My friend and my boy friend came here on a beautiful Thursday afternoon to get some lunch. We sat outside and the waitress joined us soon enough. I got an ice tea and she came back shortly there after to answer questions and take our orders. They had a good selection of vegetarian items without soy or seitan or any of that crap that I hate, which is a big PLUS for veg/vegan friendly restaurants, and they have meat on their menu too for the healthy carnivores. I ordered the mushroom sandwich with goat cheese, and my friend ordered the eggplant sandwich. They come with side salads too. The thing that got this place to drop a star was when the food came my friend and mines sandwiches got mixed up, they put mine in front of him and his in front of me and my BF got the right one in front of him.. So when I started eating it, I was like this isnt right. It has eggplant on it, so I jut figured they messed up my order. So when the waitress came back I said to her that I thought my sandwich was wrong, and she started arguing with me that that was what I ordered. Not wanting to have a big confrontation that afternoon (sometimes I dont mind getting into it with a waitress if she is being particularly rude) but it was just a casual lunch so I shrugged it off. After talking to her my friend was like, "Yeah my sandwich isnt quite right either, and we realized the waitress had just put the wrong items in front of us. that was frustrating because sandwiches all look the same its not easily identifiable that yours and your neighbors got switched. I mean if I had the pasta and he had the salad clearly we would have seen a switch. So our waitress should have done it right (seeing that she took the order and thats what position numbers are for) or she should have auctioned off at the table asking whose was whose. Ill still come back. The food was tasty.
(3)
Mark K.
I went twice because of friends. impression ? food was nothing special, music overwhelming and space, cramped. never again.
(2)
Lizette H.
Diggin' the vegan options in Center CIty lately. Fuel does not let you down. Dip your feet with their sampler and definitely try their pea hummus and regular hummus. yummy. I also enjoyed the eggplant and roasted portabello panini. You reall can't go wrong here. Enjoy without feeling guilty afterwards.
(5)
Mike S.
Some days its good to eat healthy. The other day was one of them, and what better way than the head over to a place that serves food under 500 calories. There are plenty of tables if you wish to dine in. The only weird thing is the TV that constantly shows extremely fit men and women swimming and having a grand ol time. Meh, not for me. Got some salads to go. One was shrimp and avacado over a bed of spinach with a lemon dressing. Other was roasted turkey salad. Both were good. I was left hungry after eating my salad and actually made another salad at home to eat. So much for eating small.
(3)
Zachary F.
The food and juice bar ia pretty decent, not great but not bad either. The one star you ask? Entirely due to the awful manager. We came to use the Groupon we had purchased, and when redeeming it from the iphone app the server accidentally missed a number, a simple and acceptable mistake. However, our groupon became marked used and we could not attain the bar code a second time. We were told by the manager/ owner that we would just have to pay the full amount, which we refused. As i called groupon he called the police claiming we were "attempting to run on the check.". Groupon wasn't able to be reached and we were outraged at the disrespect and horrid customer service the manager provided. We left the difference between our check and the groupon value and our phone number with the server and said we had to leave, a very nice gesture considering how we were treated. The police came in and we had a 3-way discussion. As we explained our story to the police as "we don't need to pay for the manager's employee's mistake" the manager claimed we did as otherwise it would come out of his pocket. As expected, the police laughed and sided with us and we were free to go. Really? Good luck buddy!
(1)
Adrian F.
Have tried Fuel twice now and like it very much. If you're looking for a King Henry the VIII meal dripping with gravy, this isn't for you. But if you want something light, made with a ton of veggies and the occasional pesto, this is for you. Things I've had so far: 1- Fuel Stacker (a vegetable/pesto/mozzarella Panini) served with a side salad 2 - Fuel Detox Juice (ice cold, thick juice made from berries) 3 - Guacamole with Goat Cheese and tomato, Hummus, Corn Salsa I thought all of the dishes were delicious and fresh tasting, and the Panini was grilled and not overstuffed so that it wasn't falling apart. The hummus had a great, light lemony taste and was garnished with thyme. The Guacamole was excellent, not heavy on the lime or cilantro and the juice was ice cold, thick and delicious. The corn salsa was great too. Pricey, but I'd say worth it. I left feeling full, and not guilty for it! The atmosphere is very gym - feel good - get stuff done/like with bright colors and pumping music. But it isn't so loud that you can't have a conversation. At first I was confused because I had expected a trendy sit down, but this is really somewhere inbetween sit down and on the go. It works out, though I found the staff friendly and attentive and I haven't waited more than 10 minutes for my food. So overall I'm pretty happy and will be going back. Oh! Maybe it was me but they could use Wifi. All places should have Wifi in CC for the lunch crowd. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star (wish I could give it a 4 and 1/2) *Update! Rocco did let me know they do have Wifi - perhaps I couldn't find it? Either way 5 Stars for the Center City location and I've gone about a gazillion times since so I figure it deserves it.
(5)
D Matt T.
Fuel is a welcomed change in the way Philly eats! New York and other large cities have had health-conscious restaurants like this for a while, so I was incredibly happy when FUEL CENTER CITY opened near where I work. I have never had a meal there that I didn't love. And the fact that I know i am eating healthy is only icing on the "healthy" cake! The staff may sometimes be a little less than perky when I go in, but I have never come across a rude employee. The decor is definitely... different.. not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. lol
(4)
Karen B.
after the new year, it suddenly hit me: i have to fit into a wedding dress in just a few months. CRAP. i'm not usually a believer in dieting but am making an effort just this once, and fuel's been a nice resource. i'm not really convinced that the calorie counts on the menu are all accurate, but the food is legitimately healthy and tastes great (grilled veggie wrap is my staple). the produce is all fresh, and the juice and smoothie bar is a plus -- philly needs more of those. on sundays i believe they do a soup-salad-and-half-a-sandwich deal for $10 ... not bad. pick the lentil soup when they have it.** service can be a bit slow, but not terribly so. my only real complaint is the cheesy "fuel TV" that plays nonstop. really it's just music videos (you know, like MTV used to play) ... maybe i've just gotten too old to understand or appreciate this, but every time i'm there i swear some borderline-naked pop tart is singing a god-awful song while gyrating onscreen with her tits shoved up to the camera. the first time i went in, i actually thought that if i'd had any children with me, i would have had to leave -- that's how explicit it was. i'm guessing this is what the kids are watching these days, and i know this makes me sound like a big lame prudish old geezer, but i sorta lose my appetite when a gigantic pair of knockers is bouncing around on the monitor next to me. but anyway, at fuel, at least the most important part -- the food -- is good. ** update four days post-review: forget the lentil soup. had a new one over the weekend, something like roasted tomato (or was it roasted red pepper?) and fennel. amazing and the new front-runner.
(4)
Colleen J.
I go to Fuel a few times a week. One of the better Center City lunch options. The "High Protein Grilled Cheese" panini is a winner. You have the option to go gluten free with any panini if need be. Keep one thing in mind though if you are on a diet -- bread is NOT factored into the calories and Weight Watchers points. It says it real small on the back of the menu.
(4)
Eleni B.
I must admit-- I was planning on heading to Fuel w/ my bf and a bottle of wine for a chill Saturday night and reading the review about the groupon/police disaster made me almost skip... customer service is paramount. However, I had been really interested in Fuel so I went anyway... I like the concept of Fuel-- a bunch of items that are purportedly low calorie. We ordered: lettuce wraps, guacamole, Italian sandwich and the high protein grilled cheese w/ grilled chicken. I thought everything tasted great. The chicken was really juicy and they have a lemon cream cheese which was FANTASTIC. I'm am skeptical about the calorie count... it seemed really low compared to the portions (which we a really nice size). If you are watching you calories, please take note that the cal count doesn't include the bread on sandwiches, chips with dip etc. I also thought Fuel was a little pricey. For dinner + tax & tip we spent $47... that's a little much for a sandwich shop. All in all, I enjoyed Fuel and will be back.
(3)
Lan H.
My very first lunch at Fuel was appropriately on a rainy day in the city. A Thai chicken wrap and and The Zen smoothie seemed to be the winning pick-me-up power work lunch..thing lol. I think that I was having the most trouble with justifying the meal cost. I thought the Thai chicken wrap (which also comes with a salad) was awesome: tasty and crunchy because of the crispy noodles. Take note that you shouldn't save the leftovers for leftover lunch the next day because those noodles will turn soggy. Ick. Sooooo you MUST eat the entire wrap! Next time around, I will have a bigger appetite ;-) The Zen smoothie rejuvenated me, but I found it to be a little too watery. Perhaps the cucumbers did that trick? The cucumber taste cleansed my palate in a good way, though. More food adventures at Fuel? I hope so! Maybe that next time will earn Fuel another star from this reviewer.
(3)
Jared G.
Fuel = expensive. How far can you go on $20? Not very. And is it a restaurant? Or is it a deli? This place seems confused. They have table service, but it's not readily apparent as you walk in. Shrimp canapes. 4 medium shrimp with hummus on slices of cucumber. With a slice of basil and a grape tomato. $9.95? Really? It was good, but come on. South Philly Salad. Basically an antipasto in a bowl. With slices of chicken. $9.95? Hope they used 50 year old Balsamic vinegar. I like the concept of this place, but spending over $20 per person for a low-cal dinner without a drink is pretty steep. I hate to knock a place, but I'd rather burn a couple extra calories, save $10 and walk a couple blocks to the Whole Foods salad bar instead. Food was good, and it's nice to have an option like this around, but I'm more apt to pay sit-down restaurant prices in a place where somebody actually seats me and takes my order.
(3)
Jim K.
I'm no vegetarian but Fuel is able to fill me up with a nice, low calorie, lunch. Staff is friendly. Calorie count is listed on the menu. I especially like their chicken & mushroom wrap and fruit smoothies. If you're a vegan this is the place for you. For everyone else, there are plenty of good and tasty options.
(3)
Chris W.
I've been here twice now as a result of the close proximity to work. I normally steer clear of any place that prides themselves on healthy food but both meals I have enjoyed. I even felt good about myself after that I took a break from my usual gluttonous lunches. I have tried both the guac and shrimp canapes for "start er ups". The guac was really tasty with the goat cheese, but could have used some lime. The shrimp canapes were on the bland side although every ingredient was very fresh. They do make a mean sandwich here. Both the south philly and the grilled chicken are filling for being under 500 calories. The bread they use is perfect, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. On the pricey side though at $9 a pop. Service seems to be hit or miss. Both times eating in there was no crowds but only the second time was our waiter attentive. I did notice a ton of takeout orders during the lunch rush so looks like this place is here to stay.
(3)
Daniel H.
Just opened up - was definitely a solid choice. Greeted by a host that very intuitively asked whether we wanted to dine in or take out (we didn't know if taking out was an option); very friendly, and service was very quick. Placed our orders and sat on the side to wait. Waited maybe 10 minutes, and then the food came out. 28 bucks got us an appetizer and two entrees. Food was fresh and delicious. Started with Shrimp Canapes - very, very good. The High-Protein Grilled Cheese was amazing (on wheat), and then the Grilled Chicken wrap was nothing special. That being said, the excellence of the app. and grilled cheese more than make up for the mediocrity of of the grilled chicken wrap. Why was it mediocre, might you ask? Dry, less than flavorful, etc... The grilled cheese is nothing like any grilled cheese you've had before, and I would eat it again and again. Maybe today. You should do the same.
(4)
Jessie J.
I've been meaning to try Fuel for some time, because many items on the menu appeal to me. I finally stopped in for take-away, and tried an eggplant and goat cheese panini and an "islander" drink. The panini was really tasty, and the pesto and arugula were really nice flavor additions. I was also really happy that it included a side salad. For the "islander", I think my expectations were a bit off. I was expecting a smoothie texture, but it was more icy than I thought it would be. I appreciate how much the restaurant focuses on nutrition, providing calorie counts, weight watchers points, gluten-free and veg-friendly options. This is extremely rare in the area for a fast-food / cafe type restaurant. I'll definitely be stopping back to try more paninis and appetizers.
(4)
Alicia O.
their food is fresh and tasty. this is one of my favorite places to order lunch when i'm at work and don't have a lot of time to sit and dine. i always get the chicken and gorgonzola and it is delicious. you have a choice of bread and how you want it as a sandwich or wrap. i always get it as a panini. they always also give you a side salad with each sandwich which is a great healthy bonus. i have never tried their coffee bevs but their smoothies are good in the summer. it's a little pricey for lunch but definitely worth it for all the good lip-smacking nutrition.
(5)
Rebecca F.
Fuel is delicious. I always go for the veggie sandwiches (eggplant and goat cheese, roasted vegetables, etc) and they are really hearty and good. My friend got the tuna sandwich and it was extremely delicious - it came with this lemon aioli sauce that was remarkable. Be sure to check out their juicebar. Fresh, and so good. I recommend the Detox. You'll feel purified, trust me. It's a little pricey but I think you get what you pay for in terms of the quality of the food. Also, I don't like eating in the restaurant because of the seizure-inducing music videos they play in addition to the bright lime green walls..
(4)
L K.
I have to give Fuel a mediocre rating because the service is SO TERRIBLE. The food is usually prety good. I love the healthy options, the calorie information and variety of vegetable infused dishes available. The prices are great too. I've been to Fuel Center City (and the Passyunk Ave location) many times and good service is the exception, not the rule. We went last night (on a Saturday night), as the wait for many of the typical weekend dining spots were super crowded. There were 2 other tables seated in Fuel and the waitress acted like we irritated her by showing up. It took over 15 minutes for our orders to be taken and brought water. We had to ask another server to open our wine and bring a cork screw (at least he was friendly!) When he returned, all four wine glasses were noticeably dirty. Dinner took forever to be served. We asked for extra napkins, which she brought when we were finished eating. Everytime I come here I am reminded this should be a takeout only place! Plus, the pungent smell of cooked foods attaches itself to your clothes and hair. I've NEVER had good service here. My last gripe is the juice bar options. Most of the juices are NOT from freshly juiced fruits and vegetables. They come from cans or bottles. This is just not a real juice bar. As much as I love the healthy options, and there are so little around the city, it's harder and harder for me to continue returning to Fuel.
(3)
Anannya T.
The food is delicious and definitely tastes as fresh as the restaurant claims it is.
(4)
James V.
I've been here a number of times for lunch and for dinner. The atmosphere has a nice modern vibe and the staff is always friendly. The last time I was here, my dinner companion and I ordered the guac and salads. Both were excellent ! While they keep the meals healthy and the calories low, the food is still really pretty good. I've had the smoothies a couple of times as well and wasn't disappointed. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Joe D.
First, I will say that this restaurant is miscategorized - it is not vegetarian, although it does have many vegetarian-friendly dishes. Second, I was very skeptical about coming here, since I assumed that health food = tasteless food. However, my wife wanted to try it out, so we went on a Friday night. The food was way above my expectations, and actually quite good. I had some type of cheddar/southwestern-style soup, along with a roast turkey panini. Both were excellent. The decor is kind of weird (there is what looks like a shower curtain hanging in the front entrance), and there are a bunch of flat screen TVs playing loud techno music. But that aside, I'm a fan, and will probably be the one suggesting this place to my wife the next time she's in the mood for "health food."
(4)
Dan L.
Fuel has a fabulous concept- a healthy, tasty meal option that is under 500 calories. You don't have to do any of the tabulating if you're watching what you eat. Just look at the menu and order accordingly. I have been here at least 10 times (best after working out at the gym!), and overall the food is tasty and the service is better than average for Philly. My best experiences have been with the appetizers. The sweet pea wonton (140 calories!) is amazing (it's sort of like guacamole) and the hummus and grilled avocado w/ cucumber salsa are also pretty good. Can't beat the lemonade with thyme on a hot day. The chicken sandwiches and wraps are usually a great choice, though sometimes the bread gets really soggy from the balsamic reduction. The salads are large portions, so they can be filling and flavorful as well. My only disappointment was the grilled veggie sandwich, which was somewhat bland (tasted like boiled, unseasoned veggies) when I had it. The ambiance is casual and it can be lively in there at lunch time. From late June to early September I think the same 20 videos were playing over and over, so I was relieved when I got take-out recently and the music line-up was finally updated. I love the low-cal option and the generally upbeat staff so much, that I purchased the $15 certificate for $20 worth of food on this site. I suggest if you like to eat healthy (or you're trying to like me) that you do the same!
(4)
Dane F.
Thank heavens for this place. I was getting sick of my Center City dining options being limited to Cosi or pizza, or someplace similarly unhealthy. I've yet to be disappointed in my food, though it was completely different from what I imagined when I ordered. My favorites might be the grilled chicken wrap and the thai chicken wrap. The chicken is a nice cutlet, not just chopped up into tiny pieces and thrown in with some lettuce. Greens are always fresh as can be. I will say that, on the grilled chicken wrap, the sun dried tomato spread is almost undetectable, as opposed to the thai chicken wrap, where the spicy peanut sauce can be a little overpowering at times. The staff is cute and well-groomed, and very friendly...though I almost felt like I was assaulted when a server ran up to me before I'd gotten half way to the counter to ask if I was "dininginortakingout?" Girlfriend was ENERGIZED. I've yet to dine in there, but the restaurant itself seems a bit much. There are a ton of tables and loads of space. I'm not sure what it looks like around lunchtime but it's been consistently dead in there every time I've walked by around dinner time. A bit overzealous with the floor plan, I think. I haven't tried any of the smoothies or desserts yet but I'm sure that'll come -- and from what I've read here I need to get on that. Altogether a nice, healthy alternative to Cosi across the street, where I ask for chicken on my salad every time and consistently come home to a bowl of greens and dressing. Gather the will-power to avoid Pandora's Lunchbox and Five Guys in the same area and enjoy a meal that won't make you want to put a gun to your head afterward.
(4)
Zachary F.
The food and juice bar ia pretty decent, not great but not bad either. The one star you ask? Entirely due to the awful manager. We came to use the Groupon we had purchased, and when redeeming it from the iphone app the server accidentally missed a number, a simple and acceptable mistake. However, our groupon became marked used and we could not attain the bar code a second time. We were told by the manager/ owner that we would just have to pay the full amount, which we refused. As i called groupon he called the police claiming we were "attempting to run on the check.". Groupon wasn't able to be reached and we were outraged at the disrespect and horrid customer service the manager provided. We left the difference between our check and the groupon value and our phone number with the server and said we had to leave, a very nice gesture considering how we were treated. The police came in and we had a 3-way discussion. As we explained our story to the police as "we don't need to pay for the manager's employee's mistake" the manager claimed we did as otherwise it would come out of his pocket. As expected, the police laughed and sided with us and we were free to go. Really? Good luck buddy!
(1)
Adrian F.
Have tried Fuel twice now and like it very much. If you're looking for a King Henry the VIII meal dripping with gravy, this isn't for you. But if you want something light, made with a ton of veggies and the occasional pesto, this is for you. Things I've had so far: 1- Fuel Stacker (a vegetable/pesto/mozzarella Panini) served with a side salad 2 - Fuel Detox Juice (ice cold, thick juice made from berries) 3 - Guacamole with Goat Cheese and tomato, Hummus, Corn Salsa I thought all of the dishes were delicious and fresh tasting, and the Panini was grilled and not overstuffed so that it wasn't falling apart. The hummus had a great, light lemony taste and was garnished with thyme. The Guacamole was excellent, not heavy on the lime or cilantro and the juice was ice cold, thick and delicious. The corn salsa was great too. Pricey, but I'd say worth it. I left feeling full, and not guilty for it! The atmosphere is very gym - feel good - get stuff done/like with bright colors and pumping music. But it isn't so loud that you can't have a conversation. At first I was confused because I had expected a trendy sit down, but this is really somewhere inbetween sit down and on the go. It works out, though I found the staff friendly and attentive and I haven't waited more than 10 minutes for my food. So overall I'm pretty happy and will be going back. Oh! Maybe it was me but they could use Wifi. All places should have Wifi in CC for the lunch crowd. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star (wish I could give it a 4 and 1/2) *Update! Rocco did let me know they do have Wifi - perhaps I couldn't find it? Either way 5 Stars for the Center City location and I've gone about a gazillion times since so I figure it deserves it.
(5)
Wei T.
Great alternative to Panera and Cosi. I've been here 3 times and everything that I had was very good... I love a good Panini, especially when it's under 500 calories. The South Philly panini is my favorite! The only thing that I've had here that was disappointing was the peppermint mocha. I do like how they use sugar free syrups but it tasted like it came out of one of those gas station mocha machines... Don't be thrown off by the poor decor (lime green walls) and bumping club music. This is a great little place if you're looking for a healthier option. I'm excited to try some of their desserts. This place just opened but is in need of a serious makeover.
(4)
Karen B.
after the new year, it suddenly hit me: i have to fit into a wedding dress in just a few months. CRAP. i'm not usually a believer in dieting but am making an effort just this once, and fuel's been a nice resource. i'm not really convinced that the calorie counts on the menu are all accurate, but the food is legitimately healthy and tastes great (grilled veggie wrap is my staple). the produce is all fresh, and the juice and smoothie bar is a plus -- philly needs more of those. on sundays i believe they do a soup-salad-and-half-a-sandwich deal for $10 ... not bad. pick the lentil soup when they have it.** service can be a bit slow, but not terribly so. my only real complaint is the cheesy "fuel TV" that plays nonstop. really it's just music videos (you know, like MTV used to play) ... maybe i've just gotten too old to understand or appreciate this, but every time i'm there i swear some borderline-naked pop tart is singing a god-awful song while gyrating onscreen with her tits shoved up to the camera. the first time i went in, i actually thought that if i'd had any children with me, i would have had to leave -- that's how explicit it was. i'm guessing this is what the kids are watching these days, and i know this makes me sound like a big lame prudish old geezer, but i sorta lose my appetite when a gigantic pair of knockers is bouncing around on the monitor next to me. but anyway, at fuel, at least the most important part -- the food -- is good. ** update four days post-review: forget the lentil soup. had a new one over the weekend, something like roasted tomato (or was it roasted red pepper?) and fennel. amazing and the new front-runner.
(4)
Colleen J.
I go to Fuel a few times a week. One of the better Center City lunch options. The "High Protein Grilled Cheese" panini is a winner. You have the option to go gluten free with any panini if need be. Keep one thing in mind though if you are on a diet -- bread is NOT factored into the calories and Weight Watchers points. It says it real small on the back of the menu.
(4)
Eleni B.
I must admit-- I was planning on heading to Fuel w/ my bf and a bottle of wine for a chill Saturday night and reading the review about the groupon/police disaster made me almost skip... customer service is paramount. However, I had been really interested in Fuel so I went anyway... I like the concept of Fuel-- a bunch of items that are purportedly low calorie. We ordered: lettuce wraps, guacamole, Italian sandwich and the high protein grilled cheese w/ grilled chicken. I thought everything tasted great. The chicken was really juicy and they have a lemon cream cheese which was FANTASTIC. I'm am skeptical about the calorie count... it seemed really low compared to the portions (which we a really nice size). If you are watching you calories, please take note that the cal count doesn't include the bread on sandwiches, chips with dip etc. I also thought Fuel was a little pricey. For dinner + tax & tip we spent $47... that's a little much for a sandwich shop. All in all, I enjoyed Fuel and will be back.
(3)
Lan H.
My very first lunch at Fuel was appropriately on a rainy day in the city. A Thai chicken wrap and and The Zen smoothie seemed to be the winning pick-me-up power work lunch..thing lol. I think that I was having the most trouble with justifying the meal cost. I thought the Thai chicken wrap (which also comes with a salad) was awesome: tasty and crunchy because of the crispy noodles. Take note that you shouldn't save the leftovers for leftover lunch the next day because those noodles will turn soggy. Ick. Sooooo you MUST eat the entire wrap! Next time around, I will have a bigger appetite ;-) The Zen smoothie rejuvenated me, but I found it to be a little too watery. Perhaps the cucumbers did that trick? The cucumber taste cleansed my palate in a good way, though. More food adventures at Fuel? I hope so! Maybe that next time will earn Fuel another star from this reviewer.
(3)
Jared G.
Fuel = expensive. How far can you go on $20? Not very. And is it a restaurant? Or is it a deli? This place seems confused. They have table service, but it's not readily apparent as you walk in. Shrimp canapes. 4 medium shrimp with hummus on slices of cucumber. With a slice of basil and a grape tomato. $9.95? Really? It was good, but come on. South Philly Salad. Basically an antipasto in a bowl. With slices of chicken. $9.95? Hope they used 50 year old Balsamic vinegar. I like the concept of this place, but spending over $20 per person for a low-cal dinner without a drink is pretty steep. I hate to knock a place, but I'd rather burn a couple extra calories, save $10 and walk a couple blocks to the Whole Foods salad bar instead. Food was good, and it's nice to have an option like this around, but I'm more apt to pay sit-down restaurant prices in a place where somebody actually seats me and takes my order.
(3)
Jim K.
I'm no vegetarian but Fuel is able to fill me up with a nice, low calorie, lunch. Staff is friendly. Calorie count is listed on the menu. I especially like their chicken & mushroom wrap and fruit smoothies. If you're a vegan this is the place for you. For everyone else, there are plenty of good and tasty options.
(3)
Chris W.
I've been here twice now as a result of the close proximity to work. I normally steer clear of any place that prides themselves on healthy food but both meals I have enjoyed. I even felt good about myself after that I took a break from my usual gluttonous lunches. I have tried both the guac and shrimp canapes for "start er ups". The guac was really tasty with the goat cheese, but could have used some lime. The shrimp canapes were on the bland side although every ingredient was very fresh. They do make a mean sandwich here. Both the south philly and the grilled chicken are filling for being under 500 calories. The bread they use is perfect, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. On the pricey side though at $9 a pop. Service seems to be hit or miss. Both times eating in there was no crowds but only the second time was our waiter attentive. I did notice a ton of takeout orders during the lunch rush so looks like this place is here to stay.
(3)
Daniel H.
Just opened up - was definitely a solid choice. Greeted by a host that very intuitively asked whether we wanted to dine in or take out (we didn't know if taking out was an option); very friendly, and service was very quick. Placed our orders and sat on the side to wait. Waited maybe 10 minutes, and then the food came out. 28 bucks got us an appetizer and two entrees. Food was fresh and delicious. Started with Shrimp Canapes - very, very good. The High-Protein Grilled Cheese was amazing (on wheat), and then the Grilled Chicken wrap was nothing special. That being said, the excellence of the app. and grilled cheese more than make up for the mediocrity of of the grilled chicken wrap. Why was it mediocre, might you ask? Dry, less than flavorful, etc... The grilled cheese is nothing like any grilled cheese you've had before, and I would eat it again and again. Maybe today. You should do the same.
(4)
Jessie J.
I've been meaning to try Fuel for some time, because many items on the menu appeal to me. I finally stopped in for take-away, and tried an eggplant and goat cheese panini and an "islander" drink. The panini was really tasty, and the pesto and arugula were really nice flavor additions. I was also really happy that it included a side salad. For the "islander", I think my expectations were a bit off. I was expecting a smoothie texture, but it was more icy than I thought it would be. I appreciate how much the restaurant focuses on nutrition, providing calorie counts, weight watchers points, gluten-free and veg-friendly options. This is extremely rare in the area for a fast-food / cafe type restaurant. I'll definitely be stopping back to try more paninis and appetizers.
(4)
Alicia O.
their food is fresh and tasty. this is one of my favorite places to order lunch when i'm at work and don't have a lot of time to sit and dine. i always get the chicken and gorgonzola and it is delicious. you have a choice of bread and how you want it as a sandwich or wrap. i always get it as a panini. they always also give you a side salad with each sandwich which is a great healthy bonus. i have never tried their coffee bevs but their smoothies are good in the summer. it's a little pricey for lunch but definitely worth it for all the good lip-smacking nutrition.
(5)
Rebecca F.
Fuel is delicious. I always go for the veggie sandwiches (eggplant and goat cheese, roasted vegetables, etc) and they are really hearty and good. My friend got the tuna sandwich and it was extremely delicious - it came with this lemon aioli sauce that was remarkable. Be sure to check out their juicebar. Fresh, and so good. I recommend the Detox. You'll feel purified, trust me. It's a little pricey but I think you get what you pay for in terms of the quality of the food. Also, I don't like eating in the restaurant because of the seizure-inducing music videos they play in addition to the bright lime green walls..
(4)
L K.
I have to give Fuel a mediocre rating because the service is SO TERRIBLE. The food is usually prety good. I love the healthy options, the calorie information and variety of vegetable infused dishes available. The prices are great too. I've been to Fuel Center City (and the Passyunk Ave location) many times and good service is the exception, not the rule. We went last night (on a Saturday night), as the wait for many of the typical weekend dining spots were super crowded. There were 2 other tables seated in Fuel and the waitress acted like we irritated her by showing up. It took over 15 minutes for our orders to be taken and brought water. We had to ask another server to open our wine and bring a cork screw (at least he was friendly!) When he returned, all four wine glasses were noticeably dirty. Dinner took forever to be served. We asked for extra napkins, which she brought when we were finished eating. Everytime I come here I am reminded this should be a takeout only place! Plus, the pungent smell of cooked foods attaches itself to your clothes and hair. I've NEVER had good service here. My last gripe is the juice bar options. Most of the juices are NOT from freshly juiced fruits and vegetables. They come from cans or bottles. This is just not a real juice bar. As much as I love the healthy options, and there are so little around the city, it's harder and harder for me to continue returning to Fuel.
(3)
Anannya T.
The food is delicious and definitely tastes as fresh as the restaurant claims it is.
(4)
James V.
I've been here a number of times for lunch and for dinner. The atmosphere has a nice modern vibe and the staff is always friendly. The last time I was here, my dinner companion and I ordered the guac and salads. Both were excellent ! While they keep the meals healthy and the calories low, the food is still really pretty good. I've had the smoothies a couple of times as well and wasn't disappointed. I will definitely be back!
(4)
Joe D.
First, I will say that this restaurant is miscategorized - it is not vegetarian, although it does have many vegetarian-friendly dishes. Second, I was very skeptical about coming here, since I assumed that health food = tasteless food. However, my wife wanted to try it out, so we went on a Friday night. The food was way above my expectations, and actually quite good. I had some type of cheddar/southwestern-style soup, along with a roast turkey panini. Both were excellent. The decor is kind of weird (there is what looks like a shower curtain hanging in the front entrance), and there are a bunch of flat screen TVs playing loud techno music. But that aside, I'm a fan, and will probably be the one suggesting this place to my wife the next time she's in the mood for "health food."
(4)
Dan L.
Fuel has a fabulous concept- a healthy, tasty meal option that is under 500 calories. You don't have to do any of the tabulating if you're watching what you eat. Just look at the menu and order accordingly. I have been here at least 10 times (best after working out at the gym!), and overall the food is tasty and the service is better than average for Philly. My best experiences have been with the appetizers. The sweet pea wonton (140 calories!) is amazing (it's sort of like guacamole) and the hummus and grilled avocado w/ cucumber salsa are also pretty good. Can't beat the lemonade with thyme on a hot day. The chicken sandwiches and wraps are usually a great choice, though sometimes the bread gets really soggy from the balsamic reduction. The salads are large portions, so they can be filling and flavorful as well. My only disappointment was the grilled veggie sandwich, which was somewhat bland (tasted like boiled, unseasoned veggies) when I had it. The ambiance is casual and it can be lively in there at lunch time. From late June to early September I think the same 20 videos were playing over and over, so I was relieved when I got take-out recently and the music line-up was finally updated. I love the low-cal option and the generally upbeat staff so much, that I purchased the $15 certificate for $20 worth of food on this site. I suggest if you like to eat healthy (or you're trying to like me) that you do the same!
(4)
Dane F.
Thank heavens for this place. I was getting sick of my Center City dining options being limited to Cosi or pizza, or someplace similarly unhealthy. I've yet to be disappointed in my food, though it was completely different from what I imagined when I ordered. My favorites might be the grilled chicken wrap and the thai chicken wrap. The chicken is a nice cutlet, not just chopped up into tiny pieces and thrown in with some lettuce. Greens are always fresh as can be. I will say that, on the grilled chicken wrap, the sun dried tomato spread is almost undetectable, as opposed to the thai chicken wrap, where the spicy peanut sauce can be a little overpowering at times. The staff is cute and well-groomed, and very friendly...though I almost felt like I was assaulted when a server ran up to me before I'd gotten half way to the counter to ask if I was "dininginortakingout?" Girlfriend was ENERGIZED. I've yet to dine in there, but the restaurant itself seems a bit much. There are a ton of tables and loads of space. I'm not sure what it looks like around lunchtime but it's been consistently dead in there every time I've walked by around dinner time. A bit overzealous with the floor plan, I think. I haven't tried any of the smoothies or desserts yet but I'm sure that'll come -- and from what I've read here I need to get on that. Altogether a nice, healthy alternative to Cosi across the street, where I ask for chicken on my salad every time and consistently come home to a bowl of greens and dressing. Gather the will-power to avoid Pandora's Lunchbox and Five Guys in the same area and enjoy a meal that won't make you want to put a gun to your head afterward.
(4)
Aubrey E.
I have eaten at Fuel several times, and I have always been more than pleased with the food. The menu is quite large and they offer a lot of different options. They accommodate people with gluten allergies with gluten free bread and other gluten free alternatives. Everything seems very fresh and it's a great option for a light and reasonably-priced lunch. However, it's only a great option IF you can tolerate consistently horrible service. The poor service is why I'm not giving this restaurant 4, or even 5, stars. On busy days, I've had my water basically thrown at me or I've been told "look at your menu quickly, if not you'll have to wait 5 minutes before ordering because I won't be back to your table before then." Some of the servers are just rude. You may be asking: "if the service is that bad, why go back?" Well, I guess, in sum, the service is not SO bad that it completely deters me from eating at Fuel. The good food certainly outweighs the bad service. I just wish I didn't have to brace myself for the rude wait staff every time I wanted to dine there.
(3)
Johnny B.
I wanted to like this place because it is so close to my apartment. I wanted to go there every day to get a healthy meal. I tried it twice. I was sorely disappointed both times. The first time, I tried a wrap. It fell apart, it was dry, the chicken was tasteless. Disappointed. Tried again the next week. Got two salads. The strawberry one was better than the other, which came with balsamic vinagrette --- emphasis on the vinegar. My god. Most bitter dressing. Overall, the salad was lackluster.
(2)
Colleen T.
Eggplant goat cheese panini is awesome. Service is slow but that's because they have a cook and a waitress, so she can only do so much at one time. The menu listed the calories for each entree, which is really nice.
(5)
Kelly M.
I've been ordering from here since it opened because the food is delicious but portions are not big enough, leaves me wanting a little more to eat. I decided to try a latte today for a little caffeine kick and it was a bullcrap latte-tasted like the powdered crap you push a button for at Wawa and at $4.50 I found that really offensive- prob won't order from here any more out of principle.
(3)
Kristyn F.
I'm putting them right down the middle for a few reasons. We ordered from them for delivery last week, and it took over two hours for them to arrive. We actually ended up canceling the order before they even made it to our building because we were so disappointed. But to my surprise, the next day they stopped by our office an a complimentary wrap tray and their apologies. And I must say, the tray was a big hit, and all under 500 calories. I still have faith in this company. Maybe I'll give them a second try.
(3)
Elisabeth W.
I've recently gotten into banana whips (just blended bananas that taste like ice cream!), and was excited to try the nutella banana whip from fuel, but I couldn't have been more disappointed. I don't know what they could have done to make it so bad, but it was icy and seemed to have been re-frozen. Overall the food at fuel is okay but I wanted to write a review specifically about the banana whips and let people know that it's not worth the time. If you want to try a good banana whip go to HipCityVeg on 18th street!
(1)
Cristie K.
This place was decent, but I think they need to decide if they are a restaurant or a cafe. The waitstaff/servers (if you'd even call them that) seem to duo as counter, so it is hard to tell how to order/pay. The food seemed really fresh and was prepared well. They have a pretty extensive menu for such a small kitchen. I liked the open feel of the kitchen, and the atmosphere is comfortable, albeit the loud music. I'll definitely come here again, but as a server myself, I noticed quite the table etiquette faux pas. There was a table of 3 in front of me, and the minute only one person was done eating, the "server", upon walking by, cleared his plate, while the other two people were still eating! I just observed how uncomfortable this made the other two people feel. In the restaurant industry, you never do this!!! I lightly mentioned this to the "server", just as a friendly reminder, and she had no idea that there was a certain table etiquette involved with this! Wow. I understand that it is not fine dining there, but any server, in any style of establishment, should know this.
(3)
Laura S.
So I stopped in last night after work, pre-meeting. It was hot and humid and the beginning of yet another heatwave. I couldn't handle actually eating anything because of the heat and wanted something refreshing to get me through my meeting. I ordered a smoothie to go from a somewhat sullen server and ultimately decided on the Detox. Blech--it was awful. First of all when I read the ingredients: berries, pomegranate, etc., I actually thought I'd see these ingredients go into a blender. instead, the server took a big jug out of the refrigerator and poured a premixed liquid into a machine with ice. My drink came out with ice cubes still visible. It was basically a sickly sweet drink over ice--nothing I couldn't have picked up at a 7/11. $5 plus tax and I could barely drink half it was so cloying. I would give the food a try because it does sound good but the smoothies--yuck.
(2)
Mary D.
Great food, huge selection and very healthy dishes! I love the grilled veggie panini on wheat and I've also tried the chicken gorgonzola one, which was great, too!
(5)
Kristen S.
It's easy to make delicious food with fresh and organic ingredients. The fact that each dish I have tried of theirs has been disappointing, doesn't make much sense to me. The descriptions sound good, but I find most everything dry and lacking basic depth of flavor that is so easy to achieve with a few fresh ingredients and some spices. I'll say that I will probably go here again, but only because it's close to my apartment and a good place for something quick and healthy. The decor does not fit the product and the staff is iffy. Yeah, I MIGHT be back, but only because of the lack of quick and healthy choices, which is unfortunate for FUEL.
(2)
Daniel T.
The food is ok, but closer to bad than good, and the calorie count is the same for wraps and sandwiches which means something appears off, unless they fixed that. The owner is rude, unprofessional, and treated my friend and I like hoodlums trying to rob him because his waiter input our unused groupon number incorrectly. I'll never be back her again.
(1)
Quel D.
Service was lovely; charming brunette waitress was attentive and kind. The blasting techno was acoustically-offensive and the food was mediocre, though the gluten-free options were appreciated.
(3)
Vanessa L.
fresh & healthy. overpriced. salads are good. do not order the avocado with salsa - not worth the cost at all.
(5)
Michelle K.
Went in for dinner. Had the chicken lettuce wraps as an appetizer. They were good, but the chicken was dry. I had the veggie panini on white bread for my meal.. It was ok.. I don't think I'd get it again, though. The highlight of the evening was the pumpkin cheesecake.. YUMMO!!!! Our service was ok.. I did notice the waiter making rude comments to two other tables (one table ended up leaving before ordering).. Upon seeing the couple leave, the waiter made a rude remark, which we all could hear.. Not professional at all. The music was too loud and a weird choice (dance/techno) for the restaurant.
(3)
Mike L.
Unlike it's South Philly site, this location wasn't dance club thundering loud, thankfully. I had the shrimp canapes as appetizer (quite nice), and a roasted turkey panini with pesto as main course. That was very good. The salad, however, had so much vinegar that I literally was gagging and coughing. Way overdone with that. My companion had the portabella panini which she enjoyed very much. Also had the pumpkin cheesecake with walnut and pralines for dessert, which was very good also, as was my friend's key lime pie. The waiter was very helpful, describing everything in detail. Almost too much detail. :-) Quite vegetarian and vegan friendly, and they made a point of emphasizing their gluten-free options, didn't really notice any difference with non-gluten free, which is a good sign. I would come back..
(3)
Kas M.
With all these great reviews I don't know how much more I can add. On my first visit as soon as I entered, the people who run the restaurant were very friendly. I ordered the spinach strawberry salad, Which was amazing. The atmosphere is great. Food was great and inexpensive. I really loved it.
(5)
Katrina C.
I like coming here after the gym to get some low cal but healthy food despite the overpriced food. But this might just be the last time. They offer a special on paninis before noon where you get one for $6 instead of $8 or $9. However, some of the waiters seem to have difficulty charging the correct price. You also get 10% off your bill if you show a receipt from a day within the past week. They also seem to have an issue with honoring this discount.
(2)
Joyce T.
grilled chicken paninis & salmon avocado salad. regular for weekday take out. 4 starts b/c i see gnats flying around sometimes.
(4)
Jose A.
Tried fuel once, when it was opening up, it didn't look that enticing but it was a new place in the area so why not. Kinda expensive for the sandwich I got, and it was just pretty good. I'm being picky here, but I don't like the name, and I don't like how it looks inside, the music was annoying. Doubt I'll go back.
(2)
Katie M.
If your on a diet or if you aren't on a diet FUEL has delicious food! As a vegetarian it has a multitude of options which is always nice. I ordered the T.B.M. with pesto and it was really good. I'll deft be back again to try some of their other sandwiches. I hear the smoothies are good as well. Can be a tad pricey compared to surrounding restaurants but worth it in my opinion.
(4)
D K.
Vroom! That's for being fueled and happy, not for the speed of the service (which is what kept this from being a 5-star review). A solid start for this place. For someone like me, who quite dislikes Saladworks, this fills a void in the area -- relatively healthy, lots of vegetarian options and everything freshly made there (including their mozzarella). They have some kinks to work out, service-wise (too many folks right now, I think, and they haven't worked out a rhythm), but if they do that and continue with the solidly good food (great salmon wrap and my colleagues loved the grilled cheese and tomato soup), they should be around for a long time. I hope they are!
(4)
Kimberly Z.
Fuel is one of my favorite "fast food" restaurants in Philadelphia. Some people may scoff at the fact that everything is under 500 calories, but I can assure you you aren't missing a thing! The food is always fresh--I tend to get wheat panninis--the smoothies and juice drinks are fantastic (my favorite post-workout filled is the Protein Buster), and I have yet to encounter a negative staff experience, though at times eating in can be a bit on the slow side. All in all, I highly recommend Fuel, both in Center City and South Philadelphia.
(5)
Tori E.
Sunday 10$ for soup, salad, and half a panini. SUCH a sweet deal. I had the tomato basil soup, caeser salad, and high protein grilled cheese panini. The grilled cheese had this lemon cream cheese in it that was ridiculous. I was so sad when my meal was over, but I was totally satisfied. I got the sweet pea wontons to go, and they were also delicious. Not what you would think a wonton should look like. The peas are mashed up and the 'wonton' is actually wonton chips. The pea mixture is cold, too. The food is fresh and delicious. You can see the ingredients in what you're eating! Today my friend and I got that deal plus a vanilla chai- hellooooo. So yummy and warm on a cold day. They deliver, too, but only up to Spring Garden. Sad for us Girard folks, but I'll definitely be going in again soon!
(5)
Andrea T.
Completely obsessed with the Protein Buster shake (290-340 Cals. 5 points) - Skim milk, Peanut Butter, Banana, Honey, & 25g. Whey Protein. You won't find anything else as peanut-buttery and delicious for under 300 calories - which is why I return nearly every other day for this tasty treat!
(5)
G T L.
I have never been to the South Philly location, and the Center City one just opened. I went today for lunch, and I liked it. I had the Thai chicken (wheat) wrap, and I loved it. I had a carrot/orange/ginger juice, and it was great. But what I loved most was the pumpkin cheesecake. Everything on the menu is under 500 calories, and under $10, so you can't go wrong. Oh, I also had a cup of regular coffee, and it was very good indeed. I'm going back! I really like this place!
(4)
Lindsay O.
Food is OK. Smoothies are good but pricey. Service at lunchtime is terrible! The service was so slow that I had to have them wrap it up to-go. Also, I ordered a salad and asked if it had red peppers on it. The waiter's response was "no, if it's not listed on the menu, it definitely isn't on the dish." So, when I got back to my office, I was surprised to find that it was coated in Balsamic Salad Dressing, as the menu said NOTHING about this and said it had a peanut dressing. I've been three times with Meh experiences the first two times and a horrible experience the third time. I think I'll be skipping this joint the next time I need a meal.
(2)
Michael T.
Not bad, got the chicken Italian wrap to go, which was pretty good. Can't comment on service or decor since I didn't dine in, but would probably make a return trip.
(3)
Michael K.
Slightly more expensive, but as is most healthy food. Soup is amazing, but runs $4.50 each. The sandwiches and wraps are also delicious and at ~$9 they're a bit more reasonable, served with a mixed green salad as well. The music selection is pretty unique, mostly remixes of top 40. Service is fair, you're probably better off going with take out if you're in a time crunch.
(4)
Tk R.
I've been here twice now and the second time I used a Groupon Now where I got $20 worth of food for $10. The salads, juices, and deserts were all very tasty and unique, but the service could use some improvement. The decor is fun but the music selection playing was a bit too much. Overall, I'd come here again :)
(4)
Andrea R.
I have to give this place a just ok. The hummus was really good and lemony, but everything else I've tried was mediocre to crappy. Also I wondered why a "healthy" place didnt offer whole wheat pita. Also why they don't label items vegetarian or vegan. The thai salad sucked. The just slapped a few slices of raw tofu with gross sauce onto lettuce. They added store bought crispy noodles that were a disgusting mush by the time my food arrived. Not good. The grilled antipasto was better but still disappointing. I like their concept, but the food doesnt deliver.
(2)
Meghan W.
Fuel soups rock! I went in around lunch time and the gentleman at the counter was so friendly and helpful. I had my soup in a few short moments. By the way, Rocco's butternut squash and apple soup is delicious!
(5)
Beth A.
Went today for lunch on a recommendation. Walked over from Loews and it was nice. Everything under 500 calories. I had the hummus (voted best in Philly as a note) and then the eggplant and goat cheese panini. Both wonderful. HUGE portions and I couldn't finish them both. The iced tea was different, had a nice flavor. The price was very inexpensive. I'd go back again. The only issue I had was not having a refill on my iced tea and finally having to flag someone down for it. The place was not very busy (later in the afternoon on a sunday). Outside tables as well as inside, take out as well as eat in. Wish we had this in San Diego where I am living now.
(4)
Kate W.
Thai tofu wrap was SOOOO good but also SOOOO messy - ask for a stack of extra napkins and don't eat this on a first date! it's a little pricier than I can handle on a daily basis, but the food was really good and it felt great to know I wasn't putting junk into my body, per the usual. :)
(4)
Pauline S.
I love it! I ordered the detox drink and it was so unbelievably yummy. It was naturally sweet and didn't taste fake. The food choices are healthy and aren't limited to just veggies. The prices might be a bit pricey for what it's worth but it's tasty enough to keep me coming back for more.
(4)
Kennedy T.
My friend and I had dinner here using "Groupon Now". Everything was really fresh and tasted wonderful! We split a salad, a panini and dessert and left super satisfied! I highly recommend the strawberry/spinach salad and the flourless chocolate cake... de-lish! We couldn't believe that the cake was only 350 calories! It was so rich, creamy and delicious. We kept checking the menu - front and back - to make sure there was no disclaimer or fine print about the calories being a hoax - Lol! A girl's gotta double check! Fuel was fantastic - we'll definitely be back!
(4)
Wendy S.
Purchased a Groupon on a whim, knowing I would be visiting Philly, and so glad I did! The TBM with Chicken is super fresh and really flavorful. I had it as a panini and my friend had it as a wrap-both delicious-both sandwiches came with a side of greens and salad dressing. Smoothies were good as well. The decor is simple, the restaurant crowded, but take-out is really quick. Our experience was enhanced by a little "tif" between two waiters fighting over who got to put their order into the register first. The exchange was a little appalling at first, but rather hysterical. Definitely plan to return to Fuel on my next visit to Philadelphia.
(4)
Jason Z.
I am so happy that there is a place in Center City now that you can get a healthy meal that won't break the bank. It's also conveniently located around the corner from 12th Street Gym. Perfect for an after workout meal.
(4)
Adrienne S.
Could be a great alternative to unhealthy fast food. The fact that the service is painfully and disrespectfully slow is its detriment. The first time we came I believe we were the first customers of the day. We stopped by on our way to an appointment. We had plenty of time to spare for a quick bite. After 25 minutes of waiting for wraps, we were out of time and had to race to our next appointment and eat in the car. I was impressed by the calories and WW points on the wall, so I did decide then that I would return. On my second visit I returned with my boyfriend and we decided to dine in...big mistake. We walked in and waited in line only to find that no one was seating people, so everyone went to find their own seats. Eventually someone appeared and they were miffed that we had (about four tables) seated ourselves. Perhaps the rest of our visit was punishment? The waiter came back with water for one table and took thier order and then she NEVER returned! They left and handed us their menus. My bf was starving, so he went to the counter to order and he brought back our food on his own. After that the waitress would not even look our way. NO water, no nothing. I love the concept, but it is poorly executed. While we were waiting for our food we discussed the decor that is part nightclub, part health store, part fast food restaurant with a weird video playing on a TV in the background. We just did not get it. The food was ok, but not worth the wait. Perhaps take out would be better?
(2)
diana s.
For some reason I cannot stand going inside this place...it just has a smell i cannot take....but does that stop me from going here??? hell no....they have banging smoothies...Green Tea Matcha is amazing!!! and if are like me...the one that goes to the gym right after work, skips dinner...then gets out of the gym and is starving and dont want to waste a work out...Fuel has just the right menu for you....very healthy and filling.
(4)
Rachael B.
The food is great, healthy, and creative. I LOVE the Zen fruit drink. The only downside is its pricey. Otherwise, I'd eat here everyday! I like the music videos they have playing on the tvs too.
(4)
DM D.
This is my new favorite lunch spot! All the dishes are under 500 calories and they mark the calories next to each item on the menu. You can eat in, get take out, or delivery. I usually get take out which is super fast. However I have eaten in the restaurant several times. Once we requested to be outside because our friend had a puppy and they were super accommodating. The staff here is all friendly I've yet to encounter a rude or lazy person. The prices are great too. Every time I go I get the chicken lettuce wraps. You wouldn't think so but they fill you up and they taste great. Be warned they are a little spicy which I love. The decor is cool I guess it's like a space theme I'm horrible at describing that stuff. I come here dressed casually and sometimes in my workout clothes straight from the gym. My only suggestion would be for them to Get a soda machine..I know it's not healthy but I would eat in more often.
(4)
Arun P.
Great local biz. Awesome food...fast and friendly!
(4)
Neil D.
"Good food, strange ambiance" is how I would sum up Fuel on Walnut Street. It's like a cross between a gym, an Old Navy, and a lunch place. The ceiling is high, the floors are hardwood, and from the TV pumps out fast-paced dance music, which makes this place feel like a gym. Plus, everyone wears an all-black shirt/pant uniform. So, for me it's not really a cozy place to sit and have lunch. However, the food is tasty and they have a lot of choices.
(3)
M K.
Went w/Groupon. Food was fine and tasty (nice tomato soup) but probably not quite worth full price. Biggest issue & why I won't rush to return is that you can't just order at the counter and sit down and eat - and for a place called FUEL with techno music, the service was sluggish. Just drop the waiters and make it a take-out or counter service, like Panera, and it might have a shot. Otherwise why not just go to Cosi (which is mediocre at best) but at least it's not pitch dark.
(2)
Emily C.
Wholesome meals without having to break the bank. The hummus and lettuce wraps are heavenly. They're constantly working on new dishes which is always exciting, hello less than 300 calorie cannoli! The menu is vegan and gluten-free friendly which is a plus in my book. They are also okay with bringing your own booze. FUEL is relatively new and still working out the kinks but you got to have faith in new restaurants with strong concepts. We'll definitely be back ;)
(5)
Jeannine K.
This is a great place if you are looking for eating a healthy meal in the city. I love the fact that they post the nutritional information of all menu items! I have tried both the Hummus with Veggies and the Grilled Veggie Wrap. The Hummus was good, but was a bit more oily than I prefer. The Grilled Veggie Wrap was delicious! The portion sizes are larger than I expected, but that's not a bad thing. The prices are a bit high, but I think getting a healthy meal made with fresh ingredients is worth it.
(4)
Ryan R.
Incredible tasting healthy food at an affordable price. I can't get enough of this place!
(5)
Shannon L.
Great place, but I wish they had more of a healthy vegetarian/vegan selection and some more fresh green juices. Most of the items I've tried are awesome, but there have been some misses... All in all, a good healthy option for Center City.
(4)
Sahran P.
Delicious and quick, best grilled cheese I have had in a long time!
(5)
Ashlee G.
False advertising! A bunch of us went there for lunch, and after being surprised that the food was under 500 calories, the waitress informed us that only the ingredients used in our sandwiches were under 500 calories. The entire lunch was probably well over! For a place that is directly advertising this low cal menu, it was very disappointing. It also took us about 90 min to dine because the service was so slow!
(1)
donna b.
I've gone to Fuel on four separate occasions and this is what my experience has been thus far: The soups: (forgetting proper names right now so forgive me) Tomato - liked it, this visit was so long ago forgetting details but I do recall enjoying it. Creamy potato-very good and probably my favorite out of them all, the light cream didn't effect the creamyness/tastyness of the soup Crab Bisque- Good but peppery and the crab was a bit stringy. The Panini's The thanksgiving special Panini The Eggplant and Goat Cheese Panini The Grilled Chicken Panini I can safely say across the board, the panini's were just ok. I can leave satisfied eating one but they can do so much better flavor wise, with the grilled chicken panini I'd thought they didn't include the sun-dried tomato that comes with it so the waitress brought me out some, and it tasted like specks of SGT in butter, which didn't bring a ton of SGT flavor but possibly increased my calorie/fat intake majorly. And their chicken tastes to me like the chicken that I make at home, which is pretty good but I always want to get it to a restaurant quality that I haven't mastered yet. So I'd want the restaurant I'm buying from to master a restaurant quality chicken breast as well (call me crazy). The thanksgiving special panini was flavorful but felt like it could pack so much more. And I don't believe it has anything to do with the lower calories, I eat flavorful low cal/fat food all of the time so I know what can be done. Lastly dessert I've tried Banana whips- pretty good, I could get this when wanting something frozen and creamy and be satisfied. Pumpkin Cheesecake- Love this cheesecake and I'm not even a huge fan of pumpkin. I'd buy an entire pie for an event they did this well. And I love the whip cream that it comes with, again the lightness of the cream doesn't take away from the flavor. The service was pretty good each visit(four visits total), the only complaint I have (and reminded to email the business about this as well) is one visit where the waiter got indignant when I asked if I could take the check up myself because I was in a hurry. I was clear about it having nothing to do with his service, I'd just over did it during a lunch break during my work hours. I typed this out in detail which is very long so decided to spare you guys, just in short felt it was really unprofessional of him, how he reacted that is, I deduct a star for that incident, future visits and dependent upon the response from the owner, that will likely go up in a future review. My only other complaint is that the 500 calories doesn't account for bread, which is fine but people who want to know calorie intake, typically need to know in detail so it should mention somewhere on the menu the calories for the items not included in that 500. You can always guesstimate but it just helps a great deal, when I am actually counting a calorie to have full detail so that I'm not eating more than I think I am later in the day. Oh and to those who commented on it looking/sounding like a gym I wonder if that is intentional....I do know I can't take those club music videos, at least switch them up if they must exist.
(3)
Ann C.
Summary: Food: fresh, with potential, but lacking distinction Service: friendly but P_ poor Atmosphere: sorely lacking personality, akin to Crunch gym cafeteria (gym simile attributable to Neil D.) Value: meh. I was particularly disenchanted by the juice bar rip-off. Let me preface by saying that I love Philly, but one thing it dearly lacks are healthy lunch places with decent salads under $10. So naturally, when I found out about this place through Groupon, I was super excited to go check it out. And, yes, I had my Groupon in hand. I walked in before the lunch rush, totally psyched because I just won the parking ticket hearing I had at the Philly Parking Authority 4 blocks away-- so I'm in a good mood, ready for some healthy fueling food, and definitely not primed for the very annoying experience that followed. I was greeted by a very nice server who sat me down once I announced I came to eat in. I also announced I had the Groupon, so there are no surprises. There were plenty of other tables with a single person in them, so I wasn't feeling uncomfortable for my table of one. All this, despite the incredibly uncomfortable plastic chairs and the dance music blaring from the TV sets with a FUEL Logo permanently imprinted on the screens showing the music videos in the background. Wow, I thought, if they'd only invested in some better chairs and floor boards (that rocked every time someone walked up to 15 ft away) rather than the VJ to digitally add their insignia to the videos they're showing... Neil who mentioned the gym-like atmosphere in his review was right on. Perched above the gym with the juice bar at the end, is a room which looked like it was set up for a party. I gather they have space for private parties. I tried to imagine the Weight Watcher parties that may go on there (I'm not being mean, menu specifies the calories AND WW points for each item) The squash soup I ordered from the specials showed up relatively soon, so I stopped my musings and lunged in. Mind you, it was a cold cold day, and I was looking forward to my... very cold cold soup!? But by the time I'd realized it was cold I'd already tasted it, and was in a good mood, and didn't want to make a fuss, so I decided to gloss it over. I was about 2 spoons from finishing the bowl (which was about medium size) before the server reappeared: "How is your soup" "Pretty good" I said (because it WAS, a bit on the too sweet side, but generally pretty good, despite the temperature) "It wasn't cold?" "Yes, it was! You knew about that?" Here began my ire- if she knew it was cold- why did she serve it? And if it was a mistake- which I'm willing to accept- perhaps insist on bringing a warm one out? Next I ordered the tuna and arugula salad, dressing ON THE SIDE. I must note that first thing I asked was whether the tuna was canned or fresh. Server said it was fresh. When my salad came out, FULLY DRESSED topped by a heap of so clearly canned tuna, it still had the shape of the can it came from (be it high grade canned, but still canned), I did decide to send it back. I politely asked if the dressing was on the salad. The server was very polite-- she clearly remembered I'd asked for it on the side since she did not seem surprised, rushed to apologize and remove the salad from the table. The salad came back out. I have to say that the arugula was very very fresh. Not a single leaf was tired in the massive heap of greens. The white beans were alright. Overall, the salad engineering pretty good. That dry, canned albacore tuna left something to be desired. So, by now, I've had a cold soup, a salad, and when the server asked me for the third time if I wanted a drink (yes, she was persistent), I ordered the 'I want a Tan' TO GO which is the simplest drink they seemed to have on the elaborate juice bar menu: fresh carrot, OJ, and ginger. The drink came out with about 19oz of fresh ICE and 1 oz of juice from which the ginger pieces were not filtered out (I'm still picking my teeth as I write, sorry for the graphic detail...). Yes, it's true, I am at fault for not specifying I don't want a $5 cupfull of ice when it's 35 degrees outside and I'm about to take this to go. Finally, although I knew my check came out below the amount specified on the Groupon, I was done with this unsatisfying meal (which only had a cold heap of greens going for it). I asked for my check. Check arrived way after the ladies in the next table (who were seated after me) had already left the premises. The server was quick to ask whether I'd been explained that the Groupon doesn't cover taxes when the total amount falls below the groupon value. I just really wanted to get out of there before I get stuck to that annoying Bruno Mars song for the next week, so I paid them the tax and even very generously (24%) tipped the staffer because I didn't have change. But that's the last of my cash they'll see. I'll go get my fresh arugula and HOT soup at the Terminal market a few blocks away.
(1)
Kathy L.
I'm giving FUEL a solid 4 stars because they've recognized a severely under served market here in Philadelphia. My favorites in this category back home in San Francisco were Boxed Foods and Mixt Greens. Check out their websites and you'll see what I mean. Relatively affordable, tasty, HEALTHFUL food options. Honestly, can people please recommend where I can get salads with fresh, varied ingredients? Don't say Cosi... And I don't want to pay $20 for take-out at a stephen starr restaurant. From Fuel, I had the shrimp, avocado spinach salad which was delicious and filling. All options are supposed to be around/under 500 (depends if they counted the wrap and if you got one) - but who's counting anyway! The ambience of the place is a little dim and could be better - it doesn't scream fresh...just neon orange? Next time, I'm dying to try the whipped banana with nutella and strawberries. Apparently it's just a frozen banana, whipped...so it's like ice cream?! But without the guilt, in case you had any.
(4)
Lisa L.
Good eats we randomly found touring Philly. Strawberry spinach salad and portabella and eggplant panini. Not the freshest, but great veggie options. Nice ambiance. Great presentation.
(3)
Amber L.
i love this place! i almost always order the grilled eggplant and goat cheese panini, im totally in love with this sandwich! ive also had their version of a grilled cheese which is excellent, and i stop for a smoothie there at least 2-3 times a week. Just a warning*** their under 500cal claim does not include your choice of bread on the sandwich. Not enough to steer me away, but if you are the type to count calories keep that in mind.
(4)
Ryan W.
Rocco Cima, radio host and owner of Fuel, is awesome! I left an unglamorous review about this location because of a one-off issue and he responded immediately (as you can see below). This type of customer service made a huge impact on me. I'll definitely be giving this Fuel location another shot. Thanks Rocco!
(5)
Mandi J.
A nice little lunch spot. I like that their menu is full of healthier options, and they were easily able to make small changes to a starter I ordered. However, my partner was dissatisfied with his panini, noting that it was the second time he had ordered one from Fuel, and both times found the bread to be mostly burned. Add that to a strangely long wait, despite being the only ones waiting for take-away. So, overall I would probably go back, but not if I was in a rush (and I'd probably stay away from the paninis).
(3)
Jen N.
After hearing my roommate talk about Fuel, I decided to stop in back in May to grab a quick lunch before a doctor's appointment. I was able to sit outside, which was nice, and ordered the organic thyme lemonade and the grilled veggie wrap with no ricotta. It was quite delicious! Since I was impressed, I bought a groupon while eating. I went back last night and used my groupon and was far less impressed. :/ I ordered the same lemonade because it is so yummy!! And I ordered the fuel stacker Panini. At the top of the menu, they advertise "we can veganize anything". Since the menu clearly stated this I asked for vegan mozzerela on my Panini. I was informed by the waiter that they do not have vegan cheese, I showed him the menu and just said oh ok. He asked if I still wanted cheese and I said sure and just took a lactaid. The Panini was very good, but the salad served with it had no dressing what so ever. Since I had to use the whole group-on while there, I also ordered the Tuna Salad to go for lunch the next day. What I received was argula and tuna. It is advertised to have tomatoes, kamalata olives, and red onions. I had 2 cherry tomatoes, 3 kamalata olives, and about 5 slivers of red onion. I wish I would have packed some crackers or crostini to go with the salad because eating tuna and argula with dressing is just boring. My advice to customers: stick to the paninis and wraps -- they seem to be more flavorful. My advice to Fuel: do not advertise that you can veganize "everything" when you simply cannot.
(3)
Katherine L.
The menu here is a simple approach to vegetarian cafe food. Plenty of smoothies, juices, salads and sandwiches for you to peruse and ponder. The place is spacious inside with high ceilings and offers some outdoor seating. The staff has some knowledge of the menu, but concerns like vegan and gluten-free may receive short shrift. If all you care about is vegetarian food, you'll be fine. It's nice to have a great big menu, but it would be nicer if the staff were more knowledgeable. It's nice that there are a lot of smoothies and juices with unique blends, and it's great to have size choice! It's great to have fresh ingredients and healthful options. It's a decent and reasonably healthful place to dine, but I can see why some people find the pricing too high or the service less than stellar. I would go back if hungry for a quick bite, but I would not go back expecting Michelin star dining or service by any measure. Think cafe-style all around, and you'll be fine.
(3)
Mike M.
I work right in the heart of Center City and Fuel is the absolute clutch for lunch. Granted, I've only had their smoothies when I wasn't feel entirely hungry and they hit the spot every time. I'm a huge fan of any business that utilizes technology like Level Up because paying with your iPhone is a better feeling than an Amex any day. I recommend the Detox Smoothie because it is delicious and is a perfect pick-me-up for that afternoon haul.
(4)
Ancy T.
I've been here a few times and the food has never disappointed. I love their wraps and paninis because they just taste so fresh and clean cut and that is key for me when it comes to food. I have a pretty sensitive stomach so I love that I know I will feel good after eating anything from here. Today was no different. I had a nice and attentive waitress and this was a new experience because normally I get food to go, but I'm glad I decided to dine in. I wasn't really hungry so I just got a smoothie and requested if I could just have a small bowl of fruit. Even though it wasn't on the menu they were still able to accommodate and I LOVE that they did that. Kudos to your customer service!
(4)
Tommy M.
Came here for lunch with my mom yesterday since she had a Groupon that was expiring the end of April. I've passed this place a hundred plus times but never went in, so this was a great chance to try something new. The hosts in the front were very nice and gave us a table by the window (sunny and gorgeous out, so, well done hosts). I'm not going to lie, as I first looked over the menu, I was a bit confused - everything can be made into a salad/wrap/sandwich/flatbread?! The answer is, basically, yes, which is fantastic for a wide range of people. We were given a while to look over the menu before our waitress appeared with waters (which was probably good since I was still figuring things out food wise), and then my mom and I were able to place our order. We decided to share the Spanish skewered shrimp, my mom got the grilled veggie (salad), and I got the Thai chicken (also as a salad). The salads were absolutely fantastic - fresh, light, and full of flavor. The shrimp was a major disappointment - far too salty, a bit on the undercooked side, and an overwhelming amount of what tasted like old bay seasoning. Aside from that, our server was super friendly, and the salads were great! Definitely worth another return trip, but make sure you order enough food, since everything is 500 calories or less!
(4)
Ali C.
The menu at fuel is filled with healthy choices and the calories are listed beside each item (which I like). I have eaten at fuel several times (how can you pass it up when there is a groupon listed almost all of the time?). This time I ate the Grilled veggie panini and the baked potato soup. My fiance had the Egg, turkey, and mozzarella wrap. The food to me is always just ok. It's not bad but it's not very good. The smoothies are pretty good (strawberry banana).
(3)
KC C.
The kale green tea smoothie is AMAZING. Their food and other smoothies are also really good- love their guacamole. But this is, hands down, the best smoothie I have ever had. Solid.
(5)
Kelsey T.
Hi Rocco, You were actually the manager on staff the evening of my catered delivery. Your day manager, Ashley, must have matched my review with my order since she called me shortly after posting it on yelp. I returned her call and left a message. I will be happy to update and change my review if this is settled.
(1)
Ben K.
Ok this place should have got a four and I couldn't quite bring myself to give a two. I was teetering though. This is a fabulous model. Good healthy food not too many calories and reasonable price. This should be a home run. The bad: the ginger chicken had about three tiny pieces of red pepper and barely any more onion. Can we say dulllll! Visually food should have color and this was an even tan. Come on veggies are not that expensive. The good: It tasted good and there was tons of chicken. They use brown rice and the people were super nice! Add a couple of veggies maybe add some green peppers and this would be great. Give these folks a try and encourage them to tune up their fare. I will go back and do the same.
(3)
Andrew W.
Ordered a chocolate-ccino. It was pretty good considering. The place lacks personality as it is really worse than the Cosi down the street. If it wasn't for the Groupon, I wouldn't have come this way. There's no Wifi and the place isn't too big. I would come again with some reservations.
(3)
Kelsey S.
As for smoothies, I recommend "protein buster" or "detox". A medium is about $7, so it's a little bit of a splurge but it's worth it if you are in the mood for a smoothie and you're in the area. I came for brunch today and also had a solid experience. I ordered a mozzarella, avocado, turkey, and egg panini on whole wheat. The sandwich was paired with black bean salsa, which added some good flavor. My friends ordered the buckwheat pancakes and a frittata and they both said the meals were delicious. Each entree was $10 so it was a good price for a health- conscious meal. I can't wait to come back to try lunch!
Was strolling down Walnut Street in CC and came across Fuel. Loved that everything is under 500 calories. First impression was the staff. Wow! So friendly. Patricia took really good care of me. She recommended the TBM as a salad. I added Salmon and it was delicious. Thanks for the hospitality and great service.
(5)
Emily H.
Went here today for the first time and it was pretty good! It was a nice casual place to grab some food and catch up with friends. Service was great - our waitress was very friendly. I got the tomato basil soup (my favorite) which was vey good and the chicken lettuce wraps. The chicken lettuce wraps weren't my favorite but they were still good - and a little spicy! Prices are pretty reasonable, I would say this place is on the cheaper side which is great considering it has such a large and appealing menu with all healthy options. I definitely want to go back some time and try one of the paninis, smoothies, and breakfast!
(4)
Lisa S.
I came to Fuel Center City a few weeks ago on a Saturday early afternoon when I was in town for a conference. This was my second time to Fuel, but the first time at this location. The ambiance is a casual, seat-yourself, quick food type of place. However, there were people behind us sharing a bottle of wine and a good looking meal- so some people settle in for a bit longer :-). I ordered a T.B.M. with egg panini ($9.95)- tomato, basil pesto, mozzarella, and scrambled eggs. It was delicious. I also ordered a soy latte with sugar-free vanilla syrup ($3)... it came with some nutmeg on top and was one of the best lattes I've had. The food came out quickly, the waitress was friendly, and we were able to linger at our table catching up for awhile without feeling rushed. The place wasn't too busy, which was nice. Two thumbs up- a good place to grab a casual brunch or lunch with a friend, with some interesting and unique (and healthy) options!
(4)
Jessica W.
I'm not really sure WHAT is going on with this location- especially since I used to love this place when I moved to CC.... Yes, the food is yummy and I *WAS* a big fan of the thanksgiving panini but that's all been shot to hell! I've had too many horrible customer service experiences at this location that have left me completely confused and scratching my head... I've heard countless stories of orders being completely messed up or delivery being super late and food arriving cold but I still supported them and wanted to give them my business... ... Until now. I convinced my boyfriend to give Fuel ONE LAST TRY (he has been completely turned off by Fuel from our last experience with "Ashley" who claimed she was the manager yet was completely rude to us over a Groupon deal and we watched her curse us out from our table in the kitchen). Half way through my sandwich and mid chew I pull a slimy piece of plastic out of my mouth!!! I *WISH* I was making this up! I call them back to let them know (we ordered our food for pick up and we're eating at home) and guess we got- MORE ATTITUDE and BAD customer service. NOPE. I'm done with you, Fuel. DONE. The only reason why I'm even giving 2 stars is because I used to love this place and I'm nostalgic for those memories. Until then, Fuel needs to revamp for cleanliness and retrain their employees for customer service!
(2)
Anupma S.
I actually really really like this place for a light and healthy sandwich or smoothie. They have great options and everything is organic and low in calories! I would prefer Fuel than other similar spots like HipCityVeg. The service is great too -- everyone is very willing to explain to you menu items. I love that the sandwiches come with a small side salad because I never order salads on their own, so it's nice to be given a salad! Healthy! I really liked the salmon sandwich and the eggplant one. Also, I love their smoothies. They are very unique and tasty. The best part about Fuel is the Yelp and Groupon deals -- you can almost always find a $20 for $40 of food deal, how great is that! I've used it a couple of times and was very happy -- great food for a great price.
(4)
John C.
(1) Horrible calorie per dollar ratio given the quality. (2) Nutrition information seems inaccurate. I understand that this restaurant is marketing to a fitness-minded crowd that that is generally interested in creating energy deficits (and being hungry). But it is highway robbery to charge $10 per plate for a 400 calorie salad. For the price, that salad better taste amazing. And Fuel's salads don't. Gym-goers are better off making their own salad for $1.50 since most of Fuel's stuff is replicable at home. I'm curious to know how Fuel is able to provide calorie values as specific as "385" (that is, down to the single-digits). With that kind of specificity, I'd expect them to be measuring what they put in their dishes to some extent, but it seems like they don't. I've been there 4-5 times trying new things and portions are all over the place -- especially cheese in the salads. Not something to complain about for most restaurants, but a real problem for one that holds itself out as meeting specific calorie needs.
(2)
Christina K.
WHAT I ORDERED: Smoked salmon panini with avocado and lettuce + Protein buster smoothie with soy milk PROS: Delicious protein buster smoothie + fresh ingredients + price CONS: So so panini ----MORE DETAIL---- FOOD: GOOD: Fresh ingredients, but the panini was just so so. To their defense, I'm recovering from a GI problem and my diet is strange, so I had to omit several of the ingredients. Definitely worth another try. The protein buster smoothie with soy milk was AMAZING. SERVICE: NEUTRAL: Lackluster, but came by frequently and often. AMBIANCE: NEUTRAL: Casual place to grab a quick bite - nothing special or bad.
(3)
John M.
Great tasting food full flavor and fresh this was my first visit. I'll be back to try other dishes. If you are walking by open the door and come on in.
(5)
Tanya D.
Ordered two chicken Caesar salads today and I was really upset. One had a fly in it and they didn't include plastic knives which made it very difficult to eat bc the lettuce is served as whole leaves layered on top each other.
(2)
kate j.
I come here often because it's convenient and they have a good amount of vegetarian options for lunch. Delivery service is great, but in the restaurant it's just okay. Beware when you order anything that contains salmon! If you do not indicate that you would like for it to be cooked, not just pan seared, you must tell them this or you will receive a sandwich or wrap with uncooked salmon. The menu does not indicate this. Not my style. I do recommend ordering wraps from here for a group/office lunch - their platters include a good variety of meat/vegetarian/vegan options.
(3)
Natalia L.
Found this place through Groupon since we were in Philly for the holiday weekend and as a vegan my options are limited to asian/indian food. Nice and trendy lay out with The Cure playing in the background and free WiFi. Wish they'd open one up in DC/Northern Virginia. I like the fact that anything on the menu can be modified to your needs, whether vegan, weight conscious, bread or no bread, etc. It was a bit confusing but I settled on the roasted veggie on a wheat wrap, and chose to replace the ricotta with tofu. It came with fresh spring greens tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, but still I found it to be a bit bland. I asked if they had any mustard or extra vinegar and they said they don't carry any side sauces like mustard or ketchup in order to keep calorie counts down. I thought mustard was like 5 calories per serving? I understand the whole ketchup thing since it's full of sugar, but I didn't ask for ketchup. Regardless, the waitress was generous and offered me a side of berry vinaigrette, which gave it more of a flavor. I suppose I'm used to spicy Indian and Thai food so regular American food just doesn't do it for me anymore. My husband's food was "meh" in his own words; the Thai Chicken. Like me, he said his food didn't have much of a flavor. Guess I'll go back to my Asian hang outs for now....
(3)
Jessica S.
I'm a huge fan of unhealthy delicious food, but it's nice when you can go out and not feel terrible about how much calories you consumed either. I came to Fuel with a friend a few weeks ago with our goal in mind to have a healthy but satisfying dinner. We were seated right away and opted to sit outside, as it was a nice night in the city. We started off with the guac appetizer with goat cheese and tomato and asked for extra veggies instead of chips. The guac was delicious and the veggies were fresh and crunchy! We were off to a good start. For my meal, I got the strawberry spinach salad with tofu. Tofu is pretty hit or miss, but this was cooked well and went nicely with the salad. The salad was a good sized portion and had fresh berries mixed with gorgonzola and pecans. My friend got the same, but with chicken which came with a ton of chicken for the price. We both left feeling full and happy that we stuck with healthy options. We also used a yelp deal which was pay 15 dollars for 20 bucks worth of food, so the cost was an added bonus. We will definitely be back!
(4)
Rose V.
I brought a groupon deal for this place and finally decided to use it last week. I really like it, they have very healthy selection of foods on their menu and outdoor seating. Its near the gayborhood section of downtown philly so, it gives on a nice city feel. I had the grilled cheese on what and my gf had the chicken flat bread with peanut sauce, in which both was delicious. They have a lot more stuff I would like to try on the menu so I will definitely be visiting this place again.
(4)
Stephanie S.
Initially I was very excited to try Fuel because of all of the healthy options. Everything on the menu is under 400 calories. Great! We opted for delivery which we ordered through Grub Hub. This took almost an hour. My one roommate ordered the cucumber salad as her meal. This was most definitely NOT a meal nor a salad. It was probably something I would feed my pet rabbit, if I had one. It was four measly slivers of cucumber and four slices of not yet ripe tomato. This was very disappointing. We then called and Jamal was extremely rude and not accommodating. He said that if we were to order at the restaurant he would have given us more greens and thats just how the salad is. This should NOT be under salads on the menu, its more of a side. The "salad" was also 7 dollars. NOT worth 7 dollars. I will say the paninis were good, but soagy. I don't reccommend getting delivery from here. Maybe dining in is a better experience, but we won't be giving this place another chance.
(1)
Pira T.
I have been wanting to go to Fuel so many times. I walked by everyday. I think I havent been here until now because of the interior and the way the place looks. Lesson learnt, Never judge the book by its cover. I finally went in yesterday. Wow I should have come here long time ago. I could eat here everyday! Fuel Stacker Panini and pineapple power lunch smoothie. SO GOOD!!! You can even request the song you want to listen to here. You just need to download an app. The service was awesome as soon as I walked in. They make sure you have everything you need. I dont even have to ask for extra napkins. Some restaurant are very stingy, you will be surprised. I have nothing bad to say about this place at all. I feel good, healthy and full when I walked out the place. Yes I am going back for sure probably today. I will try their brunch very soon.
(5)
Amy K.
I love this place! It's one of the few places in center city that deliver healthy organic food and juices! Every entree is under 500 calories. My favorite sandwich is the south philly panini and I always order the Hulk Juice. Only downfall is the delivery wait time. Last time I ordered I waited for an hour and 15 minutes after being getting ETA of delivery under 45 mins. It wont stop me from ordering from here, but I'll be placing my order a lot earlier.
(5)
Shari A.
Love their food. Although have never quite figured out why they are always empty. Well horrible service can do that. They have a strange staff dynamic. A bunch of angry girls constantly rolling their eyes at each other and customers. I hope the owner reads this and fixes this issue. Their food is amazing and would hate to see this joint die in probably one of the most competitive restaurant market in the U.S.
(3)
Arkady V.
Stopped in for a quick bite and boy was that a good choice. Definitely not your standard sandwich place. First take made me think I'd be starving by the time,I left as nothing on the menu was over 500 calories but boy was I wrong. Their breads are absolutely delicious and filling and getting them pressed warm is a bonus. I only had the chicken wrap with sundried tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and saracha but it was absolutely delicious. Staff is friendly service was quick though it was not that busy when we were in. Great stop for a quick bite to eat. Additionally they do have many GF bread options that can be substituted. Would give 5* if portions were a bit bigger. Prices are pretty fair for the quantity and quality. Got away with $20 for 2 people.
(4)
Christina W.
This place is consistently meh for me. The food is alwyas on point, but the service is terrible. Every time I've gone here, the waitstaff forget about me and my party at some point during our meal. Either they forget to seat us because they "thought someone else was taking care of it" or they forget to bring us our food or they forget that they gave us the check already and we waste 25 minutes waiting for them to swipe our credit card. Management here should invest in some additiional training for their staff and/or better organize who was what responsibilities.
(2)
Kirby J.
I want to give this place five stars, but their delivery times are astronomical. And their minimum amount for delivery seems to change based on how busy they are, which is obnoxious. That being said, I've never had a bad meal here, and if you're either willing to pick up or wait 1-2 hours for your food, it's definitely worth it.
(4)
Allison G.
I had the South Philly chicken panini for lunch today. It was flavorful, but I wish it had been a little more melted. I went around 11:30 and barely had to wait. They have a lot of menu options, and the prices seemed about average for lunch. I'd go back!
(4)
Chinmayi V.
I have eaten here several times, and everytime I have got great tasting fresh food! The paninis are excellent and they can veganise anything on their menu, without compromising the taste. Service is very prompt as well. Very consistent and great tasting food!
(4)
N W.
Good food for the money. Had the "deconstructed guacamole salad" and it was delish. They have a full juice bar if you are in to that kind of stuff. You don't feel as guilty eating here either because they list the calories and protein content. Atmosphere is ok. Loud but they have more secluded tables.
(4)
Porter R.
I've had both good and bad experiences here. Normally I will go here for brunch (most likely influenced by a groupon).. The food seems like it should be good, but sometimes small oversights bring it down. One that stands out is wraps that are served wet on the bottom. That being said, it is worth a shot if you are getting a deal.
(3)
Juliana K.
I'm not in love with fuel like others are. Weekday Lunch time gets busy so expect a line and a bit of a wait. I got a salad here that had onion, avocados, grape tomatoes, bland chicken, and lime vinaigrette and it was pretty underwhelming. For the price, it wasn't worth it. Nothing special. Smoothies (more like juice) are pretty good and Friendly service though.
(3)
Brittany R.
I could eat here for every meal. I love the Fuel Stacker Salad with Chicken or Tofu. I also recently went there for brunch and got a Frittata which was delicious. Everything is so fresh and healthy. It is pretty pricey but you get what you pay for. The servings are huge (except if you get the shrimp...) My one complaint is about the avocado- it always tastes as if it was frozen and then defrosted unless I was served bad avocado- I only got it a couple of times but each time it had a weird consistency.
(5)
Chuck M.
Poor service with a slightly bad attitude. I live in Philly and eat out a lot. I just happened to be at a seminar next to this restaurant. I went for lunch. I ordered one appetizer and one flatbread. The hostess was polite. The server didn't seem like she wanted to be there. She wasn't rude to me, but she was condescending and obvious about her feelings about being there. I asked for a soda (I wasn't in the mood for a shake). She rolled her eyes - rolled them - and pointed behind me and told me, "Sweeties, this is all we have." I turned around to see a 2ft. x 6ft. soda cooler - barely stocked - that was situated behind a table. Of course, I didn't notice it when I sat down; it wasn't obvious and the menu suggested a lot more of a selection. The server rushed me out as well. I began to ask her for more napkins and she cut me off and said, "Oh, you're finished? Let me get your check." I had to tell he no and that I really just needed a napkin. The food was okay. It seems like it would be different, and it kind-of is. But, I could order most of the protein from the menu from any India restaurant. I did not have the opportunity to try a smoothie, but I don't see myself trying this place again.
(2)
Louis C.
This place is the best...my brother and I own a small retail store in the neighborhood and we send our clients there when ever they ask for quality food/service...Franco and his team at Fuel never disappoint highly recommend this establishment for lunch and catering parties.
(5)
Sam A.
I come In all the time for their healthy shakes and sammys. Good stuff and feel good food. Today's omlet was a disappointment. I ordered Greek egg white feta cheese omlet on wheat panini and the bread was charred. I tried to ignore the burnt taste but it overpowered my eggs and cheese. Whyyyyy?!!!! I will have to be that annoying cusmer to say please don't burn my food...
(3)
Susan L.
Love this place as a healthy eater. Big menu but kind of the same ingredients over and over in different variations. That's okay tho cuz it's all good fresh stuff. Very healthy and vegetarian friendly!! Calorie counts on everything.
(4)
Patrizia C.
I love Fuel. It's only a few blocks from my office and it offers a variety of low-calorie, healthy-while-still-being-yummy food. I tend to be boring when ordering lunch so I always get the eggplant and goat cheese panini, which is always delicious. I usually have to add something on since the minimum delivery amount is $15 and today I ordered the Spicy Grilled Shrimp appetizer which was also delicious. My only gripe about this place is the amount of time it takes for them to deliver. Today, I placed the order a few minutes before 11am (I was hungry, ok?) but the food arrived after 12pm. Over an hour for a panini? Unfortunately that is the one thing that often deters me from ordering from here, especially when I am extra hungry. But for days when I can be patient, I guess it is sort of worth the wait....
(3)
Jordan P.
Accepts LevelUp, quick, professional service, tasty treats, hard to go wrong. I've watched a number of friends get Fuel for take-out, salivating at their healthy-looking sammies and salads, so I stopped in the other day to grab a quick juice (I was feeling a little worn out, fresh green juice sounded like just the trick). My last experience with buying "just a juice" was a $7 "treat yo' self" moment at Pure Fare. And, while that was delicious, sometimes you're not really feeling the whole "Empty your wallet for this cuppa green stuff!" vibe from PF. Enter Fuel, where a 16oz juice costs merely $4. I was floored with joy, and able to use my LevelUp app to pay the piper. The juice itself (I believe it was called the hulk) was cucumber, spinach, apple, lemon and I requested some extra ginger. My only complaints were a) not enough ginger [coming from a bit of a ginger addict, this could be ok for most folks] and b) they tossed some ice in there. Maybe I'm a juicing purist, but I'm assuming that ice took up precious room in my cup that could've been full of nutrients. Juice-trients. Either way, it hit the spot, tasting just as refreshing as it made me feel, and I left happy and satisfied. I saw a number of happy patrons enjoying their lunch break in the very trendy-looking interior, and they also were running a holiday gift card deal of "buy $20 worth of giftcards, get $30!" so... if you're in the business of dining/drinking at Fuel, I'd say that's 150% value and totally worthwhile. I think I'll stick to Fuel for my future juice-fixes. Gets the job done without feeling like my wallet is being gouged with an (all-organic) knife.
(4)
Nicole B.
Great gluten free options with bread that tastes like regular breads! Everything is fresh and there are lots of combinations and variety. Order for take out or sit and eat it there!
(4)
Mishana K.
I only went here for a juice/smoothie to go. I found the selection to be limited and the ingredients repetitive from drink to drink. But the real kicker was the terrible service. Once I ordered my drink, no one decided to make it for 10 minutes. The juices aren't pressed but blended and then placed over ice. Leaving you with a chunky watery sludge. While waiting the language used by the staff was very inappropriate for a work environment. There's nothing wrong with goofing around with your coworkers but must you use such foul language within customer earshot. Will not be back.
(1)
Laura G.
They have a ton to choose from on their menu, its a little overwhelming but I don't think you can go wrong. I ordered the strawberry spinach salad as an entree and chicken lettuce wraps to share with a friend. The wraps were very large and plenty for two people. The salad was decent size and very refreshing. I would suggest getting dressing on the side because they put a little too much on. I was in and out within 30 mins even though they were packed.
(4)
Lisa D.
I've had two experiences with this place. One, I walked over to get a banana whip, which was.... not great. If you're looking for banana 'icecream,' it's definitely worth the few extra blocks down to Yellow Juice Bar. Fuel's whip was somehow dry, and they put a lot of whipped cream on top of it without asking, which was odd. (Although they gladly made me another one when I requested one without the dairy!) Two, we recently ordered catering for a work lunch. It was AWESOME. You get a decent amount of food for the money. The sandwiches were interesting combinations, and the salads had more than enough toppings on them besides lettuce, an issue we regularly have with other salad joints. Plus their catering manager was friendly, professional, and delivered it himself. Definitely recommend their catering.
(4)
Sara P.
There are three friends, all of whom eat differently: a vegan, a follower of Dr. Atkins, and someone who follows the Standard American Diet. They have one thing in common: they care about their figures. So where do you take them for lunch in Center City? Fuel of course! I had just this experience last Wednesday when clients were in town and found ourselves needing a place for lunch that accommodated all of our goals. We did not need to eat a lot, we did not need to spend a lot of money, we wanted a quiet atmosphere, someone wanted just vegetables, someone wanted just protein, and someone wanted something she could take home to share with her family afterward. Everyone was pleased. I had the butternut squash soup made without dairy products, along with a grilled veggie sandwich. I was thrilled with how low the calories were. My friend had a huge salad full of tuna, and she was able to get it without cheese and fattening dressing, making her and Dr. Atkins thrilled, I am certain. My other friend had a huge vegetable salad and a warm brothy tomato soup. Those items became part of her family dinner Wednesday night. The prices are great, the service was terrific. It is in center city so it is convenient for commuters and walkers and bikers, but good luck with your car! Next week we are going to Fuel on Passyunk for a comparison. I'll let you know.....
(5)
Liia R.
I wish there was a 2.5. The food is pretty good--some of the paninis are delicious, I'm a picky eater so I like knowing what's in everything and they have tasty salads. BUT we've ordered 4 times from here, and 3 have been disappointing. They added chicken to a vegetarian salad (SO frustrating) and took 1 hour and 40 minutes to deliver when they said it would be under an hour and we called right at 11. We order from the office and our team member wasn't able to eat lunch. I would have ordered somewhere else had I known they'd take forever! So next time we'll be ordering elsewhere, but if you have time, it's not a bad place to eat.
(3)
Rich D.
Sitting here for lunch 5/21 and it's been 25 minutes without food. The server actually asked, "are you in a rush?" I'm not in the habit of having casual extended lunches during the workday, so I wouldn't advise this place.
(1)
Katie L.
Before heading to a cake-tasting event with a friend, we decided we needed something else in our bellies for the evening besides sugar. Fuel hit the spot. There were so many salad choices on the menu that appealed to me, it was hard to decide. I chose the cucumber and tomato salad with white beans, and it was a well-dressed, huge bowl of veggies. Perfect. My friend went with the Ridiculously Delicious Kale Salad, which she enjoyed, but one can only eat so much kale in one sitting, so she didn't quite finish. Besides the salads, the menu looks stellar, and I can't wait to go back and try more.
(4)
Katherine S.
I got a chicken Gorgonzola wrap from Fuel today. It was tiny! I can't believe how high their prices are. The wrap was fine but certainly nothing to write home about. I think it's a total rip off.
(3)
Erin E.
I ordered pick up here. It was ready on time which is always nice. The goat cheese and eggplant panini was very good, but the caesar salad is literally lettuce, some parm cheese and dressing. Not really worth the 8 or so bucks I paid for it but it's cool. Im looking forward to trying the green tea matcha. Im a fan of anything green tea. Will probably stop in again soon.
(4)
Evan F.
I was convinced to try Fuel after a friend told me that she "has eaten there the last three days in a row." So I did, and I'm a fan. I had the Chicken and Gorgonzola Panini and LOVED it. Seriously though, this panini was amazing. I also asked for a cold coffee drink with pumpkin spice and the kitchen staff whipped up something amazing. The think I like about Fuel is how few calories there are per dish. My Panini which tasted like 1000ish calories was only 345. Amazing. All the dishes are like this! My only complaint (which is why there are not 5 stars) was our waiter. He seemed standoffish and bothered when we asked for more time with the menu and for desert. Otherwise, the food is amazing and I will be back despite a bad server experience.
(4)
Lani H.
Service was bad. Ask for dressings on the side. Good atmosphere.
(3)
Nikki R.
The Hulk juice = tasty and $4 for a small might be a little steep but hard to find a smoothie that tastes healthy and good. Fuel Chopped Salad was solid and for $8 not too bad, doused with dressing though so get that on the side forsure. Buddy got the Spicy Chicken flat bread which takes a long time for them to make but still good. Sriracha sauce on top is something you can't play with. Note that the lunch service is extremely slow which is the reason for the 3 stars. If you're going to be a "sit down" place then staff accordingly. Also hire people who like to provide service, if it was a walk up counter I would have been cool with the attitude.
(3)
K. L.
Ugh... One of my worst dining experience. Came here because of a Groupon deal. Like many have said, they seem to have an identity crisis. They advertised themselves as organic and natural but they use Red Bull for drinks and sell Fuze Iced Teas (GMOs)??? The host was friendly, but it all went down hill after we were seated. It took quite some time before our waitress even acknowledged us. After she took our order, the food came out quick. I ordered the roasted turkey breast on a flat bread, brother ordered the tuna salad wrap, and my sister ordered the South Philly Chicken Panini. My dish would have been delicious if my flat bread wasn't completely burnt on the bottom. I have a feeling they knew about it but decided to serve it anyways. I would have sent it back but waitress was nowhere to be found. I was hungry so i just ate it as a salad without the bread and thought to myself, "good thing i have a Groupon". My brothers tuna was too lemony and my sister's chicken sandwich is the only decent dish. My sister purposely flipped my bread over to reveal the completely charred side for when the waitress come to take our plates. She looked at it but didn't say anything and came back with our check. This will be my first and last time here. On the bright side, I'm just glad I had a Groupon.
(1)
Mary M.
Second FUEL location I've been to. First one was in South Philly. I love this place! And the food is healthy and satisfying. I am now your loyal customer Oh! Great One!
(5)
Albert L.
The Veggie Panini was Delicious!! Very fresh, and tasty veggies. The price is right. It was a quick stop b4 hitting a bar
(4)
KG O.
Got the Groupon and had to go, as we were enjoying a bit of vacating. Started with the Guacamole, shouldn't have. It should have been called, mashed avocado, with no seasoning. Plus the chips, were the $1.00 bag you can pick up at the grocery store. A bit of salt, and fresh chips (FYI, Fuel Team you could bake 'em on site) would have gone a long way. I ordered the Turkey Burger, with side salad, and it was phenomenal. The burger was cooked perfectly, and came adorned with red pepper relish, feta, some sort of yogurt sauce, on a brioche type bun. Yum, yum, yum...took a pic, but it's a bit blurry. HIGHLY recommend, looks like it's a monthly special, so go soon. Lil' Darlin' ordered the Roasted Turkey sandwich. She enjoyed it as well, a bit of Thanksgiving flavor in March. Overall, it's good food and quite tasty. Moderate price on the high end. Couple of things: We couldn't figure out what type of restaurant they want to be. It appears to be an upper end, healthy sandwich shoppe, though the quasi host who seats you with the Menu's and seems to help bus tables, didn't make a whole lot of sense. You get a feel you should go to the counter to order, but then a wait person comes to you. It just felt weird. Great concept, and as time goes on, I'm sure they'll work out the kinks. FYI, it'd be great to have a simple, easy to understand menu for the kids. $4.99 combo would be a good idea.
(4)
Beryl K.
Ok, so I love all of the healthy choices. Our waiter was very friendly and gave good food suggestions. We ordered 3 dips to try for our app. All were good, the hummus, guacamole and sweet pea dip. For the meal 3 of us got salad and 1 person got s panini. I got the chopped salad and it was ok, but the lettuce wasn't as fresh as I would prefer. My friend who ordered the kale salad was eating hers, got to the bottom and found a HAIR.... Eww. She had already eaten almost the whole thing, so what can you do. I wish the place was a bit cleaner too. So, some good and some bad.
(3)
Luba P.
I love Fuel! It's fast, cheap and express healthy food! The prices and portions are great. You will get huge salads and great sandwiches. I love the tuna arugula salad and the salmon sandwich. Also the smoothies are delicious with tons of options! When no one knows what to get for lunch this is the place to go!
(5)
Erin B.
So Fuel CC sorta reminds me of those Venn Diagram charts from elementary / middle school. One circle is for delicious food, another circle is for healthy food and the intersection is Fuel CC. Philly is synonymous w/ delicious food... But, delicious food, does not always healthy food make and most certainly, vice versa. I am on the 12th day of a 12 day cleanse ... so I've had to sorta expand my culinary horizon in order to avoid having 3 home prepared meals per day. This was a perfect excuse for me to finally try Fuel. Because it is less than a 10 minute walk from both home and work, there is really no excuse that this was my first visit. However, on the times that I've contemplated Fuel in the past, it has always been defeated by a more non-caloric/carbohydrate friendly option. Alas, I went w/ my girlfriend Jodi last Thursday. We ordered the strawberry spinach salad w/ grilled chicken and the tuna arugula salad. They were both delish! So much so, that we are heading back today for lunch! In addition to the food - they played really fun music and the server (name I forget - but personality and topknot bun I will never forget) was super cool as well! The true test will be whether or not I go back to Fuel after my cleanse is over... I'm thinking yes!!
(4)
Mandy H.
Fuel is a good place for healthy fast food. For lunch my boyfriend and I ordered an assortment of things (probably too much for 2 people, but we were indecisive). We got the shrimp and avocado salad (way too much spinach and not much else. Won't be ordering this again). The guacamole with goat cheese and chips (very yummy and a good snack), the roasted turkey (my bfs pick, not bad, but I would like to try the grilled chicken next time), and the chicken lettuce wraps (my favorite of all the things we ordered. Spicy and fresh tasting). I also appreciated that the calories for fuel were listed on myfitnesspal, which was really helpful too! It's right around the corner from me and always seems to offer groupons and other deals, so I'll be back to try more.
(3)
John K.
I'm known for my gluttony and my love of all things pork belly. However, even if something is healthy, as long as it's tasty - I can can appreciate it. Case in point - Fuel. Most, if not all, of their dishes are under 500 calories. The ingredients are fresh and more importantly, delicious. Sampler ($10.95) Choose 3: Charred corn or tomato goat cheese guacamole, black bean tomato salsa, hummus, sweet pea For the sampler, I chose the hummus, black bean tomato salsa, and charred corn guacamole. With these came fresh corn tortilla chips, huge and fresh cucumbers, and sweet red peppers. Fuel's hummus was vibrant and creamy, seasoned well with salt and lots of lemon. The black bean salsa had a punch of flavor with cilantro, black beans, red onions, and black beans. Perfect to balance out the creaminess of my other two choices for the sampler. This guacamole was perfectly creamy, with hints of roasted garlic and charred corn. Roasted Portabella and Eggplant Panini ($8.95) Roasted portabello and eggplant with roasted peppers, olive tapenade, provolone, and garlic spread This panini had some surprising heft to it - thanks to the delicious eggplant and meaty portabella. The roasted peppers provided some sweetness to the sandwich, while the provolone and garlic spread added creaminess. The olive tapenade provided a punch of flavor to this sandwich. The mixed greens with balsamic vinegar and oil were pretty standard, but a nice addition to the sandwich as well. High Protein Grilled Cheese ($6.95) Mozzarella, provolone, fresh lemon cream Cheese, spinach and tomato The mozzarella and provolone added the heft for the grilled cheese, while the lemon cream cheese made the grilled cheese luxuriously creamy while adding brightness to the sandwich. The tomatoes were a bright addition to the sandwich as well. Chicken and Gorgonzola ($8.95) Grilled chicken, gorgonzola, tomato and pesto The chicken was grilled and perfectly moist. The tangy, funky gorgonzola added some nice heft to the wrap, while the tomatoes helped to brighten up the dish. Overall, if you're looking to eat healthy - Fuel has a myriad of options available to you. And more importantly, especially for me, the flavors are spot on, the food is filling, and ultimately - tasty!
(4)
Gar L.
I gave this place another shot and must report that my first review does not do this place justice. There are many options here for those of looking for healthy calories and protein. I think this place is the perfect place to hit up after a workout when you are short on time and need something healthy fast. No place like it!
(4)
Meredith B.
Fuel has a great concept. I've gotten take out here a few times and I've been satisfied both times. Its a great option on more of the healthy side. People should really read the menu before they go ordering crazy thinking everything is crazy good for you. Keep in mind wraps and such are not added to the caloric count on the menu (gotta read the fine print!) The music and the videos on the television are kinda strange but I'm here for the food so I don't pay much mind to that. Overall I really like it here for a quick, reasonable healthy option. I'm excited for the Arch street location to finally open. Does anyone know when that is going to be? Plus - Fuel is right by 12th street gym so good meal option afterwards. Minus - Fuel is not open at their other center city location (on Arch) (near my work/apt)
(4)
Megan A.
This is my new favorite lunch place! I was not sure if I was going to like it. When everything is under 500 calories you are thinking there might not be too much taste!! But I was so wrong!! Everything is so good. My go to is the chicken and Gorgonzola wrap!! The best part is there is always a groupon $10 for $20 worth of food.
(5)
N R.
Eggplant goat cheese sandwich was delicious, inexpensive, and healthy. What more could you ask? Definitely going back. (Though table service was a little slow.)
(4)
Ewelina C.
My husband and I ordered Thai chicken panini and spinach strawberry salad! It was all very good! Salad was very big and we had plenty of food to share! We felt full and fueled :-) The decor is a bit strange. The place has a weird floor plan, and it looks like the owner did not have a clear idea on how to decorate the place. They need to buy more fans for summer. We wanted to sit by the window, but it was extremely hot. I do not understand why they have TVs there if there is nothing interesting playing. I do not care about TV as much, but if they have it, they should have some interesting channels or maybe some info on the restaurant and healthy eating.
(4)
Nicole M.
3.5 star review. I've only ever gotten delivery from Fuel, but it's my go-to when I want something healthy or not as bad as the normal delivery I'd get when I'm working late. I was impressed how few calories their sandwiches seem to have, but be warned, the calories listed on the menu for sandwiches DON'T include the calories of the bread or wrap. Everything is still pretty low-cal, but just remember the bread isn't included when you think that savory grilled cheese is only 400 calories. Speaking of which, I'm a grilled cheese addict, and Fuel's is one of my favorites. It comes with spinach and a lemon cream cheese spread, which adds the perfect sweetness and sourness to the sandwich. I love this grilled cheese. It can get a little soggy, though, after the time it takes to get delivered. But that's to be expected. The deconstructed guacamole salad (arugula, avocado, torilla chips, onions, tomatoes, with a jalepeno citrus dressing) is so light and refreshing. I want to use this dressing on every salad I eat. The salad was like 98% arugula, though. I wish there was more of everything else. Fuel has an awesome juice/smoothie selection. The desserts look amazing, and I really need to try them next time!
(3)
Jemi J.
It's a great lunch option in the area when you don't want to spend too much money. We used the sunday lunch special deal (might actually apply lunch all days of the week-check with your waiter!) , and got a soup, house salad, and half a panini for $10. Our waitress was awesome and super sweet. My tomato soup was spot on. The ceaser salad was salty but pretty sizeable. My friend had the thai chicken sandwich which she liked; my chicken gorgonzola panini was great. You can turn most of the sandwiches on the menu into paninis. If not for the $10 deal, this would have been hugely overpriced.
(3)
Rosa C.
Fuel was exactly what I expected. A hipster "green" and healthy quick meal kind of restaurant. The restaurant had a green and white theme and stuck to simple decor with a couple of oil pantings on the wall (kind of out of place...?) It is kind of small, so not great for large groups. I think the staff consists of only males, and there's also a hipster dude who makes free deliveries on his bike! We ordered a chicken lettuce wrap as our appetizer, which was quite delicious. The lettuce wrap filling consisted of grilled cubed chicken, carrot shreds, peanuts, chickpeas, and sriracha sauce. For our entrees, we ordered a grilled chicken salad (with turkey breast in place of the chicken) and a chicken gorgonzola panini. The salad was pretty good, but nothing spectacular since it consisted of spring greens, artichokes, and balsamic vinaigrette. The chicken panini was delicious. The gorgonzola must've been mixed in with the pesto or something, but it was quite tasty! We also ordered the Zen smoothie- cucumbers, apple, and pineapple. It was refreshing and the perfect amount of sweetness. (16 oz smoothies are $4 and 20oz are $5) Also, if you're an avid carnivore, this might not be the best place for you. Their choices in terms of meat are very limited- only chicken and turkey, I believe, and their dishes are definitely not heavily loaded with protein. We enjoyed our experience at Fuel and I will definitely be returning to try more smoothies and maybe order another chicken lettuce wrap!
(4)
Angie K.
I don't really get what's going on with this place. I walk in, and there's seating right there. Then you go through another door to the main dining room that's painted in green with local art hanging (local art is cool, but it's not arranged in such a way that it's attractive), and a TV with the "Fuel" station that is just "?!" when I see it. Getting past that, I go to the register to order take-out, and it's Russian roulette from there. Once, just once, I got great service, but the other times, I was just plain ignored. Literally. With 3-4 people directly in front of me. The concept of everything under 500 calories intrigues me since I always come here after a workout. Sure this doesn't include bread, but the calorie and protein content is clearly marked. The food isn't half bad, either. The Toasted Hummus is ok- a bit dry, I suppose, to make it healthier and emphasize the fact that the chickpeas are toasted. It's too lemon-y for my taste. The Chicken and Gorgonzola panini is filling, but my favorite is the T.B.M- tomato, pesto and mozzarella- the pesto is pretty good. The High Protein Grilled Cheese can use more spinach and tomato- I just had one thin layer of spinach that slid out when the tomato did. The panini's come with a side salad, and the vinaigrette is a bit strong. The food is healthy and tasty, ingredients are local, but the staff is lacking and makes me hesitate to return.
(3)
Zachary R.
Eat Here! I order from Fuel all the time, both dine-in delivery. If you're looking for great tasting, healthy food, without high costs or long wait time,s Fuel is the place to go. Also - try their TBM with Pesto - it's awesome!
(5)
Laura D.
I can't believe I haven't been here sooner! Healthy paninis, salads, smoothies and coffee bar... yummm. My smoked salmon panini on rye was delicious and filling. And so many other delicious-sounding options with moderate calorie counts. I also had a coffee with sugar-free peppermint syrup - didn't realize what I've been missing here! You know hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps? Obviously this wasn't as good since it's lacking chocolate and alcohol. But the taste was comparable and wonderful, and won't pack on pounds or give you a DUI. My solo dining experience was a little awkward, but that was my fault. Apparently the options are to-go or full service (not fast food counter style). Not realizing this I inadvertently sat down at the nearest table to the counter to wait for my food, which then became my private dining table... awkwardly right next to everyone ordering and me basically facing the wall. Oh well - still great!
(5)
Reem C.
Eating lunch at the same restaurants or take out spots gets old after a while. I was glad to discover Fuel. The food is healthy, fresh and organic. The menu has something for everyone...meat eaters, vegans and vegetarians. I was in the mood for a wheat panini, which seems hard to find. Well, Fuel provides this option. I ordered the South Philly, which is a grilled chicken panini with provolone, spinach, roasted red peppers and garlic spread. It was one of the best paninis I have had. My goal is to try every single panini on the list before the year ends. One down, twelve to go.
(4)
Melissa W.
Great place! Just stumbled upon it one night late while trying to find somewhere still open for dinner. Didn't even yelp it first! Got some chicken pesto panini thing. Yum. Healthy too, which is awesome. Came with a side salad with balsamic, which I didn't realize was included. Open late, and almost everything on the menu looked great. Will return again.
(4)
Jess D.
How have I never reviewed FUEL?!?! Since it's opening day I've been addicted to FUEL. Quite simply it's healthy food that actually tastes GOOD! Better than good, it tastes AMAZING. Their food is fresh, made to order, and ready in a matter of minutes. This is my go to spot for fast food without the ridiculous calories. What's even better is that their sandwiches actually fill me up and I don't need to snack or have dessert afterwards (saving me even more calories!). This is a city gals dream. It's conveniently located 2 blocks away from home, always offers deals in the mail or online (appeases my appetite for savings!), and is consistently meeting my expectations for a filling, yummy dinner on the go! Honestly, I can't live without FUEL. It literally fuels my evenings and gives me energy to run errands and stay up late getting work done! I hope they open more locations and their concept spreads. FUEL is living proof that food doesn't have to be fattening to taste delicious!
(5)
Kris G.
Went here for lunch to order espresso, coffee and paninis. Espresso is bland and diluted whereas coffee was flavorless and luke warm. Food quality used to be fantastic but now panini are served cold and dry. we complained to the server but he didn't respond to our lack of satisfaction. So one star to food and service quality!
(1)
Aye M.
Love Fuel! My boyfriend & I come here almost every time we're in Center City. We love their smoothies! We've eaten here twice: my boyfriend always loved his food. The first time, I got the egg plant & goat cheese on a wrap. I wasn't a huge fan of it because it kept falling apart. It definitely had awesome flavors though! The second time, I got the sweet potato risotto rice bowl. One of the most delicious things I have ever had! I can't wait to go back and have it again. I recommend it 100%. There were so many amazing flavors. My favorite smoothies are the Islander and the Protein Buster. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. Can't wait to come back and try more smoothies & rice bowls!
(5)
Becky K.
Yes, this place won my heart by it's fresh ingredients, low-calorie choices, and simplicity in flavors. A perfect place for the lunch crunch-- or in my case, a quick after-work dinner. It's decor is basically no-frills, so my four-star rating reflects taste only. You will not leave feeling weighed down by your meal. I recommend getting the hummus, subtly smokey and tinged with garlic. Based on someone's recommendation, I got "The Hulk", a green-colored selection from their juice bar, full of all that's healthy and tasty in the world. The eggplant and goat cheese panini was also a treat on the tastebuds. There are so many things I need to try there.
(5)
Courtney A.
Every time I order Fuel on GrubHub my food comes so soggy and cold - it's gross and never good. The only things they can seem to do right are their juices.
(2)
Cat P.
Damn damn damn damn damn. I've tried Fuel a few times now for both take-out/dine-in and I really wish I liked it here, but I'm just not a huge fan. The place is always packed, so it's not a good spot for a lunch break; even people who are there to pick up their call-ahead orders still have to wait a long time. The other day, we sat there for a solid 20 minutes before we even saw our waitress or got menus at our table. Then our food took another 30 minutes to come out. Getting the check also took forever and a day. I've liked the food I've gotten here, but the drinks are a complete waste of money. I got the $4 "Give Me a Tan" OJ, ginger, and carrot juice. It clearly had some kind of concentrate in it and it was tiny. I know patience is a virtue, but Fuel was utter chaos and drove me nuts with the wait time. Don't think I'll be back anytime soon.
(2)
Katy T.
This is my go to spot for delivery. I love their toasted hummus and their sandwiches are always great. Best thing is that nothing is over 500 calories but the food is so satisfying and delicious! It's difficult to find healthy options in the city when you're in a pinch, but Fuel to the rescue! Everything I've tried here has been wonderful... I recommend the Strawberry Spinach salad or the Grilled Chicken panini (grilled chicken, provolone, artichokes, mixed greens, sun dried tomato spread and a balsamic reduction) YUM! Also, all the paninis come with a small side salad... you don't even have to ask!
(4)
Srujana Y.
My husband and I went there for brunch. Some places compromise on the taste when it comes to health food. But fuel is different. We loved the buckwheat pancakes and veggie omelette! I like that they can substitute with just egg whites in most cases. The portion sizes were not too big or small, just apt for one meal. I also tried one of their fresh juices- 'give me tan', it was really good. Overall, nice brunch while maintaining the low calorie goal.
(4)
Jeremy L.
Great place for a heathly meal. Absolutely love their food. It's fresh, local and organic (well, as much as possible). Very tasteful and healthy. Their juice and smoothie selection is just incredible with very creative combinations. Thumbs up for one of my favorite place !
(4)
Kevin C.
One of my co-workers told me about this joint but I never got around to checking it out until I spent a weekend in Philly. Glad I did - great breakfast. Had the South Philly Frittata and a protein shake. Both equally great. The only thing better was the gal who waited on me. Wish I remembered her name because she was awesome - great personally and treated me like I was family.
(4)
Sara G.
It's...like....okay. I am totally onboard with the idea of a diverse healthy, low-calorie menu. But the food itself is a little below average. I had the eggplant and goat cheese panini, and it was fine but not super delicious..the bread was a bit too well done and dry. I did enjoy my juice, and I might grab some juice to go if I'm ever passing by again. The 'Give Me a Tan' was a little sugary for my taste (probably thanks to the OJ) but I think it could easily be modified to be just to my liking.
(2)
Lawrence S.
I approached Fuel with some apprehension. I don't like to think of food as just "fuel" but rather as something to savor and enjoy. But, when I saw a $10 for $20 Groupon, I figured I'd give it a shot. Here are the results... The best: Thyme Lemonade. I've never had this before, but I'm sold. In fact, I may try to recreate it at home as a summer-time beverage. The OK: I shared two sandwiches with my gf -- the smoked salmon and the TMB with smoked salmon. (We must have been craving mercury.) The TMB was the better of the two, thanks to the extra flavor provided by the pesto. But neither were stand-outs. The miserable: I generally don't mind if a restaurant's decor is a bit lacking. But Fuel was particularly unpleasant. The music -- pulsating techno -- was more suited to a jazzercise class than a sit-down meal. (In fact, I think they may have stolen the soundtrack from the 12th Street Gym.) The interior is very poorly designed. We were crammed into a thin passageway with just enough room between tables for the waiter to walk -- sideways. Definitely not enough space to loosen your belt. Alas, I'm afraid I won't be refueling at Fuel in the near future.
(3)
Sarah F.
Fuel South Philly definitely wins over this location. I've eaten here twice, and both times I've been pretty underwhelmed. They forgot some of the ingredients on my sandwich, but the service was incredibly slow so I didn't even mention it. I tried the Sweet Pea Wonton app for the first time here. OMG, get in my belly. I absolutely detest peas, but the bright color made me want to try it. Very glad that I did. I'll stick to the Passyunk location.
(3)
Kelsey G.
Fuel is definitely a nice, quick place in the area to grab a quick sandwich, salad, or wrap. All of the ingredients they use are delicious and fresh and I've never really had a bad experience with their food. I typically prefer to grab take out considering the restaurant itself is a little stuffy, but there are some tables hidden away by the windows, which seem nice. I recommend the B.M.T panini or their brunch wraps, but seriously, it's all pretty good. The only negative thing I have to say is that the calorie count on the food can't be accurate. Some of it seems much more fattening than it says, but I guess it's better not to know, right? I'll just pretend my panini slathered in pesto and fresh mozz was a healthy decision for the day.
(4)
Dan A.
The menu at Fuel isn't very helpful. Even if you look past the "Start Er' Up" they have instead of appetizers, and the "Fill Er' Up" instead of entries, the menu still doesn't indicated what is vegan. And while the food is purported to be healthier, it didn't have any interesting flavors. I thought the service was satisfactory I didn't get the vibe of Fuel. But if you're calorie counting you might give Fuel a try.
(3)
Noah G.
This is a tough review for me to write as I'd much rather go to a KFC buffet (remember those?) than go to a restaurant touting everything on the menu under 500 calories. That being said, with wedding season rapidly approaching boo and I are both trying to slim down a bit so during a recent Walnut St. shopping excursion I agreed to try out Fuel. It has the feel of a cafe inside a gym with the decor, music, and patrons dressed in gym clothing. I sort of feel like it would be better to have a walk up counter like a Cosi rather than servers but we still received our food quickly. I got the South Philly wrap which came with grilled chicken, mozzarella, and spinach (it really should have been broccoli rabe, I marone...). It came with a light salad that was decent and the wrap was filling it just didn't have much taste. Boo got the stacker which is an eggplant veggie wrap with pesto. It was actually too much for her to finish so I ate it. Much more flavor. It was a decent meal that was definitely healthier than a lot of other options I just don't know how many times I'd go back.
(3)
Katrina C.
I have been at FUEL a lot lately. I am pretty in love. See, my trainer has me on this diet. I'm only really allowed to eat brown rice or potatoes, proteins, and veggies. That leaves for some terribly boring meals at most restaurants. At Fuel, however, I can get pretty much any sandwich (minus cheeses which a lot of them don't have) as a salad. The tuna as a salad..... arugula, artichokes, tuna, and lemon vinaigrette is seriously my new favorite thing. I've heard good things about the juices, but I haven't tried one. I will say though that the time I got coffee there, I was very badly disappointed. Maybe someone just didn't know how to make coffee. Service is always fast. They split salads and sandwiches you are sharing onto 2 plates which always scores points with me. They deliver and take out is always done quickly. Also, there are yelp deals and check in offers so you don't really ever have to pay full price if you don't want to.
(5)
Erica J.
I went here for lunch today and not surprisingly the food was amazing, however, the service was horrible. When I asked my server for a refill on my glass of water he scoffed and said something to the effect of "when I get around to it". I asked two other servers before I was able to get a refill (about 10 minutes later). It took over 30 minutes for the guacamole we ordered as a starter to be brought to the table. When it was time to pay the bill after waiting over 15 minutes for the server to come by I eventually had to take the bill to the front counter to pay. This is a shame because the food is outstanding.
(2)
Gautam T.
This place is starting to become my go to place for quick healthy delicious food post working out. All dishes are under 500 calories which is great and there are three options for every dish. Dishes can be ordered in panini form, salad form and wrap form. I typically go for the wrap because I'm not a fan of panini's or salads. The best part is they provide health information on all the items, so you know how much protein, fat and sodium you're getting in every meal. Besides the healthy aspect of this restaurant the food is quite delicious and the ingredients are all very fresh. I never leave this place feeling sluggish or food comotosed. Lastly the juicee/smoothies are amazing. I've tried most of them but my current favorite is the protein buster. I never had a shake that has such a peanut buttery taste. It was sooo good I felt like screaming "MA, Thanks for the PROTEIN!!!"
(4)
Jeri B.
Thumbs down for enticing me in with a level up discount and then not being able to scan my code. Won't be back.
(1)
Brian S.
We've been to Fuel several times and found it to be pretty decent. Our last visit this past weekend left us less than impressed, though. While we had a hilarious server and decent lemony hummus, whoever was doing the cooking was burning off more than just extra calories. My chicken and artichoke panini featured chicken that was drier than the bread it was served on and the two other sandwiches we tried were pretty meh. The smoothies were good as always, though. While the concept of healthy, low calorie fare is a good one, I doubt that the folks at Fuel want us to save even more calories by having us eat just half of our food.
(2)
Liz F.
Fuel can't decide what it is. It's having an identity crisis. Bold font, house music, ikea decor, and everything under 500 calories- local, organic and fresh. Are you an indie vegan dream or an awkward bro 12th street gym after party? I don't really get it but I like it. Fuel is my go to spot for a good sandwich or salad. It's always good and fresh. I'm a big fan of anything smoked salmon and they'll add that to anything. Three stars because eating at fuel never fails in having the absolute worst service of all time. I.e. sit there for 10 minutes without menus, get them yourself, wait another 15 minutes, angsty waitress takes your order that won't come for 45 minutes (wait, it's just a sandwich...), no chance of ever getting more water, then waiting about a century for a bill. Go for takeout/delivery. Avoid the bs.
(3)
Andrew W.
I was a bit thrown off by Fuel, I wasn't really expecting a waitstaff type of place when I envisioned it. Vibe aside, I had a relatively mediocre experience there. I had guacamole salad with chicken, which was above average. The good: the dressing was really good, it was a pretty big salad as there was a ton of lettuce. The bad: probably the smallest amount of chicken& avocado they could get away with without an immediate complaint, there were several pieces of wilted lettuce through-out the salad. That's just sloppy. I think I'd give it another try, there were a lot of things that looked interesting, but I'd probably go with take out to make it a quicker experience.
(3)
Heather T.
I ordered a smoothie and the TBM stacker through Grubhub. I decided to order pickup since my office is less than a mile away. They told me it would be ready between 11:45 and 11:55, but it was actually ready much earlier. This might normally be a good thing, except I specifically ordered it to be ready closer to noon since that's when I take lunch. They didn't refrigerate my order, so by the time I got there, the smoothie was just slightly thickened juice, and the salad (the TBM "stacker" is definitely more of a salad than a stack) was warm and soggy. Back to the "stacker," three anemic looking pieces of cheese sandwiched between mushy tomatoes with bagged spring mix (fresh basil, my butt) and balsamic "reduction" (I do not think that word means what you think it means) is NOT worth $7!!!! Edited: I originally posted 2 stars just based on service and looks. Then I ate the salad. GROSS!!! That is not quality mozzarella... it tastes like Polly-O string cheese.
(1)
Faith Q.
Love fuel. Awesome juices, great casual and quick healthy meals or snacks. Never been let down and highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick bite in center city.
(5)
Katie C.
Awesome food and smoothies. It's a shame their customer service is terrible. Even if the place isn't crowded plan on waiting for your waiter. If the food wasn't worth it I would not visit here.
(1)
Justin Y.
The service was really quick, staff was friendly, and the high protein grilled cheese was pretty good and good for you!
(4)
Holly L.
This was my first time here and I was a bit overwhelmed at first by the set-up. I wanted to do takeout and was envisioning something different - when you walk in, it's mainly a restaurant set-up, with the take-out counter way in the back. It's not difficult to navigate, just took time to adjust. Service at the register was good, although somewhat difficult to hear and see. The ceilings are really high and the sound gets lost (especially with the open kitchen set right behind) and the lighting is dimmer than I would expect for a healthy food cafe. i took a star off for that. I didn't have to wait too long (15 minutes), but I would recommend calling in as their waiting area isn't the most comfortable (tucked in right next to the people dining at tables). But mmm, the shrimp & corn chowder today really hit the spot for lunch. I also ordered the roasted eggplant & red pepper panini on wheat. It was a little on the wet side, but still very tasty. Maybe the eggplant was a little overcooked. I look forward to devouring the guac & corn with dinner tonight!
(3)
Tyler R.
Three coworkers and I went to lunch on the first warm, sunny spring day in Philly. We were looking for outdoor seating, and Fuel was the place. I didn't know much about Fuel, but I definitely had biases. First, I thought it was a workout/gym spot for those who want "fuel" for their workouts. False-- it's more healthy options with fairly low calorie counts. Second, I thought it was more fast-food-esque, and it was definitely a sit down, take your order and relax atmosphere. Last, I thought the food would be awful. Wrong again. It was decent. I had the Thai Chicken sandwich with a mixed greens salad. The salad was fine, maybe something from a bag or box, but it was well dressed and fresh. The sandwich was a little bit of a let down as it did not have much Thai flavor (maybe a chicken with peanut sauce?), though as a panini it was cruchy, and delicious. The daily specials looked good, and the rest of the menu seemed fair. Four stars for being better than expected, but one star because it's not as good as they want you to think it is, regardless if the bites are healthy or not..
(4)
Lia B.
i come here for sit down dinners sometimes after the gym. the hummus sampler is great sized for sharing plus they will do half veggies half pita. the deconstructed guac is good too as a nice appetizer. i like that they let me do all types of substitutions and changes to customize my meal. im a very particular eater and this location is sensitive to that and they go out of their way to ensure that i am getting what i want. i find its easy to get a table here, the service and speed of the food coming out is decent, and there is plenty of seating, and i love the calories and points on the menu. i love when places are transparent with their ingredients. just docking one star because the juices are dumb. i saw them using prepackaged apple juice which is irksome because why am i paying for a premium juice when its obviously not fresh made. also there have been times when the produce hasnt been so fresh, but i get it - its winter. *** note to fuel: would love to see some organic options ***
(4)
Kerry R.
I ate the shrimp and avocado salad. The pro is I'm a fan of the dressing; it's tangy and citrusy. Everything else about the salad is, 'Eh.' My biggest 'beef' is with the shrimp. My preference is for a slight sear on shrimp because most types of shrimp are just mushy. Also, I really don't understand leaving the tail on, especially for a salad.. Last gripe is that the proportion of spinach to everything else seems a bit out of whack. If this was like a $6 salad I'd probably be OK with these things. But it's$10 and change. This probably goes for almost all salads in Center City though. They're all over priced cause it's center city. But this one specifically doesn't seem worth the price tag more so than most. ** Update 8.9.13 ** Added a star for customer service.
(3)
Matthew R.
Wake me up smoothie was extremely sweet and tasted artificial. Chicken TBM was very mediocre. Very dry and the chicken was a little tough to chew
(2)
Michelle C.
This location is definitely more my speed than the one on Passyunk. It's not nearly as in-your-face with regards to music and decor. There is plenty of seating, which I imagine is necessary to serve the weekday lunch crowd. The menu is filled with healthy choices. I wish there were more places in Philly that catered to a health conscious crowd, and I applaud FUEL for being one of the few. So the reason for only three stars is that my take-out salad ended up costing me over $12. Which would have been fine, since I was the one who chose to add grilled shrimp for three bucks, except my salad contained just three shrimp. Three. One dollar per small-sized shrimp. I felt a little had. They were delicious, I just wish there had been more for the cost of the up-sell. I'd return if I were in the area and in need of a healthy option, but I wouldn't go out of my way.
(3)
Donna A.
Great food, but hit or miss service. Which really sucks. Yeah, the music is loud and the decor is bare bones or maybe they're shooting a porn later, Whatever. It's healthy! Call ahead and pick it up.
(3)
John Q.
I'll be the first to admit that generally healthy food is not my favorite but FUEL is the exception. I've mainly stuck to their shakes and sandwiches and haven't had a bad experience yet. My favorite sandwich is their Protein Grilled Cheese. It's very cheesey and the bread is always toasted perfectly. My favorite shake is the Rush but I also enjoy the Protein Buster when I'm in the mood for Peanut Butter. My girlfriend always orders the Protein Buster without the whey protein so they let you customize your shake which is nice. I recently got their Groupon for a 10 shake punch card and went through that thing pretty quickly. I usually grab one on my way home from the gym. I highly recommend this place. The service is fast, the food is fresh and healthy, and the concept is cool.
(5)
Kristina C.
Every review that I complete for this restaurant is always 5 stars because they are consistently awesome! Service is fantastic and they do GLUTEN FREE paninni sandwiches (which are so delicious)! Detox smoothies are absolutely amazing and a delicious addition to any meal. The guacamole is a large portion and the amount of chips they give (I know, details) is a generous size. Any appetizer I have had here is a good size and very tasty. Smoked salmon gluten free panini is what I got for my meal and it was so good I ate the entire thing, and that is after I ate the guacamole lol! Thai chicken my husband got as a salad and it was huge! He said that is was delicious as well (no surprise here). We always take food away from here because they give such great portions. If you are looking for a solid, healthy, and DELICIOUS, then you must go here.
(5)
Danielle S.
I cannot really say too much about the service because I have only actually eaten there once, but I am probably at Fuel about once a week for take-out. It's on GrubHub, so I can order from work, run errands, and pick up my food on my way back to the office. So convenient! I would suggest for take-out ordering ahead of time. While the staff makes orders quickly, there is not a ton of seating available to wait for your order and if all the seats are filled, it's easy to feel "in the way" as wait staff go in and out of the kitchen. I absolutely love that there is a take-out place that stresses healthy, tasty options! My favorites are the Strawberry Spinach Salad, Chicken and Gorgonzola Panini, and Eggplant and Goat Cheese Panini. The chicken is seasoned perfectly and I often get asked where I got my food in the office because the chicken smells so great! Really refreshing concept for those getting food on the go! Hope it spreads in the City!
(4)
A K.
Went to Fuel for takeout. Paid with a credit card. After I signed the receipt and gave it back to the cashier, she wrote in a tip. Found out when I checked my bank statement. Called the restaurant and eventually received a refund. Restaurant gave the excuse that receipts get mixed up. The reality was that the cashier knowingly stole money in the form of a tip on a credit card charge. Food tasted fine (ordered a salad).
(1)
Michael T.
I want to like Fuel. I've been a bunch of times because it's close to work and healthy. I love that they display the calorie count on all of their food items. However the decor is cheesy, the curtains look like they came from a prop shop from a high school and the ambiance is comparable to an 80s discotheque. The service is fair. There have been times when I've been attended to and other times where I've waited at the counter for five minutes because the cashier was just hanging out with the dudes at the grill. There are healthier and more efficient places in the area to go to.
(2)
Joanna H.
I wanted to get take-out from the area and was feeling something healthy and light. My first experience at Fuel when I got a sandwich was pretty good so I thought why not give it another try!?! I got two orders -it was a busy day for me so I wanted to save the 2nd order for dinner :) I got the Shrimp and Avocado Salad for lunch. I was not a fan of this. I would give 2 stars for this. The lemon vinaigrette dressing had no flavor. It tasted like an "appetizer dressing" rather than a "lunch dressing" if you get what I mean.... The salad overall was lacking in flavor as well. I added craisins, sunflower seed, and feta chesse at home when I was halfway done. The avocadaos were not fresh either. I was so disappointed in this salad and will never get it again. However, the Grilled chicken in a wheat wrap was decent. I think the balsamic reduction gave the wrap a nice end to the taste. The chicken was tender, artichokes were slightly salty but came in an abundant amount, I could not taste the tomato spread that much..but the wrap was nicely wrapped and my dinner did not end up messy. So the overall vibe I get from Fuel everytime I come here for food or drinks...it's very unique. I like it b/c I don't feel like I swallowed a hamburger and feel gross. You'll def feel light and healthy after a full meal, but I am never fully satisfied b/c there's no good grasp to the taste. Will I ever go back again? Yes most likely-but I will keep on ordering something different until I find that GOOD meal !
(3)
Julie G.
What a great spot. So many amazing choices and I couldn't decide. We sampled a variety if items and loved them all. Took a Togo menu home and will be back. A must go!!!!
(5)
Ashley L.
Fuel is the perfect lunch spot! Healthy, hearty, and delicious. Everything on the menu is under 500 calories and I don't know how they do it. The panini's are very filling and most come topped with gooey melty cheese. Great smoothies as well, whether your looking for a protein boost, more energy, or just a healthy snack.They usally offer $10 for $20 deals so be sure to buy one before going with a friend! Staff is always friendly and you don't usually have to wait too long for your food. I see myself becoming a regular here. topped
(5)
Christine B.
So I hadn't eaten in about 24 hours, just sort of happened. I went for my noon time crossfit session and needed to grab lunch on the way back to the office. I've been trying to be healthy so the options down Walnut street were not exactly what I was looking for. Then I spotted Fuel across the street. I figure if I go there it will be easy to stay healthy. I went with the Thai Chicken Wrap. I was unaware of the Gluten free bread option. Will definitely get that next time. The wrap was tasty, the veggies were fresh, and there was a good amount of chicken. I also grabbed a kiwi smoothie (remember I skipped two meals?). That was pretty good too, not overly sweet. I won't be going out of my way to get here, but definitely a good option for a post-work out lunch, although its a little expensive.
(3)
Sohee C.
I agree with a lot of what other reviewers have been saying about the atmosphere of Fuel, but note that I have only ordered to-go, so I haven't experienced the place as a sit-down restaurant. CONS: the atmosphere (hence the 4/5, not 5/5). It doesn't seem to be very accommodating .. the high ceilings make doesn't make the place very intimate/cozy, as I would expect a cute vegetarian/healthy food joint would be. Also, the staff seem a bit stressed out (understandably so, as I can see it being a busy place), but it doesn't help with the weird vibes. The side salad for my panini was also bitter, but that's a con for my personal preference. PROS: the food ... there are so many varieties that it was hard to choose. I've only had the detox smoothie (in a sketchy purple-black color but very good .. there seemed to be a lot of juice in it and not much fresh fruit, which was a con for me, but the sweetness was addicting and strangely felt healthy) I also had a turkey panini with wheat toast.. the turkey was thickly sliced, and the pesto sauce, tomato slices with goat cheese (I believe?) was a fantastic combo. The food is worth all of it, and I will probably continue ordering to-go.
(4)
Stephanie C.
Really Disappointing. We typically Eat-in and have a great experience, but we ordered delivery last night and it was just pitiful. $40 for 2 smoothies and 2 salads and after waiting an hour, the salads were like a side salad. They were the smallest $10 salads I've ever seen and not worth the money at all. We almost took them back bc it was so ridiculous to pay $10 for something that fits into a small bowl. I don't know if it was because of delivery that they just didn't care and threw something into a plastic container but it just made us angry- what a rip off. It filled probably 1/3 of the plastic container. When you have to supplement your take out with a sandwich it's not worth it. Save your money. Plus side- the smoothies were good. My advice- eat in.
(1)
Laura O.
Ordered from Fuel for the first time tonight, and I was very pleased! I wasn't expecting the food to be as fresh and delicious as it was, especially for being healthy. This is now my "go to" delivery place. Cant wait to try more of their menu, especially the smoothies!
(5)
Ashley M.
I was actually recommended this place from the owners father. He was absolutely right I LOVE this place! Always a great experience every time I order from both locations. My office is in center city and I live in south Philly so I get the best of both worlds. I'll have to make it a point to actually go in and eat as I've been told the experience is even better. Great lunch spot!
(5)
Linda M.
This place is great! Healthy, tasty REAL food for people who don't eat garbage, that is, fast food, pizza, cheesesteaks, Chinese, etc. I had a delicious salad with grilled chicken and roasted red sweet peppers, hubby had a wrap which he enjoyed. The Banana Whip was not good, kind of icy-frozen texture. But I liked the concept and menu and would recommend it to anyone dieting, or who cares about what they eat. Prices are reasonable and the location is funky and cool.
(5)
Bran G.
I won't be back. We went post work out thinking where better to refuel than Fuel, right? We were greeted by the most miserable waitress ever, no introduction, no name, just "Sit here" and "You ready?". I have never really experienced anything like it, she sort of reminded me of Wednesday Adams so maybe that was her problem, she was dead or something. The TVs had some weird music videos on when the Sixers were playing in the playoffs. Just did not make a lot of sense. The food was probably 3 stars. We had guacamole with corn. It tasted like basic guacamole with corn. Nothing special but nothing bad. After our wraps were thrown on the table, yes thrown, I knew this place's food was just average. The wraps took forever and I am fairly certain they aren't carving up a fresh turkey every time someone orders one. I got the Roasted Turkey wrap and would have preferred a Wawa hoagie. The tortilla and turkey weren't fresh and it was loaded with cheap pesto. I don't know if they are trying to be healthy, but healthy food DOES NOT have to taste bad. I would not recommend to anyone, even with the Yelp discount (you can get $20 worth of food for $15). The only healthy part is they display the calorie count and don't serve basically anything fried. You can eat healthy elsewhere if you order wisely.
(1)
Kristin S.
A friend and I ate here tonight and thought the food was amazing. However, I can't bring myself to give this place 5 stars, because the service was awful. The food: The hummus was perfect - hands-down the most flavorful hummus I've ever tasted. The serving was very generous, but didn't come with nearly enough pita. (Be warned: they charge extra for additional pita!) The Strawberry Spinach Salad was equally good. The service: Our waitress barely made eye contact with us, and answered questions in brusque, one-word answers. When I asked if I could substitute feta for gorgonzola on my salad, she said "yeah" - but didn't tell me that I would be charged 50 cents for making the substitution (I found out when we received the bill). I'm not really sure why they charge extra, since many (similarly priced) salads on the menu come with feta - but in any case, it would have been nice to be told of this charge when I placed my order. At the end of the meal, we asked for boxes for our leftovers. The waitress said ok, cleared away the empty dishes and all of the silverware, and returned with the check. After a few minutes, we realized that she had completely forgotten about the leftovers. We flagged her down and asked a second time for boxes - and she returned a minute later, wordlessly dropped them on the table, and walked away. At that point, we realized that she hadn't left us with any silverware with which to transfer the leftover hummus and salad into the boxes. Not wanting to bother her again, I stole a fork from a nearby empty table. In the future, I might consider getting takeout from Fuel, but I definitely won't be returning for table service.
(3)
Rebecca S.
When you're out looking for some good fairly quick grub on a Friday night, a sign noting "500 calories or less" is typically not what I like to see. I want a burger, I want a beer, I want a gluttonous calorie feast. After all, I deserve it don't I? I worked hard all week for a little savory satisfaction. So here I am on Friday and my friends say we HAVE to go to Fuel. But why? I say to them...it's health food...it can't possibly be good. On the contrary and being rather dumbstruck by the food that sat in front of us, I had to hand it to them...maybe they knew what was up with the new kid on the Walnut fast food block. We started with chips and black bean salsa that was tasty, but kind of lacking on the black beans. We then migrated into dinner mode and out came a loaded roast turkey wrap with goat cheese for my male companion, a thai chicken wrap for my female companion, and a grilled cheese on wheat panini for myself. A grilled cheese with not one, not two, but THREE kinds of cheese? How can this possibly be healthy? Maybe it was the spinach and tomatoes tossed in, but I wasn't about to question it. The lemon cream cheese that was used was absolutely delightful. Each dish came with a salad with a light balsamic vinegar type dressing, and each for being under 500 calories was equally enjoyable. The restaurant itself has kind of a strange vibe, maybe because I remember it being a home goods store previously, or maybe it was the loud house music, or the plastic furniture...at least the food makes up for it's off-beat ambiance. My only qualm is that they don't open early enough to pick up a juice or smoothie for breakfast, they're more of a designated lunch/dinner joint; I guess it's not much of a complaint and look forward to trying out the juice bar in the future.
(4)
Kory A.
I eat at FUEL a few times a month (if not a week). I have introduced many colleagues and friends to FUEL. I already have a large review on YELP about FUEL - but two items this week made me want to revisit my review, as both were so outstanding they needed a special mention. Just in time for Thanksgiving, FUEL offers a Thanksgiving Turkey sandwich. It featured deliciously seasoned, tender turkey, surrounding by a delicious cranberry relish, Mascarpone Cheese, and apples. Everyone at my table wanted a bite - and I had to steal my sandwich back from them! If you get to FUEL before the holidays, this is a definite winner. (P.S. FUEL should add this to their permanent menu!) The other item of note was the Shrimp Canapes. Four picturesque canapes arrived, with over-sized, fresh tasting and delicious shrimp, that sat on a cucumber, with fresh humus, basil and tomatoes. It was healthy and tasty! I can't wait for my next visit to order both items again!
(5)
Ayana P.
I tried Fuel with a groupon. I thought it was ok. The food wasn't bad at all, but it wasn't the greatest either. I would go back probably because of the hype if nothing else (bad right?). It's also seems a little overpriced. I gave it an additional star because the entire menu is made up of sensible options. You can't really overindulge unless you make a conscious effort to. I just think that's important for this fat a**, diabetic society that I exist in.
(4)
Rachel U.
This place is so much bigger inside than it seems from the outside; has a nice airy, coffee-house-y feel with nice bright walls, a good amount of seating, high ceiling. I'm not into the gym feeling of their logo and whatnot, but I get it. The traffic on Walnut is a bit much for me to enjoy sitting outside, but the people-watching is prime and they'll serve you at the outside tables, which is nice. We've also come here with our 7 month old; they don't have high chairs but we were able to fit the stroller at a table in the front so it wasn't in the way. The food isn't complicated but everything we've had here was tasty and filling. My favorite so far is the fuel stacker, and I liked that you can exchange ingredients pretty easily if you want a different type of cheese, spread, etc. The lemonade was way too sweet.
(4)
N G.
Trying to like this place, but after the third botched meal I won't ever be going back. Ordered an avocado arugula salad. The avocado was spoiled and all I got was 10 servings of arugula with 1 cherry tomato and a few crushed chips. Also had the carrot ginger OJ juice which tasted like shredded carrots (not juiced at all). Take your money elsewhere folks
(1)
Emma T.
Super healthy, freshly prepared food which will leave you very satisfied. I have yet to eat anything at Fuel that I didn't absolutely love. All of their wraps come with a side of salad with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. Their South Philly wrap is a must for garlic lovers. Their hummus is some of the best I've ever had, and it is a huge portion, perfect for sharing. The decor itself is minimalistic and bright with TVs often playing weird music videos, but overall it is unoffensive. If you don't like the decor, you can always order delivery - it's just as good. Fuel also almost always has some sort of deal.
(5)
Japhet R.
Nice little spot. It gets a little busy durring lunch hours but its worth it. I had the TBM (Tomato Basil Mozerella? I'm guessing) pesto w/ chicken panini on wheat. The bread was a little too thin and got soggy kinda quick with all the oil from the pesto. I still enjoyed it. I'm used to eating sloppy sandwiches. some would say that's the best kind of sandwich. I'm definitely going back as its probably one of the healthiest places to eat downtown and they serve protein shakes and natural juices. Prices are up there but still... Not bad.
(4)
Jimmie B.
Fuel gets a thumbs up from me. The food is healthy, delicious and affordable. The service is nice and some of the staff are VERY easy on the eyes. What great place to grab a light lunch and relax with friends.
(5)
Joelle J.
After about 6 months of steadily going here 1-3 times a week, I think I can give it a solid 4 stars although this rating can vary from experience to experience. Some days, it's a 2 star and some days it's a 5 which kind of makes it a 3.5 but I'll round up. Pros: 1. The food: On a good day, their food is amazing. You'd never think you wrere eating healthy. The thai chicken w/wheat wrap is my favorite and I pretty much order it every time I come in but the Thanksgiving Panini is delicious. The turkey is moist, cheese adds a nice creaminess and the apples provide a good crunch (although sometimes it seems they forget to add the apple). Also, if the soup of the day is crab&corn chowder and you like a little spice, order it and you will not be disappointed. Sweet pea mash is another favorite of mine. 2. The speed of service: You're food is done fairly quickly and they tend to package it in a way that is convenient to carry out. 3. The owner, Rocco: He seems to have great passion for his business and he actually took my order the first time I came there. I think he understands that the best thing for his business is repeat customers and a good reputation. I'd never actually written to a restaurant or made a comment about a bad experience at one until I got a really bad salad here for my mom. I'd told her soo many good things about the food but was really disappointed with the quality of salad so I sent an e-mail and he, or an agent of his since I don't know that he responds directly to people but his name was signed to it, sent me an e-mail that same day and made my next purchase on them. 4. You can pay with LevelUp: I love this app and if it weren't for the LevelUp person outside of the store back in April/May, I never would've known this place existed. 5. Points: Being on WW, it's nice that they calculate the points. It's one less thing I have to worry about doing. I still can't believe that some of the points values are soo low but the pounds I've lost seem to indicate that they aren't too far off. Cons: 1. Consistency: Like I mentioned above, some days they are really off the mark. Like yesterday for example. I was quite disappointed with my thai chicken, it seemed like the peanut sauce and balsamic vinegar were both cups of oil with not much else. I'm going back today though and will probably get it again unless I go for the thanksgiving panini because everyone has off days. 2. The service: This definitely isn't a service with a smile or your neighborhood Cheers type of place but I think that it could be. It seems like Rocco is the opposite of his staff. Even I notice some of the same people there when I go and being on a name basis with your customers only helps them come back. I 've gone to other restaurants a few times and now when I go back it's like a reunion with old friends which has actually lead to more frequent trips back and more recommendations to others. All in all, it's still my go to lunch when I don't want to sacrifice taste for a healthy option and the pro's outweigh the cons. I think these specific cons are what have lead to low ratings though.
(4)
Chau L.
This place has good salads and decent sandwiches. The juices and smoothies are also pretty good. The service is so-so to blah, but when I'm feeling like something a little healthier, this is where I go in Center City. It's difficult trying to find healthier food on a time crunch in the city.
(3)
Judy R.
I'm a healthy eater, a calorie counter, and a runner/yogi. So I am a fan of Fuel and it's wonderful concept. The food is usually delicious, but I do have a few things to forewarn customers about. 1. Order the dressing on the side for the side salads they give you. They drench them. 2. Don't order off of grubhub. They will not make the food. (Although, when you call and complain, they are great about making ammends.) 3. The calorie count includes the content of the sandwich but not the bread or the actual wrap itself. 4. The service is eh. The server would wander away a lot during my experience. She wasn't terrible, or rude, but she also didn't give a crap, apparently. It happens. 5. The atmosphere is great, except the weird techno remixes of top 40 songs and their music videos playing on the big screens. Top 40 is bad enough... Stop that.
(3)
Jenn V.
I haven't tried anything at Fuel yet that I haven't loved. For under about 500 calories you can get a great meal which isn't outrageously priced compared to some other restaurants in the area. All the ingredients are fresh and a filling size- considering it is as healthy as the menu states. Usually, I order the Strawberry Spinach Salad (with Chicken) which is huge- I can't even finish most of the time. Also, the sandwiches are delicious- I recommend the Smoked Salmon Sandwich or The Roasted Turkey (I am a sucker for anything including Goat Cheese). Sometimes, the service is a little bit on the slower side, so if you are crunched for time you may want to let them know. Sidenote: the calories listed for the Panini's do not include the bread, so if you are counting calories- take that into consideration.
(4)
Norma R.
Really enjoy their food. The food is tasty and healthy. Had the tomato basil soup, and Salmon Wrap which was delicious. They advertise using only fresh ingredients and I could def tell they did once I ate their food. Their smoothies are also tasty, my favorite is the Detox Smoothie which pomegranate and acai berry. The atmosphere is hip and contemporary. The staff is very friendly and they gave great customer service. I was very impressed overall and have been there many times as a happy returning customer.
(4)
Catherine W.
I have tried a few of the varieties of smoothies from and enjoy them. I would give this place 4 stars for product and 2 stars for service. The people that work here haven't been particularly friendly, and the aesthetics of the place leave much to be desired. It's a little dark and dingy. The atmosphere doesn't match the menu. I'll still grab smoothies here when I'm in the neighborhood. Hopefully the experience will improve.
(3)
Jenny L.
For the health conscious who also likes good food! Came here with a coupon from Yelp. We shared a strawberry chicken salad, and we each got a panini. Can't really remember what types.. i think it was either TBM or grilled veggies, and also got a panini with chicken. The chicken was pretty well seasoned but it was flat (probably a way to reduce that calories in a panini). Overall, pretty good portions and its a healthy meal without sacrificing the taste. Made me wonder, how were they able to keep it at such low calories?
(4)
Jon Z.
I came here because I had bought a gift certificate from one of the deal promotion sites. I live by here and the menu really seemed attractive. I went on a Saturday lunch around 1pm. The food was pricy for small portions and the service was very unfriendly! Food: we got the chicken lettuce wrap which consisted of cut chicken pieces, peanuts (crushed from a can) on top of 3 large, flat, two days too old lettuce leaves. The wrap was mushy and soft and lacked any kick or flavor. For $8.95 you'd expect better. The smoothies were tasty but very watered down, get the smoothies here if you like it to be half water within 5 minutes. Goto Smoothie King instead for a "real smoothie" The also got the Thai chicken sandwich which had something similar to a wet peanut butter sauce plastered over the bread. If you are used to the usual thai peanut sauce, this sauce is not what you would expect. Lastly, we got a greek salad and that was the best part of the meal. You can't mess up a salad and although this placed messed everything else up, the salad was spot Overall, very underwhelming and overpriced for the quality of food. It seriously feels like a place run but a bunch of guys from a college frat. The 13th street area is a very up and coming and there are much better options to spend your money when in the area!
(2)
Philly B.
Great food. Good deals. Horrible service. The food is very healthy and fresh but the service is just so bad all the time. Might prefer to order delivery or take out
(3)
Danielle S.
4 stars because: -Everything under 500 calories (note that this does NOT include bread for sandwiches, chips for dip, etc. - so ask questions) -Tons of vegetarian options -Any sandwich can be gluten free -Yummy, fresh food - I love the tomato basil mozz pesto sandwich. -They are on like, every deal site known to man... there's a Yelp deal, Foursquare deal, Groupon Now deal, they're on LevelUp, they give you a 10% off coupon at the bottom of every receipt... -Weight Watchers points listed right on the menu - although they are suspiciously low compared to the calories, which brings me to... Not 5 stars because: -My partner did some number crunching for the Weight Watchers points and things just don't add up. Next time I'm there, I'm going to ask for the full nutrition info. -Why not delineate which dishes are vegetarian or vegan on the menu? -Service is consistently bad, but honestly, I can get over that if the food is good enough.
(4)
Nate H.
Been sitting on publishing this since last summer... but here we go. Decided to check this place out finally, even though I've had little interest in it's low-calorie mantra since hearing about the Passyunk Ave store opening. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of menu choices that source fresh ingredients, but don't claim on your chalkboard to use local ingredients when the tomato in my sandwich was so mealy and pale pink it's impossible it's from nearby soil. Local tomatoes in the summertime are a dime a dozen, and have a deliciously full flavor. The fact that James Van Der Beek recently dined there should have been enough of a red flag to get a sandwich somewhere else... Oh, and the under 500 calories bit doesn't include the bread the sandwiches come on. Give me a break.
(1)
Nicolette H.
I ordered delivery from here one night last week after hearing wonderful things. I ordered the Fuel Stacker on whole wheat bread and my boyfriend got the eggplants & goat cheese as a salad. The delivery driver courteously called to let us know he was having car trouble (which happens), and we got our food an hour and a half later. I was a little upset, but you can't do anything about that. But you can do something about the fact that my sandwich was not great. My bread was soggy everywhere. Juice was just seeping through the sandwich. It came with a side salad that was warm because it was next to my warm sandwich. My boyfriend didn't have anything bad or good to say. I was not impressed. Probably won't be trying them for a while now.
(2)
Jihye T.
Philly needs more places like Fuel. Affordable, tasty, healthy quick meals for the lazy days when you do not feel like cooking at home and you've indulged too much to eat a real restaurant meal.
(4)
Melissa W.
This place tastes... healthy. In an average kind of way. Healthy food can be tasty (e.g. sweetgreen), but they don't seem to have mastered that here. The chicken was dry, flavorless, and they just packed too many solid slabs of it into one wrap. It was like eating a brick of solid dry chicken wrapped in a mediocre tortilla. Very underwhelming. The atmosphere is also weird, like a super-trendy-healthy takeout place, but there's sit-down table service and fancy flatware? If you're gonna have a takeout counter, make it more fast-foody. Takeout + table service is a weird combo. The service was nice enough, but pretty slow and inattentive (they didn't refill our water). It's kind of expensive too, at $12 for a mediocre wrap after tax and tip. At least the portion sizes are decent, for what that's worth. I also walked out of here smelling like fried food, for reasons I can't even begin to fathom. If you like your food bland, boring, and healthy, definitely come here. If you're looking for something smothered in bacon, cheese and everything else delicious, look elsewhere.
(2)
Alyssa A.
Came in on a Sunday for lunch the food was good and the service was great. Our server Abby was very accommodating to our needs and requests. I would definitely go back sometime soon.
(4)
Vi M.
Love, Love, Love!!!!! Ordered a grill chicken gluten free panini and fell in love!!! What's even better? Everything is under 500 cal!! This is the perfect place for a bread/wrap loving people with Celiac's! GLUTEN FREE paninis/wraps?!?!?! !! Didnt know any place that served that! EVERYTHING is so FRESH!!! I will def be eating here for the rest of my week in Philly! :)
(5)
Chris M.
VERY healthy. Love what they are aiming for, we need MORE healthy options in this city.. time for eating garbage is no time. Service was quick, food was good.. drinks at juice bar were ridiculous.. we loved them. Sit down service, or takeout.. it's worth checking out. A little pricey, wish they could lower their margins a bit to make this a place we can hit more often.
(3)
Jen B.
While staying at a nearby hotel, I went here twice. This place sounded great - healthy meals, juices and smoothies. There are a ton of juice and smoothie choices; I chose the "Detox" smoothie both times I went (16 and 20 oz). The Yerba Mate and berry combination (açai, pomegranate and blueberry) was thirst quenching. If you've never had Yerba Mate (I hadn't) - it's supposed to be give you a combination of satisfaction (like chocolate), alertness (like caffeine) and health benefits (like tea) - at least according to the Guayaki website: guayaki.com/mate/130/Yer… . Chicken lettuce wraps were good (though the romaine lettuce wasn't large enough to really wrap the chicken, sriracha and peanut filling). Fuel Stacker - Portabello mushroom, eggplant, zucchini, squash, mozzarella and pesto (I took out the tomato): I ordered this in wheat wrap. Tasted great though I wish they warmed up the wrap and veggies (I didn't ding them points because they did deliver it). Came with a side salad with dark green lettuce and balsamic vinaigrette. Overall, healthy and good. It reminds me of some of the restaurants you would find in San Francisco, and is a good alternative to fast food. I'll be back next time I'm in the area!
(4)
Evan G.
The world needs more food establishments like this. Healthy and surprisingly filling selection of guilt free deliciousness.
(5)
Carlo D.
Desert was great but a bit pricey
(4)
Moira T.
As I was eating, I couldn't believe that one of the wait staff was repeatedly wiping his nose and carrying out food without washing his hands. I saw him rinse his hands in a sink but did not use soap. Lost my appetite. I won't eat there again.
(1)
Victoria L.
Fuel isn't terrible.... I just think it's overpriced for a sandwich I could make myself. It's a nice concept with a convenient location, so I humored my health conscious boyfriend by coming here for lunch dates. Although, I will say that their smoothies are good. The service isn't even that great so I'd rather go to Pain Quotidien for more varied options.
(3)
Rachel A.
I got a party tray from here for a function a few weeks ago. I got three different types of wraps - the smoked salmon, the tofu with peanut sauce, and the veggie one with eggplant and lots of other good veggies. The wraps were all really good. It was the first time I had eaten there let alone ordered anything, but I had heard nothing but good things about the food and the place itself.
(4)
Jayna B.
I have been here three times so take this as you please. Experience 1: Waitress did not know what smoked salmon was even thought it is a staple on the menu I paid 5 dollars for a smoothie that was very small. Experience 2: I shared the wonton app with a friend. It was ok but nothing special. Also, WAY overpriced. Experience 3: Waiter spills water on my boyfriend and does not respond to our calling attention to it. Good salad, shitty service. Hummus app tasted like it was bathed in lemons- in a bad way. I won't be returning after the shit service we had.
(2)
Kelly B.
I ate here Wednesday for lunch and liked it so much I went Friday night with my husband and dog to sit and have a smoothie on their patio/sidewalk seating. The girl at the counter (Friday night 8/30/13) was extremely rude!!! I walked in and the girl asked "for here or to go?" I said "me and my husband want to sit outside. We are just gonna have 2 smoothies." Pretty simple Friday night right? FYI there was NO ONE else on the patio. She says "you can sit outside and wait for a server to be with you". When I went Wednesday I got everything to go and it was counter service. Due to the fact we were not eating and no one else was on the patio I did not think it would be a big deal to get the smoothies at the counter and have them outside. The girl told me no. She said I would be taking up a table for someone who wanted to eat there. Did I mention there were 3 tables in the whole place with people at them and NO ONE ELSE outside. I told her that was a pretty silly thing to lose a customer over and she was straight faced and rude about it the whole time. I live on 13th and locust and wk on 15th and walnut. I WOULD have been a regular customer. Thanks for the reply Rocco:)
(5)
Laura R.
This place is a great place to eat. Everything here is under 500 calories, and the meals leave you feeling content, so you don't have to worry about still being hungry when you leave. The first time I came, I got the Shrimp and Avocado salad. It was delicious. I was so glad I found this place, I couldn't wait to return. I returned to Fuel today and split the Fuel Sampler with a friend. The Guacamole with the charred corn was the best! I also decided to get "The Wake me up" smoothie, which was a great choice. Definitely a must, if you are in Philadelphia!
(5)
Salima C.
I'm all for healthy food and I have had a prior good experience but today O_0 I got a tomato basil soup because I am having dinner later and wanted to keep it light but not that light. The soup was like water with tomato juice in it. This blasphemous attempt at comfort food and the cold shoulder from the cashiers has me convinced hunger is a better alternative.
(1)
Clare D.
I wish I could say all good things about this place because I was really enamored with their sample offerings at the recent Yelp food and drink party, but I can't give it a great review because my first experience there wasn't good. I ordered the Fuel Sampler, which gave me a choice of three items from a list of guacamole, black bean and tomato salsa, hummus, and sweet pea mash. The sweet pea mash was incredible, but the salsa and guacamole were too salty. The guacamole was especially salty and I let my server know that. She tried to rectify the situation by giving me a substitute of hummus, but that, too was too salty. Why was this place awarded "Best Hummus"? I can certainly appreciate the fact that it's freshly made, but something in the guacamole, hummus, and salsa just didn't taste right. That aside, if I had just ordered the sweet pea mash or perhaps the shrimp canapes that I tried from the Yelp party, I would've given this place four or five stars. I'll give it another try before I dismiss it. I'm sure the wraps and salads are good. I did like my Zen smoothie (cucumber, mango, pineapple).
(2)
Amber G.
While the Thai Tofu Wrap was delicious, the service was awful. No warm greeting, swift but cold checkout plus a long wait for my food. I ordered it as takeout with the thought of eating outside, but it started to pour so I sat at a table inside. A server approached me to tell me I couldn't sit there because they have "waitress service" -- Which I totally get because I work in the industry -- But she didn't give me a chance to discuss before shooing me away. I would have tipped had she let me stay. At $12 for a wrap and green tea, I'd expect much better hospitality. Also a warning: The posted calorie count does not include bread, so my wrap was actually 535 calories versus the 375 that's listed ( fuelrechargeyourself.com… ).
(3)
Daniel R.
This place was a huge disappointment. I suppose the food is nutritious, but I can't get past the horrible service. Waitress was not just inattentive, she was absent. I even had to get up and go to the counter to ask for a refill while she sat there and had a snack and talked to the cook. I never did get a check so I left some money on the table and walked out. Don't be fooled by the seemingly great deals (groupon and others) to visit this place. Food is mediocre, at best. The tomato and cucumber salad was if I had put my head in the garden and was eating the stuff dry. How hard is it to put some local or natural dressing on that? The portion was big; I'll give Fuel that much. Next, I had the turkey sandwich (because they did not seem to have the fixings for the much ballyhooed Thanksgiving sandwich). The sandwich was large, but again, mostly flavorless. I suppose if you want to feel good about yourself by eating what probably is good for you, this is an ok place. I walked directly to another place to get more food though because I felt like I ate a lot of nothing. I will not return to Fuel as the whole place is running on empty!
(1)
Lou P.
It all seems frantic There's way to much going on Just make food, okay? Fuel needs to get over itself. I can't be the only one that thinks this place is just got some sort of identity crisis: it looks like a dance club mixed with a health spa, japanese templa and Sherwin-Williams. The TV's play some trippy station with odd colors and shapes all swirling together. There's probably some subliminal messaging in there too. "buyfoodbuydrinksdon'tgetfatdon'tgetfatdon'Âtgetfat." And they have sandwiches. Acceptably filling but not overly thrilling sandwiches. They're tasty enough, but for 100 more calories you can hit up any number of other places in the city without being assaulted by color, lights and a barrage of overly energetic thin people who haven't tasted a roast pork sandwich in years.
(3)
D Matt T.
Fuel is a welcomed change in the way Philly eats! New York and other large cities have had health-conscious restaurants like this for a while, so I was incredibly happy when FUEL CENTER CITY opened near where I work. I have never had a meal there that I didn't love. And the fact that I know i am eating healthy is only icing on the "healthy" cake! The staff may sometimes be a little less than perky when I go in, but I have never come across a rude employee. The decor is definitely... different.. not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. lol
(4)
Shelly R.
What a great find this place was!! I work around the corner and we are always looking for new places to try for lunch. We stumbled across this little gem awhile back when we noticed a sign saying that everything on the menu is 500 calories or less. We became curious and thought we'd check it out. It surpassed our expectations ten-fold. In my past experiences, whenever a place offers low-cal, low-fat, etc., it ends up being "so-so" or tasting very low-fat, with all of the goodness stripped out. This place is definitely a RARE exception! The food here is made with the freshest ingredients, not to mention the fact that they are organic and gluten-free. They offer a variety of paninis, wraps and salads that are all extremely delicious and I haven't been disappointed yet! My favorites are the TBM (tomato,basil,mozz) Chicken Wheat Panini and the Chicken Gorgonzola Wheat Panini. They both are to die for and the wheat bread is outstanding! It's so hard to find a good-tasting, healthy bread that is low in calories (without being semi-transparent)! Another thing I really love about this place is how they break down all of the nutritional ingredients of their menu items. The calories printed on the menu do not include the bread, but you can easily look up that nutritional info on their iPhone or Droid app. We visit here usually a couple times a week and can't say enough about the freshness and high quality of taste of their food. I highly recommend trying it!
(5)
Kelly P.
this place is exactly what was missing in my life. free delivery for $10+ orders. under 500 cal meals (that usually end up as two meals for me). creamy hummus and warm fresh pitas. various smoothies, substitute whatever fruit your little heart desires. it's the perfect meal on a hot summer day, top it off with a low-cal cannolo if you're feeling adventurous.
(5)
Cynthia H.
Everything I've ever ordered from here has been excellent! I work at a salon, and everytime someone gets word that I'm ordering from here they jump to be included! It's nice to have a very healthy and fresh alternative to ordering out. They deliver so quickly as well. My favorites include the chicken and gorganzola wrap, the tuna wrap (prepared w lemon and oil, no mayo) and the sweet pea mash.... And on a sat if I don't have time to 'eat' I order one of their healthy smooties, mixed berry being my favorite!
(5)
Sara P.
I'm always looking for organic/local options, which I find surprisingly hard to find in Philly. So I was looking forward to trying Fuel even though the reviews were mixed. Had the detox juice that was delicious! The tomato, basil, mozzarella salad was really tasty and good size for $7. The pesto that comes with it is also yummy. The roasted turkey panini was a generous sandwich. It was a savory combination of pesto, turkey, tomato and goat cheese. It was still however just "good". Nothing terrible nothing fantastic, but worth the money, healthy and really filling. Lastly let's talk about the music. Seriously it needs to go. This isn't the gym or a night club, in fact there is nothing relaxing, refreshing or rejuvenating about juice bar if the bass is thumping the silverware off the table. There seems to be a disconnect between the mission and the decor. Perhaps sticking with the "local" theme you could play some Philadelphia musicians for those who dine in. Overall I'm really excited to have found a tasty organic/local restaurant, but look forward to see how Fuel evolves.
(4)
Erin F.
Here's my reaction to Fuel Center City: "Um... okaaayyy..." For whatever reason, it's taken me a long time to stop into Fuel, even after opening this location a couple blocks from my office. I decided today was the day. I had a taste for a big fresh squeezed juice and their juice bar came to mind. So I headed down to Fuel. This place is extremely busy around 12:30 on a weekday and also extremely corny. With loud electronic gym music playing, abstract, bright videos playing on the flat screens that scream FITNESS, the space itself is poorly lit and loud. But I get it - many 9 to 5ers are looking for healthy, low-cal alternatives to the usual lunch spots around the area. That's fair. Also, I just remembered that this place used to be PHAG, and will now take a moment to mourn their kitschy stock and snotty staff. Moving on, the people who working here look OPPRESSED. The guy who took my order had the phone up to his ear for most of the time I was here, including when he took my order and the time it took to make it. [Edit: He wasn't even talking into the phone. It was just up to his ear the entire time, pinched between his shoulder and head. I'm guessing someone was on hold, but I still found this disconcerting.] After sitting around waiting for someone to at least approach the juice making station to fix my "Give Me a Tan", a staffer walked in hurriedly from the outside, I'm guessing to report for duty. He, eventually, got around to whipping up my order, but what if he wouldn't have walked in for another 5 or 10 minutes? The situation here is weird. Everyone is ultra-rushed and looked visibly upset to be there. Is everyone having a bad day? So he eventually got around to making my juice (the only person working I saw smile at all) which wasn't the juice I expected (I anticipated a smooth, liquidy, relatively pulp-free - basically the kind of stuff you see pouring out of the spout of a Jack LaLanne juicer on the infomercials). Instead, it was just orange juice, carrot chunks and apple liquefied in a VitaMix blender. A puree with ice and a straw in it. For $5.40 (incl. tax, people) you get 20oz, which is a fair amount, but I don't think I'll be back any time soon. I might have to order my own Jack LaLanne mixer or perhaps count that his people will read this local review and send me one for free.
(2)
Sarah L.
The one time I ate I. At Fuel, there was a table of about 20 dudes, each walking around with a huge bottle of vodka. I'm not sure if putting vodka in smoothies keeps them "healthy" but I did find the whole experience entertaining. Fuel for takeout or delivery is kind of that fallback plan for when you're too lazy to do anything else. Gluten free paninis are good, but considering most gluten free bread tastes like cardboard, the bar is set pretty low. All of the sandwiches seem a little dry, I'm not sure why this is. Whatever the reason, it means I'm always left feeling like my meal was less exciting than I'd hoped it would be. Everything sounds so delicious...and the first bite usually is, but by the end, I'm reaching for water and considering dipping my sandwich in a side of ranch. I feel like it's one of those meh places that I'll keep going back to just because it is easy. Ha, insert inappropriate easy joke here....
(3)
Ryan E.
I was seriously waiting for the whole staff to start fist pumping. When I first walked in, I wasn't quite sure if I walked into an Old City night club or not. The service is pretty bad. I waited in line for five minutes just to order. There was a woman in front of me who was checking on her order for the 2nd time and had been waiting 10+ minutes for a juice drink. I also ended up waiting for 15+ minutes for a salad only to have them give my salad to some girl who ordered the same thing five minutes after me. Oh, and she still sat waiting while her boyfriend waited for his food. I was by myself and ordered first, why wouldn't they give it to me first? So I sat and waited another 2 or 3 minutes until they finally called my order. To top it all off, the bag they stuck it in had sticky juice on it which got all over my clothing. With that being said, the salad was pretty good. Not fantastic but I'd be willing to go back and try some other items on the menu. I appreciate the healthy spin on food. Conceptually, it's a great idea. Don't be fooled by the "everything under 500 calories" though. They have a small print disclaimer which states that their sandwich calorie counts do not include bread. None the less, everything seems pretty healthy and fresh. I guess we gotta keep those bodies tight for the Jersey Shore.
(3)
Erica M.
I had a great lunch experience at Fuel yesterday. We were seated promptly by a courteous host/server. Our server was attentive despite the fact that they were busy with the lunch crowd. The food was very good - I had the veggie stacker panini with goat cheese instead of ricotta and my cousin had the Thai chicken wrap. I really enjoyed that my veggies and the bread had a VERY minimal amount of grease/oil...the food truly seemed healthy! My cousin lost her earring and when I called a few hours after we left, the guy who answered the phone was very friendly and offered to take my name and phone number in case it turned up. Overall, a good experience - check it out!
(4)
Kiley P.
As a health-conscious business traveler, I was astounding to find Fuel. Everything I've ordered has been tasty yet nutritious without the added fat and calories. I highly recommend the grilled shrimp, Thai chicken wrap, grilled chicken and artichoke Panini on whole grain, grilled vegetables and the pumpkin pie. Each item was well worth it's cost as well as the savings to my waistline. I can't wait for more locations to open across the country - it's a health nuts dream come true.
(5)
Jamie G.
I stopped here for lunch and was seated in the tiny foyer area which was great for people watching but I have NO idea what the rest of the restaurant looks like. I had the Roasted Turkey wrap and was delighted it was also served with a side salad. For someone that went through an obsession with counting calories I thought the calories looked a little low for the amount of food served (about 350) but I am far from an expert on these things and kind of stopped caring. Overall - fresh food and quick service - I love a good 'healthy food' joint so this place fared well for me and I'd go back again.
(4)
Aisha L.
3.5 I Like what they are doing here its just seems a little poorly executed. When you get there you see that the decor is trying to be kind of modern chic, and with a name like fuel they are trying to be cool and edgy with a sense of humor and realism. It ended up looking a little cheap in my opinion. My friend and my boy friend came here on a beautiful Thursday afternoon to get some lunch. We sat outside and the waitress joined us soon enough. I got an ice tea and she came back shortly there after to answer questions and take our orders. They had a good selection of vegetarian items without soy or seitan or any of that crap that I hate, which is a big PLUS for veg/vegan friendly restaurants, and they have meat on their menu too for the healthy carnivores. I ordered the mushroom sandwich with goat cheese, and my friend ordered the eggplant sandwich. They come with side salads too. The thing that got this place to drop a star was when the food came my friend and mines sandwiches got mixed up, they put mine in front of him and his in front of me and my BF got the right one in front of him.. So when I started eating it, I was like this isnt right. It has eggplant on it, so I jut figured they messed up my order. So when the waitress came back I said to her that I thought my sandwich was wrong, and she started arguing with me that that was what I ordered. Not wanting to have a big confrontation that afternoon (sometimes I dont mind getting into it with a waitress if she is being particularly rude) but it was just a casual lunch so I shrugged it off. After talking to her my friend was like, "Yeah my sandwich isnt quite right either, and we realized the waitress had just put the wrong items in front of us. that was frustrating because sandwiches all look the same its not easily identifiable that yours and your neighbors got switched. I mean if I had the pasta and he had the salad clearly we would have seen a switch. So our waitress should have done it right (seeing that she took the order and thats what position numbers are for) or she should have auctioned off at the table asking whose was whose. Ill still come back. The food was tasty.
(3)
Mark K.
I went twice because of friends. impression ? food was nothing special, music overwhelming and space, cramped. never again.
(2)
Lizette H.
Diggin' the vegan options in Center CIty lately. Fuel does not let you down. Dip your feet with their sampler and definitely try their pea hummus and regular hummus. yummy. I also enjoyed the eggplant and roasted portabello panini. You reall can't go wrong here. Enjoy without feeling guilty afterwards.
(5)
Mike S.
Some days its good to eat healthy. The other day was one of them, and what better way than the head over to a place that serves food under 500 calories. There are plenty of tables if you wish to dine in. The only weird thing is the TV that constantly shows extremely fit men and women swimming and having a grand ol time. Meh, not for me. Got some salads to go. One was shrimp and avacado over a bed of spinach with a lemon dressing. Other was roasted turkey salad. Both were good. I was left hungry after eating my salad and actually made another salad at home to eat. So much for eating small.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Casual Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : Yes Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Holly L.
This was my first time here and I was a bit overwhelmed at first by the set-up. I wanted to do takeout and was envisioning something different - when you walk in, it's mainly a restaurant set-up, with the take-out counter way in the back. It's not difficult to navigate, just took time to adjust. Service at the register was good, although somewhat difficult to hear and see. The ceilings are really high and the sound gets lost (especially with the open kitchen set right behind) and the lighting is dimmer than I would expect for a healthy food cafe. i took a star off for that. I didn't have to wait too long (15 minutes), but I would recommend calling in as their waiting area isn't the most comfortable (tucked in right next to the people dining at tables). But mmm, the shrimp & corn chowder today really hit the spot for lunch. I also ordered the roasted eggplant & red pepper panini on wheat. It was a little on the wet side, but still very tasty. Maybe the eggplant was a little overcooked. I look forward to devouring the guac & corn with dinner tonight!
(3)Tyler R.
Three coworkers and I went to lunch on the first warm, sunny spring day in Philly. We were looking for outdoor seating, and Fuel was the place. I didn't know much about Fuel, but I definitely had biases. First, I thought it was a workout/gym spot for those who want "fuel" for their workouts. False-- it's more healthy options with fairly low calorie counts. Second, I thought it was more fast-food-esque, and it was definitely a sit down, take your order and relax atmosphere. Last, I thought the food would be awful. Wrong again. It was decent. I had the Thai Chicken sandwich with a mixed greens salad. The salad was fine, maybe something from a bag or box, but it was well dressed and fresh. The sandwich was a little bit of a let down as it did not have much Thai flavor (maybe a chicken with peanut sauce?), though as a panini it was cruchy, and delicious. The daily specials looked good, and the rest of the menu seemed fair. Four stars for being better than expected, but one star because it's not as good as they want you to think it is, regardless if the bites are healthy or not..
(4)Lia B.
i come here for sit down dinners sometimes after the gym. the hummus sampler is great sized for sharing plus they will do half veggies half pita. the deconstructed guac is good too as a nice appetizer. i like that they let me do all types of substitutions and changes to customize my meal. im a very particular eater and this location is sensitive to that and they go out of their way to ensure that i am getting what i want. i find its easy to get a table here, the service and speed of the food coming out is decent, and there is plenty of seating, and i love the calories and points on the menu. i love when places are transparent with their ingredients. just docking one star because the juices are dumb. i saw them using prepackaged apple juice which is irksome because why am i paying for a premium juice when its obviously not fresh made. also there have been times when the produce hasnt been so fresh, but i get it - its winter. *** note to fuel: would love to see some organic options ***
(4)Kerry R.
I ate the shrimp and avocado salad. The pro is I'm a fan of the dressing; it's tangy and citrusy. Everything else about the salad is, 'Eh.' My biggest 'beef' is with the shrimp. My preference is for a slight sear on shrimp because most types of shrimp are just mushy. Also, I really don't understand leaving the tail on, especially for a salad.. Last gripe is that the proportion of spinach to everything else seems a bit out of whack. If this was like a $6 salad I'd probably be OK with these things. But it's$10 and change. This probably goes for almost all salads in Center City though. They're all over priced cause it's center city. But this one specifically doesn't seem worth the price tag more so than most. ** Update 8.9.13 ** Added a star for customer service.
(3)Matthew R.
Wake me up smoothie was extremely sweet and tasted artificial. Chicken TBM was very mediocre. Very dry and the chicken was a little tough to chew
(2)Michelle C.
This location is definitely more my speed than the one on Passyunk. It's not nearly as in-your-face with regards to music and decor. There is plenty of seating, which I imagine is necessary to serve the weekday lunch crowd. The menu is filled with healthy choices. I wish there were more places in Philly that catered to a health conscious crowd, and I applaud FUEL for being one of the few. So the reason for only three stars is that my take-out salad ended up costing me over $12. Which would have been fine, since I was the one who chose to add grilled shrimp for three bucks, except my salad contained just three shrimp. Three. One dollar per small-sized shrimp. I felt a little had. They were delicious, I just wish there had been more for the cost of the up-sell. I'd return if I were in the area and in need of a healthy option, but I wouldn't go out of my way.
(3)Donna A.
Great food, but hit or miss service. Which really sucks. Yeah, the music is loud and the decor is bare bones or maybe they're shooting a porn later, Whatever. It's healthy! Call ahead and pick it up.
(3)John Q.
I'll be the first to admit that generally healthy food is not my favorite but FUEL is the exception. I've mainly stuck to their shakes and sandwiches and haven't had a bad experience yet. My favorite sandwich is their Protein Grilled Cheese. It's very cheesey and the bread is always toasted perfectly. My favorite shake is the Rush but I also enjoy the Protein Buster when I'm in the mood for Peanut Butter. My girlfriend always orders the Protein Buster without the whey protein so they let you customize your shake which is nice. I recently got their Groupon for a 10 shake punch card and went through that thing pretty quickly. I usually grab one on my way home from the gym. I highly recommend this place. The service is fast, the food is fresh and healthy, and the concept is cool.
(5)Kristina C.
Every review that I complete for this restaurant is always 5 stars because they are consistently awesome! Service is fantastic and they do GLUTEN FREE paninni sandwiches (which are so delicious)! Detox smoothies are absolutely amazing and a delicious addition to any meal. The guacamole is a large portion and the amount of chips they give (I know, details) is a generous size. Any appetizer I have had here is a good size and very tasty. Smoked salmon gluten free panini is what I got for my meal and it was so good I ate the entire thing, and that is after I ate the guacamole lol! Thai chicken my husband got as a salad and it was huge! He said that is was delicious as well (no surprise here). We always take food away from here because they give such great portions. If you are looking for a solid, healthy, and DELICIOUS, then you must go here.
(5)Danielle S.
I cannot really say too much about the service because I have only actually eaten there once, but I am probably at Fuel about once a week for take-out. It's on GrubHub, so I can order from work, run errands, and pick up my food on my way back to the office. So convenient! I would suggest for take-out ordering ahead of time. While the staff makes orders quickly, there is not a ton of seating available to wait for your order and if all the seats are filled, it's easy to feel "in the way" as wait staff go in and out of the kitchen. I absolutely love that there is a take-out place that stresses healthy, tasty options! My favorites are the Strawberry Spinach Salad, Chicken and Gorgonzola Panini, and Eggplant and Goat Cheese Panini. The chicken is seasoned perfectly and I often get asked where I got my food in the office because the chicken smells so great! Really refreshing concept for those getting food on the go! Hope it spreads in the City!
(4)A K.
Went to Fuel for takeout. Paid with a credit card. After I signed the receipt and gave it back to the cashier, she wrote in a tip. Found out when I checked my bank statement. Called the restaurant and eventually received a refund. Restaurant gave the excuse that receipts get mixed up. The reality was that the cashier knowingly stole money in the form of a tip on a credit card charge. Food tasted fine (ordered a salad).
(1)Michael T.
I want to like Fuel. I've been a bunch of times because it's close to work and healthy. I love that they display the calorie count on all of their food items. However the decor is cheesy, the curtains look like they came from a prop shop from a high school and the ambiance is comparable to an 80s discotheque. The service is fair. There have been times when I've been attended to and other times where I've waited at the counter for five minutes because the cashier was just hanging out with the dudes at the grill. There are healthier and more efficient places in the area to go to.
(2)Joanna H.
I wanted to get take-out from the area and was feeling something healthy and light. My first experience at Fuel when I got a sandwich was pretty good so I thought why not give it another try!?! I got two orders -it was a busy day for me so I wanted to save the 2nd order for dinner :) I got the Shrimp and Avocado Salad for lunch. I was not a fan of this. I would give 2 stars for this. The lemon vinaigrette dressing had no flavor. It tasted like an "appetizer dressing" rather than a "lunch dressing" if you get what I mean.... The salad overall was lacking in flavor as well. I added craisins, sunflower seed, and feta chesse at home when I was halfway done. The avocadaos were not fresh either. I was so disappointed in this salad and will never get it again. However, the Grilled chicken in a wheat wrap was decent. I think the balsamic reduction gave the wrap a nice end to the taste. The chicken was tender, artichokes were slightly salty but came in an abundant amount, I could not taste the tomato spread that much..but the wrap was nicely wrapped and my dinner did not end up messy. So the overall vibe I get from Fuel everytime I come here for food or drinks...it's very unique. I like it b/c I don't feel like I swallowed a hamburger and feel gross. You'll def feel light and healthy after a full meal, but I am never fully satisfied b/c there's no good grasp to the taste. Will I ever go back again? Yes most likely-but I will keep on ordering something different until I find that GOOD meal !
(3)Julie G.
What a great spot. So many amazing choices and I couldn't decide. We sampled a variety if items and loved them all. Took a Togo menu home and will be back. A must go!!!!
(5)Ashley L.
Fuel is the perfect lunch spot! Healthy, hearty, and delicious. Everything on the menu is under 500 calories and I don't know how they do it. The panini's are very filling and most come topped with gooey melty cheese. Great smoothies as well, whether your looking for a protein boost, more energy, or just a healthy snack.They usally offer $10 for $20 deals so be sure to buy one before going with a friend! Staff is always friendly and you don't usually have to wait too long for your food. I see myself becoming a regular here. topped
(5)Christine B.
So I hadn't eaten in about 24 hours, just sort of happened. I went for my noon time crossfit session and needed to grab lunch on the way back to the office. I've been trying to be healthy so the options down Walnut street were not exactly what I was looking for. Then I spotted Fuel across the street. I figure if I go there it will be easy to stay healthy. I went with the Thai Chicken Wrap. I was unaware of the Gluten free bread option. Will definitely get that next time. The wrap was tasty, the veggies were fresh, and there was a good amount of chicken. I also grabbed a kiwi smoothie (remember I skipped two meals?). That was pretty good too, not overly sweet. I won't be going out of my way to get here, but definitely a good option for a post-work out lunch, although its a little expensive.
(3)Sohee C.
I agree with a lot of what other reviewers have been saying about the atmosphere of Fuel, but note that I have only ordered to-go, so I haven't experienced the place as a sit-down restaurant. CONS: the atmosphere (hence the 4/5, not 5/5). It doesn't seem to be very accommodating .. the high ceilings make doesn't make the place very intimate/cozy, as I would expect a cute vegetarian/healthy food joint would be. Also, the staff seem a bit stressed out (understandably so, as I can see it being a busy place), but it doesn't help with the weird vibes. The side salad for my panini was also bitter, but that's a con for my personal preference. PROS: the food ... there are so many varieties that it was hard to choose. I've only had the detox smoothie (in a sketchy purple-black color but very good .. there seemed to be a lot of juice in it and not much fresh fruit, which was a con for me, but the sweetness was addicting and strangely felt healthy) I also had a turkey panini with wheat toast.. the turkey was thickly sliced, and the pesto sauce, tomato slices with goat cheese (I believe?) was a fantastic combo. The food is worth all of it, and I will probably continue ordering to-go.
(4)Stephanie C.
Really Disappointing. We typically Eat-in and have a great experience, but we ordered delivery last night and it was just pitiful. $40 for 2 smoothies and 2 salads and after waiting an hour, the salads were like a side salad. They were the smallest $10 salads I've ever seen and not worth the money at all. We almost took them back bc it was so ridiculous to pay $10 for something that fits into a small bowl. I don't know if it was because of delivery that they just didn't care and threw something into a plastic container but it just made us angry- what a rip off. It filled probably 1/3 of the plastic container. When you have to supplement your take out with a sandwich it's not worth it. Save your money. Plus side- the smoothies were good. My advice- eat in.
(1)Laura O.
Ordered from Fuel for the first time tonight, and I was very pleased! I wasn't expecting the food to be as fresh and delicious as it was, especially for being healthy. This is now my "go to" delivery place. Cant wait to try more of their menu, especially the smoothies!
(5)Ashley M.
I was actually recommended this place from the owners father. He was absolutely right I LOVE this place! Always a great experience every time I order from both locations. My office is in center city and I live in south Philly so I get the best of both worlds. I'll have to make it a point to actually go in and eat as I've been told the experience is even better. Great lunch spot!
(5)Linda M.
This place is great! Healthy, tasty REAL food for people who don't eat garbage, that is, fast food, pizza, cheesesteaks, Chinese, etc. I had a delicious salad with grilled chicken and roasted red sweet peppers, hubby had a wrap which he enjoyed. The Banana Whip was not good, kind of icy-frozen texture. But I liked the concept and menu and would recommend it to anyone dieting, or who cares about what they eat. Prices are reasonable and the location is funky and cool.
(5)Bran G.
I won't be back. We went post work out thinking where better to refuel than Fuel, right? We were greeted by the most miserable waitress ever, no introduction, no name, just "Sit here" and "You ready?". I have never really experienced anything like it, she sort of reminded me of Wednesday Adams so maybe that was her problem, she was dead or something. The TVs had some weird music videos on when the Sixers were playing in the playoffs. Just did not make a lot of sense. The food was probably 3 stars. We had guacamole with corn. It tasted like basic guacamole with corn. Nothing special but nothing bad. After our wraps were thrown on the table, yes thrown, I knew this place's food was just average. The wraps took forever and I am fairly certain they aren't carving up a fresh turkey every time someone orders one. I got the Roasted Turkey wrap and would have preferred a Wawa hoagie. The tortilla and turkey weren't fresh and it was loaded with cheap pesto. I don't know if they are trying to be healthy, but healthy food DOES NOT have to taste bad. I would not recommend to anyone, even with the Yelp discount (you can get $20 worth of food for $15). The only healthy part is they display the calorie count and don't serve basically anything fried. You can eat healthy elsewhere if you order wisely.
(1)Kristin S.
A friend and I ate here tonight and thought the food was amazing. However, I can't bring myself to give this place 5 stars, because the service was awful. The food: The hummus was perfect - hands-down the most flavorful hummus I've ever tasted. The serving was very generous, but didn't come with nearly enough pita. (Be warned: they charge extra for additional pita!) The Strawberry Spinach Salad was equally good. The service: Our waitress barely made eye contact with us, and answered questions in brusque, one-word answers. When I asked if I could substitute feta for gorgonzola on my salad, she said "yeah" - but didn't tell me that I would be charged 50 cents for making the substitution (I found out when we received the bill). I'm not really sure why they charge extra, since many (similarly priced) salads on the menu come with feta - but in any case, it would have been nice to be told of this charge when I placed my order. At the end of the meal, we asked for boxes for our leftovers. The waitress said ok, cleared away the empty dishes and all of the silverware, and returned with the check. After a few minutes, we realized that she had completely forgotten about the leftovers. We flagged her down and asked a second time for boxes - and she returned a minute later, wordlessly dropped them on the table, and walked away. At that point, we realized that she hadn't left us with any silverware with which to transfer the leftover hummus and salad into the boxes. Not wanting to bother her again, I stole a fork from a nearby empty table. In the future, I might consider getting takeout from Fuel, but I definitely won't be returning for table service.
(3)Rebecca S.
When you're out looking for some good fairly quick grub on a Friday night, a sign noting "500 calories or less" is typically not what I like to see. I want a burger, I want a beer, I want a gluttonous calorie feast. After all, I deserve it don't I? I worked hard all week for a little savory satisfaction. So here I am on Friday and my friends say we HAVE to go to Fuel. But why? I say to them...it's health food...it can't possibly be good. On the contrary and being rather dumbstruck by the food that sat in front of us, I had to hand it to them...maybe they knew what was up with the new kid on the Walnut fast food block. We started with chips and black bean salsa that was tasty, but kind of lacking on the black beans. We then migrated into dinner mode and out came a loaded roast turkey wrap with goat cheese for my male companion, a thai chicken wrap for my female companion, and a grilled cheese on wheat panini for myself. A grilled cheese with not one, not two, but THREE kinds of cheese? How can this possibly be healthy? Maybe it was the spinach and tomatoes tossed in, but I wasn't about to question it. The lemon cream cheese that was used was absolutely delightful. Each dish came with a salad with a light balsamic vinegar type dressing, and each for being under 500 calories was equally enjoyable. The restaurant itself has kind of a strange vibe, maybe because I remember it being a home goods store previously, or maybe it was the loud house music, or the plastic furniture...at least the food makes up for it's off-beat ambiance. My only qualm is that they don't open early enough to pick up a juice or smoothie for breakfast, they're more of a designated lunch/dinner joint; I guess it's not much of a complaint and look forward to trying out the juice bar in the future.
(4)Kory A.
I eat at FUEL a few times a month (if not a week). I have introduced many colleagues and friends to FUEL. I already have a large review on YELP about FUEL - but two items this week made me want to revisit my review, as both were so outstanding they needed a special mention. Just in time for Thanksgiving, FUEL offers a Thanksgiving Turkey sandwich. It featured deliciously seasoned, tender turkey, surrounding by a delicious cranberry relish, Mascarpone Cheese, and apples. Everyone at my table wanted a bite - and I had to steal my sandwich back from them! If you get to FUEL before the holidays, this is a definite winner. (P.S. FUEL should add this to their permanent menu!) The other item of note was the Shrimp Canapes. Four picturesque canapes arrived, with over-sized, fresh tasting and delicious shrimp, that sat on a cucumber, with fresh humus, basil and tomatoes. It was healthy and tasty! I can't wait for my next visit to order both items again!
(5)Ayana P.
I tried Fuel with a groupon. I thought it was ok. The food wasn't bad at all, but it wasn't the greatest either. I would go back probably because of the hype if nothing else (bad right?). It's also seems a little overpriced. I gave it an additional star because the entire menu is made up of sensible options. You can't really overindulge unless you make a conscious effort to. I just think that's important for this fat a**, diabetic society that I exist in.
(4)Ryan W.
Rocco Cima, radio host and owner of Fuel, is awesome! I left an unglamorous review about this location because of a one-off issue and he responded immediately (as you can see below). This type of customer service made a huge impact on me. I'll definitely be giving this Fuel location another shot. Thanks Rocco!
(5)Mandi J.
A nice little lunch spot. I like that their menu is full of healthier options, and they were easily able to make small changes to a starter I ordered. However, my partner was dissatisfied with his panini, noting that it was the second time he had ordered one from Fuel, and both times found the bread to be mostly burned. Add that to a strangely long wait, despite being the only ones waiting for take-away. So, overall I would probably go back, but not if I was in a rush (and I'd probably stay away from the paninis).
(3)Jen N.
After hearing my roommate talk about Fuel, I decided to stop in back in May to grab a quick lunch before a doctor's appointment. I was able to sit outside, which was nice, and ordered the organic thyme lemonade and the grilled veggie wrap with no ricotta. It was quite delicious! Since I was impressed, I bought a groupon while eating. I went back last night and used my groupon and was far less impressed. :/ I ordered the same lemonade because it is so yummy!! And I ordered the fuel stacker Panini. At the top of the menu, they advertise "we can veganize anything". Since the menu clearly stated this I asked for vegan mozzerela on my Panini. I was informed by the waiter that they do not have vegan cheese, I showed him the menu and just said oh ok. He asked if I still wanted cheese and I said sure and just took a lactaid. The Panini was very good, but the salad served with it had no dressing what so ever. Since I had to use the whole group-on while there, I also ordered the Tuna Salad to go for lunch the next day. What I received was argula and tuna. It is advertised to have tomatoes, kamalata olives, and red onions. I had 2 cherry tomatoes, 3 kamalata olives, and about 5 slivers of red onion. I wish I would have packed some crackers or crostini to go with the salad because eating tuna and argula with dressing is just boring. My advice to customers: stick to the paninis and wraps -- they seem to be more flavorful. My advice to Fuel: do not advertise that you can veganize "everything" when you simply cannot.
(3)Katherine L.
The menu here is a simple approach to vegetarian cafe food. Plenty of smoothies, juices, salads and sandwiches for you to peruse and ponder. The place is spacious inside with high ceilings and offers some outdoor seating. The staff has some knowledge of the menu, but concerns like vegan and gluten-free may receive short shrift. If all you care about is vegetarian food, you'll be fine. It's nice to have a great big menu, but it would be nicer if the staff were more knowledgeable. It's nice that there are a lot of smoothies and juices with unique blends, and it's great to have size choice! It's great to have fresh ingredients and healthful options. It's a decent and reasonably healthful place to dine, but I can see why some people find the pricing too high or the service less than stellar. I would go back if hungry for a quick bite, but I would not go back expecting Michelin star dining or service by any measure. Think cafe-style all around, and you'll be fine.
(3)Mike M.
I work right in the heart of Center City and Fuel is the absolute clutch for lunch. Granted, I've only had their smoothies when I wasn't feel entirely hungry and they hit the spot every time. I'm a huge fan of any business that utilizes technology like Level Up because paying with your iPhone is a better feeling than an Amex any day. I recommend the Detox Smoothie because it is delicious and is a perfect pick-me-up for that afternoon haul.
(4)Ancy T.
I've been here a few times and the food has never disappointed. I love their wraps and paninis because they just taste so fresh and clean cut and that is key for me when it comes to food. I have a pretty sensitive stomach so I love that I know I will feel good after eating anything from here. Today was no different. I had a nice and attentive waitress and this was a new experience because normally I get food to go, but I'm glad I decided to dine in. I wasn't really hungry so I just got a smoothie and requested if I could just have a small bowl of fruit. Even though it wasn't on the menu they were still able to accommodate and I LOVE that they did that. Kudos to your customer service!
(4)Tommy M.
Came here for lunch with my mom yesterday since she had a Groupon that was expiring the end of April. I've passed this place a hundred plus times but never went in, so this was a great chance to try something new. The hosts in the front were very nice and gave us a table by the window (sunny and gorgeous out, so, well done hosts). I'm not going to lie, as I first looked over the menu, I was a bit confused - everything can be made into a salad/wrap/sandwich/flatbread?! The answer is, basically, yes, which is fantastic for a wide range of people. We were given a while to look over the menu before our waitress appeared with waters (which was probably good since I was still figuring things out food wise), and then my mom and I were able to place our order. We decided to share the Spanish skewered shrimp, my mom got the grilled veggie (salad), and I got the Thai chicken (also as a salad). The salads were absolutely fantastic - fresh, light, and full of flavor. The shrimp was a major disappointment - far too salty, a bit on the undercooked side, and an overwhelming amount of what tasted like old bay seasoning. Aside from that, our server was super friendly, and the salads were great! Definitely worth another return trip, but make sure you order enough food, since everything is 500 calories or less!
(4)Rachel U.
This place is so much bigger inside than it seems from the outside; has a nice airy, coffee-house-y feel with nice bright walls, a good amount of seating, high ceiling. I'm not into the gym feeling of their logo and whatnot, but I get it. The traffic on Walnut is a bit much for me to enjoy sitting outside, but the people-watching is prime and they'll serve you at the outside tables, which is nice. We've also come here with our 7 month old; they don't have high chairs but we were able to fit the stroller at a table in the front so it wasn't in the way. The food isn't complicated but everything we've had here was tasty and filling. My favorite so far is the fuel stacker, and I liked that you can exchange ingredients pretty easily if you want a different type of cheese, spread, etc. The lemonade was way too sweet.
(4)N G.
Trying to like this place, but after the third botched meal I won't ever be going back. Ordered an avocado arugula salad. The avocado was spoiled and all I got was 10 servings of arugula with 1 cherry tomato and a few crushed chips. Also had the carrot ginger OJ juice which tasted like shredded carrots (not juiced at all). Take your money elsewhere folks
(1)Emma T.
Super healthy, freshly prepared food which will leave you very satisfied. I have yet to eat anything at Fuel that I didn't absolutely love. All of their wraps come with a side of salad with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. Their South Philly wrap is a must for garlic lovers. Their hummus is some of the best I've ever had, and it is a huge portion, perfect for sharing. The decor itself is minimalistic and bright with TVs often playing weird music videos, but overall it is unoffensive. If you don't like the decor, you can always order delivery - it's just as good. Fuel also almost always has some sort of deal.
(5)Japhet R.
Nice little spot. It gets a little busy durring lunch hours but its worth it. I had the TBM (Tomato Basil Mozerella? I'm guessing) pesto w/ chicken panini on wheat. The bread was a little too thin and got soggy kinda quick with all the oil from the pesto. I still enjoyed it. I'm used to eating sloppy sandwiches. some would say that's the best kind of sandwich. I'm definitely going back as its probably one of the healthiest places to eat downtown and they serve protein shakes and natural juices. Prices are up there but still... Not bad.
(4)Jimmie B.
Fuel gets a thumbs up from me. The food is healthy, delicious and affordable. The service is nice and some of the staff are VERY easy on the eyes. What great place to grab a light lunch and relax with friends.
(5)Ali C.
The menu at fuel is filled with healthy choices and the calories are listed beside each item (which I like). I have eaten at fuel several times (how can you pass it up when there is a groupon listed almost all of the time?). This time I ate the Grilled veggie panini and the baked potato soup. My fiance had the Egg, turkey, and mozzarella wrap. The food to me is always just ok. It's not bad but it's not very good. The smoothies are pretty good (strawberry banana).
(3)KC C.
The kale green tea smoothie is AMAZING. Their food and other smoothies are also really good- love their guacamole. But this is, hands down, the best smoothie I have ever had. Solid.
(5)Kelsey T.
Hi Rocco, You were actually the manager on staff the evening of my catered delivery. Your day manager, Ashley, must have matched my review with my order since she called me shortly after posting it on yelp. I returned her call and left a message. I will be happy to update and change my review if this is settled.
(1)Ben K.
Ok this place should have got a four and I couldn't quite bring myself to give a two. I was teetering though. This is a fabulous model. Good healthy food not too many calories and reasonable price. This should be a home run. The bad: the ginger chicken had about three tiny pieces of red pepper and barely any more onion. Can we say dulllll! Visually food should have color and this was an even tan. Come on veggies are not that expensive. The good: It tasted good and there was tons of chicken. They use brown rice and the people were super nice! Add a couple of veggies maybe add some green peppers and this would be great. Give these folks a try and encourage them to tune up their fare. I will go back and do the same.
(3)Andrew W.
Ordered a chocolate-ccino. It was pretty good considering. The place lacks personality as it is really worse than the Cosi down the street. If it wasn't for the Groupon, I wouldn't have come this way. There's no Wifi and the place isn't too big. I would come again with some reservations.
(3)Kelsey S.
As for smoothies, I recommend "protein buster" or "detox". A medium is about $7, so it's a little bit of a splurge but it's worth it if you are in the mood for a smoothie and you're in the area. I came for brunch today and also had a solid experience. I ordered a mozzarella, avocado, turkey, and egg panini on whole wheat. The sandwich was paired with black bean salsa, which added some good flavor. My friends ordered the buckwheat pancakes and a frittata and they both said the meals were delicious. Each entree was $10 so it was a good price for a health- conscious meal. I can't wait to come back to try lunch!
(4)Lea T.
Fuel used to wow me, but now that I've dined in a few times I can't give them more than 3 stars. Concept is great- health conscious food with options all under 500 calories. Salads, smoothies, and protein shakes don't seem very unique but its always a good option to offer. Overall the menu seems hit or miss, some items like the Spicy Skewered Shrimp, Kicked-up artichoke dip, and Sweet Pea Wontons have always been consistently good while other items fall short... the Hummus isn't memorable and the Chicken Lettuce Wraps use the cold grilled chicken diced up with shredded carrot that is served on limp pieces of lettuce that could not possibly function as a wrap... The salads here are decent, but no exciting toppings or variation from what is offered at other spot around the city. The Rice Power Bowls seemed like a good idea (except they're only served after 4 pm) but when I tried the Thai Chicken and Ginger Chicken Bowls I found both were bland and didn't have much chicken or vegetables. For $7-$12 per item the portions aren't large and the healthy creations aren't very flavorful or original. Not to mention that the restaurant interior can use a fresh coat of paint and makes you feel like you're eating in a café in a gym... Also charging me for a refill of iced tea when I'm dining in? Not even real restaurants with tablecloths and servers in uniform try to pull that trick...
(3)Stuart H.
Was strolling down Walnut Street in CC and came across Fuel. Loved that everything is under 500 calories. First impression was the staff. Wow! So friendly. Patricia took really good care of me. She recommended the TBM as a salad. I added Salmon and it was delicious. Thanks for the hospitality and great service.
(5)Emily H.
Went here today for the first time and it was pretty good! It was a nice casual place to grab some food and catch up with friends. Service was great - our waitress was very friendly. I got the tomato basil soup (my favorite) which was vey good and the chicken lettuce wraps. The chicken lettuce wraps weren't my favorite but they were still good - and a little spicy! Prices are pretty reasonable, I would say this place is on the cheaper side which is great considering it has such a large and appealing menu with all healthy options. I definitely want to go back some time and try one of the paninis, smoothies, and breakfast!
(4)Lisa S.
I came to Fuel Center City a few weeks ago on a Saturday early afternoon when I was in town for a conference. This was my second time to Fuel, but the first time at this location. The ambiance is a casual, seat-yourself, quick food type of place. However, there were people behind us sharing a bottle of wine and a good looking meal- so some people settle in for a bit longer :-). I ordered a T.B.M. with egg panini ($9.95)- tomato, basil pesto, mozzarella, and scrambled eggs. It was delicious. I also ordered a soy latte with sugar-free vanilla syrup ($3)... it came with some nutmeg on top and was one of the best lattes I've had. The food came out quickly, the waitress was friendly, and we were able to linger at our table catching up for awhile without feeling rushed. The place wasn't too busy, which was nice. Two thumbs up- a good place to grab a casual brunch or lunch with a friend, with some interesting and unique (and healthy) options!
(4)Jessica W.
I'm not really sure WHAT is going on with this location- especially since I used to love this place when I moved to CC.... Yes, the food is yummy and I *WAS* a big fan of the thanksgiving panini but that's all been shot to hell! I've had too many horrible customer service experiences at this location that have left me completely confused and scratching my head... I've heard countless stories of orders being completely messed up or delivery being super late and food arriving cold but I still supported them and wanted to give them my business... ... Until now. I convinced my boyfriend to give Fuel ONE LAST TRY (he has been completely turned off by Fuel from our last experience with "Ashley" who claimed she was the manager yet was completely rude to us over a Groupon deal and we watched her curse us out from our table in the kitchen). Half way through my sandwich and mid chew I pull a slimy piece of plastic out of my mouth!!! I *WISH* I was making this up! I call them back to let them know (we ordered our food for pick up and we're eating at home) and guess we got- MORE ATTITUDE and BAD customer service. NOPE. I'm done with you, Fuel. DONE. The only reason why I'm even giving 2 stars is because I used to love this place and I'm nostalgic for those memories. Until then, Fuel needs to revamp for cleanliness and retrain their employees for customer service!
(2)Anupma S.
I actually really really like this place for a light and healthy sandwich or smoothie. They have great options and everything is organic and low in calories! I would prefer Fuel than other similar spots like HipCityVeg. The service is great too -- everyone is very willing to explain to you menu items. I love that the sandwiches come with a small side salad because I never order salads on their own, so it's nice to be given a salad! Healthy! I really liked the salmon sandwich and the eggplant one. Also, I love their smoothies. They are very unique and tasty. The best part about Fuel is the Yelp and Groupon deals -- you can almost always find a $20 for $40 of food deal, how great is that! I've used it a couple of times and was very happy -- great food for a great price.
(4)John C.
(1) Horrible calorie per dollar ratio given the quality. (2) Nutrition information seems inaccurate. I understand that this restaurant is marketing to a fitness-minded crowd that that is generally interested in creating energy deficits (and being hungry). But it is highway robbery to charge $10 per plate for a 400 calorie salad. For the price, that salad better taste amazing. And Fuel's salads don't. Gym-goers are better off making their own salad for $1.50 since most of Fuel's stuff is replicable at home. I'm curious to know how Fuel is able to provide calorie values as specific as "385" (that is, down to the single-digits). With that kind of specificity, I'd expect them to be measuring what they put in their dishes to some extent, but it seems like they don't. I've been there 4-5 times trying new things and portions are all over the place -- especially cheese in the salads. Not something to complain about for most restaurants, but a real problem for one that holds itself out as meeting specific calorie needs.
(2)Christina K.
WHAT I ORDERED: Smoked salmon panini with avocado and lettuce + Protein buster smoothie with soy milk PROS: Delicious protein buster smoothie + fresh ingredients + price CONS: So so panini ----MORE DETAIL---- FOOD: GOOD: Fresh ingredients, but the panini was just so so. To their defense, I'm recovering from a GI problem and my diet is strange, so I had to omit several of the ingredients. Definitely worth another try. The protein buster smoothie with soy milk was AMAZING. SERVICE: NEUTRAL: Lackluster, but came by frequently and often. AMBIANCE: NEUTRAL: Casual place to grab a quick bite - nothing special or bad.
(3)John M.
Great tasting food full flavor and fresh this was my first visit. I'll be back to try other dishes. If you are walking by open the door and come on in.
(5)Tanya D.
Ordered two chicken Caesar salads today and I was really upset. One had a fly in it and they didn't include plastic knives which made it very difficult to eat bc the lettuce is served as whole leaves layered on top each other.
(2)kate j.
I come here often because it's convenient and they have a good amount of vegetarian options for lunch. Delivery service is great, but in the restaurant it's just okay. Beware when you order anything that contains salmon! If you do not indicate that you would like for it to be cooked, not just pan seared, you must tell them this or you will receive a sandwich or wrap with uncooked salmon. The menu does not indicate this. Not my style. I do recommend ordering wraps from here for a group/office lunch - their platters include a good variety of meat/vegetarian/vegan options.
(3)Natalia L.
Found this place through Groupon since we were in Philly for the holiday weekend and as a vegan my options are limited to asian/indian food. Nice and trendy lay out with The Cure playing in the background and free WiFi. Wish they'd open one up in DC/Northern Virginia. I like the fact that anything on the menu can be modified to your needs, whether vegan, weight conscious, bread or no bread, etc. It was a bit confusing but I settled on the roasted veggie on a wheat wrap, and chose to replace the ricotta with tofu. It came with fresh spring greens tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, but still I found it to be a bit bland. I asked if they had any mustard or extra vinegar and they said they don't carry any side sauces like mustard or ketchup in order to keep calorie counts down. I thought mustard was like 5 calories per serving? I understand the whole ketchup thing since it's full of sugar, but I didn't ask for ketchup. Regardless, the waitress was generous and offered me a side of berry vinaigrette, which gave it more of a flavor. I suppose I'm used to spicy Indian and Thai food so regular American food just doesn't do it for me anymore. My husband's food was "meh" in his own words; the Thai Chicken. Like me, he said his food didn't have much of a flavor. Guess I'll go back to my Asian hang outs for now....
(3)Jessica S.
I'm a huge fan of unhealthy delicious food, but it's nice when you can go out and not feel terrible about how much calories you consumed either. I came to Fuel with a friend a few weeks ago with our goal in mind to have a healthy but satisfying dinner. We were seated right away and opted to sit outside, as it was a nice night in the city. We started off with the guac appetizer with goat cheese and tomato and asked for extra veggies instead of chips. The guac was delicious and the veggies were fresh and crunchy! We were off to a good start. For my meal, I got the strawberry spinach salad with tofu. Tofu is pretty hit or miss, but this was cooked well and went nicely with the salad. The salad was a good sized portion and had fresh berries mixed with gorgonzola and pecans. My friend got the same, but with chicken which came with a ton of chicken for the price. We both left feeling full and happy that we stuck with healthy options. We also used a yelp deal which was pay 15 dollars for 20 bucks worth of food, so the cost was an added bonus. We will definitely be back!
(4)Rose V.
I brought a groupon deal for this place and finally decided to use it last week. I really like it, they have very healthy selection of foods on their menu and outdoor seating. Its near the gayborhood section of downtown philly so, it gives on a nice city feel. I had the grilled cheese on what and my gf had the chicken flat bread with peanut sauce, in which both was delicious. They have a lot more stuff I would like to try on the menu so I will definitely be visiting this place again.
(4)Stephanie S.
Initially I was very excited to try Fuel because of all of the healthy options. Everything on the menu is under 400 calories. Great! We opted for delivery which we ordered through Grub Hub. This took almost an hour. My one roommate ordered the cucumber salad as her meal. This was most definitely NOT a meal nor a salad. It was probably something I would feed my pet rabbit, if I had one. It was four measly slivers of cucumber and four slices of not yet ripe tomato. This was very disappointing. We then called and Jamal was extremely rude and not accommodating. He said that if we were to order at the restaurant he would have given us more greens and thats just how the salad is. This should NOT be under salads on the menu, its more of a side. The "salad" was also 7 dollars. NOT worth 7 dollars. I will say the paninis were good, but soagy. I don't reccommend getting delivery from here. Maybe dining in is a better experience, but we won't be giving this place another chance.
(1)Pira T.
I have been wanting to go to Fuel so many times. I walked by everyday. I think I havent been here until now because of the interior and the way the place looks. Lesson learnt, Never judge the book by its cover. I finally went in yesterday. Wow I should have come here long time ago. I could eat here everyday! Fuel Stacker Panini and pineapple power lunch smoothie. SO GOOD!!! You can even request the song you want to listen to here. You just need to download an app. The service was awesome as soon as I walked in. They make sure you have everything you need. I dont even have to ask for extra napkins. Some restaurant are very stingy, you will be surprised. I have nothing bad to say about this place at all. I feel good, healthy and full when I walked out the place. Yes I am going back for sure probably today. I will try their brunch very soon.
(5)Amy K.
I love this place! It's one of the few places in center city that deliver healthy organic food and juices! Every entree is under 500 calories. My favorite sandwich is the south philly panini and I always order the Hulk Juice. Only downfall is the delivery wait time. Last time I ordered I waited for an hour and 15 minutes after being getting ETA of delivery under 45 mins. It wont stop me from ordering from here, but I'll be placing my order a lot earlier.
(5)Shari A.
Love their food. Although have never quite figured out why they are always empty. Well horrible service can do that. They have a strange staff dynamic. A bunch of angry girls constantly rolling their eyes at each other and customers. I hope the owner reads this and fixes this issue. Their food is amazing and would hate to see this joint die in probably one of the most competitive restaurant market in the U.S.
(3)Arkady V.
Stopped in for a quick bite and boy was that a good choice. Definitely not your standard sandwich place. First take made me think I'd be starving by the time,I left as nothing on the menu was over 500 calories but boy was I wrong. Their breads are absolutely delicious and filling and getting them pressed warm is a bonus. I only had the chicken wrap with sundried tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and saracha but it was absolutely delicious. Staff is friendly service was quick though it was not that busy when we were in. Great stop for a quick bite to eat. Additionally they do have many GF bread options that can be substituted. Would give 5* if portions were a bit bigger. Prices are pretty fair for the quantity and quality. Got away with $20 for 2 people.
(4)Christina W.
This place is consistently meh for me. The food is alwyas on point, but the service is terrible. Every time I've gone here, the waitstaff forget about me and my party at some point during our meal. Either they forget to seat us because they "thought someone else was taking care of it" or they forget to bring us our food or they forget that they gave us the check already and we waste 25 minutes waiting for them to swipe our credit card. Management here should invest in some additiional training for their staff and/or better organize who was what responsibilities.
(2)Kirby J.
I want to give this place five stars, but their delivery times are astronomical. And their minimum amount for delivery seems to change based on how busy they are, which is obnoxious. That being said, I've never had a bad meal here, and if you're either willing to pick up or wait 1-2 hours for your food, it's definitely worth it.
(4)Allison G.
I had the South Philly chicken panini for lunch today. It was flavorful, but I wish it had been a little more melted. I went around 11:30 and barely had to wait. They have a lot of menu options, and the prices seemed about average for lunch. I'd go back!
(4)Chinmayi V.
I have eaten here several times, and everytime I have got great tasting fresh food! The paninis are excellent and they can veganise anything on their menu, without compromising the taste. Service is very prompt as well. Very consistent and great tasting food!
(4)N W.
Good food for the money. Had the "deconstructed guacamole salad" and it was delish. They have a full juice bar if you are in to that kind of stuff. You don't feel as guilty eating here either because they list the calories and protein content. Atmosphere is ok. Loud but they have more secluded tables.
(4)Porter R.
I've had both good and bad experiences here. Normally I will go here for brunch (most likely influenced by a groupon).. The food seems like it should be good, but sometimes small oversights bring it down. One that stands out is wraps that are served wet on the bottom. That being said, it is worth a shot if you are getting a deal.
(3)Juliana K.
I'm not in love with fuel like others are. Weekday Lunch time gets busy so expect a line and a bit of a wait. I got a salad here that had onion, avocados, grape tomatoes, bland chicken, and lime vinaigrette and it was pretty underwhelming. For the price, it wasn't worth it. Nothing special. Smoothies (more like juice) are pretty good and Friendly service though.
(3)Brittany R.
I could eat here for every meal. I love the Fuel Stacker Salad with Chicken or Tofu. I also recently went there for brunch and got a Frittata which was delicious. Everything is so fresh and healthy. It is pretty pricey but you get what you pay for. The servings are huge (except if you get the shrimp...) My one complaint is about the avocado- it always tastes as if it was frozen and then defrosted unless I was served bad avocado- I only got it a couple of times but each time it had a weird consistency.
(5)Chuck M.
Poor service with a slightly bad attitude. I live in Philly and eat out a lot. I just happened to be at a seminar next to this restaurant. I went for lunch. I ordered one appetizer and one flatbread. The hostess was polite. The server didn't seem like she wanted to be there. She wasn't rude to me, but she was condescending and obvious about her feelings about being there. I asked for a soda (I wasn't in the mood for a shake). She rolled her eyes - rolled them - and pointed behind me and told me, "Sweeties, this is all we have." I turned around to see a 2ft. x 6ft. soda cooler - barely stocked - that was situated behind a table. Of course, I didn't notice it when I sat down; it wasn't obvious and the menu suggested a lot more of a selection. The server rushed me out as well. I began to ask her for more napkins and she cut me off and said, "Oh, you're finished? Let me get your check." I had to tell he no and that I really just needed a napkin. The food was okay. It seems like it would be different, and it kind-of is. But, I could order most of the protein from the menu from any India restaurant. I did not have the opportunity to try a smoothie, but I don't see myself trying this place again.
(2)Louis C.
This place is the best...my brother and I own a small retail store in the neighborhood and we send our clients there when ever they ask for quality food/service...Franco and his team at Fuel never disappoint highly recommend this establishment for lunch and catering parties.
(5)Sam A.
I come In all the time for their healthy shakes and sammys. Good stuff and feel good food. Today's omlet was a disappointment. I ordered Greek egg white feta cheese omlet on wheat panini and the bread was charred. I tried to ignore the burnt taste but it overpowered my eggs and cheese. Whyyyyy?!!!! I will have to be that annoying cusmer to say please don't burn my food...
(3)Susan L.
Love this place as a healthy eater. Big menu but kind of the same ingredients over and over in different variations. That's okay tho cuz it's all good fresh stuff. Very healthy and vegetarian friendly!! Calorie counts on everything.
(4)Patrizia C.
I love Fuel. It's only a few blocks from my office and it offers a variety of low-calorie, healthy-while-still-being-yummy food. I tend to be boring when ordering lunch so I always get the eggplant and goat cheese panini, which is always delicious. I usually have to add something on since the minimum delivery amount is $15 and today I ordered the Spicy Grilled Shrimp appetizer which was also delicious. My only gripe about this place is the amount of time it takes for them to deliver. Today, I placed the order a few minutes before 11am (I was hungry, ok?) but the food arrived after 12pm. Over an hour for a panini? Unfortunately that is the one thing that often deters me from ordering from here, especially when I am extra hungry. But for days when I can be patient, I guess it is sort of worth the wait....
(3)Jordan P.
Accepts LevelUp, quick, professional service, tasty treats, hard to go wrong. I've watched a number of friends get Fuel for take-out, salivating at their healthy-looking sammies and salads, so I stopped in the other day to grab a quick juice (I was feeling a little worn out, fresh green juice sounded like just the trick). My last experience with buying "just a juice" was a $7 "treat yo' self" moment at Pure Fare. And, while that was delicious, sometimes you're not really feeling the whole "Empty your wallet for this cuppa green stuff!" vibe from PF. Enter Fuel, where a 16oz juice costs merely $4. I was floored with joy, and able to use my LevelUp app to pay the piper. The juice itself (I believe it was called the hulk) was cucumber, spinach, apple, lemon and I requested some extra ginger. My only complaints were a) not enough ginger [coming from a bit of a ginger addict, this could be ok for most folks] and b) they tossed some ice in there. Maybe I'm a juicing purist, but I'm assuming that ice took up precious room in my cup that could've been full of nutrients. Juice-trients. Either way, it hit the spot, tasting just as refreshing as it made me feel, and I left happy and satisfied. I saw a number of happy patrons enjoying their lunch break in the very trendy-looking interior, and they also were running a holiday gift card deal of "buy $20 worth of giftcards, get $30!" so... if you're in the business of dining/drinking at Fuel, I'd say that's 150% value and totally worthwhile. I think I'll stick to Fuel for my future juice-fixes. Gets the job done without feeling like my wallet is being gouged with an (all-organic) knife.
(4)Nicole B.
Great gluten free options with bread that tastes like regular breads! Everything is fresh and there are lots of combinations and variety. Order for take out or sit and eat it there!
(4)Mishana K.
I only went here for a juice/smoothie to go. I found the selection to be limited and the ingredients repetitive from drink to drink. But the real kicker was the terrible service. Once I ordered my drink, no one decided to make it for 10 minutes. The juices aren't pressed but blended and then placed over ice. Leaving you with a chunky watery sludge. While waiting the language used by the staff was very inappropriate for a work environment. There's nothing wrong with goofing around with your coworkers but must you use such foul language within customer earshot. Will not be back.
(1)Laura G.
They have a ton to choose from on their menu, its a little overwhelming but I don't think you can go wrong. I ordered the strawberry spinach salad as an entree and chicken lettuce wraps to share with a friend. The wraps were very large and plenty for two people. The salad was decent size and very refreshing. I would suggest getting dressing on the side because they put a little too much on. I was in and out within 30 mins even though they were packed.
(4)Lisa D.
I've had two experiences with this place. One, I walked over to get a banana whip, which was.... not great. If you're looking for banana 'icecream,' it's definitely worth the few extra blocks down to Yellow Juice Bar. Fuel's whip was somehow dry, and they put a lot of whipped cream on top of it without asking, which was odd. (Although they gladly made me another one when I requested one without the dairy!) Two, we recently ordered catering for a work lunch. It was AWESOME. You get a decent amount of food for the money. The sandwiches were interesting combinations, and the salads had more than enough toppings on them besides lettuce, an issue we regularly have with other salad joints. Plus their catering manager was friendly, professional, and delivered it himself. Definitely recommend their catering.
(4)Sara P.
There are three friends, all of whom eat differently: a vegan, a follower of Dr. Atkins, and someone who follows the Standard American Diet. They have one thing in common: they care about their figures. So where do you take them for lunch in Center City? Fuel of course! I had just this experience last Wednesday when clients were in town and found ourselves needing a place for lunch that accommodated all of our goals. We did not need to eat a lot, we did not need to spend a lot of money, we wanted a quiet atmosphere, someone wanted just vegetables, someone wanted just protein, and someone wanted something she could take home to share with her family afterward. Everyone was pleased. I had the butternut squash soup made without dairy products, along with a grilled veggie sandwich. I was thrilled with how low the calories were. My friend had a huge salad full of tuna, and she was able to get it without cheese and fattening dressing, making her and Dr. Atkins thrilled, I am certain. My other friend had a huge vegetable salad and a warm brothy tomato soup. Those items became part of her family dinner Wednesday night. The prices are great, the service was terrific. It is in center city so it is convenient for commuters and walkers and bikers, but good luck with your car! Next week we are going to Fuel on Passyunk for a comparison. I'll let you know.....
(5)Liia R.
I wish there was a 2.5. The food is pretty good--some of the paninis are delicious, I'm a picky eater so I like knowing what's in everything and they have tasty salads. BUT we've ordered 4 times from here, and 3 have been disappointing. They added chicken to a vegetarian salad (SO frustrating) and took 1 hour and 40 minutes to deliver when they said it would be under an hour and we called right at 11. We order from the office and our team member wasn't able to eat lunch. I would have ordered somewhere else had I known they'd take forever! So next time we'll be ordering elsewhere, but if you have time, it's not a bad place to eat.
(3)Rich D.
Sitting here for lunch 5/21 and it's been 25 minutes without food. The server actually asked, "are you in a rush?" I'm not in the habit of having casual extended lunches during the workday, so I wouldn't advise this place.
(1)Katie L.
Before heading to a cake-tasting event with a friend, we decided we needed something else in our bellies for the evening besides sugar. Fuel hit the spot. There were so many salad choices on the menu that appealed to me, it was hard to decide. I chose the cucumber and tomato salad with white beans, and it was a well-dressed, huge bowl of veggies. Perfect. My friend went with the Ridiculously Delicious Kale Salad, which she enjoyed, but one can only eat so much kale in one sitting, so she didn't quite finish. Besides the salads, the menu looks stellar, and I can't wait to go back and try more.
(4)Katherine S.
I got a chicken Gorgonzola wrap from Fuel today. It was tiny! I can't believe how high their prices are. The wrap was fine but certainly nothing to write home about. I think it's a total rip off.
(3)Erin E.
I ordered pick up here. It was ready on time which is always nice. The goat cheese and eggplant panini was very good, but the caesar salad is literally lettuce, some parm cheese and dressing. Not really worth the 8 or so bucks I paid for it but it's cool. Im looking forward to trying the green tea matcha. Im a fan of anything green tea. Will probably stop in again soon.
(4)Evan F.
I was convinced to try Fuel after a friend told me that she "has eaten there the last three days in a row." So I did, and I'm a fan. I had the Chicken and Gorgonzola Panini and LOVED it. Seriously though, this panini was amazing. I also asked for a cold coffee drink with pumpkin spice and the kitchen staff whipped up something amazing. The think I like about Fuel is how few calories there are per dish. My Panini which tasted like 1000ish calories was only 345. Amazing. All the dishes are like this! My only complaint (which is why there are not 5 stars) was our waiter. He seemed standoffish and bothered when we asked for more time with the menu and for desert. Otherwise, the food is amazing and I will be back despite a bad server experience.
(4)Lani H.
Service was bad. Ask for dressings on the side. Good atmosphere.
(3)Nikki R.
The Hulk juice = tasty and $4 for a small might be a little steep but hard to find a smoothie that tastes healthy and good. Fuel Chopped Salad was solid and for $8 not too bad, doused with dressing though so get that on the side forsure. Buddy got the Spicy Chicken flat bread which takes a long time for them to make but still good. Sriracha sauce on top is something you can't play with. Note that the lunch service is extremely slow which is the reason for the 3 stars. If you're going to be a "sit down" place then staff accordingly. Also hire people who like to provide service, if it was a walk up counter I would have been cool with the attitude.
(3)K. L.
Ugh... One of my worst dining experience. Came here because of a Groupon deal. Like many have said, they seem to have an identity crisis. They advertised themselves as organic and natural but they use Red Bull for drinks and sell Fuze Iced Teas (GMOs)??? The host was friendly, but it all went down hill after we were seated. It took quite some time before our waitress even acknowledged us. After she took our order, the food came out quick. I ordered the roasted turkey breast on a flat bread, brother ordered the tuna salad wrap, and my sister ordered the South Philly Chicken Panini. My dish would have been delicious if my flat bread wasn't completely burnt on the bottom. I have a feeling they knew about it but decided to serve it anyways. I would have sent it back but waitress was nowhere to be found. I was hungry so i just ate it as a salad without the bread and thought to myself, "good thing i have a Groupon". My brothers tuna was too lemony and my sister's chicken sandwich is the only decent dish. My sister purposely flipped my bread over to reveal the completely charred side for when the waitress come to take our plates. She looked at it but didn't say anything and came back with our check. This will be my first and last time here. On the bright side, I'm just glad I had a Groupon.
(1)Mary M.
Second FUEL location I've been to. First one was in South Philly. I love this place! And the food is healthy and satisfying. I am now your loyal customer Oh! Great One!
(5)Albert L.
The Veggie Panini was Delicious!! Very fresh, and tasty veggies. The price is right. It was a quick stop b4 hitting a bar
(4)KG O.
Got the Groupon and had to go, as we were enjoying a bit of vacating. Started with the Guacamole, shouldn't have. It should have been called, mashed avocado, with no seasoning. Plus the chips, were the $1.00 bag you can pick up at the grocery store. A bit of salt, and fresh chips (FYI, Fuel Team you could bake 'em on site) would have gone a long way. I ordered the Turkey Burger, with side salad, and it was phenomenal. The burger was cooked perfectly, and came adorned with red pepper relish, feta, some sort of yogurt sauce, on a brioche type bun. Yum, yum, yum...took a pic, but it's a bit blurry. HIGHLY recommend, looks like it's a monthly special, so go soon. Lil' Darlin' ordered the Roasted Turkey sandwich. She enjoyed it as well, a bit of Thanksgiving flavor in March. Overall, it's good food and quite tasty. Moderate price on the high end. Couple of things: We couldn't figure out what type of restaurant they want to be. It appears to be an upper end, healthy sandwich shoppe, though the quasi host who seats you with the Menu's and seems to help bus tables, didn't make a whole lot of sense. You get a feel you should go to the counter to order, but then a wait person comes to you. It just felt weird. Great concept, and as time goes on, I'm sure they'll work out the kinks. FYI, it'd be great to have a simple, easy to understand menu for the kids. $4.99 combo would be a good idea.
(4)Beryl K.
Ok, so I love all of the healthy choices. Our waiter was very friendly and gave good food suggestions. We ordered 3 dips to try for our app. All were good, the hummus, guacamole and sweet pea dip. For the meal 3 of us got salad and 1 person got s panini. I got the chopped salad and it was ok, but the lettuce wasn't as fresh as I would prefer. My friend who ordered the kale salad was eating hers, got to the bottom and found a HAIR.... Eww. She had already eaten almost the whole thing, so what can you do. I wish the place was a bit cleaner too. So, some good and some bad.
(3)Luba P.
I love Fuel! It's fast, cheap and express healthy food! The prices and portions are great. You will get huge salads and great sandwiches. I love the tuna arugula salad and the salmon sandwich. Also the smoothies are delicious with tons of options! When no one knows what to get for lunch this is the place to go!
(5)Erin B.
So Fuel CC sorta reminds me of those Venn Diagram charts from elementary / middle school. One circle is for delicious food, another circle is for healthy food and the intersection is Fuel CC. Philly is synonymous w/ delicious food... But, delicious food, does not always healthy food make and most certainly, vice versa. I am on the 12th day of a 12 day cleanse ... so I've had to sorta expand my culinary horizon in order to avoid having 3 home prepared meals per day. This was a perfect excuse for me to finally try Fuel. Because it is less than a 10 minute walk from both home and work, there is really no excuse that this was my first visit. However, on the times that I've contemplated Fuel in the past, it has always been defeated by a more non-caloric/carbohydrate friendly option. Alas, I went w/ my girlfriend Jodi last Thursday. We ordered the strawberry spinach salad w/ grilled chicken and the tuna arugula salad. They were both delish! So much so, that we are heading back today for lunch! In addition to the food - they played really fun music and the server (name I forget - but personality and topknot bun I will never forget) was super cool as well! The true test will be whether or not I go back to Fuel after my cleanse is over... I'm thinking yes!!
(4)Mandy H.
Fuel is a good place for healthy fast food. For lunch my boyfriend and I ordered an assortment of things (probably too much for 2 people, but we were indecisive). We got the shrimp and avocado salad (way too much spinach and not much else. Won't be ordering this again). The guacamole with goat cheese and chips (very yummy and a good snack), the roasted turkey (my bfs pick, not bad, but I would like to try the grilled chicken next time), and the chicken lettuce wraps (my favorite of all the things we ordered. Spicy and fresh tasting). I also appreciated that the calories for fuel were listed on myfitnesspal, which was really helpful too! It's right around the corner from me and always seems to offer groupons and other deals, so I'll be back to try more.
(3)John K.
I'm known for my gluttony and my love of all things pork belly. However, even if something is healthy, as long as it's tasty - I can can appreciate it. Case in point - Fuel. Most, if not all, of their dishes are under 500 calories. The ingredients are fresh and more importantly, delicious. Sampler ($10.95) Choose 3: Charred corn or tomato goat cheese guacamole, black bean tomato salsa, hummus, sweet pea For the sampler, I chose the hummus, black bean tomato salsa, and charred corn guacamole. With these came fresh corn tortilla chips, huge and fresh cucumbers, and sweet red peppers. Fuel's hummus was vibrant and creamy, seasoned well with salt and lots of lemon. The black bean salsa had a punch of flavor with cilantro, black beans, red onions, and black beans. Perfect to balance out the creaminess of my other two choices for the sampler. This guacamole was perfectly creamy, with hints of roasted garlic and charred corn. Roasted Portabella and Eggplant Panini ($8.95) Roasted portabello and eggplant with roasted peppers, olive tapenade, provolone, and garlic spread This panini had some surprising heft to it - thanks to the delicious eggplant and meaty portabella. The roasted peppers provided some sweetness to the sandwich, while the provolone and garlic spread added creaminess. The olive tapenade provided a punch of flavor to this sandwich. The mixed greens with balsamic vinegar and oil were pretty standard, but a nice addition to the sandwich as well. High Protein Grilled Cheese ($6.95) Mozzarella, provolone, fresh lemon cream Cheese, spinach and tomato The mozzarella and provolone added the heft for the grilled cheese, while the lemon cream cheese made the grilled cheese luxuriously creamy while adding brightness to the sandwich. The tomatoes were a bright addition to the sandwich as well. Chicken and Gorgonzola ($8.95) Grilled chicken, gorgonzola, tomato and pesto The chicken was grilled and perfectly moist. The tangy, funky gorgonzola added some nice heft to the wrap, while the tomatoes helped to brighten up the dish. Overall, if you're looking to eat healthy - Fuel has a myriad of options available to you. And more importantly, especially for me, the flavors are spot on, the food is filling, and ultimately - tasty!
(4)Gar L.
I gave this place another shot and must report that my first review does not do this place justice. There are many options here for those of looking for healthy calories and protein. I think this place is the perfect place to hit up after a workout when you are short on time and need something healthy fast. No place like it!
(4)Meredith B.
Fuel has a great concept. I've gotten take out here a few times and I've been satisfied both times. Its a great option on more of the healthy side. People should really read the menu before they go ordering crazy thinking everything is crazy good for you. Keep in mind wraps and such are not added to the caloric count on the menu (gotta read the fine print!) The music and the videos on the television are kinda strange but I'm here for the food so I don't pay much mind to that. Overall I really like it here for a quick, reasonable healthy option. I'm excited for the Arch street location to finally open. Does anyone know when that is going to be? Plus - Fuel is right by 12th street gym so good meal option afterwards. Minus - Fuel is not open at their other center city location (on Arch) (near my work/apt)
(4)Megan A.
This is my new favorite lunch place! I was not sure if I was going to like it. When everything is under 500 calories you are thinking there might not be too much taste!! But I was so wrong!! Everything is so good. My go to is the chicken and Gorgonzola wrap!! The best part is there is always a groupon $10 for $20 worth of food.
(5)N R.
Eggplant goat cheese sandwich was delicious, inexpensive, and healthy. What more could you ask? Definitely going back. (Though table service was a little slow.)
(4)Ewelina C.
My husband and I ordered Thai chicken panini and spinach strawberry salad! It was all very good! Salad was very big and we had plenty of food to share! We felt full and fueled :-) The decor is a bit strange. The place has a weird floor plan, and it looks like the owner did not have a clear idea on how to decorate the place. They need to buy more fans for summer. We wanted to sit by the window, but it was extremely hot. I do not understand why they have TVs there if there is nothing interesting playing. I do not care about TV as much, but if they have it, they should have some interesting channels or maybe some info on the restaurant and healthy eating.
(4)Nicole M.
3.5 star review. I've only ever gotten delivery from Fuel, but it's my go-to when I want something healthy or not as bad as the normal delivery I'd get when I'm working late. I was impressed how few calories their sandwiches seem to have, but be warned, the calories listed on the menu for sandwiches DON'T include the calories of the bread or wrap. Everything is still pretty low-cal, but just remember the bread isn't included when you think that savory grilled cheese is only 400 calories. Speaking of which, I'm a grilled cheese addict, and Fuel's is one of my favorites. It comes with spinach and a lemon cream cheese spread, which adds the perfect sweetness and sourness to the sandwich. I love this grilled cheese. It can get a little soggy, though, after the time it takes to get delivered. But that's to be expected. The deconstructed guacamole salad (arugula, avocado, torilla chips, onions, tomatoes, with a jalepeno citrus dressing) is so light and refreshing. I want to use this dressing on every salad I eat. The salad was like 98% arugula, though. I wish there was more of everything else. Fuel has an awesome juice/smoothie selection. The desserts look amazing, and I really need to try them next time!
(3)Jemi J.
It's a great lunch option in the area when you don't want to spend too much money. We used the sunday lunch special deal (might actually apply lunch all days of the week-check with your waiter!) , and got a soup, house salad, and half a panini for $10. Our waitress was awesome and super sweet. My tomato soup was spot on. The ceaser salad was salty but pretty sizeable. My friend had the thai chicken sandwich which she liked; my chicken gorgonzola panini was great. You can turn most of the sandwiches on the menu into paninis. If not for the $10 deal, this would have been hugely overpriced.
(3)Rosa C.
Fuel was exactly what I expected. A hipster "green" and healthy quick meal kind of restaurant. The restaurant had a green and white theme and stuck to simple decor with a couple of oil pantings on the wall (kind of out of place...?) It is kind of small, so not great for large groups. I think the staff consists of only males, and there's also a hipster dude who makes free deliveries on his bike! We ordered a chicken lettuce wrap as our appetizer, which was quite delicious. The lettuce wrap filling consisted of grilled cubed chicken, carrot shreds, peanuts, chickpeas, and sriracha sauce. For our entrees, we ordered a grilled chicken salad (with turkey breast in place of the chicken) and a chicken gorgonzola panini. The salad was pretty good, but nothing spectacular since it consisted of spring greens, artichokes, and balsamic vinaigrette. The chicken panini was delicious. The gorgonzola must've been mixed in with the pesto or something, but it was quite tasty! We also ordered the Zen smoothie- cucumbers, apple, and pineapple. It was refreshing and the perfect amount of sweetness. (16 oz smoothies are $4 and 20oz are $5) Also, if you're an avid carnivore, this might not be the best place for you. Their choices in terms of meat are very limited- only chicken and turkey, I believe, and their dishes are definitely not heavily loaded with protein. We enjoyed our experience at Fuel and I will definitely be returning to try more smoothies and maybe order another chicken lettuce wrap!
(4)Angie K.
I don't really get what's going on with this place. I walk in, and there's seating right there. Then you go through another door to the main dining room that's painted in green with local art hanging (local art is cool, but it's not arranged in such a way that it's attractive), and a TV with the "Fuel" station that is just "?!" when I see it. Getting past that, I go to the register to order take-out, and it's Russian roulette from there. Once, just once, I got great service, but the other times, I was just plain ignored. Literally. With 3-4 people directly in front of me. The concept of everything under 500 calories intrigues me since I always come here after a workout. Sure this doesn't include bread, but the calorie and protein content is clearly marked. The food isn't half bad, either. The Toasted Hummus is ok- a bit dry, I suppose, to make it healthier and emphasize the fact that the chickpeas are toasted. It's too lemon-y for my taste. The Chicken and Gorgonzola panini is filling, but my favorite is the T.B.M- tomato, pesto and mozzarella- the pesto is pretty good. The High Protein Grilled Cheese can use more spinach and tomato- I just had one thin layer of spinach that slid out when the tomato did. The panini's come with a side salad, and the vinaigrette is a bit strong. The food is healthy and tasty, ingredients are local, but the staff is lacking and makes me hesitate to return.
(3)Zachary R.
Eat Here! I order from Fuel all the time, both dine-in delivery. If you're looking for great tasting, healthy food, without high costs or long wait time,s Fuel is the place to go. Also - try their TBM with Pesto - it's awesome!
(5)Laura D.
I can't believe I haven't been here sooner! Healthy paninis, salads, smoothies and coffee bar... yummm. My smoked salmon panini on rye was delicious and filling. And so many other delicious-sounding options with moderate calorie counts. I also had a coffee with sugar-free peppermint syrup - didn't realize what I've been missing here! You know hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps? Obviously this wasn't as good since it's lacking chocolate and alcohol. But the taste was comparable and wonderful, and won't pack on pounds or give you a DUI. My solo dining experience was a little awkward, but that was my fault. Apparently the options are to-go or full service (not fast food counter style). Not realizing this I inadvertently sat down at the nearest table to the counter to wait for my food, which then became my private dining table... awkwardly right next to everyone ordering and me basically facing the wall. Oh well - still great!
(5)Reem C.
Eating lunch at the same restaurants or take out spots gets old after a while. I was glad to discover Fuel. The food is healthy, fresh and organic. The menu has something for everyone...meat eaters, vegans and vegetarians. I was in the mood for a wheat panini, which seems hard to find. Well, Fuel provides this option. I ordered the South Philly, which is a grilled chicken panini with provolone, spinach, roasted red peppers and garlic spread. It was one of the best paninis I have had. My goal is to try every single panini on the list before the year ends. One down, twelve to go.
(4)Melissa W.
Great place! Just stumbled upon it one night late while trying to find somewhere still open for dinner. Didn't even yelp it first! Got some chicken pesto panini thing. Yum. Healthy too, which is awesome. Came with a side salad with balsamic, which I didn't realize was included. Open late, and almost everything on the menu looked great. Will return again.
(4)Jess D.
How have I never reviewed FUEL?!?! Since it's opening day I've been addicted to FUEL. Quite simply it's healthy food that actually tastes GOOD! Better than good, it tastes AMAZING. Their food is fresh, made to order, and ready in a matter of minutes. This is my go to spot for fast food without the ridiculous calories. What's even better is that their sandwiches actually fill me up and I don't need to snack or have dessert afterwards (saving me even more calories!). This is a city gals dream. It's conveniently located 2 blocks away from home, always offers deals in the mail or online (appeases my appetite for savings!), and is consistently meeting my expectations for a filling, yummy dinner on the go! Honestly, I can't live without FUEL. It literally fuels my evenings and gives me energy to run errands and stay up late getting work done! I hope they open more locations and their concept spreads. FUEL is living proof that food doesn't have to be fattening to taste delicious!
(5)Kris G.
Went here for lunch to order espresso, coffee and paninis. Espresso is bland and diluted whereas coffee was flavorless and luke warm. Food quality used to be fantastic but now panini are served cold and dry. we complained to the server but he didn't respond to our lack of satisfaction. So one star to food and service quality!
(1)Aye M.
Love Fuel! My boyfriend & I come here almost every time we're in Center City. We love their smoothies! We've eaten here twice: my boyfriend always loved his food. The first time, I got the egg plant & goat cheese on a wrap. I wasn't a huge fan of it because it kept falling apart. It definitely had awesome flavors though! The second time, I got the sweet potato risotto rice bowl. One of the most delicious things I have ever had! I can't wait to go back and have it again. I recommend it 100%. There were so many amazing flavors. My favorite smoothies are the Islander and the Protein Buster. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. Can't wait to come back and try more smoothies & rice bowls!
(5)Becky K.
Yes, this place won my heart by it's fresh ingredients, low-calorie choices, and simplicity in flavors. A perfect place for the lunch crunch-- or in my case, a quick after-work dinner. It's decor is basically no-frills, so my four-star rating reflects taste only. You will not leave feeling weighed down by your meal. I recommend getting the hummus, subtly smokey and tinged with garlic. Based on someone's recommendation, I got "The Hulk", a green-colored selection from their juice bar, full of all that's healthy and tasty in the world. The eggplant and goat cheese panini was also a treat on the tastebuds. There are so many things I need to try there.
(5)Courtney A.
Every time I order Fuel on GrubHub my food comes so soggy and cold - it's gross and never good. The only things they can seem to do right are their juices.
(2)Cat P.
Damn damn damn damn damn. I've tried Fuel a few times now for both take-out/dine-in and I really wish I liked it here, but I'm just not a huge fan. The place is always packed, so it's not a good spot for a lunch break; even people who are there to pick up their call-ahead orders still have to wait a long time. The other day, we sat there for a solid 20 minutes before we even saw our waitress or got menus at our table. Then our food took another 30 minutes to come out. Getting the check also took forever and a day. I've liked the food I've gotten here, but the drinks are a complete waste of money. I got the $4 "Give Me a Tan" OJ, ginger, and carrot juice. It clearly had some kind of concentrate in it and it was tiny. I know patience is a virtue, but Fuel was utter chaos and drove me nuts with the wait time. Don't think I'll be back anytime soon.
(2)Katy T.
This is my go to spot for delivery. I love their toasted hummus and their sandwiches are always great. Best thing is that nothing is over 500 calories but the food is so satisfying and delicious! It's difficult to find healthy options in the city when you're in a pinch, but Fuel to the rescue! Everything I've tried here has been wonderful... I recommend the Strawberry Spinach salad or the Grilled Chicken panini (grilled chicken, provolone, artichokes, mixed greens, sun dried tomato spread and a balsamic reduction) YUM! Also, all the paninis come with a small side salad... you don't even have to ask!
(4)Srujana Y.
My husband and I went there for brunch. Some places compromise on the taste when it comes to health food. But fuel is different. We loved the buckwheat pancakes and veggie omelette! I like that they can substitute with just egg whites in most cases. The portion sizes were not too big or small, just apt for one meal. I also tried one of their fresh juices- 'give me tan', it was really good. Overall, nice brunch while maintaining the low calorie goal.
(4)Jeremy L.
Great place for a heathly meal. Absolutely love their food. It's fresh, local and organic (well, as much as possible). Very tasteful and healthy. Their juice and smoothie selection is just incredible with very creative combinations. Thumbs up for one of my favorite place !
(4)Kevin C.
One of my co-workers told me about this joint but I never got around to checking it out until I spent a weekend in Philly. Glad I did - great breakfast. Had the South Philly Frittata and a protein shake. Both equally great. The only thing better was the gal who waited on me. Wish I remembered her name because she was awesome - great personally and treated me like I was family.
(4)Sara G.
It's...like....okay. I am totally onboard with the idea of a diverse healthy, low-calorie menu. But the food itself is a little below average. I had the eggplant and goat cheese panini, and it was fine but not super delicious..the bread was a bit too well done and dry. I did enjoy my juice, and I might grab some juice to go if I'm ever passing by again. The 'Give Me a Tan' was a little sugary for my taste (probably thanks to the OJ) but I think it could easily be modified to be just to my liking.
(2)Lawrence S.
I approached Fuel with some apprehension. I don't like to think of food as just "fuel" but rather as something to savor and enjoy. But, when I saw a $10 for $20 Groupon, I figured I'd give it a shot. Here are the results... The best: Thyme Lemonade. I've never had this before, but I'm sold. In fact, I may try to recreate it at home as a summer-time beverage. The OK: I shared two sandwiches with my gf -- the smoked salmon and the TMB with smoked salmon. (We must have been craving mercury.) The TMB was the better of the two, thanks to the extra flavor provided by the pesto. But neither were stand-outs. The miserable: I generally don't mind if a restaurant's decor is a bit lacking. But Fuel was particularly unpleasant. The music -- pulsating techno -- was more suited to a jazzercise class than a sit-down meal. (In fact, I think they may have stolen the soundtrack from the 12th Street Gym.) The interior is very poorly designed. We were crammed into a thin passageway with just enough room between tables for the waiter to walk -- sideways. Definitely not enough space to loosen your belt. Alas, I'm afraid I won't be refueling at Fuel in the near future.
(3)Sarah F.
Fuel South Philly definitely wins over this location. I've eaten here twice, and both times I've been pretty underwhelmed. They forgot some of the ingredients on my sandwich, but the service was incredibly slow so I didn't even mention it. I tried the Sweet Pea Wonton app for the first time here. OMG, get in my belly. I absolutely detest peas, but the bright color made me want to try it. Very glad that I did. I'll stick to the Passyunk location.
(3)Kelsey G.
Fuel is definitely a nice, quick place in the area to grab a quick sandwich, salad, or wrap. All of the ingredients they use are delicious and fresh and I've never really had a bad experience with their food. I typically prefer to grab take out considering the restaurant itself is a little stuffy, but there are some tables hidden away by the windows, which seem nice. I recommend the B.M.T panini or their brunch wraps, but seriously, it's all pretty good. The only negative thing I have to say is that the calorie count on the food can't be accurate. Some of it seems much more fattening than it says, but I guess it's better not to know, right? I'll just pretend my panini slathered in pesto and fresh mozz was a healthy decision for the day.
(4)Dan A.
The menu at Fuel isn't very helpful. Even if you look past the "Start Er' Up" they have instead of appetizers, and the "Fill Er' Up" instead of entries, the menu still doesn't indicated what is vegan. And while the food is purported to be healthier, it didn't have any interesting flavors. I thought the service was satisfactory I didn't get the vibe of Fuel. But if you're calorie counting you might give Fuel a try.
(3)Noah G.
This is a tough review for me to write as I'd much rather go to a KFC buffet (remember those?) than go to a restaurant touting everything on the menu under 500 calories. That being said, with wedding season rapidly approaching boo and I are both trying to slim down a bit so during a recent Walnut St. shopping excursion I agreed to try out Fuel. It has the feel of a cafe inside a gym with the decor, music, and patrons dressed in gym clothing. I sort of feel like it would be better to have a walk up counter like a Cosi rather than servers but we still received our food quickly. I got the South Philly wrap which came with grilled chicken, mozzarella, and spinach (it really should have been broccoli rabe, I marone...). It came with a light salad that was decent and the wrap was filling it just didn't have much taste. Boo got the stacker which is an eggplant veggie wrap with pesto. It was actually too much for her to finish so I ate it. Much more flavor. It was a decent meal that was definitely healthier than a lot of other options I just don't know how many times I'd go back.
(3)Katrina C.
I have been at FUEL a lot lately. I am pretty in love. See, my trainer has me on this diet. I'm only really allowed to eat brown rice or potatoes, proteins, and veggies. That leaves for some terribly boring meals at most restaurants. At Fuel, however, I can get pretty much any sandwich (minus cheeses which a lot of them don't have) as a salad. The tuna as a salad..... arugula, artichokes, tuna, and lemon vinaigrette is seriously my new favorite thing. I've heard good things about the juices, but I haven't tried one. I will say though that the time I got coffee there, I was very badly disappointed. Maybe someone just didn't know how to make coffee. Service is always fast. They split salads and sandwiches you are sharing onto 2 plates which always scores points with me. They deliver and take out is always done quickly. Also, there are yelp deals and check in offers so you don't really ever have to pay full price if you don't want to.
(5)Erica J.
I went here for lunch today and not surprisingly the food was amazing, however, the service was horrible. When I asked my server for a refill on my glass of water he scoffed and said something to the effect of "when I get around to it". I asked two other servers before I was able to get a refill (about 10 minutes later). It took over 30 minutes for the guacamole we ordered as a starter to be brought to the table. When it was time to pay the bill after waiting over 15 minutes for the server to come by I eventually had to take the bill to the front counter to pay. This is a shame because the food is outstanding.
(2)Gautam T.
This place is starting to become my go to place for quick healthy delicious food post working out. All dishes are under 500 calories which is great and there are three options for every dish. Dishes can be ordered in panini form, salad form and wrap form. I typically go for the wrap because I'm not a fan of panini's or salads. The best part is they provide health information on all the items, so you know how much protein, fat and sodium you're getting in every meal. Besides the healthy aspect of this restaurant the food is quite delicious and the ingredients are all very fresh. I never leave this place feeling sluggish or food comotosed. Lastly the juicee/smoothies are amazing. I've tried most of them but my current favorite is the protein buster. I never had a shake that has such a peanut buttery taste. It was sooo good I felt like screaming "MA, Thanks for the PROTEIN!!!"
(4)Jeri B.
Thumbs down for enticing me in with a level up discount and then not being able to scan my code. Won't be back.
(1)Brian S.
We've been to Fuel several times and found it to be pretty decent. Our last visit this past weekend left us less than impressed, though. While we had a hilarious server and decent lemony hummus, whoever was doing the cooking was burning off more than just extra calories. My chicken and artichoke panini featured chicken that was drier than the bread it was served on and the two other sandwiches we tried were pretty meh. The smoothies were good as always, though. While the concept of healthy, low calorie fare is a good one, I doubt that the folks at Fuel want us to save even more calories by having us eat just half of our food.
(2)Liz F.
Fuel can't decide what it is. It's having an identity crisis. Bold font, house music, ikea decor, and everything under 500 calories- local, organic and fresh. Are you an indie vegan dream or an awkward bro 12th street gym after party? I don't really get it but I like it. Fuel is my go to spot for a good sandwich or salad. It's always good and fresh. I'm a big fan of anything smoked salmon and they'll add that to anything. Three stars because eating at fuel never fails in having the absolute worst service of all time. I.e. sit there for 10 minutes without menus, get them yourself, wait another 15 minutes, angsty waitress takes your order that won't come for 45 minutes (wait, it's just a sandwich...), no chance of ever getting more water, then waiting about a century for a bill. Go for takeout/delivery. Avoid the bs.
(3)Andrew W.
I was a bit thrown off by Fuel, I wasn't really expecting a waitstaff type of place when I envisioned it. Vibe aside, I had a relatively mediocre experience there. I had guacamole salad with chicken, which was above average. The good: the dressing was really good, it was a pretty big salad as there was a ton of lettuce. The bad: probably the smallest amount of chicken& avocado they could get away with without an immediate complaint, there were several pieces of wilted lettuce through-out the salad. That's just sloppy. I think I'd give it another try, there were a lot of things that looked interesting, but I'd probably go with take out to make it a quicker experience.
(3)Heather T.
I ordered a smoothie and the TBM stacker through Grubhub. I decided to order pickup since my office is less than a mile away. They told me it would be ready between 11:45 and 11:55, but it was actually ready much earlier. This might normally be a good thing, except I specifically ordered it to be ready closer to noon since that's when I take lunch. They didn't refrigerate my order, so by the time I got there, the smoothie was just slightly thickened juice, and the salad (the TBM "stacker" is definitely more of a salad than a stack) was warm and soggy. Back to the "stacker," three anemic looking pieces of cheese sandwiched between mushy tomatoes with bagged spring mix (fresh basil, my butt) and balsamic "reduction" (I do not think that word means what you think it means) is NOT worth $7!!!! Edited: I originally posted 2 stars just based on service and looks. Then I ate the salad. GROSS!!! That is not quality mozzarella... it tastes like Polly-O string cheese.
(1)Faith Q.
Love fuel. Awesome juices, great casual and quick healthy meals or snacks. Never been let down and highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick bite in center city.
(5)Katie C.
Awesome food and smoothies. It's a shame their customer service is terrible. Even if the place isn't crowded plan on waiting for your waiter. If the food wasn't worth it I would not visit here.
(1)Justin Y.
The service was really quick, staff was friendly, and the high protein grilled cheese was pretty good and good for you!
(4)Aubrey E.
I have eaten at Fuel several times, and I have always been more than pleased with the food. The menu is quite large and they offer a lot of different options. They accommodate people with gluten allergies with gluten free bread and other gluten free alternatives. Everything seems very fresh and it's a great option for a light and reasonably-priced lunch. However, it's only a great option IF you can tolerate consistently horrible service. The poor service is why I'm not giving this restaurant 4, or even 5, stars. On busy days, I've had my water basically thrown at me or I've been told "look at your menu quickly, if not you'll have to wait 5 minutes before ordering because I won't be back to your table before then." Some of the servers are just rude. You may be asking: "if the service is that bad, why go back?" Well, I guess, in sum, the service is not SO bad that it completely deters me from eating at Fuel. The good food certainly outweighs the bad service. I just wish I didn't have to brace myself for the rude wait staff every time I wanted to dine there.
(3)Johnny B.
I wanted to like this place because it is so close to my apartment. I wanted to go there every day to get a healthy meal. I tried it twice. I was sorely disappointed both times. The first time, I tried a wrap. It fell apart, it was dry, the chicken was tasteless. Disappointed. Tried again the next week. Got two salads. The strawberry one was better than the other, which came with balsamic vinagrette --- emphasis on the vinegar. My god. Most bitter dressing. Overall, the salad was lackluster.
(2)Colleen T.
Eggplant goat cheese panini is awesome. Service is slow but that's because they have a cook and a waitress, so she can only do so much at one time. The menu listed the calories for each entree, which is really nice.
(5)Kelly M.
I've been ordering from here since it opened because the food is delicious but portions are not big enough, leaves me wanting a little more to eat. I decided to try a latte today for a little caffeine kick and it was a bullcrap latte-tasted like the powdered crap you push a button for at Wawa and at $4.50 I found that really offensive- prob won't order from here any more out of principle.
(3)Kristyn F.
I'm putting them right down the middle for a few reasons. We ordered from them for delivery last week, and it took over two hours for them to arrive. We actually ended up canceling the order before they even made it to our building because we were so disappointed. But to my surprise, the next day they stopped by our office an a complimentary wrap tray and their apologies. And I must say, the tray was a big hit, and all under 500 calories. I still have faith in this company. Maybe I'll give them a second try.
(3)Elisabeth W.
I've recently gotten into banana whips (just blended bananas that taste like ice cream!), and was excited to try the nutella banana whip from fuel, but I couldn't have been more disappointed. I don't know what they could have done to make it so bad, but it was icy and seemed to have been re-frozen. Overall the food at fuel is okay but I wanted to write a review specifically about the banana whips and let people know that it's not worth the time. If you want to try a good banana whip go to HipCityVeg on 18th street!
(1)Cristie K.
This place was decent, but I think they need to decide if they are a restaurant or a cafe. The waitstaff/servers (if you'd even call them that) seem to duo as counter, so it is hard to tell how to order/pay. The food seemed really fresh and was prepared well. They have a pretty extensive menu for such a small kitchen. I liked the open feel of the kitchen, and the atmosphere is comfortable, albeit the loud music. I'll definitely come here again, but as a server myself, I noticed quite the table etiquette faux pas. There was a table of 3 in front of me, and the minute only one person was done eating, the "server", upon walking by, cleared his plate, while the other two people were still eating! I just observed how uncomfortable this made the other two people feel. In the restaurant industry, you never do this!!! I lightly mentioned this to the "server", just as a friendly reminder, and she had no idea that there was a certain table etiquette involved with this! Wow. I understand that it is not fine dining there, but any server, in any style of establishment, should know this.
(3)Laura S.
So I stopped in last night after work, pre-meeting. It was hot and humid and the beginning of yet another heatwave. I couldn't handle actually eating anything because of the heat and wanted something refreshing to get me through my meeting. I ordered a smoothie to go from a somewhat sullen server and ultimately decided on the Detox. Blech--it was awful. First of all when I read the ingredients: berries, pomegranate, etc., I actually thought I'd see these ingredients go into a blender. instead, the server took a big jug out of the refrigerator and poured a premixed liquid into a machine with ice. My drink came out with ice cubes still visible. It was basically a sickly sweet drink over ice--nothing I couldn't have picked up at a 7/11. $5 plus tax and I could barely drink half it was so cloying. I would give the food a try because it does sound good but the smoothies--yuck.
(2)Mary D.
Great food, huge selection and very healthy dishes! I love the grilled veggie panini on wheat and I've also tried the chicken gorgonzola one, which was great, too!
(5)Kristen S.
It's easy to make delicious food with fresh and organic ingredients. The fact that each dish I have tried of theirs has been disappointing, doesn't make much sense to me. The descriptions sound good, but I find most everything dry and lacking basic depth of flavor that is so easy to achieve with a few fresh ingredients and some spices. I'll say that I will probably go here again, but only because it's close to my apartment and a good place for something quick and healthy. The decor does not fit the product and the staff is iffy. Yeah, I MIGHT be back, but only because of the lack of quick and healthy choices, which is unfortunate for FUEL.
(2)Daniel T.
The food is ok, but closer to bad than good, and the calorie count is the same for wraps and sandwiches which means something appears off, unless they fixed that. The owner is rude, unprofessional, and treated my friend and I like hoodlums trying to rob him because his waiter input our unused groupon number incorrectly. I'll never be back her again.
(1)Quel D.
Service was lovely; charming brunette waitress was attentive and kind. The blasting techno was acoustically-offensive and the food was mediocre, though the gluten-free options were appreciated.
(3)Vanessa L.
fresh & healthy. overpriced. salads are good. do not order the avocado with salsa - not worth the cost at all.
(5)Michelle K.
Went in for dinner. Had the chicken lettuce wraps as an appetizer. They were good, but the chicken was dry. I had the veggie panini on white bread for my meal.. It was ok.. I don't think I'd get it again, though. The highlight of the evening was the pumpkin cheesecake.. YUMMO!!!! Our service was ok.. I did notice the waiter making rude comments to two other tables (one table ended up leaving before ordering).. Upon seeing the couple leave, the waiter made a rude remark, which we all could hear.. Not professional at all. The music was too loud and a weird choice (dance/techno) for the restaurant.
(3)Mike L.
Unlike it's South Philly site, this location wasn't dance club thundering loud, thankfully. I had the shrimp canapes as appetizer (quite nice), and a roasted turkey panini with pesto as main course. That was very good. The salad, however, had so much vinegar that I literally was gagging and coughing. Way overdone with that. My companion had the portabella panini which she enjoyed very much. Also had the pumpkin cheesecake with walnut and pralines for dessert, which was very good also, as was my friend's key lime pie. The waiter was very helpful, describing everything in detail. Almost too much detail. :-) Quite vegetarian and vegan friendly, and they made a point of emphasizing their gluten-free options, didn't really notice any difference with non-gluten free, which is a good sign. I would come back..
(3)Kas M.
With all these great reviews I don't know how much more I can add. On my first visit as soon as I entered, the people who run the restaurant were very friendly. I ordered the spinach strawberry salad, Which was amazing. The atmosphere is great. Food was great and inexpensive. I really loved it.
(5)Katrina C.
I like coming here after the gym to get some low cal but healthy food despite the overpriced food. But this might just be the last time. They offer a special on paninis before noon where you get one for $6 instead of $8 or $9. However, some of the waiters seem to have difficulty charging the correct price. You also get 10% off your bill if you show a receipt from a day within the past week. They also seem to have an issue with honoring this discount.
(2)Joyce T.
grilled chicken paninis & salmon avocado salad. regular for weekday take out. 4 starts b/c i see gnats flying around sometimes.
(4)Jose A.
Tried fuel once, when it was opening up, it didn't look that enticing but it was a new place in the area so why not. Kinda expensive for the sandwich I got, and it was just pretty good. I'm being picky here, but I don't like the name, and I don't like how it looks inside, the music was annoying. Doubt I'll go back.
(2)Katie M.
If your on a diet or if you aren't on a diet FUEL has delicious food! As a vegetarian it has a multitude of options which is always nice. I ordered the T.B.M. with pesto and it was really good. I'll deft be back again to try some of their other sandwiches. I hear the smoothies are good as well. Can be a tad pricey compared to surrounding restaurants but worth it in my opinion.
(4)D K.
Vroom! That's for being fueled and happy, not for the speed of the service (which is what kept this from being a 5-star review). A solid start for this place. For someone like me, who quite dislikes Saladworks, this fills a void in the area -- relatively healthy, lots of vegetarian options and everything freshly made there (including their mozzarella). They have some kinks to work out, service-wise (too many folks right now, I think, and they haven't worked out a rhythm), but if they do that and continue with the solidly good food (great salmon wrap and my colleagues loved the grilled cheese and tomato soup), they should be around for a long time. I hope they are!
(4)Kimberly Z.
Fuel is one of my favorite "fast food" restaurants in Philadelphia. Some people may scoff at the fact that everything is under 500 calories, but I can assure you you aren't missing a thing! The food is always fresh--I tend to get wheat panninis--the smoothies and juice drinks are fantastic (my favorite post-workout filled is the Protein Buster), and I have yet to encounter a negative staff experience, though at times eating in can be a bit on the slow side. All in all, I highly recommend Fuel, both in Center City and South Philadelphia.
(5)Tori E.
Sunday 10$ for soup, salad, and half a panini. SUCH a sweet deal. I had the tomato basil soup, caeser salad, and high protein grilled cheese panini. The grilled cheese had this lemon cream cheese in it that was ridiculous. I was so sad when my meal was over, but I was totally satisfied. I got the sweet pea wontons to go, and they were also delicious. Not what you would think a wonton should look like. The peas are mashed up and the 'wonton' is actually wonton chips. The pea mixture is cold, too. The food is fresh and delicious. You can see the ingredients in what you're eating! Today my friend and I got that deal plus a vanilla chai- hellooooo. So yummy and warm on a cold day. They deliver, too, but only up to Spring Garden. Sad for us Girard folks, but I'll definitely be going in again soon!
(5)Andrea T.
Completely obsessed with the Protein Buster shake (290-340 Cals. 5 points) - Skim milk, Peanut Butter, Banana, Honey, & 25g. Whey Protein. You won't find anything else as peanut-buttery and delicious for under 300 calories - which is why I return nearly every other day for this tasty treat!
(5)G T L.
I have never been to the South Philly location, and the Center City one just opened. I went today for lunch, and I liked it. I had the Thai chicken (wheat) wrap, and I loved it. I had a carrot/orange/ginger juice, and it was great. But what I loved most was the pumpkin cheesecake. Everything on the menu is under 500 calories, and under $10, so you can't go wrong. Oh, I also had a cup of regular coffee, and it was very good indeed. I'm going back! I really like this place!
(4)Lindsay O.
Food is OK. Smoothies are good but pricey. Service at lunchtime is terrible! The service was so slow that I had to have them wrap it up to-go. Also, I ordered a salad and asked if it had red peppers on it. The waiter's response was "no, if it's not listed on the menu, it definitely isn't on the dish." So, when I got back to my office, I was surprised to find that it was coated in Balsamic Salad Dressing, as the menu said NOTHING about this and said it had a peanut dressing. I've been three times with Meh experiences the first two times and a horrible experience the third time. I think I'll be skipping this joint the next time I need a meal.
(2)Michael T.
Not bad, got the chicken Italian wrap to go, which was pretty good. Can't comment on service or decor since I didn't dine in, but would probably make a return trip.
(3)Michael K.
Slightly more expensive, but as is most healthy food. Soup is amazing, but runs $4.50 each. The sandwiches and wraps are also delicious and at ~$9 they're a bit more reasonable, served with a mixed green salad as well. The music selection is pretty unique, mostly remixes of top 40. Service is fair, you're probably better off going with take out if you're in a time crunch.
(4)Tk R.
I've been here twice now and the second time I used a Groupon Now where I got $20 worth of food for $10. The salads, juices, and deserts were all very tasty and unique, but the service could use some improvement. The decor is fun but the music selection playing was a bit too much. Overall, I'd come here again :)
(4)Andrea R.
I have to give this place a just ok. The hummus was really good and lemony, but everything else I've tried was mediocre to crappy. Also I wondered why a "healthy" place didnt offer whole wheat pita. Also why they don't label items vegetarian or vegan. The thai salad sucked. The just slapped a few slices of raw tofu with gross sauce onto lettuce. They added store bought crispy noodles that were a disgusting mush by the time my food arrived. Not good. The grilled antipasto was better but still disappointing. I like their concept, but the food doesnt deliver.
(2)Meghan W.
Fuel soups rock! I went in around lunch time and the gentleman at the counter was so friendly and helpful. I had my soup in a few short moments. By the way, Rocco's butternut squash and apple soup is delicious!
(5)Beth A.
Went today for lunch on a recommendation. Walked over from Loews and it was nice. Everything under 500 calories. I had the hummus (voted best in Philly as a note) and then the eggplant and goat cheese panini. Both wonderful. HUGE portions and I couldn't finish them both. The iced tea was different, had a nice flavor. The price was very inexpensive. I'd go back again. The only issue I had was not having a refill on my iced tea and finally having to flag someone down for it. The place was not very busy (later in the afternoon on a sunday). Outside tables as well as inside, take out as well as eat in. Wish we had this in San Diego where I am living now.
(4)Kate W.
Thai tofu wrap was SOOOO good but also SOOOO messy - ask for a stack of extra napkins and don't eat this on a first date! it's a little pricier than I can handle on a daily basis, but the food was really good and it felt great to know I wasn't putting junk into my body, per the usual. :)
(4)Pauline S.
I love it! I ordered the detox drink and it was so unbelievably yummy. It was naturally sweet and didn't taste fake. The food choices are healthy and aren't limited to just veggies. The prices might be a bit pricey for what it's worth but it's tasty enough to keep me coming back for more.
(4)Kennedy T.
My friend and I had dinner here using "Groupon Now". Everything was really fresh and tasted wonderful! We split a salad, a panini and dessert and left super satisfied! I highly recommend the strawberry/spinach salad and the flourless chocolate cake... de-lish! We couldn't believe that the cake was only 350 calories! It was so rich, creamy and delicious. We kept checking the menu - front and back - to make sure there was no disclaimer or fine print about the calories being a hoax - Lol! A girl's gotta double check! Fuel was fantastic - we'll definitely be back!
(4)Wendy S.
Purchased a Groupon on a whim, knowing I would be visiting Philly, and so glad I did! The TBM with Chicken is super fresh and really flavorful. I had it as a panini and my friend had it as a wrap-both delicious-both sandwiches came with a side of greens and salad dressing. Smoothies were good as well. The decor is simple, the restaurant crowded, but take-out is really quick. Our experience was enhanced by a little "tif" between two waiters fighting over who got to put their order into the register first. The exchange was a little appalling at first, but rather hysterical. Definitely plan to return to Fuel on my next visit to Philadelphia.
(4)Jason Z.
I am so happy that there is a place in Center City now that you can get a healthy meal that won't break the bank. It's also conveniently located around the corner from 12th Street Gym. Perfect for an after workout meal.
(4)Adrienne S.
Could be a great alternative to unhealthy fast food. The fact that the service is painfully and disrespectfully slow is its detriment. The first time we came I believe we were the first customers of the day. We stopped by on our way to an appointment. We had plenty of time to spare for a quick bite. After 25 minutes of waiting for wraps, we were out of time and had to race to our next appointment and eat in the car. I was impressed by the calories and WW points on the wall, so I did decide then that I would return. On my second visit I returned with my boyfriend and we decided to dine in...big mistake. We walked in and waited in line only to find that no one was seating people, so everyone went to find their own seats. Eventually someone appeared and they were miffed that we had (about four tables) seated ourselves. Perhaps the rest of our visit was punishment? The waiter came back with water for one table and took thier order and then she NEVER returned! They left and handed us their menus. My bf was starving, so he went to the counter to order and he brought back our food on his own. After that the waitress would not even look our way. NO water, no nothing. I love the concept, but it is poorly executed. While we were waiting for our food we discussed the decor that is part nightclub, part health store, part fast food restaurant with a weird video playing on a TV in the background. We just did not get it. The food was ok, but not worth the wait. Perhaps take out would be better?
(2)diana s.
For some reason I cannot stand going inside this place...it just has a smell i cannot take....but does that stop me from going here??? hell no....they have banging smoothies...Green Tea Matcha is amazing!!! and if are like me...the one that goes to the gym right after work, skips dinner...then gets out of the gym and is starving and dont want to waste a work out...Fuel has just the right menu for you....very healthy and filling.
(4)Rachael B.
The food is great, healthy, and creative. I LOVE the Zen fruit drink. The only downside is its pricey. Otherwise, I'd eat here everyday! I like the music videos they have playing on the tvs too.
(4)DM D.
This is my new favorite lunch spot! All the dishes are under 500 calories and they mark the calories next to each item on the menu. You can eat in, get take out, or delivery. I usually get take out which is super fast. However I have eaten in the restaurant several times. Once we requested to be outside because our friend had a puppy and they were super accommodating. The staff here is all friendly I've yet to encounter a rude or lazy person. The prices are great too. Every time I go I get the chicken lettuce wraps. You wouldn't think so but they fill you up and they taste great. Be warned they are a little spicy which I love. The decor is cool I guess it's like a space theme I'm horrible at describing that stuff. I come here dressed casually and sometimes in my workout clothes straight from the gym. My only suggestion would be for them to Get a soda machine..I know it's not healthy but I would eat in more often.
(4)Arun P.
Great local biz. Awesome food...fast and friendly!
(4)Neil D.
"Good food, strange ambiance" is how I would sum up Fuel on Walnut Street. It's like a cross between a gym, an Old Navy, and a lunch place. The ceiling is high, the floors are hardwood, and from the TV pumps out fast-paced dance music, which makes this place feel like a gym. Plus, everyone wears an all-black shirt/pant uniform. So, for me it's not really a cozy place to sit and have lunch. However, the food is tasty and they have a lot of choices.
(3)M K.
Went w/Groupon. Food was fine and tasty (nice tomato soup) but probably not quite worth full price. Biggest issue & why I won't rush to return is that you can't just order at the counter and sit down and eat - and for a place called FUEL with techno music, the service was sluggish. Just drop the waiters and make it a take-out or counter service, like Panera, and it might have a shot. Otherwise why not just go to Cosi (which is mediocre at best) but at least it's not pitch dark.
(2)Emily C.
Wholesome meals without having to break the bank. The hummus and lettuce wraps are heavenly. They're constantly working on new dishes which is always exciting, hello less than 300 calorie cannoli! The menu is vegan and gluten-free friendly which is a plus in my book. They are also okay with bringing your own booze. FUEL is relatively new and still working out the kinks but you got to have faith in new restaurants with strong concepts. We'll definitely be back ;)
(5)Jeannine K.
This is a great place if you are looking for eating a healthy meal in the city. I love the fact that they post the nutritional information of all menu items! I have tried both the Hummus with Veggies and the Grilled Veggie Wrap. The Hummus was good, but was a bit more oily than I prefer. The Grilled Veggie Wrap was delicious! The portion sizes are larger than I expected, but that's not a bad thing. The prices are a bit high, but I think getting a healthy meal made with fresh ingredients is worth it.
(4)Ryan R.
Incredible tasting healthy food at an affordable price. I can't get enough of this place!
(5)Shannon L.
Great place, but I wish they had more of a healthy vegetarian/vegan selection and some more fresh green juices. Most of the items I've tried are awesome, but there have been some misses... All in all, a good healthy option for Center City.
(4)Sahran P.
Delicious and quick, best grilled cheese I have had in a long time!
(5)Ashlee G.
False advertising! A bunch of us went there for lunch, and after being surprised that the food was under 500 calories, the waitress informed us that only the ingredients used in our sandwiches were under 500 calories. The entire lunch was probably well over! For a place that is directly advertising this low cal menu, it was very disappointing. It also took us about 90 min to dine because the service was so slow!
(1)donna b.
I've gone to Fuel on four separate occasions and this is what my experience has been thus far: The soups: (forgetting proper names right now so forgive me) Tomato - liked it, this visit was so long ago forgetting details but I do recall enjoying it. Creamy potato-very good and probably my favorite out of them all, the light cream didn't effect the creamyness/tastyness of the soup Crab Bisque- Good but peppery and the crab was a bit stringy. The Panini's The thanksgiving special Panini The Eggplant and Goat Cheese Panini The Grilled Chicken Panini I can safely say across the board, the panini's were just ok. I can leave satisfied eating one but they can do so much better flavor wise, with the grilled chicken panini I'd thought they didn't include the sun-dried tomato that comes with it so the waitress brought me out some, and it tasted like specks of SGT in butter, which didn't bring a ton of SGT flavor but possibly increased my calorie/fat intake majorly. And their chicken tastes to me like the chicken that I make at home, which is pretty good but I always want to get it to a restaurant quality that I haven't mastered yet. So I'd want the restaurant I'm buying from to master a restaurant quality chicken breast as well (call me crazy). The thanksgiving special panini was flavorful but felt like it could pack so much more. And I don't believe it has anything to do with the lower calories, I eat flavorful low cal/fat food all of the time so I know what can be done. Lastly dessert I've tried Banana whips- pretty good, I could get this when wanting something frozen and creamy and be satisfied. Pumpkin Cheesecake- Love this cheesecake and I'm not even a huge fan of pumpkin. I'd buy an entire pie for an event they did this well. And I love the whip cream that it comes with, again the lightness of the cream doesn't take away from the flavor. The service was pretty good each visit(four visits total), the only complaint I have (and reminded to email the business about this as well) is one visit where the waiter got indignant when I asked if I could take the check up myself because I was in a hurry. I was clear about it having nothing to do with his service, I'd just over did it during a lunch break during my work hours. I typed this out in detail which is very long so decided to spare you guys, just in short felt it was really unprofessional of him, how he reacted that is, I deduct a star for that incident, future visits and dependent upon the response from the owner, that will likely go up in a future review. My only other complaint is that the 500 calories doesn't account for bread, which is fine but people who want to know calorie intake, typically need to know in detail so it should mention somewhere on the menu the calories for the items not included in that 500. You can always guesstimate but it just helps a great deal, when I am actually counting a calorie to have full detail so that I'm not eating more than I think I am later in the day. Oh and to those who commented on it looking/sounding like a gym I wonder if that is intentional....I do know I can't take those club music videos, at least switch them up if they must exist.
(3)Ann C.
Summary: Food: fresh, with potential, but lacking distinction Service: friendly but P_ poor Atmosphere: sorely lacking personality, akin to Crunch gym cafeteria (gym simile attributable to Neil D.) Value: meh. I was particularly disenchanted by the juice bar rip-off. Let me preface by saying that I love Philly, but one thing it dearly lacks are healthy lunch places with decent salads under $10. So naturally, when I found out about this place through Groupon, I was super excited to go check it out. And, yes, I had my Groupon in hand. I walked in before the lunch rush, totally psyched because I just won the parking ticket hearing I had at the Philly Parking Authority 4 blocks away-- so I'm in a good mood, ready for some healthy fueling food, and definitely not primed for the very annoying experience that followed. I was greeted by a very nice server who sat me down once I announced I came to eat in. I also announced I had the Groupon, so there are no surprises. There were plenty of other tables with a single person in them, so I wasn't feeling uncomfortable for my table of one. All this, despite the incredibly uncomfortable plastic chairs and the dance music blaring from the TV sets with a FUEL Logo permanently imprinted on the screens showing the music videos in the background. Wow, I thought, if they'd only invested in some better chairs and floor boards (that rocked every time someone walked up to 15 ft away) rather than the VJ to digitally add their insignia to the videos they're showing... Neil who mentioned the gym-like atmosphere in his review was right on. Perched above the gym with the juice bar at the end, is a room which looked like it was set up for a party. I gather they have space for private parties. I tried to imagine the Weight Watcher parties that may go on there (I'm not being mean, menu specifies the calories AND WW points for each item) The squash soup I ordered from the specials showed up relatively soon, so I stopped my musings and lunged in. Mind you, it was a cold cold day, and I was looking forward to my... very cold cold soup!? But by the time I'd realized it was cold I'd already tasted it, and was in a good mood, and didn't want to make a fuss, so I decided to gloss it over. I was about 2 spoons from finishing the bowl (which was about medium size) before the server reappeared: "How is your soup" "Pretty good" I said (because it WAS, a bit on the too sweet side, but generally pretty good, despite the temperature) "It wasn't cold?" "Yes, it was! You knew about that?" Here began my ire- if she knew it was cold- why did she serve it? And if it was a mistake- which I'm willing to accept- perhaps insist on bringing a warm one out? Next I ordered the tuna and arugula salad, dressing ON THE SIDE. I must note that first thing I asked was whether the tuna was canned or fresh. Server said it was fresh. When my salad came out, FULLY DRESSED topped by a heap of so clearly canned tuna, it still had the shape of the can it came from (be it high grade canned, but still canned), I did decide to send it back. I politely asked if the dressing was on the salad. The server was very polite-- she clearly remembered I'd asked for it on the side since she did not seem surprised, rushed to apologize and remove the salad from the table. The salad came back out. I have to say that the arugula was very very fresh. Not a single leaf was tired in the massive heap of greens. The white beans were alright. Overall, the salad engineering pretty good. That dry, canned albacore tuna left something to be desired. So, by now, I've had a cold soup, a salad, and when the server asked me for the third time if I wanted a drink (yes, she was persistent), I ordered the 'I want a Tan' TO GO which is the simplest drink they seemed to have on the elaborate juice bar menu: fresh carrot, OJ, and ginger. The drink came out with about 19oz of fresh ICE and 1 oz of juice from which the ginger pieces were not filtered out (I'm still picking my teeth as I write, sorry for the graphic detail...). Yes, it's true, I am at fault for not specifying I don't want a $5 cupfull of ice when it's 35 degrees outside and I'm about to take this to go. Finally, although I knew my check came out below the amount specified on the Groupon, I was done with this unsatisfying meal (which only had a cold heap of greens going for it). I asked for my check. Check arrived way after the ladies in the next table (who were seated after me) had already left the premises. The server was quick to ask whether I'd been explained that the Groupon doesn't cover taxes when the total amount falls below the groupon value. I just really wanted to get out of there before I get stuck to that annoying Bruno Mars song for the next week, so I paid them the tax and even very generously (24%) tipped the staffer because I didn't have change. But that's the last of my cash they'll see. I'll go get my fresh arugula and HOT soup at the Terminal market a few blocks away.
(1)Kathy L.
I'm giving FUEL a solid 4 stars because they've recognized a severely under served market here in Philadelphia. My favorites in this category back home in San Francisco were Boxed Foods and Mixt Greens. Check out their websites and you'll see what I mean. Relatively affordable, tasty, HEALTHFUL food options. Honestly, can people please recommend where I can get salads with fresh, varied ingredients? Don't say Cosi... And I don't want to pay $20 for take-out at a stephen starr restaurant. From Fuel, I had the shrimp, avocado spinach salad which was delicious and filling. All options are supposed to be around/under 500 (depends if they counted the wrap and if you got one) - but who's counting anyway! The ambience of the place is a little dim and could be better - it doesn't scream fresh...just neon orange? Next time, I'm dying to try the whipped banana with nutella and strawberries. Apparently it's just a frozen banana, whipped...so it's like ice cream?! But without the guilt, in case you had any.
(4)Lisa L.
Good eats we randomly found touring Philly. Strawberry spinach salad and portabella and eggplant panini. Not the freshest, but great veggie options. Nice ambiance. Great presentation.
(3)Amber L.
i love this place! i almost always order the grilled eggplant and goat cheese panini, im totally in love with this sandwich! ive also had their version of a grilled cheese which is excellent, and i stop for a smoothie there at least 2-3 times a week. Just a warning*** their under 500cal claim does not include your choice of bread on the sandwich. Not enough to steer me away, but if you are the type to count calories keep that in mind.
(4)Joelle J.
After about 6 months of steadily going here 1-3 times a week, I think I can give it a solid 4 stars although this rating can vary from experience to experience. Some days, it's a 2 star and some days it's a 5 which kind of makes it a 3.5 but I'll round up. Pros: 1. The food: On a good day, their food is amazing. You'd never think you wrere eating healthy. The thai chicken w/wheat wrap is my favorite and I pretty much order it every time I come in but the Thanksgiving Panini is delicious. The turkey is moist, cheese adds a nice creaminess and the apples provide a good crunch (although sometimes it seems they forget to add the apple). Also, if the soup of the day is crab&corn chowder and you like a little spice, order it and you will not be disappointed. Sweet pea mash is another favorite of mine. 2. The speed of service: You're food is done fairly quickly and they tend to package it in a way that is convenient to carry out. 3. The owner, Rocco: He seems to have great passion for his business and he actually took my order the first time I came there. I think he understands that the best thing for his business is repeat customers and a good reputation. I'd never actually written to a restaurant or made a comment about a bad experience at one until I got a really bad salad here for my mom. I'd told her soo many good things about the food but was really disappointed with the quality of salad so I sent an e-mail and he, or an agent of his since I don't know that he responds directly to people but his name was signed to it, sent me an e-mail that same day and made my next purchase on them. 4. You can pay with LevelUp: I love this app and if it weren't for the LevelUp person outside of the store back in April/May, I never would've known this place existed. 5. Points: Being on WW, it's nice that they calculate the points. It's one less thing I have to worry about doing. I still can't believe that some of the points values are soo low but the pounds I've lost seem to indicate that they aren't too far off. Cons: 1. Consistency: Like I mentioned above, some days they are really off the mark. Like yesterday for example. I was quite disappointed with my thai chicken, it seemed like the peanut sauce and balsamic vinegar were both cups of oil with not much else. I'm going back today though and will probably get it again unless I go for the thanksgiving panini because everyone has off days. 2. The service: This definitely isn't a service with a smile or your neighborhood Cheers type of place but I think that it could be. It seems like Rocco is the opposite of his staff. Even I notice some of the same people there when I go and being on a name basis with your customers only helps them come back. I 've gone to other restaurants a few times and now when I go back it's like a reunion with old friends which has actually lead to more frequent trips back and more recommendations to others. All in all, it's still my go to lunch when I don't want to sacrifice taste for a healthy option and the pro's outweigh the cons. I think these specific cons are what have lead to low ratings though.
(4)Chau L.
This place has good salads and decent sandwiches. The juices and smoothies are also pretty good. The service is so-so to blah, but when I'm feeling like something a little healthier, this is where I go in Center City. It's difficult trying to find healthier food on a time crunch in the city.
(3)Judy R.
I'm a healthy eater, a calorie counter, and a runner/yogi. So I am a fan of Fuel and it's wonderful concept. The food is usually delicious, but I do have a few things to forewarn customers about. 1. Order the dressing on the side for the side salads they give you. They drench them. 2. Don't order off of grubhub. They will not make the food. (Although, when you call and complain, they are great about making ammends.) 3. The calorie count includes the content of the sandwich but not the bread or the actual wrap itself. 4. The service is eh. The server would wander away a lot during my experience. She wasn't terrible, or rude, but she also didn't give a crap, apparently. It happens. 5. The atmosphere is great, except the weird techno remixes of top 40 songs and their music videos playing on the big screens. Top 40 is bad enough... Stop that.
(3)Jenn V.
I haven't tried anything at Fuel yet that I haven't loved. For under about 500 calories you can get a great meal which isn't outrageously priced compared to some other restaurants in the area. All the ingredients are fresh and a filling size- considering it is as healthy as the menu states. Usually, I order the Strawberry Spinach Salad (with Chicken) which is huge- I can't even finish most of the time. Also, the sandwiches are delicious- I recommend the Smoked Salmon Sandwich or The Roasted Turkey (I am a sucker for anything including Goat Cheese). Sometimes, the service is a little bit on the slower side, so if you are crunched for time you may want to let them know. Sidenote: the calories listed for the Panini's do not include the bread, so if you are counting calories- take that into consideration.
(4)Norma R.
Really enjoy their food. The food is tasty and healthy. Had the tomato basil soup, and Salmon Wrap which was delicious. They advertise using only fresh ingredients and I could def tell they did once I ate their food. Their smoothies are also tasty, my favorite is the Detox Smoothie which pomegranate and acai berry. The atmosphere is hip and contemporary. The staff is very friendly and they gave great customer service. I was very impressed overall and have been there many times as a happy returning customer.
(4)Catherine W.
I have tried a few of the varieties of smoothies from and enjoy them. I would give this place 4 stars for product and 2 stars for service. The people that work here haven't been particularly friendly, and the aesthetics of the place leave much to be desired. It's a little dark and dingy. The atmosphere doesn't match the menu. I'll still grab smoothies here when I'm in the neighborhood. Hopefully the experience will improve.
(3)Jenny L.
For the health conscious who also likes good food! Came here with a coupon from Yelp. We shared a strawberry chicken salad, and we each got a panini. Can't really remember what types.. i think it was either TBM or grilled veggies, and also got a panini with chicken. The chicken was pretty well seasoned but it was flat (probably a way to reduce that calories in a panini). Overall, pretty good portions and its a healthy meal without sacrificing the taste. Made me wonder, how were they able to keep it at such low calories?
(4)Jon Z.
I came here because I had bought a gift certificate from one of the deal promotion sites. I live by here and the menu really seemed attractive. I went on a Saturday lunch around 1pm. The food was pricy for small portions and the service was very unfriendly! Food: we got the chicken lettuce wrap which consisted of cut chicken pieces, peanuts (crushed from a can) on top of 3 large, flat, two days too old lettuce leaves. The wrap was mushy and soft and lacked any kick or flavor. For $8.95 you'd expect better. The smoothies were tasty but very watered down, get the smoothies here if you like it to be half water within 5 minutes. Goto Smoothie King instead for a "real smoothie" The also got the Thai chicken sandwich which had something similar to a wet peanut butter sauce plastered over the bread. If you are used to the usual thai peanut sauce, this sauce is not what you would expect. Lastly, we got a greek salad and that was the best part of the meal. You can't mess up a salad and although this placed messed everything else up, the salad was spot Overall, very underwhelming and overpriced for the quality of food. It seriously feels like a place run but a bunch of guys from a college frat. The 13th street area is a very up and coming and there are much better options to spend your money when in the area!
(2)Philly B.
Great food. Good deals. Horrible service. The food is very healthy and fresh but the service is just so bad all the time. Might prefer to order delivery or take out
(3)Danielle S.
4 stars because: -Everything under 500 calories (note that this does NOT include bread for sandwiches, chips for dip, etc. - so ask questions) -Tons of vegetarian options -Any sandwich can be gluten free -Yummy, fresh food - I love the tomato basil mozz pesto sandwich. -They are on like, every deal site known to man... there's a Yelp deal, Foursquare deal, Groupon Now deal, they're on LevelUp, they give you a 10% off coupon at the bottom of every receipt... -Weight Watchers points listed right on the menu - although they are suspiciously low compared to the calories, which brings me to... Not 5 stars because: -My partner did some number crunching for the Weight Watchers points and things just don't add up. Next time I'm there, I'm going to ask for the full nutrition info. -Why not delineate which dishes are vegetarian or vegan on the menu? -Service is consistently bad, but honestly, I can get over that if the food is good enough.
(4)Nate H.
Been sitting on publishing this since last summer... but here we go. Decided to check this place out finally, even though I've had little interest in it's low-calorie mantra since hearing about the Passyunk Ave store opening. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of menu choices that source fresh ingredients, but don't claim on your chalkboard to use local ingredients when the tomato in my sandwich was so mealy and pale pink it's impossible it's from nearby soil. Local tomatoes in the summertime are a dime a dozen, and have a deliciously full flavor. The fact that James Van Der Beek recently dined there should have been enough of a red flag to get a sandwich somewhere else... Oh, and the under 500 calories bit doesn't include the bread the sandwiches come on. Give me a break.
(1)Nicolette H.
I ordered delivery from here one night last week after hearing wonderful things. I ordered the Fuel Stacker on whole wheat bread and my boyfriend got the eggplants & goat cheese as a salad. The delivery driver courteously called to let us know he was having car trouble (which happens), and we got our food an hour and a half later. I was a little upset, but you can't do anything about that. But you can do something about the fact that my sandwich was not great. My bread was soggy everywhere. Juice was just seeping through the sandwich. It came with a side salad that was warm because it was next to my warm sandwich. My boyfriend didn't have anything bad or good to say. I was not impressed. Probably won't be trying them for a while now.
(2)Jihye T.
Philly needs more places like Fuel. Affordable, tasty, healthy quick meals for the lazy days when you do not feel like cooking at home and you've indulged too much to eat a real restaurant meal.
(4)Melissa W.
This place tastes... healthy. In an average kind of way. Healthy food can be tasty (e.g. sweetgreen), but they don't seem to have mastered that here. The chicken was dry, flavorless, and they just packed too many solid slabs of it into one wrap. It was like eating a brick of solid dry chicken wrapped in a mediocre tortilla. Very underwhelming. The atmosphere is also weird, like a super-trendy-healthy takeout place, but there's sit-down table service and fancy flatware? If you're gonna have a takeout counter, make it more fast-foody. Takeout + table service is a weird combo. The service was nice enough, but pretty slow and inattentive (they didn't refill our water). It's kind of expensive too, at $12 for a mediocre wrap after tax and tip. At least the portion sizes are decent, for what that's worth. I also walked out of here smelling like fried food, for reasons I can't even begin to fathom. If you like your food bland, boring, and healthy, definitely come here. If you're looking for something smothered in bacon, cheese and everything else delicious, look elsewhere.
(2)Alyssa A.
Came in on a Sunday for lunch the food was good and the service was great. Our server Abby was very accommodating to our needs and requests. I would definitely go back sometime soon.
(4)Vi M.
Love, Love, Love!!!!! Ordered a grill chicken gluten free panini and fell in love!!! What's even better? Everything is under 500 cal!! This is the perfect place for a bread/wrap loving people with Celiac's! GLUTEN FREE paninis/wraps?!?!?! !! Didnt know any place that served that! EVERYTHING is so FRESH!!! I will def be eating here for the rest of my week in Philly! :)
(5)Chris M.
VERY healthy. Love what they are aiming for, we need MORE healthy options in this city.. time for eating garbage is no time. Service was quick, food was good.. drinks at juice bar were ridiculous.. we loved them. Sit down service, or takeout.. it's worth checking out. A little pricey, wish they could lower their margins a bit to make this a place we can hit more often.
(3)Jen B.
While staying at a nearby hotel, I went here twice. This place sounded great - healthy meals, juices and smoothies. There are a ton of juice and smoothie choices; I chose the "Detox" smoothie both times I went (16 and 20 oz). The Yerba Mate and berry combination (açai, pomegranate and blueberry) was thirst quenching. If you've never had Yerba Mate (I hadn't) - it's supposed to be give you a combination of satisfaction (like chocolate), alertness (like caffeine) and health benefits (like tea) - at least according to the Guayaki website: guayaki.com/mate/130/Yer… . Chicken lettuce wraps were good (though the romaine lettuce wasn't large enough to really wrap the chicken, sriracha and peanut filling). Fuel Stacker - Portabello mushroom, eggplant, zucchini, squash, mozzarella and pesto (I took out the tomato): I ordered this in wheat wrap. Tasted great though I wish they warmed up the wrap and veggies (I didn't ding them points because they did deliver it). Came with a side salad with dark green lettuce and balsamic vinaigrette. Overall, healthy and good. It reminds me of some of the restaurants you would find in San Francisco, and is a good alternative to fast food. I'll be back next time I'm in the area!
(4)Evan G.
The world needs more food establishments like this. Healthy and surprisingly filling selection of guilt free deliciousness.
(5)Carlo D.
Desert was great but a bit pricey
(4)Moira T.
As I was eating, I couldn't believe that one of the wait staff was repeatedly wiping his nose and carrying out food without washing his hands. I saw him rinse his hands in a sink but did not use soap. Lost my appetite. I won't eat there again.
(1)Victoria L.
Fuel isn't terrible.... I just think it's overpriced for a sandwich I could make myself. It's a nice concept with a convenient location, so I humored my health conscious boyfriend by coming here for lunch dates. Although, I will say that their smoothies are good. The service isn't even that great so I'd rather go to Pain Quotidien for more varied options.
(3)Rachel A.
I got a party tray from here for a function a few weeks ago. I got three different types of wraps - the smoked salmon, the tofu with peanut sauce, and the veggie one with eggplant and lots of other good veggies. The wraps were all really good. It was the first time I had eaten there let alone ordered anything, but I had heard nothing but good things about the food and the place itself.
(4)Jayna B.
I have been here three times so take this as you please. Experience 1: Waitress did not know what smoked salmon was even thought it is a staple on the menu I paid 5 dollars for a smoothie that was very small. Experience 2: I shared the wonton app with a friend. It was ok but nothing special. Also, WAY overpriced. Experience 3: Waiter spills water on my boyfriend and does not respond to our calling attention to it. Good salad, shitty service. Hummus app tasted like it was bathed in lemons- in a bad way. I won't be returning after the shit service we had.
(2)Kelly B.
I ate here Wednesday for lunch and liked it so much I went Friday night with my husband and dog to sit and have a smoothie on their patio/sidewalk seating. The girl at the counter (Friday night 8/30/13) was extremely rude!!! I walked in and the girl asked "for here or to go?" I said "me and my husband want to sit outside. We are just gonna have 2 smoothies." Pretty simple Friday night right? FYI there was NO ONE else on the patio. She says "you can sit outside and wait for a server to be with you". When I went Wednesday I got everything to go and it was counter service. Due to the fact we were not eating and no one else was on the patio I did not think it would be a big deal to get the smoothies at the counter and have them outside. The girl told me no. She said I would be taking up a table for someone who wanted to eat there. Did I mention there were 3 tables in the whole place with people at them and NO ONE ELSE outside. I told her that was a pretty silly thing to lose a customer over and she was straight faced and rude about it the whole time. I live on 13th and locust and wk on 15th and walnut. I WOULD have been a regular customer. Thanks for the reply Rocco:)
(5)Laura R.
This place is a great place to eat. Everything here is under 500 calories, and the meals leave you feeling content, so you don't have to worry about still being hungry when you leave. The first time I came, I got the Shrimp and Avocado salad. It was delicious. I was so glad I found this place, I couldn't wait to return. I returned to Fuel today and split the Fuel Sampler with a friend. The Guacamole with the charred corn was the best! I also decided to get "The Wake me up" smoothie, which was a great choice. Definitely a must, if you are in Philadelphia!
(5)Salima C.
I'm all for healthy food and I have had a prior good experience but today O_0 I got a tomato basil soup because I am having dinner later and wanted to keep it light but not that light. The soup was like water with tomato juice in it. This blasphemous attempt at comfort food and the cold shoulder from the cashiers has me convinced hunger is a better alternative.
(1)Clare D.
I wish I could say all good things about this place because I was really enamored with their sample offerings at the recent Yelp food and drink party, but I can't give it a great review because my first experience there wasn't good. I ordered the Fuel Sampler, which gave me a choice of three items from a list of guacamole, black bean and tomato salsa, hummus, and sweet pea mash. The sweet pea mash was incredible, but the salsa and guacamole were too salty. The guacamole was especially salty and I let my server know that. She tried to rectify the situation by giving me a substitute of hummus, but that, too was too salty. Why was this place awarded "Best Hummus"? I can certainly appreciate the fact that it's freshly made, but something in the guacamole, hummus, and salsa just didn't taste right. That aside, if I had just ordered the sweet pea mash or perhaps the shrimp canapes that I tried from the Yelp party, I would've given this place four or five stars. I'll give it another try before I dismiss it. I'm sure the wraps and salads are good. I did like my Zen smoothie (cucumber, mango, pineapple).
(2)Amber G.
While the Thai Tofu Wrap was delicious, the service was awful. No warm greeting, swift but cold checkout plus a long wait for my food. I ordered it as takeout with the thought of eating outside, but it started to pour so I sat at a table inside. A server approached me to tell me I couldn't sit there because they have "waitress service" -- Which I totally get because I work in the industry -- But she didn't give me a chance to discuss before shooing me away. I would have tipped had she let me stay. At $12 for a wrap and green tea, I'd expect much better hospitality. Also a warning: The posted calorie count does not include bread, so my wrap was actually 535 calories versus the 375 that's listed ( fuelrechargeyourself.com… ).
(3)Daniel R.
This place was a huge disappointment. I suppose the food is nutritious, but I can't get past the horrible service. Waitress was not just inattentive, she was absent. I even had to get up and go to the counter to ask for a refill while she sat there and had a snack and talked to the cook. I never did get a check so I left some money on the table and walked out. Don't be fooled by the seemingly great deals (groupon and others) to visit this place. Food is mediocre, at best. The tomato and cucumber salad was if I had put my head in the garden and was eating the stuff dry. How hard is it to put some local or natural dressing on that? The portion was big; I'll give Fuel that much. Next, I had the turkey sandwich (because they did not seem to have the fixings for the much ballyhooed Thanksgiving sandwich). The sandwich was large, but again, mostly flavorless. I suppose if you want to feel good about yourself by eating what probably is good for you, this is an ok place. I walked directly to another place to get more food though because I felt like I ate a lot of nothing. I will not return to Fuel as the whole place is running on empty!
(1)Lou P.
It all seems frantic There's way to much going on Just make food, okay? Fuel needs to get over itself. I can't be the only one that thinks this place is just got some sort of identity crisis: it looks like a dance club mixed with a health spa, japanese templa and Sherwin-Williams. The TV's play some trippy station with odd colors and shapes all swirling together. There's probably some subliminal messaging in there too. "buyfoodbuydrinksdon'tgetfatdon'tgetfatdon'Âtgetfat." And they have sandwiches. Acceptably filling but not overly thrilling sandwiches. They're tasty enough, but for 100 more calories you can hit up any number of other places in the city without being assaulted by color, lights and a barrage of overly energetic thin people who haven't tasted a roast pork sandwich in years.
(3)Wei T.
Great alternative to Panera and Cosi. I've been here 3 times and everything that I had was very good... I love a good Panini, especially when it's under 500 calories. The South Philly panini is my favorite! The only thing that I've had here that was disappointing was the peppermint mocha. I do like how they use sugar free syrups but it tasted like it came out of one of those gas station mocha machines... Don't be thrown off by the poor decor (lime green walls) and bumping club music. This is a great little place if you're looking for a healthier option. I'm excited to try some of their desserts. This place just opened but is in need of a serious makeover.
(4)Shelly R.
What a great find this place was!! I work around the corner and we are always looking for new places to try for lunch. We stumbled across this little gem awhile back when we noticed a sign saying that everything on the menu is 500 calories or less. We became curious and thought we'd check it out. It surpassed our expectations ten-fold. In my past experiences, whenever a place offers low-cal, low-fat, etc., it ends up being "so-so" or tasting very low-fat, with all of the goodness stripped out. This place is definitely a RARE exception! The food here is made with the freshest ingredients, not to mention the fact that they are organic and gluten-free. They offer a variety of paninis, wraps and salads that are all extremely delicious and I haven't been disappointed yet! My favorites are the TBM (tomato,basil,mozz) Chicken Wheat Panini and the Chicken Gorgonzola Wheat Panini. They both are to die for and the wheat bread is outstanding! It's so hard to find a good-tasting, healthy bread that is low in calories (without being semi-transparent)! Another thing I really love about this place is how they break down all of the nutritional ingredients of their menu items. The calories printed on the menu do not include the bread, but you can easily look up that nutritional info on their iPhone or Droid app. We visit here usually a couple times a week and can't say enough about the freshness and high quality of taste of their food. I highly recommend trying it!
(5)Kelly P.
this place is exactly what was missing in my life. free delivery for $10+ orders. under 500 cal meals (that usually end up as two meals for me). creamy hummus and warm fresh pitas. various smoothies, substitute whatever fruit your little heart desires. it's the perfect meal on a hot summer day, top it off with a low-cal cannolo if you're feeling adventurous.
(5)Cynthia H.
Everything I've ever ordered from here has been excellent! I work at a salon, and everytime someone gets word that I'm ordering from here they jump to be included! It's nice to have a very healthy and fresh alternative to ordering out. They deliver so quickly as well. My favorites include the chicken and gorganzola wrap, the tuna wrap (prepared w lemon and oil, no mayo) and the sweet pea mash.... And on a sat if I don't have time to 'eat' I order one of their healthy smooties, mixed berry being my favorite!
(5)Sara P.
I'm always looking for organic/local options, which I find surprisingly hard to find in Philly. So I was looking forward to trying Fuel even though the reviews were mixed. Had the detox juice that was delicious! The tomato, basil, mozzarella salad was really tasty and good size for $7. The pesto that comes with it is also yummy. The roasted turkey panini was a generous sandwich. It was a savory combination of pesto, turkey, tomato and goat cheese. It was still however just "good". Nothing terrible nothing fantastic, but worth the money, healthy and really filling. Lastly let's talk about the music. Seriously it needs to go. This isn't the gym or a night club, in fact there is nothing relaxing, refreshing or rejuvenating about juice bar if the bass is thumping the silverware off the table. There seems to be a disconnect between the mission and the decor. Perhaps sticking with the "local" theme you could play some Philadelphia musicians for those who dine in. Overall I'm really excited to have found a tasty organic/local restaurant, but look forward to see how Fuel evolves.
(4)Erin F.
Here's my reaction to Fuel Center City: "Um... okaaayyy..." For whatever reason, it's taken me a long time to stop into Fuel, even after opening this location a couple blocks from my office. I decided today was the day. I had a taste for a big fresh squeezed juice and their juice bar came to mind. So I headed down to Fuel. This place is extremely busy around 12:30 on a weekday and also extremely corny. With loud electronic gym music playing, abstract, bright videos playing on the flat screens that scream FITNESS, the space itself is poorly lit and loud. But I get it - many 9 to 5ers are looking for healthy, low-cal alternatives to the usual lunch spots around the area. That's fair. Also, I just remembered that this place used to be PHAG, and will now take a moment to mourn their kitschy stock and snotty staff. Moving on, the people who working here look OPPRESSED. The guy who took my order had the phone up to his ear for most of the time I was here, including when he took my order and the time it took to make it. [Edit: He wasn't even talking into the phone. It was just up to his ear the entire time, pinched between his shoulder and head. I'm guessing someone was on hold, but I still found this disconcerting.] After sitting around waiting for someone to at least approach the juice making station to fix my "Give Me a Tan", a staffer walked in hurriedly from the outside, I'm guessing to report for duty. He, eventually, got around to whipping up my order, but what if he wouldn't have walked in for another 5 or 10 minutes? The situation here is weird. Everyone is ultra-rushed and looked visibly upset to be there. Is everyone having a bad day? So he eventually got around to making my juice (the only person working I saw smile at all) which wasn't the juice I expected (I anticipated a smooth, liquidy, relatively pulp-free - basically the kind of stuff you see pouring out of the spout of a Jack LaLanne juicer on the infomercials). Instead, it was just orange juice, carrot chunks and apple liquefied in a VitaMix blender. A puree with ice and a straw in it. For $5.40 (incl. tax, people) you get 20oz, which is a fair amount, but I don't think I'll be back any time soon. I might have to order my own Jack LaLanne mixer or perhaps count that his people will read this local review and send me one for free.
(2)Sarah L.
The one time I ate I. At Fuel, there was a table of about 20 dudes, each walking around with a huge bottle of vodka. I'm not sure if putting vodka in smoothies keeps them "healthy" but I did find the whole experience entertaining. Fuel for takeout or delivery is kind of that fallback plan for when you're too lazy to do anything else. Gluten free paninis are good, but considering most gluten free bread tastes like cardboard, the bar is set pretty low. All of the sandwiches seem a little dry, I'm not sure why this is. Whatever the reason, it means I'm always left feeling like my meal was less exciting than I'd hoped it would be. Everything sounds so delicious...and the first bite usually is, but by the end, I'm reaching for water and considering dipping my sandwich in a side of ranch. I feel like it's one of those meh places that I'll keep going back to just because it is easy. Ha, insert inappropriate easy joke here....
(3)Ryan E.
I was seriously waiting for the whole staff to start fist pumping. When I first walked in, I wasn't quite sure if I walked into an Old City night club or not. The service is pretty bad. I waited in line for five minutes just to order. There was a woman in front of me who was checking on her order for the 2nd time and had been waiting 10+ minutes for a juice drink. I also ended up waiting for 15+ minutes for a salad only to have them give my salad to some girl who ordered the same thing five minutes after me. Oh, and she still sat waiting while her boyfriend waited for his food. I was by myself and ordered first, why wouldn't they give it to me first? So I sat and waited another 2 or 3 minutes until they finally called my order. To top it all off, the bag they stuck it in had sticky juice on it which got all over my clothing. With that being said, the salad was pretty good. Not fantastic but I'd be willing to go back and try some other items on the menu. I appreciate the healthy spin on food. Conceptually, it's a great idea. Don't be fooled by the "everything under 500 calories" though. They have a small print disclaimer which states that their sandwich calorie counts do not include bread. None the less, everything seems pretty healthy and fresh. I guess we gotta keep those bodies tight for the Jersey Shore.
(3)Erica M.
I had a great lunch experience at Fuel yesterday. We were seated promptly by a courteous host/server. Our server was attentive despite the fact that they were busy with the lunch crowd. The food was very good - I had the veggie stacker panini with goat cheese instead of ricotta and my cousin had the Thai chicken wrap. I really enjoyed that my veggies and the bread had a VERY minimal amount of grease/oil...the food truly seemed healthy! My cousin lost her earring and when I called a few hours after we left, the guy who answered the phone was very friendly and offered to take my name and phone number in case it turned up. Overall, a good experience - check it out!
(4)Kiley P.
As a health-conscious business traveler, I was astounding to find Fuel. Everything I've ordered has been tasty yet nutritious without the added fat and calories. I highly recommend the grilled shrimp, Thai chicken wrap, grilled chicken and artichoke Panini on whole grain, grilled vegetables and the pumpkin pie. Each item was well worth it's cost as well as the savings to my waistline. I can't wait for more locations to open across the country - it's a health nuts dream come true.
(5)Jamie G.
I stopped here for lunch and was seated in the tiny foyer area which was great for people watching but I have NO idea what the rest of the restaurant looks like. I had the Roasted Turkey wrap and was delighted it was also served with a side salad. For someone that went through an obsession with counting calories I thought the calories looked a little low for the amount of food served (about 350) but I am far from an expert on these things and kind of stopped caring. Overall - fresh food and quick service - I love a good 'healthy food' joint so this place fared well for me and I'd go back again.
(4)Aisha L.
3.5 I Like what they are doing here its just seems a little poorly executed. When you get there you see that the decor is trying to be kind of modern chic, and with a name like fuel they are trying to be cool and edgy with a sense of humor and realism. It ended up looking a little cheap in my opinion. My friend and my boy friend came here on a beautiful Thursday afternoon to get some lunch. We sat outside and the waitress joined us soon enough. I got an ice tea and she came back shortly there after to answer questions and take our orders. They had a good selection of vegetarian items without soy or seitan or any of that crap that I hate, which is a big PLUS for veg/vegan friendly restaurants, and they have meat on their menu too for the healthy carnivores. I ordered the mushroom sandwich with goat cheese, and my friend ordered the eggplant sandwich. They come with side salads too. The thing that got this place to drop a star was when the food came my friend and mines sandwiches got mixed up, they put mine in front of him and his in front of me and my BF got the right one in front of him.. So when I started eating it, I was like this isnt right. It has eggplant on it, so I jut figured they messed up my order. So when the waitress came back I said to her that I thought my sandwich was wrong, and she started arguing with me that that was what I ordered. Not wanting to have a big confrontation that afternoon (sometimes I dont mind getting into it with a waitress if she is being particularly rude) but it was just a casual lunch so I shrugged it off. After talking to her my friend was like, "Yeah my sandwich isnt quite right either, and we realized the waitress had just put the wrong items in front of us. that was frustrating because sandwiches all look the same its not easily identifiable that yours and your neighbors got switched. I mean if I had the pasta and he had the salad clearly we would have seen a switch. So our waitress should have done it right (seeing that she took the order and thats what position numbers are for) or she should have auctioned off at the table asking whose was whose. Ill still come back. The food was tasty.
(3)Mark K.
I went twice because of friends. impression ? food was nothing special, music overwhelming and space, cramped. never again.
(2)Lizette H.
Diggin' the vegan options in Center CIty lately. Fuel does not let you down. Dip your feet with their sampler and definitely try their pea hummus and regular hummus. yummy. I also enjoyed the eggplant and roasted portabello panini. You reall can't go wrong here. Enjoy without feeling guilty afterwards.
(5)Mike S.
Some days its good to eat healthy. The other day was one of them, and what better way than the head over to a place that serves food under 500 calories. There are plenty of tables if you wish to dine in. The only weird thing is the TV that constantly shows extremely fit men and women swimming and having a grand ol time. Meh, not for me. Got some salads to go. One was shrimp and avacado over a bed of spinach with a lemon dressing. Other was roasted turkey salad. Both were good. I was left hungry after eating my salad and actually made another salad at home to eat. So much for eating small.
(3)Zachary F.
The food and juice bar ia pretty decent, not great but not bad either. The one star you ask? Entirely due to the awful manager. We came to use the Groupon we had purchased, and when redeeming it from the iphone app the server accidentally missed a number, a simple and acceptable mistake. However, our groupon became marked used and we could not attain the bar code a second time. We were told by the manager/ owner that we would just have to pay the full amount, which we refused. As i called groupon he called the police claiming we were "attempting to run on the check.". Groupon wasn't able to be reached and we were outraged at the disrespect and horrid customer service the manager provided. We left the difference between our check and the groupon value and our phone number with the server and said we had to leave, a very nice gesture considering how we were treated. The police came in and we had a 3-way discussion. As we explained our story to the police as "we don't need to pay for the manager's employee's mistake" the manager claimed we did as otherwise it would come out of his pocket. As expected, the police laughed and sided with us and we were free to go. Really? Good luck buddy!
(1)Adrian F.
Have tried Fuel twice now and like it very much. If you're looking for a King Henry the VIII meal dripping with gravy, this isn't for you. But if you want something light, made with a ton of veggies and the occasional pesto, this is for you. Things I've had so far: 1- Fuel Stacker (a vegetable/pesto/mozzarella Panini) served with a side salad 2 - Fuel Detox Juice (ice cold, thick juice made from berries) 3 - Guacamole with Goat Cheese and tomato, Hummus, Corn Salsa I thought all of the dishes were delicious and fresh tasting, and the Panini was grilled and not overstuffed so that it wasn't falling apart. The hummus had a great, light lemony taste and was garnished with thyme. The Guacamole was excellent, not heavy on the lime or cilantro and the juice was ice cold, thick and delicious. The corn salsa was great too. Pricey, but I'd say worth it. I left feeling full, and not guilty for it! The atmosphere is very gym - feel good - get stuff done/like with bright colors and pumping music. But it isn't so loud that you can't have a conversation. At first I was confused because I had expected a trendy sit down, but this is really somewhere inbetween sit down and on the go. It works out, though I found the staff friendly and attentive and I haven't waited more than 10 minutes for my food. So overall I'm pretty happy and will be going back. Oh! Maybe it was me but they could use Wifi. All places should have Wifi in CC for the lunch crowd. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star (wish I could give it a 4 and 1/2) *Update! Rocco did let me know they do have Wifi - perhaps I couldn't find it? Either way 5 Stars for the Center City location and I've gone about a gazillion times since so I figure it deserves it.
(5)D Matt T.
Fuel is a welcomed change in the way Philly eats! New York and other large cities have had health-conscious restaurants like this for a while, so I was incredibly happy when FUEL CENTER CITY opened near where I work. I have never had a meal there that I didn't love. And the fact that I know i am eating healthy is only icing on the "healthy" cake! The staff may sometimes be a little less than perky when I go in, but I have never come across a rude employee. The decor is definitely... different.. not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. lol
(4)Karen B.
after the new year, it suddenly hit me: i have to fit into a wedding dress in just a few months. CRAP. i'm not usually a believer in dieting but am making an effort just this once, and fuel's been a nice resource. i'm not really convinced that the calorie counts on the menu are all accurate, but the food is legitimately healthy and tastes great (grilled veggie wrap is my staple). the produce is all fresh, and the juice and smoothie bar is a plus -- philly needs more of those. on sundays i believe they do a soup-salad-and-half-a-sandwich deal for $10 ... not bad. pick the lentil soup when they have it.** service can be a bit slow, but not terribly so. my only real complaint is the cheesy "fuel TV" that plays nonstop. really it's just music videos (you know, like MTV used to play) ... maybe i've just gotten too old to understand or appreciate this, but every time i'm there i swear some borderline-naked pop tart is singing a god-awful song while gyrating onscreen with her tits shoved up to the camera. the first time i went in, i actually thought that if i'd had any children with me, i would have had to leave -- that's how explicit it was. i'm guessing this is what the kids are watching these days, and i know this makes me sound like a big lame prudish old geezer, but i sorta lose my appetite when a gigantic pair of knockers is bouncing around on the monitor next to me. but anyway, at fuel, at least the most important part -- the food -- is good. ** update four days post-review: forget the lentil soup. had a new one over the weekend, something like roasted tomato (or was it roasted red pepper?) and fennel. amazing and the new front-runner.
(4)Colleen J.
I go to Fuel a few times a week. One of the better Center City lunch options. The "High Protein Grilled Cheese" panini is a winner. You have the option to go gluten free with any panini if need be. Keep one thing in mind though if you are on a diet -- bread is NOT factored into the calories and Weight Watchers points. It says it real small on the back of the menu.
(4)Eleni B.
I must admit-- I was planning on heading to Fuel w/ my bf and a bottle of wine for a chill Saturday night and reading the review about the groupon/police disaster made me almost skip... customer service is paramount. However, I had been really interested in Fuel so I went anyway... I like the concept of Fuel-- a bunch of items that are purportedly low calorie. We ordered: lettuce wraps, guacamole, Italian sandwich and the high protein grilled cheese w/ grilled chicken. I thought everything tasted great. The chicken was really juicy and they have a lemon cream cheese which was FANTASTIC. I'm am skeptical about the calorie count... it seemed really low compared to the portions (which we a really nice size). If you are watching you calories, please take note that the cal count doesn't include the bread on sandwiches, chips with dip etc. I also thought Fuel was a little pricey. For dinner + tax & tip we spent $47... that's a little much for a sandwich shop. All in all, I enjoyed Fuel and will be back.
(3)Lan H.
My very first lunch at Fuel was appropriately on a rainy day in the city. A Thai chicken wrap and and The Zen smoothie seemed to be the winning pick-me-up power work lunch..thing lol. I think that I was having the most trouble with justifying the meal cost. I thought the Thai chicken wrap (which also comes with a salad) was awesome: tasty and crunchy because of the crispy noodles. Take note that you shouldn't save the leftovers for leftover lunch the next day because those noodles will turn soggy. Ick. Sooooo you MUST eat the entire wrap! Next time around, I will have a bigger appetite ;-) The Zen smoothie rejuvenated me, but I found it to be a little too watery. Perhaps the cucumbers did that trick? The cucumber taste cleansed my palate in a good way, though. More food adventures at Fuel? I hope so! Maybe that next time will earn Fuel another star from this reviewer.
(3)Jared G.
Fuel = expensive. How far can you go on $20? Not very. And is it a restaurant? Or is it a deli? This place seems confused. They have table service, but it's not readily apparent as you walk in. Shrimp canapes. 4 medium shrimp with hummus on slices of cucumber. With a slice of basil and a grape tomato. $9.95? Really? It was good, but come on. South Philly Salad. Basically an antipasto in a bowl. With slices of chicken. $9.95? Hope they used 50 year old Balsamic vinegar. I like the concept of this place, but spending over $20 per person for a low-cal dinner without a drink is pretty steep. I hate to knock a place, but I'd rather burn a couple extra calories, save $10 and walk a couple blocks to the Whole Foods salad bar instead. Food was good, and it's nice to have an option like this around, but I'm more apt to pay sit-down restaurant prices in a place where somebody actually seats me and takes my order.
(3)Jim K.
I'm no vegetarian but Fuel is able to fill me up with a nice, low calorie, lunch. Staff is friendly. Calorie count is listed on the menu. I especially like their chicken & mushroom wrap and fruit smoothies. If you're a vegan this is the place for you. For everyone else, there are plenty of good and tasty options.
(3)Chris W.
I've been here twice now as a result of the close proximity to work. I normally steer clear of any place that prides themselves on healthy food but both meals I have enjoyed. I even felt good about myself after that I took a break from my usual gluttonous lunches. I have tried both the guac and shrimp canapes for "start er ups". The guac was really tasty with the goat cheese, but could have used some lime. The shrimp canapes were on the bland side although every ingredient was very fresh. They do make a mean sandwich here. Both the south philly and the grilled chicken are filling for being under 500 calories. The bread they use is perfect, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. On the pricey side though at $9 a pop. Service seems to be hit or miss. Both times eating in there was no crowds but only the second time was our waiter attentive. I did notice a ton of takeout orders during the lunch rush so looks like this place is here to stay.
(3)Daniel H.
Just opened up - was definitely a solid choice. Greeted by a host that very intuitively asked whether we wanted to dine in or take out (we didn't know if taking out was an option); very friendly, and service was very quick. Placed our orders and sat on the side to wait. Waited maybe 10 minutes, and then the food came out. 28 bucks got us an appetizer and two entrees. Food was fresh and delicious. Started with Shrimp Canapes - very, very good. The High-Protein Grilled Cheese was amazing (on wheat), and then the Grilled Chicken wrap was nothing special. That being said, the excellence of the app. and grilled cheese more than make up for the mediocrity of of the grilled chicken wrap. Why was it mediocre, might you ask? Dry, less than flavorful, etc... The grilled cheese is nothing like any grilled cheese you've had before, and I would eat it again and again. Maybe today. You should do the same.
(4)Jessie J.
I've been meaning to try Fuel for some time, because many items on the menu appeal to me. I finally stopped in for take-away, and tried an eggplant and goat cheese panini and an "islander" drink. The panini was really tasty, and the pesto and arugula were really nice flavor additions. I was also really happy that it included a side salad. For the "islander", I think my expectations were a bit off. I was expecting a smoothie texture, but it was more icy than I thought it would be. I appreciate how much the restaurant focuses on nutrition, providing calorie counts, weight watchers points, gluten-free and veg-friendly options. This is extremely rare in the area for a fast-food / cafe type restaurant. I'll definitely be stopping back to try more paninis and appetizers.
(4)Alicia O.
their food is fresh and tasty. this is one of my favorite places to order lunch when i'm at work and don't have a lot of time to sit and dine. i always get the chicken and gorgonzola and it is delicious. you have a choice of bread and how you want it as a sandwich or wrap. i always get it as a panini. they always also give you a side salad with each sandwich which is a great healthy bonus. i have never tried their coffee bevs but their smoothies are good in the summer. it's a little pricey for lunch but definitely worth it for all the good lip-smacking nutrition.
(5)Rebecca F.
Fuel is delicious. I always go for the veggie sandwiches (eggplant and goat cheese, roasted vegetables, etc) and they are really hearty and good. My friend got the tuna sandwich and it was extremely delicious - it came with this lemon aioli sauce that was remarkable. Be sure to check out their juicebar. Fresh, and so good. I recommend the Detox. You'll feel purified, trust me. It's a little pricey but I think you get what you pay for in terms of the quality of the food. Also, I don't like eating in the restaurant because of the seizure-inducing music videos they play in addition to the bright lime green walls..
(4)L K.
I have to give Fuel a mediocre rating because the service is SO TERRIBLE. The food is usually prety good. I love the healthy options, the calorie information and variety of vegetable infused dishes available. The prices are great too. I've been to Fuel Center City (and the Passyunk Ave location) many times and good service is the exception, not the rule. We went last night (on a Saturday night), as the wait for many of the typical weekend dining spots were super crowded. There were 2 other tables seated in Fuel and the waitress acted like we irritated her by showing up. It took over 15 minutes for our orders to be taken and brought water. We had to ask another server to open our wine and bring a cork screw (at least he was friendly!) When he returned, all four wine glasses were noticeably dirty. Dinner took forever to be served. We asked for extra napkins, which she brought when we were finished eating. Everytime I come here I am reminded this should be a takeout only place! Plus, the pungent smell of cooked foods attaches itself to your clothes and hair. I've NEVER had good service here. My last gripe is the juice bar options. Most of the juices are NOT from freshly juiced fruits and vegetables. They come from cans or bottles. This is just not a real juice bar. As much as I love the healthy options, and there are so little around the city, it's harder and harder for me to continue returning to Fuel.
(3)Anannya T.
The food is delicious and definitely tastes as fresh as the restaurant claims it is.
(4)James V.
I've been here a number of times for lunch and for dinner. The atmosphere has a nice modern vibe and the staff is always friendly. The last time I was here, my dinner companion and I ordered the guac and salads. Both were excellent ! While they keep the meals healthy and the calories low, the food is still really pretty good. I've had the smoothies a couple of times as well and wasn't disappointed. I will definitely be back!
(4)Joe D.
First, I will say that this restaurant is miscategorized - it is not vegetarian, although it does have many vegetarian-friendly dishes. Second, I was very skeptical about coming here, since I assumed that health food = tasteless food. However, my wife wanted to try it out, so we went on a Friday night. The food was way above my expectations, and actually quite good. I had some type of cheddar/southwestern-style soup, along with a roast turkey panini. Both were excellent. The decor is kind of weird (there is what looks like a shower curtain hanging in the front entrance), and there are a bunch of flat screen TVs playing loud techno music. But that aside, I'm a fan, and will probably be the one suggesting this place to my wife the next time she's in the mood for "health food."
(4)Dan L.
Fuel has a fabulous concept- a healthy, tasty meal option that is under 500 calories. You don't have to do any of the tabulating if you're watching what you eat. Just look at the menu and order accordingly. I have been here at least 10 times (best after working out at the gym!), and overall the food is tasty and the service is better than average for Philly. My best experiences have been with the appetizers. The sweet pea wonton (140 calories!) is amazing (it's sort of like guacamole) and the hummus and grilled avocado w/ cucumber salsa are also pretty good. Can't beat the lemonade with thyme on a hot day. The chicken sandwiches and wraps are usually a great choice, though sometimes the bread gets really soggy from the balsamic reduction. The salads are large portions, so they can be filling and flavorful as well. My only disappointment was the grilled veggie sandwich, which was somewhat bland (tasted like boiled, unseasoned veggies) when I had it. The ambiance is casual and it can be lively in there at lunch time. From late June to early September I think the same 20 videos were playing over and over, so I was relieved when I got take-out recently and the music line-up was finally updated. I love the low-cal option and the generally upbeat staff so much, that I purchased the $15 certificate for $20 worth of food on this site. I suggest if you like to eat healthy (or you're trying to like me) that you do the same!
(4)Dane F.
Thank heavens for this place. I was getting sick of my Center City dining options being limited to Cosi or pizza, or someplace similarly unhealthy. I've yet to be disappointed in my food, though it was completely different from what I imagined when I ordered. My favorites might be the grilled chicken wrap and the thai chicken wrap. The chicken is a nice cutlet, not just chopped up into tiny pieces and thrown in with some lettuce. Greens are always fresh as can be. I will say that, on the grilled chicken wrap, the sun dried tomato spread is almost undetectable, as opposed to the thai chicken wrap, where the spicy peanut sauce can be a little overpowering at times. The staff is cute and well-groomed, and very friendly...though I almost felt like I was assaulted when a server ran up to me before I'd gotten half way to the counter to ask if I was "dininginortakingout?" Girlfriend was ENERGIZED. I've yet to dine in there, but the restaurant itself seems a bit much. There are a ton of tables and loads of space. I'm not sure what it looks like around lunchtime but it's been consistently dead in there every time I've walked by around dinner time. A bit overzealous with the floor plan, I think. I haven't tried any of the smoothies or desserts yet but I'm sure that'll come -- and from what I've read here I need to get on that. Altogether a nice, healthy alternative to Cosi across the street, where I ask for chicken on my salad every time and consistently come home to a bowl of greens and dressing. Gather the will-power to avoid Pandora's Lunchbox and Five Guys in the same area and enjoy a meal that won't make you want to put a gun to your head afterward.
(4)Zachary F.
The food and juice bar ia pretty decent, not great but not bad either. The one star you ask? Entirely due to the awful manager. We came to use the Groupon we had purchased, and when redeeming it from the iphone app the server accidentally missed a number, a simple and acceptable mistake. However, our groupon became marked used and we could not attain the bar code a second time. We were told by the manager/ owner that we would just have to pay the full amount, which we refused. As i called groupon he called the police claiming we were "attempting to run on the check.". Groupon wasn't able to be reached and we were outraged at the disrespect and horrid customer service the manager provided. We left the difference between our check and the groupon value and our phone number with the server and said we had to leave, a very nice gesture considering how we were treated. The police came in and we had a 3-way discussion. As we explained our story to the police as "we don't need to pay for the manager's employee's mistake" the manager claimed we did as otherwise it would come out of his pocket. As expected, the police laughed and sided with us and we were free to go. Really? Good luck buddy!
(1)Adrian F.
Have tried Fuel twice now and like it very much. If you're looking for a King Henry the VIII meal dripping with gravy, this isn't for you. But if you want something light, made with a ton of veggies and the occasional pesto, this is for you. Things I've had so far: 1- Fuel Stacker (a vegetable/pesto/mozzarella Panini) served with a side salad 2 - Fuel Detox Juice (ice cold, thick juice made from berries) 3 - Guacamole with Goat Cheese and tomato, Hummus, Corn Salsa I thought all of the dishes were delicious and fresh tasting, and the Panini was grilled and not overstuffed so that it wasn't falling apart. The hummus had a great, light lemony taste and was garnished with thyme. The Guacamole was excellent, not heavy on the lime or cilantro and the juice was ice cold, thick and delicious. The corn salsa was great too. Pricey, but I'd say worth it. I left feeling full, and not guilty for it! The atmosphere is very gym - feel good - get stuff done/like with bright colors and pumping music. But it isn't so loud that you can't have a conversation. At first I was confused because I had expected a trendy sit down, but this is really somewhere inbetween sit down and on the go. It works out, though I found the staff friendly and attentive and I haven't waited more than 10 minutes for my food. So overall I'm pretty happy and will be going back. Oh! Maybe it was me but they could use Wifi. All places should have Wifi in CC for the lunch crowd. The only reason I didn't give it a 5 star (wish I could give it a 4 and 1/2) *Update! Rocco did let me know they do have Wifi - perhaps I couldn't find it? Either way 5 Stars for the Center City location and I've gone about a gazillion times since so I figure it deserves it.
(5)Wei T.
Great alternative to Panera and Cosi. I've been here 3 times and everything that I had was very good... I love a good Panini, especially when it's under 500 calories. The South Philly panini is my favorite! The only thing that I've had here that was disappointing was the peppermint mocha. I do like how they use sugar free syrups but it tasted like it came out of one of those gas station mocha machines... Don't be thrown off by the poor decor (lime green walls) and bumping club music. This is a great little place if you're looking for a healthier option. I'm excited to try some of their desserts. This place just opened but is in need of a serious makeover.
(4)Karen B.
after the new year, it suddenly hit me: i have to fit into a wedding dress in just a few months. CRAP. i'm not usually a believer in dieting but am making an effort just this once, and fuel's been a nice resource. i'm not really convinced that the calorie counts on the menu are all accurate, but the food is legitimately healthy and tastes great (grilled veggie wrap is my staple). the produce is all fresh, and the juice and smoothie bar is a plus -- philly needs more of those. on sundays i believe they do a soup-salad-and-half-a-sandwich deal for $10 ... not bad. pick the lentil soup when they have it.** service can be a bit slow, but not terribly so. my only real complaint is the cheesy "fuel TV" that plays nonstop. really it's just music videos (you know, like MTV used to play) ... maybe i've just gotten too old to understand or appreciate this, but every time i'm there i swear some borderline-naked pop tart is singing a god-awful song while gyrating onscreen with her tits shoved up to the camera. the first time i went in, i actually thought that if i'd had any children with me, i would have had to leave -- that's how explicit it was. i'm guessing this is what the kids are watching these days, and i know this makes me sound like a big lame prudish old geezer, but i sorta lose my appetite when a gigantic pair of knockers is bouncing around on the monitor next to me. but anyway, at fuel, at least the most important part -- the food -- is good. ** update four days post-review: forget the lentil soup. had a new one over the weekend, something like roasted tomato (or was it roasted red pepper?) and fennel. amazing and the new front-runner.
(4)Colleen J.
I go to Fuel a few times a week. One of the better Center City lunch options. The "High Protein Grilled Cheese" panini is a winner. You have the option to go gluten free with any panini if need be. Keep one thing in mind though if you are on a diet -- bread is NOT factored into the calories and Weight Watchers points. It says it real small on the back of the menu.
(4)Eleni B.
I must admit-- I was planning on heading to Fuel w/ my bf and a bottle of wine for a chill Saturday night and reading the review about the groupon/police disaster made me almost skip... customer service is paramount. However, I had been really interested in Fuel so I went anyway... I like the concept of Fuel-- a bunch of items that are purportedly low calorie. We ordered: lettuce wraps, guacamole, Italian sandwich and the high protein grilled cheese w/ grilled chicken. I thought everything tasted great. The chicken was really juicy and they have a lemon cream cheese which was FANTASTIC. I'm am skeptical about the calorie count... it seemed really low compared to the portions (which we a really nice size). If you are watching you calories, please take note that the cal count doesn't include the bread on sandwiches, chips with dip etc. I also thought Fuel was a little pricey. For dinner + tax & tip we spent $47... that's a little much for a sandwich shop. All in all, I enjoyed Fuel and will be back.
(3)Lan H.
My very first lunch at Fuel was appropriately on a rainy day in the city. A Thai chicken wrap and and The Zen smoothie seemed to be the winning pick-me-up power work lunch..thing lol. I think that I was having the most trouble with justifying the meal cost. I thought the Thai chicken wrap (which also comes with a salad) was awesome: tasty and crunchy because of the crispy noodles. Take note that you shouldn't save the leftovers for leftover lunch the next day because those noodles will turn soggy. Ick. Sooooo you MUST eat the entire wrap! Next time around, I will have a bigger appetite ;-) The Zen smoothie rejuvenated me, but I found it to be a little too watery. Perhaps the cucumbers did that trick? The cucumber taste cleansed my palate in a good way, though. More food adventures at Fuel? I hope so! Maybe that next time will earn Fuel another star from this reviewer.
(3)Jared G.
Fuel = expensive. How far can you go on $20? Not very. And is it a restaurant? Or is it a deli? This place seems confused. They have table service, but it's not readily apparent as you walk in. Shrimp canapes. 4 medium shrimp with hummus on slices of cucumber. With a slice of basil and a grape tomato. $9.95? Really? It was good, but come on. South Philly Salad. Basically an antipasto in a bowl. With slices of chicken. $9.95? Hope they used 50 year old Balsamic vinegar. I like the concept of this place, but spending over $20 per person for a low-cal dinner without a drink is pretty steep. I hate to knock a place, but I'd rather burn a couple extra calories, save $10 and walk a couple blocks to the Whole Foods salad bar instead. Food was good, and it's nice to have an option like this around, but I'm more apt to pay sit-down restaurant prices in a place where somebody actually seats me and takes my order.
(3)Jim K.
I'm no vegetarian but Fuel is able to fill me up with a nice, low calorie, lunch. Staff is friendly. Calorie count is listed on the menu. I especially like their chicken & mushroom wrap and fruit smoothies. If you're a vegan this is the place for you. For everyone else, there are plenty of good and tasty options.
(3)Chris W.
I've been here twice now as a result of the close proximity to work. I normally steer clear of any place that prides themselves on healthy food but both meals I have enjoyed. I even felt good about myself after that I took a break from my usual gluttonous lunches. I have tried both the guac and shrimp canapes for "start er ups". The guac was really tasty with the goat cheese, but could have used some lime. The shrimp canapes were on the bland side although every ingredient was very fresh. They do make a mean sandwich here. Both the south philly and the grilled chicken are filling for being under 500 calories. The bread they use is perfect, crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. On the pricey side though at $9 a pop. Service seems to be hit or miss. Both times eating in there was no crowds but only the second time was our waiter attentive. I did notice a ton of takeout orders during the lunch rush so looks like this place is here to stay.
(3)Daniel H.
Just opened up - was definitely a solid choice. Greeted by a host that very intuitively asked whether we wanted to dine in or take out (we didn't know if taking out was an option); very friendly, and service was very quick. Placed our orders and sat on the side to wait. Waited maybe 10 minutes, and then the food came out. 28 bucks got us an appetizer and two entrees. Food was fresh and delicious. Started with Shrimp Canapes - very, very good. The High-Protein Grilled Cheese was amazing (on wheat), and then the Grilled Chicken wrap was nothing special. That being said, the excellence of the app. and grilled cheese more than make up for the mediocrity of of the grilled chicken wrap. Why was it mediocre, might you ask? Dry, less than flavorful, etc... The grilled cheese is nothing like any grilled cheese you've had before, and I would eat it again and again. Maybe today. You should do the same.
(4)Jessie J.
I've been meaning to try Fuel for some time, because many items on the menu appeal to me. I finally stopped in for take-away, and tried an eggplant and goat cheese panini and an "islander" drink. The panini was really tasty, and the pesto and arugula were really nice flavor additions. I was also really happy that it included a side salad. For the "islander", I think my expectations were a bit off. I was expecting a smoothie texture, but it was more icy than I thought it would be. I appreciate how much the restaurant focuses on nutrition, providing calorie counts, weight watchers points, gluten-free and veg-friendly options. This is extremely rare in the area for a fast-food / cafe type restaurant. I'll definitely be stopping back to try more paninis and appetizers.
(4)Alicia O.
their food is fresh and tasty. this is one of my favorite places to order lunch when i'm at work and don't have a lot of time to sit and dine. i always get the chicken and gorgonzola and it is delicious. you have a choice of bread and how you want it as a sandwich or wrap. i always get it as a panini. they always also give you a side salad with each sandwich which is a great healthy bonus. i have never tried their coffee bevs but their smoothies are good in the summer. it's a little pricey for lunch but definitely worth it for all the good lip-smacking nutrition.
(5)Rebecca F.
Fuel is delicious. I always go for the veggie sandwiches (eggplant and goat cheese, roasted vegetables, etc) and they are really hearty and good. My friend got the tuna sandwich and it was extremely delicious - it came with this lemon aioli sauce that was remarkable. Be sure to check out their juicebar. Fresh, and so good. I recommend the Detox. You'll feel purified, trust me. It's a little pricey but I think you get what you pay for in terms of the quality of the food. Also, I don't like eating in the restaurant because of the seizure-inducing music videos they play in addition to the bright lime green walls..
(4)L K.
I have to give Fuel a mediocre rating because the service is SO TERRIBLE. The food is usually prety good. I love the healthy options, the calorie information and variety of vegetable infused dishes available. The prices are great too. I've been to Fuel Center City (and the Passyunk Ave location) many times and good service is the exception, not the rule. We went last night (on a Saturday night), as the wait for many of the typical weekend dining spots were super crowded. There were 2 other tables seated in Fuel and the waitress acted like we irritated her by showing up. It took over 15 minutes for our orders to be taken and brought water. We had to ask another server to open our wine and bring a cork screw (at least he was friendly!) When he returned, all four wine glasses were noticeably dirty. Dinner took forever to be served. We asked for extra napkins, which she brought when we were finished eating. Everytime I come here I am reminded this should be a takeout only place! Plus, the pungent smell of cooked foods attaches itself to your clothes and hair. I've NEVER had good service here. My last gripe is the juice bar options. Most of the juices are NOT from freshly juiced fruits and vegetables. They come from cans or bottles. This is just not a real juice bar. As much as I love the healthy options, and there are so little around the city, it's harder and harder for me to continue returning to Fuel.
(3)Anannya T.
The food is delicious and definitely tastes as fresh as the restaurant claims it is.
(4)James V.
I've been here a number of times for lunch and for dinner. The atmosphere has a nice modern vibe and the staff is always friendly. The last time I was here, my dinner companion and I ordered the guac and salads. Both were excellent ! While they keep the meals healthy and the calories low, the food is still really pretty good. I've had the smoothies a couple of times as well and wasn't disappointed. I will definitely be back!
(4)Joe D.
First, I will say that this restaurant is miscategorized - it is not vegetarian, although it does have many vegetarian-friendly dishes. Second, I was very skeptical about coming here, since I assumed that health food = tasteless food. However, my wife wanted to try it out, so we went on a Friday night. The food was way above my expectations, and actually quite good. I had some type of cheddar/southwestern-style soup, along with a roast turkey panini. Both were excellent. The decor is kind of weird (there is what looks like a shower curtain hanging in the front entrance), and there are a bunch of flat screen TVs playing loud techno music. But that aside, I'm a fan, and will probably be the one suggesting this place to my wife the next time she's in the mood for "health food."
(4)Dan L.
Fuel has a fabulous concept- a healthy, tasty meal option that is under 500 calories. You don't have to do any of the tabulating if you're watching what you eat. Just look at the menu and order accordingly. I have been here at least 10 times (best after working out at the gym!), and overall the food is tasty and the service is better than average for Philly. My best experiences have been with the appetizers. The sweet pea wonton (140 calories!) is amazing (it's sort of like guacamole) and the hummus and grilled avocado w/ cucumber salsa are also pretty good. Can't beat the lemonade with thyme on a hot day. The chicken sandwiches and wraps are usually a great choice, though sometimes the bread gets really soggy from the balsamic reduction. The salads are large portions, so they can be filling and flavorful as well. My only disappointment was the grilled veggie sandwich, which was somewhat bland (tasted like boiled, unseasoned veggies) when I had it. The ambiance is casual and it can be lively in there at lunch time. From late June to early September I think the same 20 videos were playing over and over, so I was relieved when I got take-out recently and the music line-up was finally updated. I love the low-cal option and the generally upbeat staff so much, that I purchased the $15 certificate for $20 worth of food on this site. I suggest if you like to eat healthy (or you're trying to like me) that you do the same!
(4)Dane F.
Thank heavens for this place. I was getting sick of my Center City dining options being limited to Cosi or pizza, or someplace similarly unhealthy. I've yet to be disappointed in my food, though it was completely different from what I imagined when I ordered. My favorites might be the grilled chicken wrap and the thai chicken wrap. The chicken is a nice cutlet, not just chopped up into tiny pieces and thrown in with some lettuce. Greens are always fresh as can be. I will say that, on the grilled chicken wrap, the sun dried tomato spread is almost undetectable, as opposed to the thai chicken wrap, where the spicy peanut sauce can be a little overpowering at times. The staff is cute and well-groomed, and very friendly...though I almost felt like I was assaulted when a server ran up to me before I'd gotten half way to the counter to ask if I was "dininginortakingout?" Girlfriend was ENERGIZED. I've yet to dine in there, but the restaurant itself seems a bit much. There are a ton of tables and loads of space. I'm not sure what it looks like around lunchtime but it's been consistently dead in there every time I've walked by around dinner time. A bit overzealous with the floor plan, I think. I haven't tried any of the smoothies or desserts yet but I'm sure that'll come -- and from what I've read here I need to get on that. Altogether a nice, healthy alternative to Cosi across the street, where I ask for chicken on my salad every time and consistently come home to a bowl of greens and dressing. Gather the will-power to avoid Pandora's Lunchbox and Five Guys in the same area and enjoy a meal that won't make you want to put a gun to your head afterward.
(4)Aubrey E.
I have eaten at Fuel several times, and I have always been more than pleased with the food. The menu is quite large and they offer a lot of different options. They accommodate people with gluten allergies with gluten free bread and other gluten free alternatives. Everything seems very fresh and it's a great option for a light and reasonably-priced lunch. However, it's only a great option IF you can tolerate consistently horrible service. The poor service is why I'm not giving this restaurant 4, or even 5, stars. On busy days, I've had my water basically thrown at me or I've been told "look at your menu quickly, if not you'll have to wait 5 minutes before ordering because I won't be back to your table before then." Some of the servers are just rude. You may be asking: "if the service is that bad, why go back?" Well, I guess, in sum, the service is not SO bad that it completely deters me from eating at Fuel. The good food certainly outweighs the bad service. I just wish I didn't have to brace myself for the rude wait staff every time I wanted to dine there.
(3)Johnny B.
I wanted to like this place because it is so close to my apartment. I wanted to go there every day to get a healthy meal. I tried it twice. I was sorely disappointed both times. The first time, I tried a wrap. It fell apart, it was dry, the chicken was tasteless. Disappointed. Tried again the next week. Got two salads. The strawberry one was better than the other, which came with balsamic vinagrette --- emphasis on the vinegar. My god. Most bitter dressing. Overall, the salad was lackluster.
(2)Colleen T.
Eggplant goat cheese panini is awesome. Service is slow but that's because they have a cook and a waitress, so she can only do so much at one time. The menu listed the calories for each entree, which is really nice.
(5)Kelly M.
I've been ordering from here since it opened because the food is delicious but portions are not big enough, leaves me wanting a little more to eat. I decided to try a latte today for a little caffeine kick and it was a bullcrap latte-tasted like the powdered crap you push a button for at Wawa and at $4.50 I found that really offensive- prob won't order from here any more out of principle.
(3)Kristyn F.
I'm putting them right down the middle for a few reasons. We ordered from them for delivery last week, and it took over two hours for them to arrive. We actually ended up canceling the order before they even made it to our building because we were so disappointed. But to my surprise, the next day they stopped by our office an a complimentary wrap tray and their apologies. And I must say, the tray was a big hit, and all under 500 calories. I still have faith in this company. Maybe I'll give them a second try.
(3)Elisabeth W.
I've recently gotten into banana whips (just blended bananas that taste like ice cream!), and was excited to try the nutella banana whip from fuel, but I couldn't have been more disappointed. I don't know what they could have done to make it so bad, but it was icy and seemed to have been re-frozen. Overall the food at fuel is okay but I wanted to write a review specifically about the banana whips and let people know that it's not worth the time. If you want to try a good banana whip go to HipCityVeg on 18th street!
(1)Cristie K.
This place was decent, but I think they need to decide if they are a restaurant or a cafe. The waitstaff/servers (if you'd even call them that) seem to duo as counter, so it is hard to tell how to order/pay. The food seemed really fresh and was prepared well. They have a pretty extensive menu for such a small kitchen. I liked the open feel of the kitchen, and the atmosphere is comfortable, albeit the loud music. I'll definitely come here again, but as a server myself, I noticed quite the table etiquette faux pas. There was a table of 3 in front of me, and the minute only one person was done eating, the "server", upon walking by, cleared his plate, while the other two people were still eating! I just observed how uncomfortable this made the other two people feel. In the restaurant industry, you never do this!!! I lightly mentioned this to the "server", just as a friendly reminder, and she had no idea that there was a certain table etiquette involved with this! Wow. I understand that it is not fine dining there, but any server, in any style of establishment, should know this.
(3)Laura S.
So I stopped in last night after work, pre-meeting. It was hot and humid and the beginning of yet another heatwave. I couldn't handle actually eating anything because of the heat and wanted something refreshing to get me through my meeting. I ordered a smoothie to go from a somewhat sullen server and ultimately decided on the Detox. Blech--it was awful. First of all when I read the ingredients: berries, pomegranate, etc., I actually thought I'd see these ingredients go into a blender. instead, the server took a big jug out of the refrigerator and poured a premixed liquid into a machine with ice. My drink came out with ice cubes still visible. It was basically a sickly sweet drink over ice--nothing I couldn't have picked up at a 7/11. $5 plus tax and I could barely drink half it was so cloying. I would give the food a try because it does sound good but the smoothies--yuck.
(2)Mary D.
Great food, huge selection and very healthy dishes! I love the grilled veggie panini on wheat and I've also tried the chicken gorgonzola one, which was great, too!
(5)Kristen S.
It's easy to make delicious food with fresh and organic ingredients. The fact that each dish I have tried of theirs has been disappointing, doesn't make much sense to me. The descriptions sound good, but I find most everything dry and lacking basic depth of flavor that is so easy to achieve with a few fresh ingredients and some spices. I'll say that I will probably go here again, but only because it's close to my apartment and a good place for something quick and healthy. The decor does not fit the product and the staff is iffy. Yeah, I MIGHT be back, but only because of the lack of quick and healthy choices, which is unfortunate for FUEL.
(2)Daniel T.
The food is ok, but closer to bad than good, and the calorie count is the same for wraps and sandwiches which means something appears off, unless they fixed that. The owner is rude, unprofessional, and treated my friend and I like hoodlums trying to rob him because his waiter input our unused groupon number incorrectly. I'll never be back her again.
(1)Quel D.
Service was lovely; charming brunette waitress was attentive and kind. The blasting techno was acoustically-offensive and the food was mediocre, though the gluten-free options were appreciated.
(3)Vanessa L.
fresh & healthy. overpriced. salads are good. do not order the avocado with salsa - not worth the cost at all.
(5)Michelle K.
Went in for dinner. Had the chicken lettuce wraps as an appetizer. They were good, but the chicken was dry. I had the veggie panini on white bread for my meal.. It was ok.. I don't think I'd get it again, though. The highlight of the evening was the pumpkin cheesecake.. YUMMO!!!! Our service was ok.. I did notice the waiter making rude comments to two other tables (one table ended up leaving before ordering).. Upon seeing the couple leave, the waiter made a rude remark, which we all could hear.. Not professional at all. The music was too loud and a weird choice (dance/techno) for the restaurant.
(3)Mike L.
Unlike it's South Philly site, this location wasn't dance club thundering loud, thankfully. I had the shrimp canapes as appetizer (quite nice), and a roasted turkey panini with pesto as main course. That was very good. The salad, however, had so much vinegar that I literally was gagging and coughing. Way overdone with that. My companion had the portabella panini which she enjoyed very much. Also had the pumpkin cheesecake with walnut and pralines for dessert, which was very good also, as was my friend's key lime pie. The waiter was very helpful, describing everything in detail. Almost too much detail. :-) Quite vegetarian and vegan friendly, and they made a point of emphasizing their gluten-free options, didn't really notice any difference with non-gluten free, which is a good sign. I would come back..
(3)Kas M.
With all these great reviews I don't know how much more I can add. On my first visit as soon as I entered, the people who run the restaurant were very friendly. I ordered the spinach strawberry salad, Which was amazing. The atmosphere is great. Food was great and inexpensive. I really loved it.
(5)Katrina C.
I like coming here after the gym to get some low cal but healthy food despite the overpriced food. But this might just be the last time. They offer a special on paninis before noon where you get one for $6 instead of $8 or $9. However, some of the waiters seem to have difficulty charging the correct price. You also get 10% off your bill if you show a receipt from a day within the past week. They also seem to have an issue with honoring this discount.
(2)Joyce T.
grilled chicken paninis & salmon avocado salad. regular for weekday take out. 4 starts b/c i see gnats flying around sometimes.
(4)Jose A.
Tried fuel once, when it was opening up, it didn't look that enticing but it was a new place in the area so why not. Kinda expensive for the sandwich I got, and it was just pretty good. I'm being picky here, but I don't like the name, and I don't like how it looks inside, the music was annoying. Doubt I'll go back.
(2)Katie M.
If your on a diet or if you aren't on a diet FUEL has delicious food! As a vegetarian it has a multitude of options which is always nice. I ordered the T.B.M. with pesto and it was really good. I'll deft be back again to try some of their other sandwiches. I hear the smoothies are good as well. Can be a tad pricey compared to surrounding restaurants but worth it in my opinion.
(4)D K.
Vroom! That's for being fueled and happy, not for the speed of the service (which is what kept this from being a 5-star review). A solid start for this place. For someone like me, who quite dislikes Saladworks, this fills a void in the area -- relatively healthy, lots of vegetarian options and everything freshly made there (including their mozzarella). They have some kinks to work out, service-wise (too many folks right now, I think, and they haven't worked out a rhythm), but if they do that and continue with the solidly good food (great salmon wrap and my colleagues loved the grilled cheese and tomato soup), they should be around for a long time. I hope they are!
(4)Kimberly Z.
Fuel is one of my favorite "fast food" restaurants in Philadelphia. Some people may scoff at the fact that everything is under 500 calories, but I can assure you you aren't missing a thing! The food is always fresh--I tend to get wheat panninis--the smoothies and juice drinks are fantastic (my favorite post-workout filled is the Protein Buster), and I have yet to encounter a negative staff experience, though at times eating in can be a bit on the slow side. All in all, I highly recommend Fuel, both in Center City and South Philadelphia.
(5)Tori E.
Sunday 10$ for soup, salad, and half a panini. SUCH a sweet deal. I had the tomato basil soup, caeser salad, and high protein grilled cheese panini. The grilled cheese had this lemon cream cheese in it that was ridiculous. I was so sad when my meal was over, but I was totally satisfied. I got the sweet pea wontons to go, and they were also delicious. Not what you would think a wonton should look like. The peas are mashed up and the 'wonton' is actually wonton chips. The pea mixture is cold, too. The food is fresh and delicious. You can see the ingredients in what you're eating! Today my friend and I got that deal plus a vanilla chai- hellooooo. So yummy and warm on a cold day. They deliver, too, but only up to Spring Garden. Sad for us Girard folks, but I'll definitely be going in again soon!
(5)Andrea T.
Completely obsessed with the Protein Buster shake (290-340 Cals. 5 points) - Skim milk, Peanut Butter, Banana, Honey, & 25g. Whey Protein. You won't find anything else as peanut-buttery and delicious for under 300 calories - which is why I return nearly every other day for this tasty treat!
(5)G T L.
I have never been to the South Philly location, and the Center City one just opened. I went today for lunch, and I liked it. I had the Thai chicken (wheat) wrap, and I loved it. I had a carrot/orange/ginger juice, and it was great. But what I loved most was the pumpkin cheesecake. Everything on the menu is under 500 calories, and under $10, so you can't go wrong. Oh, I also had a cup of regular coffee, and it was very good indeed. I'm going back! I really like this place!
(4)Lindsay O.
Food is OK. Smoothies are good but pricey. Service at lunchtime is terrible! The service was so slow that I had to have them wrap it up to-go. Also, I ordered a salad and asked if it had red peppers on it. The waiter's response was "no, if it's not listed on the menu, it definitely isn't on the dish." So, when I got back to my office, I was surprised to find that it was coated in Balsamic Salad Dressing, as the menu said NOTHING about this and said it had a peanut dressing. I've been three times with Meh experiences the first two times and a horrible experience the third time. I think I'll be skipping this joint the next time I need a meal.
(2)Michael T.
Not bad, got the chicken Italian wrap to go, which was pretty good. Can't comment on service or decor since I didn't dine in, but would probably make a return trip.
(3)Michael K.
Slightly more expensive, but as is most healthy food. Soup is amazing, but runs $4.50 each. The sandwiches and wraps are also delicious and at ~$9 they're a bit more reasonable, served with a mixed green salad as well. The music selection is pretty unique, mostly remixes of top 40. Service is fair, you're probably better off going with take out if you're in a time crunch.
(4)Tk R.
I've been here twice now and the second time I used a Groupon Now where I got $20 worth of food for $10. The salads, juices, and deserts were all very tasty and unique, but the service could use some improvement. The decor is fun but the music selection playing was a bit too much. Overall, I'd come here again :)
(4)Andrea R.
I have to give this place a just ok. The hummus was really good and lemony, but everything else I've tried was mediocre to crappy. Also I wondered why a "healthy" place didnt offer whole wheat pita. Also why they don't label items vegetarian or vegan. The thai salad sucked. The just slapped a few slices of raw tofu with gross sauce onto lettuce. They added store bought crispy noodles that were a disgusting mush by the time my food arrived. Not good. The grilled antipasto was better but still disappointing. I like their concept, but the food doesnt deliver.
(2)Meghan W.
Fuel soups rock! I went in around lunch time and the gentleman at the counter was so friendly and helpful. I had my soup in a few short moments. By the way, Rocco's butternut squash and apple soup is delicious!
(5)Beth A.
Went today for lunch on a recommendation. Walked over from Loews and it was nice. Everything under 500 calories. I had the hummus (voted best in Philly as a note) and then the eggplant and goat cheese panini. Both wonderful. HUGE portions and I couldn't finish them both. The iced tea was different, had a nice flavor. The price was very inexpensive. I'd go back again. The only issue I had was not having a refill on my iced tea and finally having to flag someone down for it. The place was not very busy (later in the afternoon on a sunday). Outside tables as well as inside, take out as well as eat in. Wish we had this in San Diego where I am living now.
(4)Kate W.
Thai tofu wrap was SOOOO good but also SOOOO messy - ask for a stack of extra napkins and don't eat this on a first date! it's a little pricier than I can handle on a daily basis, but the food was really good and it felt great to know I wasn't putting junk into my body, per the usual. :)
(4)Pauline S.
I love it! I ordered the detox drink and it was so unbelievably yummy. It was naturally sweet and didn't taste fake. The food choices are healthy and aren't limited to just veggies. The prices might be a bit pricey for what it's worth but it's tasty enough to keep me coming back for more.
(4)Kennedy T.
My friend and I had dinner here using "Groupon Now". Everything was really fresh and tasted wonderful! We split a salad, a panini and dessert and left super satisfied! I highly recommend the strawberry/spinach salad and the flourless chocolate cake... de-lish! We couldn't believe that the cake was only 350 calories! It was so rich, creamy and delicious. We kept checking the menu - front and back - to make sure there was no disclaimer or fine print about the calories being a hoax - Lol! A girl's gotta double check! Fuel was fantastic - we'll definitely be back!
(4)Wendy S.
Purchased a Groupon on a whim, knowing I would be visiting Philly, and so glad I did! The TBM with Chicken is super fresh and really flavorful. I had it as a panini and my friend had it as a wrap-both delicious-both sandwiches came with a side of greens and salad dressing. Smoothies were good as well. The decor is simple, the restaurant crowded, but take-out is really quick. Our experience was enhanced by a little "tif" between two waiters fighting over who got to put their order into the register first. The exchange was a little appalling at first, but rather hysterical. Definitely plan to return to Fuel on my next visit to Philadelphia.
(4)Jason Z.
I am so happy that there is a place in Center City now that you can get a healthy meal that won't break the bank. It's also conveniently located around the corner from 12th Street Gym. Perfect for an after workout meal.
(4)Adrienne S.
Could be a great alternative to unhealthy fast food. The fact that the service is painfully and disrespectfully slow is its detriment. The first time we came I believe we were the first customers of the day. We stopped by on our way to an appointment. We had plenty of time to spare for a quick bite. After 25 minutes of waiting for wraps, we were out of time and had to race to our next appointment and eat in the car. I was impressed by the calories and WW points on the wall, so I did decide then that I would return. On my second visit I returned with my boyfriend and we decided to dine in...big mistake. We walked in and waited in line only to find that no one was seating people, so everyone went to find their own seats. Eventually someone appeared and they were miffed that we had (about four tables) seated ourselves. Perhaps the rest of our visit was punishment? The waiter came back with water for one table and took thier order and then she NEVER returned! They left and handed us their menus. My bf was starving, so he went to the counter to order and he brought back our food on his own. After that the waitress would not even look our way. NO water, no nothing. I love the concept, but it is poorly executed. While we were waiting for our food we discussed the decor that is part nightclub, part health store, part fast food restaurant with a weird video playing on a TV in the background. We just did not get it. The food was ok, but not worth the wait. Perhaps take out would be better?
(2)diana s.
For some reason I cannot stand going inside this place...it just has a smell i cannot take....but does that stop me from going here??? hell no....they have banging smoothies...Green Tea Matcha is amazing!!! and if are like me...the one that goes to the gym right after work, skips dinner...then gets out of the gym and is starving and dont want to waste a work out...Fuel has just the right menu for you....very healthy and filling.
(4)Rachael B.
The food is great, healthy, and creative. I LOVE the Zen fruit drink. The only downside is its pricey. Otherwise, I'd eat here everyday! I like the music videos they have playing on the tvs too.
(4)DM D.
This is my new favorite lunch spot! All the dishes are under 500 calories and they mark the calories next to each item on the menu. You can eat in, get take out, or delivery. I usually get take out which is super fast. However I have eaten in the restaurant several times. Once we requested to be outside because our friend had a puppy and they were super accommodating. The staff here is all friendly I've yet to encounter a rude or lazy person. The prices are great too. Every time I go I get the chicken lettuce wraps. You wouldn't think so but they fill you up and they taste great. Be warned they are a little spicy which I love. The decor is cool I guess it's like a space theme I'm horrible at describing that stuff. I come here dressed casually and sometimes in my workout clothes straight from the gym. My only suggestion would be for them to Get a soda machine..I know it's not healthy but I would eat in more often.
(4)Arun P.
Great local biz. Awesome food...fast and friendly!
(4)Neil D.
"Good food, strange ambiance" is how I would sum up Fuel on Walnut Street. It's like a cross between a gym, an Old Navy, and a lunch place. The ceiling is high, the floors are hardwood, and from the TV pumps out fast-paced dance music, which makes this place feel like a gym. Plus, everyone wears an all-black shirt/pant uniform. So, for me it's not really a cozy place to sit and have lunch. However, the food is tasty and they have a lot of choices.
(3)M K.
Went w/Groupon. Food was fine and tasty (nice tomato soup) but probably not quite worth full price. Biggest issue & why I won't rush to return is that you can't just order at the counter and sit down and eat - and for a place called FUEL with techno music, the service was sluggish. Just drop the waiters and make it a take-out or counter service, like Panera, and it might have a shot. Otherwise why not just go to Cosi (which is mediocre at best) but at least it's not pitch dark.
(2)Emily C.
Wholesome meals without having to break the bank. The hummus and lettuce wraps are heavenly. They're constantly working on new dishes which is always exciting, hello less than 300 calorie cannoli! The menu is vegan and gluten-free friendly which is a plus in my book. They are also okay with bringing your own booze. FUEL is relatively new and still working out the kinks but you got to have faith in new restaurants with strong concepts. We'll definitely be back ;)
(5)Jeannine K.
This is a great place if you are looking for eating a healthy meal in the city. I love the fact that they post the nutritional information of all menu items! I have tried both the Hummus with Veggies and the Grilled Veggie Wrap. The Hummus was good, but was a bit more oily than I prefer. The Grilled Veggie Wrap was delicious! The portion sizes are larger than I expected, but that's not a bad thing. The prices are a bit high, but I think getting a healthy meal made with fresh ingredients is worth it.
(4)Ryan R.
Incredible tasting healthy food at an affordable price. I can't get enough of this place!
(5)Shannon L.
Great place, but I wish they had more of a healthy vegetarian/vegan selection and some more fresh green juices. Most of the items I've tried are awesome, but there have been some misses... All in all, a good healthy option for Center City.
(4)Sahran P.
Delicious and quick, best grilled cheese I have had in a long time!
(5)Ashlee G.
False advertising! A bunch of us went there for lunch, and after being surprised that the food was under 500 calories, the waitress informed us that only the ingredients used in our sandwiches were under 500 calories. The entire lunch was probably well over! For a place that is directly advertising this low cal menu, it was very disappointing. It also took us about 90 min to dine because the service was so slow!
(1)donna b.
I've gone to Fuel on four separate occasions and this is what my experience has been thus far: The soups: (forgetting proper names right now so forgive me) Tomato - liked it, this visit was so long ago forgetting details but I do recall enjoying it. Creamy potato-very good and probably my favorite out of them all, the light cream didn't effect the creamyness/tastyness of the soup Crab Bisque- Good but peppery and the crab was a bit stringy. The Panini's The thanksgiving special Panini The Eggplant and Goat Cheese Panini The Grilled Chicken Panini I can safely say across the board, the panini's were just ok. I can leave satisfied eating one but they can do so much better flavor wise, with the grilled chicken panini I'd thought they didn't include the sun-dried tomato that comes with it so the waitress brought me out some, and it tasted like specks of SGT in butter, which didn't bring a ton of SGT flavor but possibly increased my calorie/fat intake majorly. And their chicken tastes to me like the chicken that I make at home, which is pretty good but I always want to get it to a restaurant quality that I haven't mastered yet. So I'd want the restaurant I'm buying from to master a restaurant quality chicken breast as well (call me crazy). The thanksgiving special panini was flavorful but felt like it could pack so much more. And I don't believe it has anything to do with the lower calories, I eat flavorful low cal/fat food all of the time so I know what can be done. Lastly dessert I've tried Banana whips- pretty good, I could get this when wanting something frozen and creamy and be satisfied. Pumpkin Cheesecake- Love this cheesecake and I'm not even a huge fan of pumpkin. I'd buy an entire pie for an event they did this well. And I love the whip cream that it comes with, again the lightness of the cream doesn't take away from the flavor. The service was pretty good each visit(four visits total), the only complaint I have (and reminded to email the business about this as well) is one visit where the waiter got indignant when I asked if I could take the check up myself because I was in a hurry. I was clear about it having nothing to do with his service, I'd just over did it during a lunch break during my work hours. I typed this out in detail which is very long so decided to spare you guys, just in short felt it was really unprofessional of him, how he reacted that is, I deduct a star for that incident, future visits and dependent upon the response from the owner, that will likely go up in a future review. My only other complaint is that the 500 calories doesn't account for bread, which is fine but people who want to know calorie intake, typically need to know in detail so it should mention somewhere on the menu the calories for the items not included in that 500. You can always guesstimate but it just helps a great deal, when I am actually counting a calorie to have full detail so that I'm not eating more than I think I am later in the day. Oh and to those who commented on it looking/sounding like a gym I wonder if that is intentional....I do know I can't take those club music videos, at least switch them up if they must exist.
(3)Ann C.
Summary: Food: fresh, with potential, but lacking distinction Service: friendly but P_ poor Atmosphere: sorely lacking personality, akin to Crunch gym cafeteria (gym simile attributable to Neil D.) Value: meh. I was particularly disenchanted by the juice bar rip-off. Let me preface by saying that I love Philly, but one thing it dearly lacks are healthy lunch places with decent salads under $10. So naturally, when I found out about this place through Groupon, I was super excited to go check it out. And, yes, I had my Groupon in hand. I walked in before the lunch rush, totally psyched because I just won the parking ticket hearing I had at the Philly Parking Authority 4 blocks away-- so I'm in a good mood, ready for some healthy fueling food, and definitely not primed for the very annoying experience that followed. I was greeted by a very nice server who sat me down once I announced I came to eat in. I also announced I had the Groupon, so there are no surprises. There were plenty of other tables with a single person in them, so I wasn't feeling uncomfortable for my table of one. All this, despite the incredibly uncomfortable plastic chairs and the dance music blaring from the TV sets with a FUEL Logo permanently imprinted on the screens showing the music videos in the background. Wow, I thought, if they'd only invested in some better chairs and floor boards (that rocked every time someone walked up to 15 ft away) rather than the VJ to digitally add their insignia to the videos they're showing... Neil who mentioned the gym-like atmosphere in his review was right on. Perched above the gym with the juice bar at the end, is a room which looked like it was set up for a party. I gather they have space for private parties. I tried to imagine the Weight Watcher parties that may go on there (I'm not being mean, menu specifies the calories AND WW points for each item) The squash soup I ordered from the specials showed up relatively soon, so I stopped my musings and lunged in. Mind you, it was a cold cold day, and I was looking forward to my... very cold cold soup!? But by the time I'd realized it was cold I'd already tasted it, and was in a good mood, and didn't want to make a fuss, so I decided to gloss it over. I was about 2 spoons from finishing the bowl (which was about medium size) before the server reappeared: "How is your soup" "Pretty good" I said (because it WAS, a bit on the too sweet side, but generally pretty good, despite the temperature) "It wasn't cold?" "Yes, it was! You knew about that?" Here began my ire- if she knew it was cold- why did she serve it? And if it was a mistake- which I'm willing to accept- perhaps insist on bringing a warm one out? Next I ordered the tuna and arugula salad, dressing ON THE SIDE. I must note that first thing I asked was whether the tuna was canned or fresh. Server said it was fresh. When my salad came out, FULLY DRESSED topped by a heap of so clearly canned tuna, it still had the shape of the can it came from (be it high grade canned, but still canned), I did decide to send it back. I politely asked if the dressing was on the salad. The server was very polite-- she clearly remembered I'd asked for it on the side since she did not seem surprised, rushed to apologize and remove the salad from the table. The salad came back out. I have to say that the arugula was very very fresh. Not a single leaf was tired in the massive heap of greens. The white beans were alright. Overall, the salad engineering pretty good. That dry, canned albacore tuna left something to be desired. So, by now, I've had a cold soup, a salad, and when the server asked me for the third time if I wanted a drink (yes, she was persistent), I ordered the 'I want a Tan' TO GO which is the simplest drink they seemed to have on the elaborate juice bar menu: fresh carrot, OJ, and ginger. The drink came out with about 19oz of fresh ICE and 1 oz of juice from which the ginger pieces were not filtered out (I'm still picking my teeth as I write, sorry for the graphic detail...). Yes, it's true, I am at fault for not specifying I don't want a $5 cupfull of ice when it's 35 degrees outside and I'm about to take this to go. Finally, although I knew my check came out below the amount specified on the Groupon, I was done with this unsatisfying meal (which only had a cold heap of greens going for it). I asked for my check. Check arrived way after the ladies in the next table (who were seated after me) had already left the premises. The server was quick to ask whether I'd been explained that the Groupon doesn't cover taxes when the total amount falls below the groupon value. I just really wanted to get out of there before I get stuck to that annoying Bruno Mars song for the next week, so I paid them the tax and even very generously (24%) tipped the staffer because I didn't have change. But that's the last of my cash they'll see. I'll go get my fresh arugula and HOT soup at the Terminal market a few blocks away.
(1)Kathy L.
I'm giving FUEL a solid 4 stars because they've recognized a severely under served market here in Philadelphia. My favorites in this category back home in San Francisco were Boxed Foods and Mixt Greens. Check out their websites and you'll see what I mean. Relatively affordable, tasty, HEALTHFUL food options. Honestly, can people please recommend where I can get salads with fresh, varied ingredients? Don't say Cosi... And I don't want to pay $20 for take-out at a stephen starr restaurant. From Fuel, I had the shrimp, avocado spinach salad which was delicious and filling. All options are supposed to be around/under 500 (depends if they counted the wrap and if you got one) - but who's counting anyway! The ambience of the place is a little dim and could be better - it doesn't scream fresh...just neon orange? Next time, I'm dying to try the whipped banana with nutella and strawberries. Apparently it's just a frozen banana, whipped...so it's like ice cream?! But without the guilt, in case you had any.
(4)Lisa L.
Good eats we randomly found touring Philly. Strawberry spinach salad and portabella and eggplant panini. Not the freshest, but great veggie options. Nice ambiance. Great presentation.
(3)Amber L.
i love this place! i almost always order the grilled eggplant and goat cheese panini, im totally in love with this sandwich! ive also had their version of a grilled cheese which is excellent, and i stop for a smoothie there at least 2-3 times a week. Just a warning*** their under 500cal claim does not include your choice of bread on the sandwich. Not enough to steer me away, but if you are the type to count calories keep that in mind.
(4)Ryan W.
Rocco Cima, radio host and owner of Fuel, is awesome! I left an unglamorous review about this location because of a one-off issue and he responded immediately (as you can see below). This type of customer service made a huge impact on me. I'll definitely be giving this Fuel location another shot. Thanks Rocco!
(5)Mandi J.
A nice little lunch spot. I like that their menu is full of healthier options, and they were easily able to make small changes to a starter I ordered. However, my partner was dissatisfied with his panini, noting that it was the second time he had ordered one from Fuel, and both times found the bread to be mostly burned. Add that to a strangely long wait, despite being the only ones waiting for take-away. So, overall I would probably go back, but not if I was in a rush (and I'd probably stay away from the paninis).
(3)Jen N.
After hearing my roommate talk about Fuel, I decided to stop in back in May to grab a quick lunch before a doctor's appointment. I was able to sit outside, which was nice, and ordered the organic thyme lemonade and the grilled veggie wrap with no ricotta. It was quite delicious! Since I was impressed, I bought a groupon while eating. I went back last night and used my groupon and was far less impressed. :/ I ordered the same lemonade because it is so yummy!! And I ordered the fuel stacker Panini. At the top of the menu, they advertise "we can veganize anything". Since the menu clearly stated this I asked for vegan mozzerela on my Panini. I was informed by the waiter that they do not have vegan cheese, I showed him the menu and just said oh ok. He asked if I still wanted cheese and I said sure and just took a lactaid. The Panini was very good, but the salad served with it had no dressing what so ever. Since I had to use the whole group-on while there, I also ordered the Tuna Salad to go for lunch the next day. What I received was argula and tuna. It is advertised to have tomatoes, kamalata olives, and red onions. I had 2 cherry tomatoes, 3 kamalata olives, and about 5 slivers of red onion. I wish I would have packed some crackers or crostini to go with the salad because eating tuna and argula with dressing is just boring. My advice to customers: stick to the paninis and wraps -- they seem to be more flavorful. My advice to Fuel: do not advertise that you can veganize "everything" when you simply cannot.
(3)Katherine L.
The menu here is a simple approach to vegetarian cafe food. Plenty of smoothies, juices, salads and sandwiches for you to peruse and ponder. The place is spacious inside with high ceilings and offers some outdoor seating. The staff has some knowledge of the menu, but concerns like vegan and gluten-free may receive short shrift. If all you care about is vegetarian food, you'll be fine. It's nice to have a great big menu, but it would be nicer if the staff were more knowledgeable. It's nice that there are a lot of smoothies and juices with unique blends, and it's great to have size choice! It's great to have fresh ingredients and healthful options. It's a decent and reasonably healthful place to dine, but I can see why some people find the pricing too high or the service less than stellar. I would go back if hungry for a quick bite, but I would not go back expecting Michelin star dining or service by any measure. Think cafe-style all around, and you'll be fine.
(3)Mike M.
I work right in the heart of Center City and Fuel is the absolute clutch for lunch. Granted, I've only had their smoothies when I wasn't feel entirely hungry and they hit the spot every time. I'm a huge fan of any business that utilizes technology like Level Up because paying with your iPhone is a better feeling than an Amex any day. I recommend the Detox Smoothie because it is delicious and is a perfect pick-me-up for that afternoon haul.
(4)Ancy T.
I've been here a few times and the food has never disappointed. I love their wraps and paninis because they just taste so fresh and clean cut and that is key for me when it comes to food. I have a pretty sensitive stomach so I love that I know I will feel good after eating anything from here. Today was no different. I had a nice and attentive waitress and this was a new experience because normally I get food to go, but I'm glad I decided to dine in. I wasn't really hungry so I just got a smoothie and requested if I could just have a small bowl of fruit. Even though it wasn't on the menu they were still able to accommodate and I LOVE that they did that. Kudos to your customer service!
(4)Tommy M.
Came here for lunch with my mom yesterday since she had a Groupon that was expiring the end of April. I've passed this place a hundred plus times but never went in, so this was a great chance to try something new. The hosts in the front were very nice and gave us a table by the window (sunny and gorgeous out, so, well done hosts). I'm not going to lie, as I first looked over the menu, I was a bit confused - everything can be made into a salad/wrap/sandwich/flatbread?! The answer is, basically, yes, which is fantastic for a wide range of people. We were given a while to look over the menu before our waitress appeared with waters (which was probably good since I was still figuring things out food wise), and then my mom and I were able to place our order. We decided to share the Spanish skewered shrimp, my mom got the grilled veggie (salad), and I got the Thai chicken (also as a salad). The salads were absolutely fantastic - fresh, light, and full of flavor. The shrimp was a major disappointment - far too salty, a bit on the undercooked side, and an overwhelming amount of what tasted like old bay seasoning. Aside from that, our server was super friendly, and the salads were great! Definitely worth another return trip, but make sure you order enough food, since everything is 500 calories or less!
(4)Ali C.
The menu at fuel is filled with healthy choices and the calories are listed beside each item (which I like). I have eaten at fuel several times (how can you pass it up when there is a groupon listed almost all of the time?). This time I ate the Grilled veggie panini and the baked potato soup. My fiance had the Egg, turkey, and mozzarella wrap. The food to me is always just ok. It's not bad but it's not very good. The smoothies are pretty good (strawberry banana).
(3)KC C.
The kale green tea smoothie is AMAZING. Their food and other smoothies are also really good- love their guacamole. But this is, hands down, the best smoothie I have ever had. Solid.
(5)Kelsey T.
Hi Rocco, You were actually the manager on staff the evening of my catered delivery. Your day manager, Ashley, must have matched my review with my order since she called me shortly after posting it on yelp. I returned her call and left a message. I will be happy to update and change my review if this is settled.
(1)Ben K.
Ok this place should have got a four and I couldn't quite bring myself to give a two. I was teetering though. This is a fabulous model. Good healthy food not too many calories and reasonable price. This should be a home run. The bad: the ginger chicken had about three tiny pieces of red pepper and barely any more onion. Can we say dulllll! Visually food should have color and this was an even tan. Come on veggies are not that expensive. The good: It tasted good and there was tons of chicken. They use brown rice and the people were super nice! Add a couple of veggies maybe add some green peppers and this would be great. Give these folks a try and encourage them to tune up their fare. I will go back and do the same.
(3)Andrew W.
Ordered a chocolate-ccino. It was pretty good considering. The place lacks personality as it is really worse than the Cosi down the street. If it wasn't for the Groupon, I wouldn't have come this way. There's no Wifi and the place isn't too big. I would come again with some reservations.
(3)Kelsey S.
As for smoothies, I recommend "protein buster" or "detox". A medium is about $7, so it's a little bit of a splurge but it's worth it if you are in the mood for a smoothie and you're in the area. I came for brunch today and also had a solid experience. I ordered a mozzarella, avocado, turkey, and egg panini on whole wheat. The sandwich was paired with black bean salsa, which added some good flavor. My friends ordered the buckwheat pancakes and a frittata and they both said the meals were delicious. Each entree was $10 so it was a good price for a health- conscious meal. I can't wait to come back to try lunch!
(4)Lea T.
Fuel used to wow me, but now that I've dined in a few times I can't give them more than 3 stars. Concept is great- health conscious food with options all under 500 calories. Salads, smoothies, and protein shakes don't seem very unique but its always a good option to offer. Overall the menu seems hit or miss, some items like the Spicy Skewered Shrimp, Kicked-up artichoke dip, and Sweet Pea Wontons have always been consistently good while other items fall short... the Hummus isn't memorable and the Chicken Lettuce Wraps use the cold grilled chicken diced up with shredded carrot that is served on limp pieces of lettuce that could not possibly function as a wrap... The salads here are decent, but no exciting toppings or variation from what is offered at other spot around the city. The Rice Power Bowls seemed like a good idea (except they're only served after 4 pm) but when I tried the Thai Chicken and Ginger Chicken Bowls I found both were bland and didn't have much chicken or vegetables. For $7-$12 per item the portions aren't large and the healthy creations aren't very flavorful or original. Not to mention that the restaurant interior can use a fresh coat of paint and makes you feel like you're eating in a café in a gym... Also charging me for a refill of iced tea when I'm dining in? Not even real restaurants with tablecloths and servers in uniform try to pull that trick...
(3)Stuart H.
Was strolling down Walnut Street in CC and came across Fuel. Loved that everything is under 500 calories. First impression was the staff. Wow! So friendly. Patricia took really good care of me. She recommended the TBM as a salad. I added Salmon and it was delicious. Thanks for the hospitality and great service.
(5)Emily H.
Went here today for the first time and it was pretty good! It was a nice casual place to grab some food and catch up with friends. Service was great - our waitress was very friendly. I got the tomato basil soup (my favorite) which was vey good and the chicken lettuce wraps. The chicken lettuce wraps weren't my favorite but they were still good - and a little spicy! Prices are pretty reasonable, I would say this place is on the cheaper side which is great considering it has such a large and appealing menu with all healthy options. I definitely want to go back some time and try one of the paninis, smoothies, and breakfast!
(4)Lisa S.
I came to Fuel Center City a few weeks ago on a Saturday early afternoon when I was in town for a conference. This was my second time to Fuel, but the first time at this location. The ambiance is a casual, seat-yourself, quick food type of place. However, there were people behind us sharing a bottle of wine and a good looking meal- so some people settle in for a bit longer :-). I ordered a T.B.M. with egg panini ($9.95)- tomato, basil pesto, mozzarella, and scrambled eggs. It was delicious. I also ordered a soy latte with sugar-free vanilla syrup ($3)... it came with some nutmeg on top and was one of the best lattes I've had. The food came out quickly, the waitress was friendly, and we were able to linger at our table catching up for awhile without feeling rushed. The place wasn't too busy, which was nice. Two thumbs up- a good place to grab a casual brunch or lunch with a friend, with some interesting and unique (and healthy) options!
(4)Jessica W.
I'm not really sure WHAT is going on with this location- especially since I used to love this place when I moved to CC.... Yes, the food is yummy and I *WAS* a big fan of the thanksgiving panini but that's all been shot to hell! I've had too many horrible customer service experiences at this location that have left me completely confused and scratching my head... I've heard countless stories of orders being completely messed up or delivery being super late and food arriving cold but I still supported them and wanted to give them my business... ... Until now. I convinced my boyfriend to give Fuel ONE LAST TRY (he has been completely turned off by Fuel from our last experience with "Ashley" who claimed she was the manager yet was completely rude to us over a Groupon deal and we watched her curse us out from our table in the kitchen). Half way through my sandwich and mid chew I pull a slimy piece of plastic out of my mouth!!! I *WISH* I was making this up! I call them back to let them know (we ordered our food for pick up and we're eating at home) and guess we got- MORE ATTITUDE and BAD customer service. NOPE. I'm done with you, Fuel. DONE. The only reason why I'm even giving 2 stars is because I used to love this place and I'm nostalgic for those memories. Until then, Fuel needs to revamp for cleanliness and retrain their employees for customer service!
(2)Anupma S.
I actually really really like this place for a light and healthy sandwich or smoothie. They have great options and everything is organic and low in calories! I would prefer Fuel than other similar spots like HipCityVeg. The service is great too -- everyone is very willing to explain to you menu items. I love that the sandwiches come with a small side salad because I never order salads on their own, so it's nice to be given a salad! Healthy! I really liked the salmon sandwich and the eggplant one. Also, I love their smoothies. They are very unique and tasty. The best part about Fuel is the Yelp and Groupon deals -- you can almost always find a $20 for $40 of food deal, how great is that! I've used it a couple of times and was very happy -- great food for a great price.
(4)John C.
(1) Horrible calorie per dollar ratio given the quality. (2) Nutrition information seems inaccurate. I understand that this restaurant is marketing to a fitness-minded crowd that that is generally interested in creating energy deficits (and being hungry). But it is highway robbery to charge $10 per plate for a 400 calorie salad. For the price, that salad better taste amazing. And Fuel's salads don't. Gym-goers are better off making their own salad for $1.50 since most of Fuel's stuff is replicable at home. I'm curious to know how Fuel is able to provide calorie values as specific as "385" (that is, down to the single-digits). With that kind of specificity, I'd expect them to be measuring what they put in their dishes to some extent, but it seems like they don't. I've been there 4-5 times trying new things and portions are all over the place -- especially cheese in the salads. Not something to complain about for most restaurants, but a real problem for one that holds itself out as meeting specific calorie needs.
(2)Christina K.
WHAT I ORDERED: Smoked salmon panini with avocado and lettuce + Protein buster smoothie with soy milk PROS: Delicious protein buster smoothie + fresh ingredients + price CONS: So so panini ----MORE DETAIL---- FOOD: GOOD: Fresh ingredients, but the panini was just so so. To their defense, I'm recovering from a GI problem and my diet is strange, so I had to omit several of the ingredients. Definitely worth another try. The protein buster smoothie with soy milk was AMAZING. SERVICE: NEUTRAL: Lackluster, but came by frequently and often. AMBIANCE: NEUTRAL: Casual place to grab a quick bite - nothing special or bad.
(3)John M.
Great tasting food full flavor and fresh this was my first visit. I'll be back to try other dishes. If you are walking by open the door and come on in.
(5)Tanya D.
Ordered two chicken Caesar salads today and I was really upset. One had a fly in it and they didn't include plastic knives which made it very difficult to eat bc the lettuce is served as whole leaves layered on top each other.
(2)kate j.
I come here often because it's convenient and they have a good amount of vegetarian options for lunch. Delivery service is great, but in the restaurant it's just okay. Beware when you order anything that contains salmon! If you do not indicate that you would like for it to be cooked, not just pan seared, you must tell them this or you will receive a sandwich or wrap with uncooked salmon. The menu does not indicate this. Not my style. I do recommend ordering wraps from here for a group/office lunch - their platters include a good variety of meat/vegetarian/vegan options.
(3)Natalia L.
Found this place through Groupon since we were in Philly for the holiday weekend and as a vegan my options are limited to asian/indian food. Nice and trendy lay out with The Cure playing in the background and free WiFi. Wish they'd open one up in DC/Northern Virginia. I like the fact that anything on the menu can be modified to your needs, whether vegan, weight conscious, bread or no bread, etc. It was a bit confusing but I settled on the roasted veggie on a wheat wrap, and chose to replace the ricotta with tofu. It came with fresh spring greens tossed with balsamic vinaigrette, but still I found it to be a bit bland. I asked if they had any mustard or extra vinegar and they said they don't carry any side sauces like mustard or ketchup in order to keep calorie counts down. I thought mustard was like 5 calories per serving? I understand the whole ketchup thing since it's full of sugar, but I didn't ask for ketchup. Regardless, the waitress was generous and offered me a side of berry vinaigrette, which gave it more of a flavor. I suppose I'm used to spicy Indian and Thai food so regular American food just doesn't do it for me anymore. My husband's food was "meh" in his own words; the Thai Chicken. Like me, he said his food didn't have much of a flavor. Guess I'll go back to my Asian hang outs for now....
(3)Jessica S.
I'm a huge fan of unhealthy delicious food, but it's nice when you can go out and not feel terrible about how much calories you consumed either. I came to Fuel with a friend a few weeks ago with our goal in mind to have a healthy but satisfying dinner. We were seated right away and opted to sit outside, as it was a nice night in the city. We started off with the guac appetizer with goat cheese and tomato and asked for extra veggies instead of chips. The guac was delicious and the veggies were fresh and crunchy! We were off to a good start. For my meal, I got the strawberry spinach salad with tofu. Tofu is pretty hit or miss, but this was cooked well and went nicely with the salad. The salad was a good sized portion and had fresh berries mixed with gorgonzola and pecans. My friend got the same, but with chicken which came with a ton of chicken for the price. We both left feeling full and happy that we stuck with healthy options. We also used a yelp deal which was pay 15 dollars for 20 bucks worth of food, so the cost was an added bonus. We will definitely be back!
(4)Rose V.
I brought a groupon deal for this place and finally decided to use it last week. I really like it, they have very healthy selection of foods on their menu and outdoor seating. Its near the gayborhood section of downtown philly so, it gives on a nice city feel. I had the grilled cheese on what and my gf had the chicken flat bread with peanut sauce, in which both was delicious. They have a lot more stuff I would like to try on the menu so I will definitely be visiting this place again.
(4)Stephanie S.
Initially I was very excited to try Fuel because of all of the healthy options. Everything on the menu is under 400 calories. Great! We opted for delivery which we ordered through Grub Hub. This took almost an hour. My one roommate ordered the cucumber salad as her meal. This was most definitely NOT a meal nor a salad. It was probably something I would feed my pet rabbit, if I had one. It was four measly slivers of cucumber and four slices of not yet ripe tomato. This was very disappointing. We then called and Jamal was extremely rude and not accommodating. He said that if we were to order at the restaurant he would have given us more greens and thats just how the salad is. This should NOT be under salads on the menu, its more of a side. The "salad" was also 7 dollars. NOT worth 7 dollars. I will say the paninis were good, but soagy. I don't reccommend getting delivery from here. Maybe dining in is a better experience, but we won't be giving this place another chance.
(1)Pira T.
I have been wanting to go to Fuel so many times. I walked by everyday. I think I havent been here until now because of the interior and the way the place looks. Lesson learnt, Never judge the book by its cover. I finally went in yesterday. Wow I should have come here long time ago. I could eat here everyday! Fuel Stacker Panini and pineapple power lunch smoothie. SO GOOD!!! You can even request the song you want to listen to here. You just need to download an app. The service was awesome as soon as I walked in. They make sure you have everything you need. I dont even have to ask for extra napkins. Some restaurant are very stingy, you will be surprised. I have nothing bad to say about this place at all. I feel good, healthy and full when I walked out the place. Yes I am going back for sure probably today. I will try their brunch very soon.
(5)Amy K.
I love this place! It's one of the few places in center city that deliver healthy organic food and juices! Every entree is under 500 calories. My favorite sandwich is the south philly panini and I always order the Hulk Juice. Only downfall is the delivery wait time. Last time I ordered I waited for an hour and 15 minutes after being getting ETA of delivery under 45 mins. It wont stop me from ordering from here, but I'll be placing my order a lot earlier.
(5)Shari A.
Love their food. Although have never quite figured out why they are always empty. Well horrible service can do that. They have a strange staff dynamic. A bunch of angry girls constantly rolling their eyes at each other and customers. I hope the owner reads this and fixes this issue. Their food is amazing and would hate to see this joint die in probably one of the most competitive restaurant market in the U.S.
(3)Arkady V.
Stopped in for a quick bite and boy was that a good choice. Definitely not your standard sandwich place. First take made me think I'd be starving by the time,I left as nothing on the menu was over 500 calories but boy was I wrong. Their breads are absolutely delicious and filling and getting them pressed warm is a bonus. I only had the chicken wrap with sundried tomatoes, lettuce, onion, and saracha but it was absolutely delicious. Staff is friendly service was quick though it was not that busy when we were in. Great stop for a quick bite to eat. Additionally they do have many GF bread options that can be substituted. Would give 5* if portions were a bit bigger. Prices are pretty fair for the quantity and quality. Got away with $20 for 2 people.
(4)Christina W.
This place is consistently meh for me. The food is alwyas on point, but the service is terrible. Every time I've gone here, the waitstaff forget about me and my party at some point during our meal. Either they forget to seat us because they "thought someone else was taking care of it" or they forget to bring us our food or they forget that they gave us the check already and we waste 25 minutes waiting for them to swipe our credit card. Management here should invest in some additiional training for their staff and/or better organize who was what responsibilities.
(2)Kirby J.
I want to give this place five stars, but their delivery times are astronomical. And their minimum amount for delivery seems to change based on how busy they are, which is obnoxious. That being said, I've never had a bad meal here, and if you're either willing to pick up or wait 1-2 hours for your food, it's definitely worth it.
(4)Allison G.
I had the South Philly chicken panini for lunch today. It was flavorful, but I wish it had been a little more melted. I went around 11:30 and barely had to wait. They have a lot of menu options, and the prices seemed about average for lunch. I'd go back!
(4)Chinmayi V.
I have eaten here several times, and everytime I have got great tasting fresh food! The paninis are excellent and they can veganise anything on their menu, without compromising the taste. Service is very prompt as well. Very consistent and great tasting food!
(4)N W.
Good food for the money. Had the "deconstructed guacamole salad" and it was delish. They have a full juice bar if you are in to that kind of stuff. You don't feel as guilty eating here either because they list the calories and protein content. Atmosphere is ok. Loud but they have more secluded tables.
(4)Porter R.
I've had both good and bad experiences here. Normally I will go here for brunch (most likely influenced by a groupon).. The food seems like it should be good, but sometimes small oversights bring it down. One that stands out is wraps that are served wet on the bottom. That being said, it is worth a shot if you are getting a deal.
(3)Juliana K.
I'm not in love with fuel like others are. Weekday Lunch time gets busy so expect a line and a bit of a wait. I got a salad here that had onion, avocados, grape tomatoes, bland chicken, and lime vinaigrette and it was pretty underwhelming. For the price, it wasn't worth it. Nothing special. Smoothies (more like juice) are pretty good and Friendly service though.
(3)Brittany R.
I could eat here for every meal. I love the Fuel Stacker Salad with Chicken or Tofu. I also recently went there for brunch and got a Frittata which was delicious. Everything is so fresh and healthy. It is pretty pricey but you get what you pay for. The servings are huge (except if you get the shrimp...) My one complaint is about the avocado- it always tastes as if it was frozen and then defrosted unless I was served bad avocado- I only got it a couple of times but each time it had a weird consistency.
(5)Chuck M.
Poor service with a slightly bad attitude. I live in Philly and eat out a lot. I just happened to be at a seminar next to this restaurant. I went for lunch. I ordered one appetizer and one flatbread. The hostess was polite. The server didn't seem like she wanted to be there. She wasn't rude to me, but she was condescending and obvious about her feelings about being there. I asked for a soda (I wasn't in the mood for a shake). She rolled her eyes - rolled them - and pointed behind me and told me, "Sweeties, this is all we have." I turned around to see a 2ft. x 6ft. soda cooler - barely stocked - that was situated behind a table. Of course, I didn't notice it when I sat down; it wasn't obvious and the menu suggested a lot more of a selection. The server rushed me out as well. I began to ask her for more napkins and she cut me off and said, "Oh, you're finished? Let me get your check." I had to tell he no and that I really just needed a napkin. The food was okay. It seems like it would be different, and it kind-of is. But, I could order most of the protein from the menu from any India restaurant. I did not have the opportunity to try a smoothie, but I don't see myself trying this place again.
(2)Louis C.
This place is the best...my brother and I own a small retail store in the neighborhood and we send our clients there when ever they ask for quality food/service...Franco and his team at Fuel never disappoint highly recommend this establishment for lunch and catering parties.
(5)Sam A.
I come In all the time for their healthy shakes and sammys. Good stuff and feel good food. Today's omlet was a disappointment. I ordered Greek egg white feta cheese omlet on wheat panini and the bread was charred. I tried to ignore the burnt taste but it overpowered my eggs and cheese. Whyyyyy?!!!! I will have to be that annoying cusmer to say please don't burn my food...
(3)Susan L.
Love this place as a healthy eater. Big menu but kind of the same ingredients over and over in different variations. That's okay tho cuz it's all good fresh stuff. Very healthy and vegetarian friendly!! Calorie counts on everything.
(4)Patrizia C.
I love Fuel. It's only a few blocks from my office and it offers a variety of low-calorie, healthy-while-still-being-yummy food. I tend to be boring when ordering lunch so I always get the eggplant and goat cheese panini, which is always delicious. I usually have to add something on since the minimum delivery amount is $15 and today I ordered the Spicy Grilled Shrimp appetizer which was also delicious. My only gripe about this place is the amount of time it takes for them to deliver. Today, I placed the order a few minutes before 11am (I was hungry, ok?) but the food arrived after 12pm. Over an hour for a panini? Unfortunately that is the one thing that often deters me from ordering from here, especially when I am extra hungry. But for days when I can be patient, I guess it is sort of worth the wait....
(3)Jordan P.
Accepts LevelUp, quick, professional service, tasty treats, hard to go wrong. I've watched a number of friends get Fuel for take-out, salivating at their healthy-looking sammies and salads, so I stopped in the other day to grab a quick juice (I was feeling a little worn out, fresh green juice sounded like just the trick). My last experience with buying "just a juice" was a $7 "treat yo' self" moment at Pure Fare. And, while that was delicious, sometimes you're not really feeling the whole "Empty your wallet for this cuppa green stuff!" vibe from PF. Enter Fuel, where a 16oz juice costs merely $4. I was floored with joy, and able to use my LevelUp app to pay the piper. The juice itself (I believe it was called the hulk) was cucumber, spinach, apple, lemon and I requested some extra ginger. My only complaints were a) not enough ginger [coming from a bit of a ginger addict, this could be ok for most folks] and b) they tossed some ice in there. Maybe I'm a juicing purist, but I'm assuming that ice took up precious room in my cup that could've been full of nutrients. Juice-trients. Either way, it hit the spot, tasting just as refreshing as it made me feel, and I left happy and satisfied. I saw a number of happy patrons enjoying their lunch break in the very trendy-looking interior, and they also were running a holiday gift card deal of "buy $20 worth of giftcards, get $30!" so... if you're in the business of dining/drinking at Fuel, I'd say that's 150% value and totally worthwhile. I think I'll stick to Fuel for my future juice-fixes. Gets the job done without feeling like my wallet is being gouged with an (all-organic) knife.
(4)Nicole B.
Great gluten free options with bread that tastes like regular breads! Everything is fresh and there are lots of combinations and variety. Order for take out or sit and eat it there!
(4)Mishana K.
I only went here for a juice/smoothie to go. I found the selection to be limited and the ingredients repetitive from drink to drink. But the real kicker was the terrible service. Once I ordered my drink, no one decided to make it for 10 minutes. The juices aren't pressed but blended and then placed over ice. Leaving you with a chunky watery sludge. While waiting the language used by the staff was very inappropriate for a work environment. There's nothing wrong with goofing around with your coworkers but must you use such foul language within customer earshot. Will not be back.
(1)Laura G.
They have a ton to choose from on their menu, its a little overwhelming but I don't think you can go wrong. I ordered the strawberry spinach salad as an entree and chicken lettuce wraps to share with a friend. The wraps were very large and plenty for two people. The salad was decent size and very refreshing. I would suggest getting dressing on the side because they put a little too much on. I was in and out within 30 mins even though they were packed.
(4)Lisa D.
I've had two experiences with this place. One, I walked over to get a banana whip, which was.... not great. If you're looking for banana 'icecream,' it's definitely worth the few extra blocks down to Yellow Juice Bar. Fuel's whip was somehow dry, and they put a lot of whipped cream on top of it without asking, which was odd. (Although they gladly made me another one when I requested one without the dairy!) Two, we recently ordered catering for a work lunch. It was AWESOME. You get a decent amount of food for the money. The sandwiches were interesting combinations, and the salads had more than enough toppings on them besides lettuce, an issue we regularly have with other salad joints. Plus their catering manager was friendly, professional, and delivered it himself. Definitely recommend their catering.
(4)Sara P.
There are three friends, all of whom eat differently: a vegan, a follower of Dr. Atkins, and someone who follows the Standard American Diet. They have one thing in common: they care about their figures. So where do you take them for lunch in Center City? Fuel of course! I had just this experience last Wednesday when clients were in town and found ourselves needing a place for lunch that accommodated all of our goals. We did not need to eat a lot, we did not need to spend a lot of money, we wanted a quiet atmosphere, someone wanted just vegetables, someone wanted just protein, and someone wanted something she could take home to share with her family afterward. Everyone was pleased. I had the butternut squash soup made without dairy products, along with a grilled veggie sandwich. I was thrilled with how low the calories were. My friend had a huge salad full of tuna, and she was able to get it without cheese and fattening dressing, making her and Dr. Atkins thrilled, I am certain. My other friend had a huge vegetable salad and a warm brothy tomato soup. Those items became part of her family dinner Wednesday night. The prices are great, the service was terrific. It is in center city so it is convenient for commuters and walkers and bikers, but good luck with your car! Next week we are going to Fuel on Passyunk for a comparison. I'll let you know.....
(5)Liia R.
I wish there was a 2.5. The food is pretty good--some of the paninis are delicious, I'm a picky eater so I like knowing what's in everything and they have tasty salads. BUT we've ordered 4 times from here, and 3 have been disappointing. They added chicken to a vegetarian salad (SO frustrating) and took 1 hour and 40 minutes to deliver when they said it would be under an hour and we called right at 11. We order from the office and our team member wasn't able to eat lunch. I would have ordered somewhere else had I known they'd take forever! So next time we'll be ordering elsewhere, but if you have time, it's not a bad place to eat.
(3)Rich D.
Sitting here for lunch 5/21 and it's been 25 minutes without food. The server actually asked, "are you in a rush?" I'm not in the habit of having casual extended lunches during the workday, so I wouldn't advise this place.
(1)Katie L.
Before heading to a cake-tasting event with a friend, we decided we needed something else in our bellies for the evening besides sugar. Fuel hit the spot. There were so many salad choices on the menu that appealed to me, it was hard to decide. I chose the cucumber and tomato salad with white beans, and it was a well-dressed, huge bowl of veggies. Perfect. My friend went with the Ridiculously Delicious Kale Salad, which she enjoyed, but one can only eat so much kale in one sitting, so she didn't quite finish. Besides the salads, the menu looks stellar, and I can't wait to go back and try more.
(4)Katherine S.
I got a chicken Gorgonzola wrap from Fuel today. It was tiny! I can't believe how high their prices are. The wrap was fine but certainly nothing to write home about. I think it's a total rip off.
(3)Erin E.
I ordered pick up here. It was ready on time which is always nice. The goat cheese and eggplant panini was very good, but the caesar salad is literally lettuce, some parm cheese and dressing. Not really worth the 8 or so bucks I paid for it but it's cool. Im looking forward to trying the green tea matcha. Im a fan of anything green tea. Will probably stop in again soon.
(4)Evan F.
I was convinced to try Fuel after a friend told me that she "has eaten there the last three days in a row." So I did, and I'm a fan. I had the Chicken and Gorgonzola Panini and LOVED it. Seriously though, this panini was amazing. I also asked for a cold coffee drink with pumpkin spice and the kitchen staff whipped up something amazing. The think I like about Fuel is how few calories there are per dish. My Panini which tasted like 1000ish calories was only 345. Amazing. All the dishes are like this! My only complaint (which is why there are not 5 stars) was our waiter. He seemed standoffish and bothered when we asked for more time with the menu and for desert. Otherwise, the food is amazing and I will be back despite a bad server experience.
(4)Lani H.
Service was bad. Ask for dressings on the side. Good atmosphere.
(3)Nikki R.
The Hulk juice = tasty and $4 for a small might be a little steep but hard to find a smoothie that tastes healthy and good. Fuel Chopped Salad was solid and for $8 not too bad, doused with dressing though so get that on the side forsure. Buddy got the Spicy Chicken flat bread which takes a long time for them to make but still good. Sriracha sauce on top is something you can't play with. Note that the lunch service is extremely slow which is the reason for the 3 stars. If you're going to be a "sit down" place then staff accordingly. Also hire people who like to provide service, if it was a walk up counter I would have been cool with the attitude.
(3)K. L.
Ugh... One of my worst dining experience. Came here because of a Groupon deal. Like many have said, they seem to have an identity crisis. They advertised themselves as organic and natural but they use Red Bull for drinks and sell Fuze Iced Teas (GMOs)??? The host was friendly, but it all went down hill after we were seated. It took quite some time before our waitress even acknowledged us. After she took our order, the food came out quick. I ordered the roasted turkey breast on a flat bread, brother ordered the tuna salad wrap, and my sister ordered the South Philly Chicken Panini. My dish would have been delicious if my flat bread wasn't completely burnt on the bottom. I have a feeling they knew about it but decided to serve it anyways. I would have sent it back but waitress was nowhere to be found. I was hungry so i just ate it as a salad without the bread and thought to myself, "good thing i have a Groupon". My brothers tuna was too lemony and my sister's chicken sandwich is the only decent dish. My sister purposely flipped my bread over to reveal the completely charred side for when the waitress come to take our plates. She looked at it but didn't say anything and came back with our check. This will be my first and last time here. On the bright side, I'm just glad I had a Groupon.
(1)Mary M.
Second FUEL location I've been to. First one was in South Philly. I love this place! And the food is healthy and satisfying. I am now your loyal customer Oh! Great One!
(5)Albert L.
The Veggie Panini was Delicious!! Very fresh, and tasty veggies. The price is right. It was a quick stop b4 hitting a bar
(4)KG O.
Got the Groupon and had to go, as we were enjoying a bit of vacating. Started with the Guacamole, shouldn't have. It should have been called, mashed avocado, with no seasoning. Plus the chips, were the $1.00 bag you can pick up at the grocery store. A bit of salt, and fresh chips (FYI, Fuel Team you could bake 'em on site) would have gone a long way. I ordered the Turkey Burger, with side salad, and it was phenomenal. The burger was cooked perfectly, and came adorned with red pepper relish, feta, some sort of yogurt sauce, on a brioche type bun. Yum, yum, yum...took a pic, but it's a bit blurry. HIGHLY recommend, looks like it's a monthly special, so go soon. Lil' Darlin' ordered the Roasted Turkey sandwich. She enjoyed it as well, a bit of Thanksgiving flavor in March. Overall, it's good food and quite tasty. Moderate price on the high end. Couple of things: We couldn't figure out what type of restaurant they want to be. It appears to be an upper end, healthy sandwich shoppe, though the quasi host who seats you with the Menu's and seems to help bus tables, didn't make a whole lot of sense. You get a feel you should go to the counter to order, but then a wait person comes to you. It just felt weird. Great concept, and as time goes on, I'm sure they'll work out the kinks. FYI, it'd be great to have a simple, easy to understand menu for the kids. $4.99 combo would be a good idea.
(4)Beryl K.
Ok, so I love all of the healthy choices. Our waiter was very friendly and gave good food suggestions. We ordered 3 dips to try for our app. All were good, the hummus, guacamole and sweet pea dip. For the meal 3 of us got salad and 1 person got s panini. I got the chopped salad and it was ok, but the lettuce wasn't as fresh as I would prefer. My friend who ordered the kale salad was eating hers, got to the bottom and found a HAIR.... Eww. She had already eaten almost the whole thing, so what can you do. I wish the place was a bit cleaner too. So, some good and some bad.
(3)Luba P.
I love Fuel! It's fast, cheap and express healthy food! The prices and portions are great. You will get huge salads and great sandwiches. I love the tuna arugula salad and the salmon sandwich. Also the smoothies are delicious with tons of options! When no one knows what to get for lunch this is the place to go!
(5)Erin B.
So Fuel CC sorta reminds me of those Venn Diagram charts from elementary / middle school. One circle is for delicious food, another circle is for healthy food and the intersection is Fuel CC. Philly is synonymous w/ delicious food... But, delicious food, does not always healthy food make and most certainly, vice versa. I am on the 12th day of a 12 day cleanse ... so I've had to sorta expand my culinary horizon in order to avoid having 3 home prepared meals per day. This was a perfect excuse for me to finally try Fuel. Because it is less than a 10 minute walk from both home and work, there is really no excuse that this was my first visit. However, on the times that I've contemplated Fuel in the past, it has always been defeated by a more non-caloric/carbohydrate friendly option. Alas, I went w/ my girlfriend Jodi last Thursday. We ordered the strawberry spinach salad w/ grilled chicken and the tuna arugula salad. They were both delish! So much so, that we are heading back today for lunch! In addition to the food - they played really fun music and the server (name I forget - but personality and topknot bun I will never forget) was super cool as well! The true test will be whether or not I go back to Fuel after my cleanse is over... I'm thinking yes!!
(4)Mandy H.
Fuel is a good place for healthy fast food. For lunch my boyfriend and I ordered an assortment of things (probably too much for 2 people, but we were indecisive). We got the shrimp and avocado salad (way too much spinach and not much else. Won't be ordering this again). The guacamole with goat cheese and chips (very yummy and a good snack), the roasted turkey (my bfs pick, not bad, but I would like to try the grilled chicken next time), and the chicken lettuce wraps (my favorite of all the things we ordered. Spicy and fresh tasting). I also appreciated that the calories for fuel were listed on myfitnesspal, which was really helpful too! It's right around the corner from me and always seems to offer groupons and other deals, so I'll be back to try more.
(3)John K.
I'm known for my gluttony and my love of all things pork belly. However, even if something is healthy, as long as it's tasty - I can can appreciate it. Case in point - Fuel. Most, if not all, of their dishes are under 500 calories. The ingredients are fresh and more importantly, delicious. Sampler ($10.95) Choose 3: Charred corn or tomato goat cheese guacamole, black bean tomato salsa, hummus, sweet pea For the sampler, I chose the hummus, black bean tomato salsa, and charred corn guacamole. With these came fresh corn tortilla chips, huge and fresh cucumbers, and sweet red peppers. Fuel's hummus was vibrant and creamy, seasoned well with salt and lots of lemon. The black bean salsa had a punch of flavor with cilantro, black beans, red onions, and black beans. Perfect to balance out the creaminess of my other two choices for the sampler. This guacamole was perfectly creamy, with hints of roasted garlic and charred corn. Roasted Portabella and Eggplant Panini ($8.95) Roasted portabello and eggplant with roasted peppers, olive tapenade, provolone, and garlic spread This panini had some surprising heft to it - thanks to the delicious eggplant and meaty portabella. The roasted peppers provided some sweetness to the sandwich, while the provolone and garlic spread added creaminess. The olive tapenade provided a punch of flavor to this sandwich. The mixed greens with balsamic vinegar and oil were pretty standard, but a nice addition to the sandwich as well. High Protein Grilled Cheese ($6.95) Mozzarella, provolone, fresh lemon cream Cheese, spinach and tomato The mozzarella and provolone added the heft for the grilled cheese, while the lemon cream cheese made the grilled cheese luxuriously creamy while adding brightness to the sandwich. The tomatoes were a bright addition to the sandwich as well. Chicken and Gorgonzola ($8.95) Grilled chicken, gorgonzola, tomato and pesto The chicken was grilled and perfectly moist. The tangy, funky gorgonzola added some nice heft to the wrap, while the tomatoes helped to brighten up the dish. Overall, if you're looking to eat healthy - Fuel has a myriad of options available to you. And more importantly, especially for me, the flavors are spot on, the food is filling, and ultimately - tasty!
(4)Gar L.
I gave this place another shot and must report that my first review does not do this place justice. There are many options here for those of looking for healthy calories and protein. I think this place is the perfect place to hit up after a workout when you are short on time and need something healthy fast. No place like it!
(4)Meredith B.
Fuel has a great concept. I've gotten take out here a few times and I've been satisfied both times. Its a great option on more of the healthy side. People should really read the menu before they go ordering crazy thinking everything is crazy good for you. Keep in mind wraps and such are not added to the caloric count on the menu (gotta read the fine print!) The music and the videos on the television are kinda strange but I'm here for the food so I don't pay much mind to that. Overall I really like it here for a quick, reasonable healthy option. I'm excited for the Arch street location to finally open. Does anyone know when that is going to be? Plus - Fuel is right by 12th street gym so good meal option afterwards. Minus - Fuel is not open at their other center city location (on Arch) (near my work/apt)
(4)Megan A.
This is my new favorite lunch place! I was not sure if I was going to like it. When everything is under 500 calories you are thinking there might not be too much taste!! But I was so wrong!! Everything is so good. My go to is the chicken and Gorgonzola wrap!! The best part is there is always a groupon $10 for $20 worth of food.
(5)N R.
Eggplant goat cheese sandwich was delicious, inexpensive, and healthy. What more could you ask? Definitely going back. (Though table service was a little slow.)
(4)Ewelina C.
My husband and I ordered Thai chicken panini and spinach strawberry salad! It was all very good! Salad was very big and we had plenty of food to share! We felt full and fueled :-) The decor is a bit strange. The place has a weird floor plan, and it looks like the owner did not have a clear idea on how to decorate the place. They need to buy more fans for summer. We wanted to sit by the window, but it was extremely hot. I do not understand why they have TVs there if there is nothing interesting playing. I do not care about TV as much, but if they have it, they should have some interesting channels or maybe some info on the restaurant and healthy eating.
(4)Nicole M.
3.5 star review. I've only ever gotten delivery from Fuel, but it's my go-to when I want something healthy or not as bad as the normal delivery I'd get when I'm working late. I was impressed how few calories their sandwiches seem to have, but be warned, the calories listed on the menu for sandwiches DON'T include the calories of the bread or wrap. Everything is still pretty low-cal, but just remember the bread isn't included when you think that savory grilled cheese is only 400 calories. Speaking of which, I'm a grilled cheese addict, and Fuel's is one of my favorites. It comes with spinach and a lemon cream cheese spread, which adds the perfect sweetness and sourness to the sandwich. I love this grilled cheese. It can get a little soggy, though, after the time it takes to get delivered. But that's to be expected. The deconstructed guacamole salad (arugula, avocado, torilla chips, onions, tomatoes, with a jalepeno citrus dressing) is so light and refreshing. I want to use this dressing on every salad I eat. The salad was like 98% arugula, though. I wish there was more of everything else. Fuel has an awesome juice/smoothie selection. The desserts look amazing, and I really need to try them next time!
(3)Jemi J.
It's a great lunch option in the area when you don't want to spend too much money. We used the sunday lunch special deal (might actually apply lunch all days of the week-check with your waiter!) , and got a soup, house salad, and half a panini for $10. Our waitress was awesome and super sweet. My tomato soup was spot on. The ceaser salad was salty but pretty sizeable. My friend had the thai chicken sandwich which she liked; my chicken gorgonzola panini was great. You can turn most of the sandwiches on the menu into paninis. If not for the $10 deal, this would have been hugely overpriced.
(3)Rosa C.
Fuel was exactly what I expected. A hipster "green" and healthy quick meal kind of restaurant. The restaurant had a green and white theme and stuck to simple decor with a couple of oil pantings on the wall (kind of out of place...?) It is kind of small, so not great for large groups. I think the staff consists of only males, and there's also a hipster dude who makes free deliveries on his bike! We ordered a chicken lettuce wrap as our appetizer, which was quite delicious. The lettuce wrap filling consisted of grilled cubed chicken, carrot shreds, peanuts, chickpeas, and sriracha sauce. For our entrees, we ordered a grilled chicken salad (with turkey breast in place of the chicken) and a chicken gorgonzola panini. The salad was pretty good, but nothing spectacular since it consisted of spring greens, artichokes, and balsamic vinaigrette. The chicken panini was delicious. The gorgonzola must've been mixed in with the pesto or something, but it was quite tasty! We also ordered the Zen smoothie- cucumbers, apple, and pineapple. It was refreshing and the perfect amount of sweetness. (16 oz smoothies are $4 and 20oz are $5) Also, if you're an avid carnivore, this might not be the best place for you. Their choices in terms of meat are very limited- only chicken and turkey, I believe, and their dishes are definitely not heavily loaded with protein. We enjoyed our experience at Fuel and I will definitely be returning to try more smoothies and maybe order another chicken lettuce wrap!
(4)Angie K.
I don't really get what's going on with this place. I walk in, and there's seating right there. Then you go through another door to the main dining room that's painted in green with local art hanging (local art is cool, but it's not arranged in such a way that it's attractive), and a TV with the "Fuel" station that is just "?!" when I see it. Getting past that, I go to the register to order take-out, and it's Russian roulette from there. Once, just once, I got great service, but the other times, I was just plain ignored. Literally. With 3-4 people directly in front of me. The concept of everything under 500 calories intrigues me since I always come here after a workout. Sure this doesn't include bread, but the calorie and protein content is clearly marked. The food isn't half bad, either. The Toasted Hummus is ok- a bit dry, I suppose, to make it healthier and emphasize the fact that the chickpeas are toasted. It's too lemon-y for my taste. The Chicken and Gorgonzola panini is filling, but my favorite is the T.B.M- tomato, pesto and mozzarella- the pesto is pretty good. The High Protein Grilled Cheese can use more spinach and tomato- I just had one thin layer of spinach that slid out when the tomato did. The panini's come with a side salad, and the vinaigrette is a bit strong. The food is healthy and tasty, ingredients are local, but the staff is lacking and makes me hesitate to return.
(3)Zachary R.
Eat Here! I order from Fuel all the time, both dine-in delivery. If you're looking for great tasting, healthy food, without high costs or long wait time,s Fuel is the place to go. Also - try their TBM with Pesto - it's awesome!
(5)Laura D.
I can't believe I haven't been here sooner! Healthy paninis, salads, smoothies and coffee bar... yummm. My smoked salmon panini on rye was delicious and filling. And so many other delicious-sounding options with moderate calorie counts. I also had a coffee with sugar-free peppermint syrup - didn't realize what I've been missing here! You know hot chocolate with peppermint schnapps? Obviously this wasn't as good since it's lacking chocolate and alcohol. But the taste was comparable and wonderful, and won't pack on pounds or give you a DUI. My solo dining experience was a little awkward, but that was my fault. Apparently the options are to-go or full service (not fast food counter style). Not realizing this I inadvertently sat down at the nearest table to the counter to wait for my food, which then became my private dining table... awkwardly right next to everyone ordering and me basically facing the wall. Oh well - still great!
(5)Reem C.
Eating lunch at the same restaurants or take out spots gets old after a while. I was glad to discover Fuel. The food is healthy, fresh and organic. The menu has something for everyone...meat eaters, vegans and vegetarians. I was in the mood for a wheat panini, which seems hard to find. Well, Fuel provides this option. I ordered the South Philly, which is a grilled chicken panini with provolone, spinach, roasted red peppers and garlic spread. It was one of the best paninis I have had. My goal is to try every single panini on the list before the year ends. One down, twelve to go.
(4)Melissa W.
Great place! Just stumbled upon it one night late while trying to find somewhere still open for dinner. Didn't even yelp it first! Got some chicken pesto panini thing. Yum. Healthy too, which is awesome. Came with a side salad with balsamic, which I didn't realize was included. Open late, and almost everything on the menu looked great. Will return again.
(4)Jess D.
How have I never reviewed FUEL?!?! Since it's opening day I've been addicted to FUEL. Quite simply it's healthy food that actually tastes GOOD! Better than good, it tastes AMAZING. Their food is fresh, made to order, and ready in a matter of minutes. This is my go to spot for fast food without the ridiculous calories. What's even better is that their sandwiches actually fill me up and I don't need to snack or have dessert afterwards (saving me even more calories!). This is a city gals dream. It's conveniently located 2 blocks away from home, always offers deals in the mail or online (appeases my appetite for savings!), and is consistently meeting my expectations for a filling, yummy dinner on the go! Honestly, I can't live without FUEL. It literally fuels my evenings and gives me energy to run errands and stay up late getting work done! I hope they open more locations and their concept spreads. FUEL is living proof that food doesn't have to be fattening to taste delicious!
(5)Kris G.
Went here for lunch to order espresso, coffee and paninis. Espresso is bland and diluted whereas coffee was flavorless and luke warm. Food quality used to be fantastic but now panini are served cold and dry. we complained to the server but he didn't respond to our lack of satisfaction. So one star to food and service quality!
(1)Aye M.
Love Fuel! My boyfriend & I come here almost every time we're in Center City. We love their smoothies! We've eaten here twice: my boyfriend always loved his food. The first time, I got the egg plant & goat cheese on a wrap. I wasn't a huge fan of it because it kept falling apart. It definitely had awesome flavors though! The second time, I got the sweet potato risotto rice bowl. One of the most delicious things I have ever had! I can't wait to go back and have it again. I recommend it 100%. There were so many amazing flavors. My favorite smoothies are the Islander and the Protein Buster. The staff is always so friendly and helpful. Can't wait to come back and try more smoothies & rice bowls!
(5)Becky K.
Yes, this place won my heart by it's fresh ingredients, low-calorie choices, and simplicity in flavors. A perfect place for the lunch crunch-- or in my case, a quick after-work dinner. It's decor is basically no-frills, so my four-star rating reflects taste only. You will not leave feeling weighed down by your meal. I recommend getting the hummus, subtly smokey and tinged with garlic. Based on someone's recommendation, I got "The Hulk", a green-colored selection from their juice bar, full of all that's healthy and tasty in the world. The eggplant and goat cheese panini was also a treat on the tastebuds. There are so many things I need to try there.
(5)Courtney A.
Every time I order Fuel on GrubHub my food comes so soggy and cold - it's gross and never good. The only things they can seem to do right are their juices.
(2)Cat P.
Damn damn damn damn damn. I've tried Fuel a few times now for both take-out/dine-in and I really wish I liked it here, but I'm just not a huge fan. The place is always packed, so it's not a good spot for a lunch break; even people who are there to pick up their call-ahead orders still have to wait a long time. The other day, we sat there for a solid 20 minutes before we even saw our waitress or got menus at our table. Then our food took another 30 minutes to come out. Getting the check also took forever and a day. I've liked the food I've gotten here, but the drinks are a complete waste of money. I got the $4 "Give Me a Tan" OJ, ginger, and carrot juice. It clearly had some kind of concentrate in it and it was tiny. I know patience is a virtue, but Fuel was utter chaos and drove me nuts with the wait time. Don't think I'll be back anytime soon.
(2)Katy T.
This is my go to spot for delivery. I love their toasted hummus and their sandwiches are always great. Best thing is that nothing is over 500 calories but the food is so satisfying and delicious! It's difficult to find healthy options in the city when you're in a pinch, but Fuel to the rescue! Everything I've tried here has been wonderful... I recommend the Strawberry Spinach salad or the Grilled Chicken panini (grilled chicken, provolone, artichokes, mixed greens, sun dried tomato spread and a balsamic reduction) YUM! Also, all the paninis come with a small side salad... you don't even have to ask!
(4)Srujana Y.
My husband and I went there for brunch. Some places compromise on the taste when it comes to health food. But fuel is different. We loved the buckwheat pancakes and veggie omelette! I like that they can substitute with just egg whites in most cases. The portion sizes were not too big or small, just apt for one meal. I also tried one of their fresh juices- 'give me tan', it was really good. Overall, nice brunch while maintaining the low calorie goal.
(4)Jeremy L.
Great place for a heathly meal. Absolutely love their food. It's fresh, local and organic (well, as much as possible). Very tasteful and healthy. Their juice and smoothie selection is just incredible with very creative combinations. Thumbs up for one of my favorite place !
(4)Kevin C.
One of my co-workers told me about this joint but I never got around to checking it out until I spent a weekend in Philly. Glad I did - great breakfast. Had the South Philly Frittata and a protein shake. Both equally great. The only thing better was the gal who waited on me. Wish I remembered her name because she was awesome - great personally and treated me like I was family.
(4)Sara G.
It's...like....okay. I am totally onboard with the idea of a diverse healthy, low-calorie menu. But the food itself is a little below average. I had the eggplant and goat cheese panini, and it was fine but not super delicious..the bread was a bit too well done and dry. I did enjoy my juice, and I might grab some juice to go if I'm ever passing by again. The 'Give Me a Tan' was a little sugary for my taste (probably thanks to the OJ) but I think it could easily be modified to be just to my liking.
(2)Lawrence S.
I approached Fuel with some apprehension. I don't like to think of food as just "fuel" but rather as something to savor and enjoy. But, when I saw a $10 for $20 Groupon, I figured I'd give it a shot. Here are the results... The best: Thyme Lemonade. I've never had this before, but I'm sold. In fact, I may try to recreate it at home as a summer-time beverage. The OK: I shared two sandwiches with my gf -- the smoked salmon and the TMB with smoked salmon. (We must have been craving mercury.) The TMB was the better of the two, thanks to the extra flavor provided by the pesto. But neither were stand-outs. The miserable: I generally don't mind if a restaurant's decor is a bit lacking. But Fuel was particularly unpleasant. The music -- pulsating techno -- was more suited to a jazzercise class than a sit-down meal. (In fact, I think they may have stolen the soundtrack from the 12th Street Gym.) The interior is very poorly designed. We were crammed into a thin passageway with just enough room between tables for the waiter to walk -- sideways. Definitely not enough space to loosen your belt. Alas, I'm afraid I won't be refueling at Fuel in the near future.
(3)Sarah F.
Fuel South Philly definitely wins over this location. I've eaten here twice, and both times I've been pretty underwhelmed. They forgot some of the ingredients on my sandwich, but the service was incredibly slow so I didn't even mention it. I tried the Sweet Pea Wonton app for the first time here. OMG, get in my belly. I absolutely detest peas, but the bright color made me want to try it. Very glad that I did. I'll stick to the Passyunk location.
(3)Kelsey G.
Fuel is definitely a nice, quick place in the area to grab a quick sandwich, salad, or wrap. All of the ingredients they use are delicious and fresh and I've never really had a bad experience with their food. I typically prefer to grab take out considering the restaurant itself is a little stuffy, but there are some tables hidden away by the windows, which seem nice. I recommend the B.M.T panini or their brunch wraps, but seriously, it's all pretty good. The only negative thing I have to say is that the calorie count on the food can't be accurate. Some of it seems much more fattening than it says, but I guess it's better not to know, right? I'll just pretend my panini slathered in pesto and fresh mozz was a healthy decision for the day.
(4)Dan A.
The menu at Fuel isn't very helpful. Even if you look past the "Start Er' Up" they have instead of appetizers, and the "Fill Er' Up" instead of entries, the menu still doesn't indicated what is vegan. And while the food is purported to be healthier, it didn't have any interesting flavors. I thought the service was satisfactory I didn't get the vibe of Fuel. But if you're calorie counting you might give Fuel a try.
(3)Noah G.
This is a tough review for me to write as I'd much rather go to a KFC buffet (remember those?) than go to a restaurant touting everything on the menu under 500 calories. That being said, with wedding season rapidly approaching boo and I are both trying to slim down a bit so during a recent Walnut St. shopping excursion I agreed to try out Fuel. It has the feel of a cafe inside a gym with the decor, music, and patrons dressed in gym clothing. I sort of feel like it would be better to have a walk up counter like a Cosi rather than servers but we still received our food quickly. I got the South Philly wrap which came with grilled chicken, mozzarella, and spinach (it really should have been broccoli rabe, I marone...). It came with a light salad that was decent and the wrap was filling it just didn't have much taste. Boo got the stacker which is an eggplant veggie wrap with pesto. It was actually too much for her to finish so I ate it. Much more flavor. It was a decent meal that was definitely healthier than a lot of other options I just don't know how many times I'd go back.
(3)Katrina C.
I have been at FUEL a lot lately. I am pretty in love. See, my trainer has me on this diet. I'm only really allowed to eat brown rice or potatoes, proteins, and veggies. That leaves for some terribly boring meals at most restaurants. At Fuel, however, I can get pretty much any sandwich (minus cheeses which a lot of them don't have) as a salad. The tuna as a salad..... arugula, artichokes, tuna, and lemon vinaigrette is seriously my new favorite thing. I've heard good things about the juices, but I haven't tried one. I will say though that the time I got coffee there, I was very badly disappointed. Maybe someone just didn't know how to make coffee. Service is always fast. They split salads and sandwiches you are sharing onto 2 plates which always scores points with me. They deliver and take out is always done quickly. Also, there are yelp deals and check in offers so you don't really ever have to pay full price if you don't want to.
(5)Erica J.
I went here for lunch today and not surprisingly the food was amazing, however, the service was horrible. When I asked my server for a refill on my glass of water he scoffed and said something to the effect of "when I get around to it". I asked two other servers before I was able to get a refill (about 10 minutes later). It took over 30 minutes for the guacamole we ordered as a starter to be brought to the table. When it was time to pay the bill after waiting over 15 minutes for the server to come by I eventually had to take the bill to the front counter to pay. This is a shame because the food is outstanding.
(2)Gautam T.
This place is starting to become my go to place for quick healthy delicious food post working out. All dishes are under 500 calories which is great and there are three options for every dish. Dishes can be ordered in panini form, salad form and wrap form. I typically go for the wrap because I'm not a fan of panini's or salads. The best part is they provide health information on all the items, so you know how much protein, fat and sodium you're getting in every meal. Besides the healthy aspect of this restaurant the food is quite delicious and the ingredients are all very fresh. I never leave this place feeling sluggish or food comotosed. Lastly the juicee/smoothies are amazing. I've tried most of them but my current favorite is the protein buster. I never had a shake that has such a peanut buttery taste. It was sooo good I felt like screaming "MA, Thanks for the PROTEIN!!!"
(4)Jeri B.
Thumbs down for enticing me in with a level up discount and then not being able to scan my code. Won't be back.
(1)Brian S.
We've been to Fuel several times and found it to be pretty decent. Our last visit this past weekend left us less than impressed, though. While we had a hilarious server and decent lemony hummus, whoever was doing the cooking was burning off more than just extra calories. My chicken and artichoke panini featured chicken that was drier than the bread it was served on and the two other sandwiches we tried were pretty meh. The smoothies were good as always, though. While the concept of healthy, low calorie fare is a good one, I doubt that the folks at Fuel want us to save even more calories by having us eat just half of our food.
(2)Liz F.
Fuel can't decide what it is. It's having an identity crisis. Bold font, house music, ikea decor, and everything under 500 calories- local, organic and fresh. Are you an indie vegan dream or an awkward bro 12th street gym after party? I don't really get it but I like it. Fuel is my go to spot for a good sandwich or salad. It's always good and fresh. I'm a big fan of anything smoked salmon and they'll add that to anything. Three stars because eating at fuel never fails in having the absolute worst service of all time. I.e. sit there for 10 minutes without menus, get them yourself, wait another 15 minutes, angsty waitress takes your order that won't come for 45 minutes (wait, it's just a sandwich...), no chance of ever getting more water, then waiting about a century for a bill. Go for takeout/delivery. Avoid the bs.
(3)Andrew W.
I was a bit thrown off by Fuel, I wasn't really expecting a waitstaff type of place when I envisioned it. Vibe aside, I had a relatively mediocre experience there. I had guacamole salad with chicken, which was above average. The good: the dressing was really good, it was a pretty big salad as there was a ton of lettuce. The bad: probably the smallest amount of chicken& avocado they could get away with without an immediate complaint, there were several pieces of wilted lettuce through-out the salad. That's just sloppy. I think I'd give it another try, there were a lot of things that looked interesting, but I'd probably go with take out to make it a quicker experience.
(3)Heather T.
I ordered a smoothie and the TBM stacker through Grubhub. I decided to order pickup since my office is less than a mile away. They told me it would be ready between 11:45 and 11:55, but it was actually ready much earlier. This might normally be a good thing, except I specifically ordered it to be ready closer to noon since that's when I take lunch. They didn't refrigerate my order, so by the time I got there, the smoothie was just slightly thickened juice, and the salad (the TBM "stacker" is definitely more of a salad than a stack) was warm and soggy. Back to the "stacker," three anemic looking pieces of cheese sandwiched between mushy tomatoes with bagged spring mix (fresh basil, my butt) and balsamic "reduction" (I do not think that word means what you think it means) is NOT worth $7!!!! Edited: I originally posted 2 stars just based on service and looks. Then I ate the salad. GROSS!!! That is not quality mozzarella... it tastes like Polly-O string cheese.
(1)Faith Q.
Love fuel. Awesome juices, great casual and quick healthy meals or snacks. Never been let down and highly recommend to anyone looking for a quick bite in center city.
(5)Katie C.
Awesome food and smoothies. It's a shame their customer service is terrible. Even if the place isn't crowded plan on waiting for your waiter. If the food wasn't worth it I would not visit here.
(1)Justin Y.
The service was really quick, staff was friendly, and the high protein grilled cheese was pretty good and good for you!
(4)Holly L.
This was my first time here and I was a bit overwhelmed at first by the set-up. I wanted to do takeout and was envisioning something different - when you walk in, it's mainly a restaurant set-up, with the take-out counter way in the back. It's not difficult to navigate, just took time to adjust. Service at the register was good, although somewhat difficult to hear and see. The ceilings are really high and the sound gets lost (especially with the open kitchen set right behind) and the lighting is dimmer than I would expect for a healthy food cafe. i took a star off for that. I didn't have to wait too long (15 minutes), but I would recommend calling in as their waiting area isn't the most comfortable (tucked in right next to the people dining at tables). But mmm, the shrimp & corn chowder today really hit the spot for lunch. I also ordered the roasted eggplant & red pepper panini on wheat. It was a little on the wet side, but still very tasty. Maybe the eggplant was a little overcooked. I look forward to devouring the guac & corn with dinner tonight!
(3)Tyler R.
Three coworkers and I went to lunch on the first warm, sunny spring day in Philly. We were looking for outdoor seating, and Fuel was the place. I didn't know much about Fuel, but I definitely had biases. First, I thought it was a workout/gym spot for those who want "fuel" for their workouts. False-- it's more healthy options with fairly low calorie counts. Second, I thought it was more fast-food-esque, and it was definitely a sit down, take your order and relax atmosphere. Last, I thought the food would be awful. Wrong again. It was decent. I had the Thai Chicken sandwich with a mixed greens salad. The salad was fine, maybe something from a bag or box, but it was well dressed and fresh. The sandwich was a little bit of a let down as it did not have much Thai flavor (maybe a chicken with peanut sauce?), though as a panini it was cruchy, and delicious. The daily specials looked good, and the rest of the menu seemed fair. Four stars for being better than expected, but one star because it's not as good as they want you to think it is, regardless if the bites are healthy or not..
(4)Lia B.
i come here for sit down dinners sometimes after the gym. the hummus sampler is great sized for sharing plus they will do half veggies half pita. the deconstructed guac is good too as a nice appetizer. i like that they let me do all types of substitutions and changes to customize my meal. im a very particular eater and this location is sensitive to that and they go out of their way to ensure that i am getting what i want. i find its easy to get a table here, the service and speed of the food coming out is decent, and there is plenty of seating, and i love the calories and points on the menu. i love when places are transparent with their ingredients. just docking one star because the juices are dumb. i saw them using prepackaged apple juice which is irksome because why am i paying for a premium juice when its obviously not fresh made. also there have been times when the produce hasnt been so fresh, but i get it - its winter. *** note to fuel: would love to see some organic options ***
(4)Kerry R.
I ate the shrimp and avocado salad. The pro is I'm a fan of the dressing; it's tangy and citrusy. Everything else about the salad is, 'Eh.' My biggest 'beef' is with the shrimp. My preference is for a slight sear on shrimp because most types of shrimp are just mushy. Also, I really don't understand leaving the tail on, especially for a salad.. Last gripe is that the proportion of spinach to everything else seems a bit out of whack. If this was like a $6 salad I'd probably be OK with these things. But it's$10 and change. This probably goes for almost all salads in Center City though. They're all over priced cause it's center city. But this one specifically doesn't seem worth the price tag more so than most. ** Update 8.9.13 ** Added a star for customer service.
(3)Matthew R.
Wake me up smoothie was extremely sweet and tasted artificial. Chicken TBM was very mediocre. Very dry and the chicken was a little tough to chew
(2)Michelle C.
This location is definitely more my speed than the one on Passyunk. It's not nearly as in-your-face with regards to music and decor. There is plenty of seating, which I imagine is necessary to serve the weekday lunch crowd. The menu is filled with healthy choices. I wish there were more places in Philly that catered to a health conscious crowd, and I applaud FUEL for being one of the few. So the reason for only three stars is that my take-out salad ended up costing me over $12. Which would have been fine, since I was the one who chose to add grilled shrimp for three bucks, except my salad contained just three shrimp. Three. One dollar per small-sized shrimp. I felt a little had. They were delicious, I just wish there had been more for the cost of the up-sell. I'd return if I were in the area and in need of a healthy option, but I wouldn't go out of my way.
(3)Donna A.
Great food, but hit or miss service. Which really sucks. Yeah, the music is loud and the decor is bare bones or maybe they're shooting a porn later, Whatever. It's healthy! Call ahead and pick it up.
(3)John Q.
I'll be the first to admit that generally healthy food is not my favorite but FUEL is the exception. I've mainly stuck to their shakes and sandwiches and haven't had a bad experience yet. My favorite sandwich is their Protein Grilled Cheese. It's very cheesey and the bread is always toasted perfectly. My favorite shake is the Rush but I also enjoy the Protein Buster when I'm in the mood for Peanut Butter. My girlfriend always orders the Protein Buster without the whey protein so they let you customize your shake which is nice. I recently got their Groupon for a 10 shake punch card and went through that thing pretty quickly. I usually grab one on my way home from the gym. I highly recommend this place. The service is fast, the food is fresh and healthy, and the concept is cool.
(5)Kristina C.
Every review that I complete for this restaurant is always 5 stars because they are consistently awesome! Service is fantastic and they do GLUTEN FREE paninni sandwiches (which are so delicious)! Detox smoothies are absolutely amazing and a delicious addition to any meal. The guacamole is a large portion and the amount of chips they give (I know, details) is a generous size. Any appetizer I have had here is a good size and very tasty. Smoked salmon gluten free panini is what I got for my meal and it was so good I ate the entire thing, and that is after I ate the guacamole lol! Thai chicken my husband got as a salad and it was huge! He said that is was delicious as well (no surprise here). We always take food away from here because they give such great portions. If you are looking for a solid, healthy, and DELICIOUS, then you must go here.
(5)Danielle S.
I cannot really say too much about the service because I have only actually eaten there once, but I am probably at Fuel about once a week for take-out. It's on GrubHub, so I can order from work, run errands, and pick up my food on my way back to the office. So convenient! I would suggest for take-out ordering ahead of time. While the staff makes orders quickly, there is not a ton of seating available to wait for your order and if all the seats are filled, it's easy to feel "in the way" as wait staff go in and out of the kitchen. I absolutely love that there is a take-out place that stresses healthy, tasty options! My favorites are the Strawberry Spinach Salad, Chicken and Gorgonzola Panini, and Eggplant and Goat Cheese Panini. The chicken is seasoned perfectly and I often get asked where I got my food in the office because the chicken smells so great! Really refreshing concept for those getting food on the go! Hope it spreads in the City!
(4)A K.
Went to Fuel for takeout. Paid with a credit card. After I signed the receipt and gave it back to the cashier, she wrote in a tip. Found out when I checked my bank statement. Called the restaurant and eventually received a refund. Restaurant gave the excuse that receipts get mixed up. The reality was that the cashier knowingly stole money in the form of a tip on a credit card charge. Food tasted fine (ordered a salad).
(1)Michael T.
I want to like Fuel. I've been a bunch of times because it's close to work and healthy. I love that they display the calorie count on all of their food items. However the decor is cheesy, the curtains look like they came from a prop shop from a high school and the ambiance is comparable to an 80s discotheque. The service is fair. There have been times when I've been attended to and other times where I've waited at the counter for five minutes because the cashier was just hanging out with the dudes at the grill. There are healthier and more efficient places in the area to go to.
(2)Joanna H.
I wanted to get take-out from the area and was feeling something healthy and light. My first experience at Fuel when I got a sandwich was pretty good so I thought why not give it another try!?! I got two orders -it was a busy day for me so I wanted to save the 2nd order for dinner :) I got the Shrimp and Avocado Salad for lunch. I was not a fan of this. I would give 2 stars for this. The lemon vinaigrette dressing had no flavor. It tasted like an "appetizer dressing" rather than a "lunch dressing" if you get what I mean.... The salad overall was lacking in flavor as well. I added craisins, sunflower seed, and feta chesse at home when I was halfway done. The avocadaos were not fresh either. I was so disappointed in this salad and will never get it again. However, the Grilled chicken in a wheat wrap was decent. I think the balsamic reduction gave the wrap a nice end to the taste. The chicken was tender, artichokes were slightly salty but came in an abundant amount, I could not taste the tomato spread that much..but the wrap was nicely wrapped and my dinner did not end up messy. So the overall vibe I get from Fuel everytime I come here for food or drinks...it's very unique. I like it b/c I don't feel like I swallowed a hamburger and feel gross. You'll def feel light and healthy after a full meal, but I am never fully satisfied b/c there's no good grasp to the taste. Will I ever go back again? Yes most likely-but I will keep on ordering something different until I find that GOOD meal !
(3)Julie G.
What a great spot. So many amazing choices and I couldn't decide. We sampled a variety if items and loved them all. Took a Togo menu home and will be back. A must go!!!!
(5)Ashley L.
Fuel is the perfect lunch spot! Healthy, hearty, and delicious. Everything on the menu is under 500 calories and I don't know how they do it. The panini's are very filling and most come topped with gooey melty cheese. Great smoothies as well, whether your looking for a protein boost, more energy, or just a healthy snack.They usally offer $10 for $20 deals so be sure to buy one before going with a friend! Staff is always friendly and you don't usually have to wait too long for your food. I see myself becoming a regular here. topped
(5)Christine B.
So I hadn't eaten in about 24 hours, just sort of happened. I went for my noon time crossfit session and needed to grab lunch on the way back to the office. I've been trying to be healthy so the options down Walnut street were not exactly what I was looking for. Then I spotted Fuel across the street. I figure if I go there it will be easy to stay healthy. I went with the Thai Chicken Wrap. I was unaware of the Gluten free bread option. Will definitely get that next time. The wrap was tasty, the veggies were fresh, and there was a good amount of chicken. I also grabbed a kiwi smoothie (remember I skipped two meals?). That was pretty good too, not overly sweet. I won't be going out of my way to get here, but definitely a good option for a post-work out lunch, although its a little expensive.
(3)Sohee C.
I agree with a lot of what other reviewers have been saying about the atmosphere of Fuel, but note that I have only ordered to-go, so I haven't experienced the place as a sit-down restaurant. CONS: the atmosphere (hence the 4/5, not 5/5). It doesn't seem to be very accommodating .. the high ceilings make doesn't make the place very intimate/cozy, as I would expect a cute vegetarian/healthy food joint would be. Also, the staff seem a bit stressed out (understandably so, as I can see it being a busy place), but it doesn't help with the weird vibes. The side salad for my panini was also bitter, but that's a con for my personal preference. PROS: the food ... there are so many varieties that it was hard to choose. I've only had the detox smoothie (in a sketchy purple-black color but very good .. there seemed to be a lot of juice in it and not much fresh fruit, which was a con for me, but the sweetness was addicting and strangely felt healthy) I also had a turkey panini with wheat toast.. the turkey was thickly sliced, and the pesto sauce, tomato slices with goat cheese (I believe?) was a fantastic combo. The food is worth all of it, and I will probably continue ordering to-go.
(4)Stephanie C.
Really Disappointing. We typically Eat-in and have a great experience, but we ordered delivery last night and it was just pitiful. $40 for 2 smoothies and 2 salads and after waiting an hour, the salads were like a side salad. They were the smallest $10 salads I've ever seen and not worth the money at all. We almost took them back bc it was so ridiculous to pay $10 for something that fits into a small bowl. I don't know if it was because of delivery that they just didn't care and threw something into a plastic container but it just made us angry- what a rip off. It filled probably 1/3 of the plastic container. When you have to supplement your take out with a sandwich it's not worth it. Save your money. Plus side- the smoothies were good. My advice- eat in.
(1)Laura O.
Ordered from Fuel for the first time tonight, and I was very pleased! I wasn't expecting the food to be as fresh and delicious as it was, especially for being healthy. This is now my "go to" delivery place. Cant wait to try more of their menu, especially the smoothies!
(5)Ashley M.
I was actually recommended this place from the owners father. He was absolutely right I LOVE this place! Always a great experience every time I order from both locations. My office is in center city and I live in south Philly so I get the best of both worlds. I'll have to make it a point to actually go in and eat as I've been told the experience is even better. Great lunch spot!
(5)Linda M.
This place is great! Healthy, tasty REAL food for people who don't eat garbage, that is, fast food, pizza, cheesesteaks, Chinese, etc. I had a delicious salad with grilled chicken and roasted red sweet peppers, hubby had a wrap which he enjoyed. The Banana Whip was not good, kind of icy-frozen texture. But I liked the concept and menu and would recommend it to anyone dieting, or who cares about what they eat. Prices are reasonable and the location is funky and cool.
(5)Bran G.
I won't be back. We went post work out thinking where better to refuel than Fuel, right? We were greeted by the most miserable waitress ever, no introduction, no name, just "Sit here" and "You ready?". I have never really experienced anything like it, she sort of reminded me of Wednesday Adams so maybe that was her problem, she was dead or something. The TVs had some weird music videos on when the Sixers were playing in the playoffs. Just did not make a lot of sense. The food was probably 3 stars. We had guacamole with corn. It tasted like basic guacamole with corn. Nothing special but nothing bad. After our wraps were thrown on the table, yes thrown, I knew this place's food was just average. The wraps took forever and I am fairly certain they aren't carving up a fresh turkey every time someone orders one. I got the Roasted Turkey wrap and would have preferred a Wawa hoagie. The tortilla and turkey weren't fresh and it was loaded with cheap pesto. I don't know if they are trying to be healthy, but healthy food DOES NOT have to taste bad. I would not recommend to anyone, even with the Yelp discount (you can get $20 worth of food for $15). The only healthy part is they display the calorie count and don't serve basically anything fried. You can eat healthy elsewhere if you order wisely.
(1)Kristin S.
A friend and I ate here tonight and thought the food was amazing. However, I can't bring myself to give this place 5 stars, because the service was awful. The food: The hummus was perfect - hands-down the most flavorful hummus I've ever tasted. The serving was very generous, but didn't come with nearly enough pita. (Be warned: they charge extra for additional pita!) The Strawberry Spinach Salad was equally good. The service: Our waitress barely made eye contact with us, and answered questions in brusque, one-word answers. When I asked if I could substitute feta for gorgonzola on my salad, she said "yeah" - but didn't tell me that I would be charged 50 cents for making the substitution (I found out when we received the bill). I'm not really sure why they charge extra, since many (similarly priced) salads on the menu come with feta - but in any case, it would have been nice to be told of this charge when I placed my order. At the end of the meal, we asked for boxes for our leftovers. The waitress said ok, cleared away the empty dishes and all of the silverware, and returned with the check. After a few minutes, we realized that she had completely forgotten about the leftovers. We flagged her down and asked a second time for boxes - and she returned a minute later, wordlessly dropped them on the table, and walked away. At that point, we realized that she hadn't left us with any silverware with which to transfer the leftover hummus and salad into the boxes. Not wanting to bother her again, I stole a fork from a nearby empty table. In the future, I might consider getting takeout from Fuel, but I definitely won't be returning for table service.
(3)Rebecca S.
When you're out looking for some good fairly quick grub on a Friday night, a sign noting "500 calories or less" is typically not what I like to see. I want a burger, I want a beer, I want a gluttonous calorie feast. After all, I deserve it don't I? I worked hard all week for a little savory satisfaction. So here I am on Friday and my friends say we HAVE to go to Fuel. But why? I say to them...it's health food...it can't possibly be good. On the contrary and being rather dumbstruck by the food that sat in front of us, I had to hand it to them...maybe they knew what was up with the new kid on the Walnut fast food block. We started with chips and black bean salsa that was tasty, but kind of lacking on the black beans. We then migrated into dinner mode and out came a loaded roast turkey wrap with goat cheese for my male companion, a thai chicken wrap for my female companion, and a grilled cheese on wheat panini for myself. A grilled cheese with not one, not two, but THREE kinds of cheese? How can this possibly be healthy? Maybe it was the spinach and tomatoes tossed in, but I wasn't about to question it. The lemon cream cheese that was used was absolutely delightful. Each dish came with a salad with a light balsamic vinegar type dressing, and each for being under 500 calories was equally enjoyable. The restaurant itself has kind of a strange vibe, maybe because I remember it being a home goods store previously, or maybe it was the loud house music, or the plastic furniture...at least the food makes up for it's off-beat ambiance. My only qualm is that they don't open early enough to pick up a juice or smoothie for breakfast, they're more of a designated lunch/dinner joint; I guess it's not much of a complaint and look forward to trying out the juice bar in the future.
(4)Kory A.
I eat at FUEL a few times a month (if not a week). I have introduced many colleagues and friends to FUEL. I already have a large review on YELP about FUEL - but two items this week made me want to revisit my review, as both were so outstanding they needed a special mention. Just in time for Thanksgiving, FUEL offers a Thanksgiving Turkey sandwich. It featured deliciously seasoned, tender turkey, surrounding by a delicious cranberry relish, Mascarpone Cheese, and apples. Everyone at my table wanted a bite - and I had to steal my sandwich back from them! If you get to FUEL before the holidays, this is a definite winner. (P.S. FUEL should add this to their permanent menu!) The other item of note was the Shrimp Canapes. Four picturesque canapes arrived, with over-sized, fresh tasting and delicious shrimp, that sat on a cucumber, with fresh humus, basil and tomatoes. It was healthy and tasty! I can't wait for my next visit to order both items again!
(5)Ayana P.
I tried Fuel with a groupon. I thought it was ok. The food wasn't bad at all, but it wasn't the greatest either. I would go back probably because of the hype if nothing else (bad right?). It's also seems a little overpriced. I gave it an additional star because the entire menu is made up of sensible options. You can't really overindulge unless you make a conscious effort to. I just think that's important for this fat a**, diabetic society that I exist in.
(4)Rachel U.
This place is so much bigger inside than it seems from the outside; has a nice airy, coffee-house-y feel with nice bright walls, a good amount of seating, high ceiling. I'm not into the gym feeling of their logo and whatnot, but I get it. The traffic on Walnut is a bit much for me to enjoy sitting outside, but the people-watching is prime and they'll serve you at the outside tables, which is nice. We've also come here with our 7 month old; they don't have high chairs but we were able to fit the stroller at a table in the front so it wasn't in the way. The food isn't complicated but everything we've had here was tasty and filling. My favorite so far is the fuel stacker, and I liked that you can exchange ingredients pretty easily if you want a different type of cheese, spread, etc. The lemonade was way too sweet.
(4)N G.
Trying to like this place, but after the third botched meal I won't ever be going back. Ordered an avocado arugula salad. The avocado was spoiled and all I got was 10 servings of arugula with 1 cherry tomato and a few crushed chips. Also had the carrot ginger OJ juice which tasted like shredded carrots (not juiced at all). Take your money elsewhere folks
(1)Emma T.
Super healthy, freshly prepared food which will leave you very satisfied. I have yet to eat anything at Fuel that I didn't absolutely love. All of their wraps come with a side of salad with a delicious balsamic vinaigrette. Their South Philly wrap is a must for garlic lovers. Their hummus is some of the best I've ever had, and it is a huge portion, perfect for sharing. The decor itself is minimalistic and bright with TVs often playing weird music videos, but overall it is unoffensive. If you don't like the decor, you can always order delivery - it's just as good. Fuel also almost always has some sort of deal.
(5)Japhet R.
Nice little spot. It gets a little busy durring lunch hours but its worth it. I had the TBM (Tomato Basil Mozerella? I'm guessing) pesto w/ chicken panini on wheat. The bread was a little too thin and got soggy kinda quick with all the oil from the pesto. I still enjoyed it. I'm used to eating sloppy sandwiches. some would say that's the best kind of sandwich. I'm definitely going back as its probably one of the healthiest places to eat downtown and they serve protein shakes and natural juices. Prices are up there but still... Not bad.
(4)Jimmie B.
Fuel gets a thumbs up from me. The food is healthy, delicious and affordable. The service is nice and some of the staff are VERY easy on the eyes. What great place to grab a light lunch and relax with friends.
(5)Joelle J.
After about 6 months of steadily going here 1-3 times a week, I think I can give it a solid 4 stars although this rating can vary from experience to experience. Some days, it's a 2 star and some days it's a 5 which kind of makes it a 3.5 but I'll round up. Pros: 1. The food: On a good day, their food is amazing. You'd never think you wrere eating healthy. The thai chicken w/wheat wrap is my favorite and I pretty much order it every time I come in but the Thanksgiving Panini is delicious. The turkey is moist, cheese adds a nice creaminess and the apples provide a good crunch (although sometimes it seems they forget to add the apple). Also, if the soup of the day is crab&corn chowder and you like a little spice, order it and you will not be disappointed. Sweet pea mash is another favorite of mine. 2. The speed of service: You're food is done fairly quickly and they tend to package it in a way that is convenient to carry out. 3. The owner, Rocco: He seems to have great passion for his business and he actually took my order the first time I came there. I think he understands that the best thing for his business is repeat customers and a good reputation. I'd never actually written to a restaurant or made a comment about a bad experience at one until I got a really bad salad here for my mom. I'd told her soo many good things about the food but was really disappointed with the quality of salad so I sent an e-mail and he, or an agent of his since I don't know that he responds directly to people but his name was signed to it, sent me an e-mail that same day and made my next purchase on them. 4. You can pay with LevelUp: I love this app and if it weren't for the LevelUp person outside of the store back in April/May, I never would've known this place existed. 5. Points: Being on WW, it's nice that they calculate the points. It's one less thing I have to worry about doing. I still can't believe that some of the points values are soo low but the pounds I've lost seem to indicate that they aren't too far off. Cons: 1. Consistency: Like I mentioned above, some days they are really off the mark. Like yesterday for example. I was quite disappointed with my thai chicken, it seemed like the peanut sauce and balsamic vinegar were both cups of oil with not much else. I'm going back today though and will probably get it again unless I go for the thanksgiving panini because everyone has off days. 2. The service: This definitely isn't a service with a smile or your neighborhood Cheers type of place but I think that it could be. It seems like Rocco is the opposite of his staff. Even I notice some of the same people there when I go and being on a name basis with your customers only helps them come back. I 've gone to other restaurants a few times and now when I go back it's like a reunion with old friends which has actually lead to more frequent trips back and more recommendations to others. All in all, it's still my go to lunch when I don't want to sacrifice taste for a healthy option and the pro's outweigh the cons. I think these specific cons are what have lead to low ratings though.
(4)Chau L.
This place has good salads and decent sandwiches. The juices and smoothies are also pretty good. The service is so-so to blah, but when I'm feeling like something a little healthier, this is where I go in Center City. It's difficult trying to find healthier food on a time crunch in the city.
(3)Judy R.
I'm a healthy eater, a calorie counter, and a runner/yogi. So I am a fan of Fuel and it's wonderful concept. The food is usually delicious, but I do have a few things to forewarn customers about. 1. Order the dressing on the side for the side salads they give you. They drench them. 2. Don't order off of grubhub. They will not make the food. (Although, when you call and complain, they are great about making ammends.) 3. The calorie count includes the content of the sandwich but not the bread or the actual wrap itself. 4. The service is eh. The server would wander away a lot during my experience. She wasn't terrible, or rude, but she also didn't give a crap, apparently. It happens. 5. The atmosphere is great, except the weird techno remixes of top 40 songs and their music videos playing on the big screens. Top 40 is bad enough... Stop that.
(3)Jenn V.
I haven't tried anything at Fuel yet that I haven't loved. For under about 500 calories you can get a great meal which isn't outrageously priced compared to some other restaurants in the area. All the ingredients are fresh and a filling size- considering it is as healthy as the menu states. Usually, I order the Strawberry Spinach Salad (with Chicken) which is huge- I can't even finish most of the time. Also, the sandwiches are delicious- I recommend the Smoked Salmon Sandwich or The Roasted Turkey (I am a sucker for anything including Goat Cheese). Sometimes, the service is a little bit on the slower side, so if you are crunched for time you may want to let them know. Sidenote: the calories listed for the Panini's do not include the bread, so if you are counting calories- take that into consideration.
(4)Norma R.
Really enjoy their food. The food is tasty and healthy. Had the tomato basil soup, and Salmon Wrap which was delicious. They advertise using only fresh ingredients and I could def tell they did once I ate their food. Their smoothies are also tasty, my favorite is the Detox Smoothie which pomegranate and acai berry. The atmosphere is hip and contemporary. The staff is very friendly and they gave great customer service. I was very impressed overall and have been there many times as a happy returning customer.
(4)Catherine W.
I have tried a few of the varieties of smoothies from and enjoy them. I would give this place 4 stars for product and 2 stars for service. The people that work here haven't been particularly friendly, and the aesthetics of the place leave much to be desired. It's a little dark and dingy. The atmosphere doesn't match the menu. I'll still grab smoothies here when I'm in the neighborhood. Hopefully the experience will improve.
(3)Jenny L.
For the health conscious who also likes good food! Came here with a coupon from Yelp. We shared a strawberry chicken salad, and we each got a panini. Can't really remember what types.. i think it was either TBM or grilled veggies, and also got a panini with chicken. The chicken was pretty well seasoned but it was flat (probably a way to reduce that calories in a panini). Overall, pretty good portions and its a healthy meal without sacrificing the taste. Made me wonder, how were they able to keep it at such low calories?
(4)Jon Z.
I came here because I had bought a gift certificate from one of the deal promotion sites. I live by here and the menu really seemed attractive. I went on a Saturday lunch around 1pm. The food was pricy for small portions and the service was very unfriendly! Food: we got the chicken lettuce wrap which consisted of cut chicken pieces, peanuts (crushed from a can) on top of 3 large, flat, two days too old lettuce leaves. The wrap was mushy and soft and lacked any kick or flavor. For $8.95 you'd expect better. The smoothies were tasty but very watered down, get the smoothies here if you like it to be half water within 5 minutes. Goto Smoothie King instead for a "real smoothie" The also got the Thai chicken sandwich which had something similar to a wet peanut butter sauce plastered over the bread. If you are used to the usual thai peanut sauce, this sauce is not what you would expect. Lastly, we got a greek salad and that was the best part of the meal. You can't mess up a salad and although this placed messed everything else up, the salad was spot Overall, very underwhelming and overpriced for the quality of food. It seriously feels like a place run but a bunch of guys from a college frat. The 13th street area is a very up and coming and there are much better options to spend your money when in the area!
(2)Philly B.
Great food. Good deals. Horrible service. The food is very healthy and fresh but the service is just so bad all the time. Might prefer to order delivery or take out
(3)Danielle S.
4 stars because: -Everything under 500 calories (note that this does NOT include bread for sandwiches, chips for dip, etc. - so ask questions) -Tons of vegetarian options -Any sandwich can be gluten free -Yummy, fresh food - I love the tomato basil mozz pesto sandwich. -They are on like, every deal site known to man... there's a Yelp deal, Foursquare deal, Groupon Now deal, they're on LevelUp, they give you a 10% off coupon at the bottom of every receipt... -Weight Watchers points listed right on the menu - although they are suspiciously low compared to the calories, which brings me to... Not 5 stars because: -My partner did some number crunching for the Weight Watchers points and things just don't add up. Next time I'm there, I'm going to ask for the full nutrition info. -Why not delineate which dishes are vegetarian or vegan on the menu? -Service is consistently bad, but honestly, I can get over that if the food is good enough.
(4)Nate H.
Been sitting on publishing this since last summer... but here we go. Decided to check this place out finally, even though I've had little interest in it's low-calorie mantra since hearing about the Passyunk Ave store opening. Don't get me wrong, I like the idea of menu choices that source fresh ingredients, but don't claim on your chalkboard to use local ingredients when the tomato in my sandwich was so mealy and pale pink it's impossible it's from nearby soil. Local tomatoes in the summertime are a dime a dozen, and have a deliciously full flavor. The fact that James Van Der Beek recently dined there should have been enough of a red flag to get a sandwich somewhere else... Oh, and the under 500 calories bit doesn't include the bread the sandwiches come on. Give me a break.
(1)Nicolette H.
I ordered delivery from here one night last week after hearing wonderful things. I ordered the Fuel Stacker on whole wheat bread and my boyfriend got the eggplants & goat cheese as a salad. The delivery driver courteously called to let us know he was having car trouble (which happens), and we got our food an hour and a half later. I was a little upset, but you can't do anything about that. But you can do something about the fact that my sandwich was not great. My bread was soggy everywhere. Juice was just seeping through the sandwich. It came with a side salad that was warm because it was next to my warm sandwich. My boyfriend didn't have anything bad or good to say. I was not impressed. Probably won't be trying them for a while now.
(2)Jihye T.
Philly needs more places like Fuel. Affordable, tasty, healthy quick meals for the lazy days when you do not feel like cooking at home and you've indulged too much to eat a real restaurant meal.
(4)Melissa W.
This place tastes... healthy. In an average kind of way. Healthy food can be tasty (e.g. sweetgreen), but they don't seem to have mastered that here. The chicken was dry, flavorless, and they just packed too many solid slabs of it into one wrap. It was like eating a brick of solid dry chicken wrapped in a mediocre tortilla. Very underwhelming. The atmosphere is also weird, like a super-trendy-healthy takeout place, but there's sit-down table service and fancy flatware? If you're gonna have a takeout counter, make it more fast-foody. Takeout + table service is a weird combo. The service was nice enough, but pretty slow and inattentive (they didn't refill our water). It's kind of expensive too, at $12 for a mediocre wrap after tax and tip. At least the portion sizes are decent, for what that's worth. I also walked out of here smelling like fried food, for reasons I can't even begin to fathom. If you like your food bland, boring, and healthy, definitely come here. If you're looking for something smothered in bacon, cheese and everything else delicious, look elsewhere.
(2)Alyssa A.
Came in on a Sunday for lunch the food was good and the service was great. Our server Abby was very accommodating to our needs and requests. I would definitely go back sometime soon.
(4)Vi M.
Love, Love, Love!!!!! Ordered a grill chicken gluten free panini and fell in love!!! What's even better? Everything is under 500 cal!! This is the perfect place for a bread/wrap loving people with Celiac's! GLUTEN FREE paninis/wraps?!?!?! !! Didnt know any place that served that! EVERYTHING is so FRESH!!! I will def be eating here for the rest of my week in Philly! :)
(5)Chris M.
VERY healthy. Love what they are aiming for, we need MORE healthy options in this city.. time for eating garbage is no time. Service was quick, food was good.. drinks at juice bar were ridiculous.. we loved them. Sit down service, or takeout.. it's worth checking out. A little pricey, wish they could lower their margins a bit to make this a place we can hit more often.
(3)Jen B.
While staying at a nearby hotel, I went here twice. This place sounded great - healthy meals, juices and smoothies. There are a ton of juice and smoothie choices; I chose the "Detox" smoothie both times I went (16 and 20 oz). The Yerba Mate and berry combination (açai, pomegranate and blueberry) was thirst quenching. If you've never had Yerba Mate (I hadn't) - it's supposed to be give you a combination of satisfaction (like chocolate), alertness (like caffeine) and health benefits (like tea) - at least according to the Guayaki website: guayaki.com/mate/130/Yer… . Chicken lettuce wraps were good (though the romaine lettuce wasn't large enough to really wrap the chicken, sriracha and peanut filling). Fuel Stacker - Portabello mushroom, eggplant, zucchini, squash, mozzarella and pesto (I took out the tomato): I ordered this in wheat wrap. Tasted great though I wish they warmed up the wrap and veggies (I didn't ding them points because they did deliver it). Came with a side salad with dark green lettuce and balsamic vinaigrette. Overall, healthy and good. It reminds me of some of the restaurants you would find in San Francisco, and is a good alternative to fast food. I'll be back next time I'm in the area!
(4)Evan G.
The world needs more food establishments like this. Healthy and surprisingly filling selection of guilt free deliciousness.
(5)Carlo D.
Desert was great but a bit pricey
(4)Moira T.
As I was eating, I couldn't believe that one of the wait staff was repeatedly wiping his nose and carrying out food without washing his hands. I saw him rinse his hands in a sink but did not use soap. Lost my appetite. I won't eat there again.
(1)Victoria L.
Fuel isn't terrible.... I just think it's overpriced for a sandwich I could make myself. It's a nice concept with a convenient location, so I humored my health conscious boyfriend by coming here for lunch dates. Although, I will say that their smoothies are good. The service isn't even that great so I'd rather go to Pain Quotidien for more varied options.
(3)Rachel A.
I got a party tray from here for a function a few weeks ago. I got three different types of wraps - the smoked salmon, the tofu with peanut sauce, and the veggie one with eggplant and lots of other good veggies. The wraps were all really good. It was the first time I had eaten there let alone ordered anything, but I had heard nothing but good things about the food and the place itself.
(4)Jayna B.
I have been here three times so take this as you please. Experience 1: Waitress did not know what smoked salmon was even thought it is a staple on the menu I paid 5 dollars for a smoothie that was very small. Experience 2: I shared the wonton app with a friend. It was ok but nothing special. Also, WAY overpriced. Experience 3: Waiter spills water on my boyfriend and does not respond to our calling attention to it. Good salad, shitty service. Hummus app tasted like it was bathed in lemons- in a bad way. I won't be returning after the shit service we had.
(2)Kelly B.
I ate here Wednesday for lunch and liked it so much I went Friday night with my husband and dog to sit and have a smoothie on their patio/sidewalk seating. The girl at the counter (Friday night 8/30/13) was extremely rude!!! I walked in and the girl asked "for here or to go?" I said "me and my husband want to sit outside. We are just gonna have 2 smoothies." Pretty simple Friday night right? FYI there was NO ONE else on the patio. She says "you can sit outside and wait for a server to be with you". When I went Wednesday I got everything to go and it was counter service. Due to the fact we were not eating and no one else was on the patio I did not think it would be a big deal to get the smoothies at the counter and have them outside. The girl told me no. She said I would be taking up a table for someone who wanted to eat there. Did I mention there were 3 tables in the whole place with people at them and NO ONE ELSE outside. I told her that was a pretty silly thing to lose a customer over and she was straight faced and rude about it the whole time. I live on 13th and locust and wk on 15th and walnut. I WOULD have been a regular customer. Thanks for the reply Rocco:)
(5)Laura R.
This place is a great place to eat. Everything here is under 500 calories, and the meals leave you feeling content, so you don't have to worry about still being hungry when you leave. The first time I came, I got the Shrimp and Avocado salad. It was delicious. I was so glad I found this place, I couldn't wait to return. I returned to Fuel today and split the Fuel Sampler with a friend. The Guacamole with the charred corn was the best! I also decided to get "The Wake me up" smoothie, which was a great choice. Definitely a must, if you are in Philadelphia!
(5)Salima C.
I'm all for healthy food and I have had a prior good experience but today O_0 I got a tomato basil soup because I am having dinner later and wanted to keep it light but not that light. The soup was like water with tomato juice in it. This blasphemous attempt at comfort food and the cold shoulder from the cashiers has me convinced hunger is a better alternative.
(1)Clare D.
I wish I could say all good things about this place because I was really enamored with their sample offerings at the recent Yelp food and drink party, but I can't give it a great review because my first experience there wasn't good. I ordered the Fuel Sampler, which gave me a choice of three items from a list of guacamole, black bean and tomato salsa, hummus, and sweet pea mash. The sweet pea mash was incredible, but the salsa and guacamole were too salty. The guacamole was especially salty and I let my server know that. She tried to rectify the situation by giving me a substitute of hummus, but that, too was too salty. Why was this place awarded "Best Hummus"? I can certainly appreciate the fact that it's freshly made, but something in the guacamole, hummus, and salsa just didn't taste right. That aside, if I had just ordered the sweet pea mash or perhaps the shrimp canapes that I tried from the Yelp party, I would've given this place four or five stars. I'll give it another try before I dismiss it. I'm sure the wraps and salads are good. I did like my Zen smoothie (cucumber, mango, pineapple).
(2)Amber G.
While the Thai Tofu Wrap was delicious, the service was awful. No warm greeting, swift but cold checkout plus a long wait for my food. I ordered it as takeout with the thought of eating outside, but it started to pour so I sat at a table inside. A server approached me to tell me I couldn't sit there because they have "waitress service" -- Which I totally get because I work in the industry -- But she didn't give me a chance to discuss before shooing me away. I would have tipped had she let me stay. At $12 for a wrap and green tea, I'd expect much better hospitality. Also a warning: The posted calorie count does not include bread, so my wrap was actually 535 calories versus the 375 that's listed ( fuelrechargeyourself.com… ).
(3)Daniel R.
This place was a huge disappointment. I suppose the food is nutritious, but I can't get past the horrible service. Waitress was not just inattentive, she was absent. I even had to get up and go to the counter to ask for a refill while she sat there and had a snack and talked to the cook. I never did get a check so I left some money on the table and walked out. Don't be fooled by the seemingly great deals (groupon and others) to visit this place. Food is mediocre, at best. The tomato and cucumber salad was if I had put my head in the garden and was eating the stuff dry. How hard is it to put some local or natural dressing on that? The portion was big; I'll give Fuel that much. Next, I had the turkey sandwich (because they did not seem to have the fixings for the much ballyhooed Thanksgiving sandwich). The sandwich was large, but again, mostly flavorless. I suppose if you want to feel good about yourself by eating what probably is good for you, this is an ok place. I walked directly to another place to get more food though because I felt like I ate a lot of nothing. I will not return to Fuel as the whole place is running on empty!
(1)Lou P.
It all seems frantic There's way to much going on Just make food, okay? Fuel needs to get over itself. I can't be the only one that thinks this place is just got some sort of identity crisis: it looks like a dance club mixed with a health spa, japanese templa and Sherwin-Williams. The TV's play some trippy station with odd colors and shapes all swirling together. There's probably some subliminal messaging in there too. "buyfoodbuydrinksdon'tgetfatdon'tgetfatdon'Âtgetfat." And they have sandwiches. Acceptably filling but not overly thrilling sandwiches. They're tasty enough, but for 100 more calories you can hit up any number of other places in the city without being assaulted by color, lights and a barrage of overly energetic thin people who haven't tasted a roast pork sandwich in years.
(3)D Matt T.
Fuel is a welcomed change in the way Philly eats! New York and other large cities have had health-conscious restaurants like this for a while, so I was incredibly happy when FUEL CENTER CITY opened near where I work. I have never had a meal there that I didn't love. And the fact that I know i am eating healthy is only icing on the "healthy" cake! The staff may sometimes be a little less than perky when I go in, but I have never come across a rude employee. The decor is definitely... different.. not sure if that's a good or a bad thing. lol
(4)Shelly R.
What a great find this place was!! I work around the corner and we are always looking for new places to try for lunch. We stumbled across this little gem awhile back when we noticed a sign saying that everything on the menu is 500 calories or less. We became curious and thought we'd check it out. It surpassed our expectations ten-fold. In my past experiences, whenever a place offers low-cal, low-fat, etc., it ends up being "so-so" or tasting very low-fat, with all of the goodness stripped out. This place is definitely a RARE exception! The food here is made with the freshest ingredients, not to mention the fact that they are organic and gluten-free. They offer a variety of paninis, wraps and salads that are all extremely delicious and I haven't been disappointed yet! My favorites are the TBM (tomato,basil,mozz) Chicken Wheat Panini and the Chicken Gorgonzola Wheat Panini. They both are to die for and the wheat bread is outstanding! It's so hard to find a good-tasting, healthy bread that is low in calories (without being semi-transparent)! Another thing I really love about this place is how they break down all of the nutritional ingredients of their menu items. The calories printed on the menu do not include the bread, but you can easily look up that nutritional info on their iPhone or Droid app. We visit here usually a couple times a week and can't say enough about the freshness and high quality of taste of their food. I highly recommend trying it!
(5)Kelly P.
this place is exactly what was missing in my life. free delivery for $10+ orders. under 500 cal meals (that usually end up as two meals for me). creamy hummus and warm fresh pitas. various smoothies, substitute whatever fruit your little heart desires. it's the perfect meal on a hot summer day, top it off with a low-cal cannolo if you're feeling adventurous.
(5)Cynthia H.
Everything I've ever ordered from here has been excellent! I work at a salon, and everytime someone gets word that I'm ordering from here they jump to be included! It's nice to have a very healthy and fresh alternative to ordering out. They deliver so quickly as well. My favorites include the chicken and gorganzola wrap, the tuna wrap (prepared w lemon and oil, no mayo) and the sweet pea mash.... And on a sat if I don't have time to 'eat' I order one of their healthy smooties, mixed berry being my favorite!
(5)Sara P.
I'm always looking for organic/local options, which I find surprisingly hard to find in Philly. So I was looking forward to trying Fuel even though the reviews were mixed. Had the detox juice that was delicious! The tomato, basil, mozzarella salad was really tasty and good size for $7. The pesto that comes with it is also yummy. The roasted turkey panini was a generous sandwich. It was a savory combination of pesto, turkey, tomato and goat cheese. It was still however just "good". Nothing terrible nothing fantastic, but worth the money, healthy and really filling. Lastly let's talk about the music. Seriously it needs to go. This isn't the gym or a night club, in fact there is nothing relaxing, refreshing or rejuvenating about juice bar if the bass is thumping the silverware off the table. There seems to be a disconnect between the mission and the decor. Perhaps sticking with the "local" theme you could play some Philadelphia musicians for those who dine in. Overall I'm really excited to have found a tasty organic/local restaurant, but look forward to see how Fuel evolves.
(4)Erin F.
Here's my reaction to Fuel Center City: "Um... okaaayyy..." For whatever reason, it's taken me a long time to stop into Fuel, even after opening this location a couple blocks from my office. I decided today was the day. I had a taste for a big fresh squeezed juice and their juice bar came to mind. So I headed down to Fuel. This place is extremely busy around 12:30 on a weekday and also extremely corny. With loud electronic gym music playing, abstract, bright videos playing on the flat screens that scream FITNESS, the space itself is poorly lit and loud. But I get it - many 9 to 5ers are looking for healthy, low-cal alternatives to the usual lunch spots around the area. That's fair. Also, I just remembered that this place used to be PHAG, and will now take a moment to mourn their kitschy stock and snotty staff. Moving on, the people who working here look OPPRESSED. The guy who took my order had the phone up to his ear for most of the time I was here, including when he took my order and the time it took to make it. [Edit: He wasn't even talking into the phone. It was just up to his ear the entire time, pinched between his shoulder and head. I'm guessing someone was on hold, but I still found this disconcerting.] After sitting around waiting for someone to at least approach the juice making station to fix my "Give Me a Tan", a staffer walked in hurriedly from the outside, I'm guessing to report for duty. He, eventually, got around to whipping up my order, but what if he wouldn't have walked in for another 5 or 10 minutes? The situation here is weird. Everyone is ultra-rushed and looked visibly upset to be there. Is everyone having a bad day? So he eventually got around to making my juice (the only person working I saw smile at all) which wasn't the juice I expected (I anticipated a smooth, liquidy, relatively pulp-free - basically the kind of stuff you see pouring out of the spout of a Jack LaLanne juicer on the infomercials). Instead, it was just orange juice, carrot chunks and apple liquefied in a VitaMix blender. A puree with ice and a straw in it. For $5.40 (incl. tax, people) you get 20oz, which is a fair amount, but I don't think I'll be back any time soon. I might have to order my own Jack LaLanne mixer or perhaps count that his people will read this local review and send me one for free.
(2)Sarah L.
The one time I ate I. At Fuel, there was a table of about 20 dudes, each walking around with a huge bottle of vodka. I'm not sure if putting vodka in smoothies keeps them "healthy" but I did find the whole experience entertaining. Fuel for takeout or delivery is kind of that fallback plan for when you're too lazy to do anything else. Gluten free paninis are good, but considering most gluten free bread tastes like cardboard, the bar is set pretty low. All of the sandwiches seem a little dry, I'm not sure why this is. Whatever the reason, it means I'm always left feeling like my meal was less exciting than I'd hoped it would be. Everything sounds so delicious...and the first bite usually is, but by the end, I'm reaching for water and considering dipping my sandwich in a side of ranch. I feel like it's one of those meh places that I'll keep going back to just because it is easy. Ha, insert inappropriate easy joke here....
(3)Ryan E.
I was seriously waiting for the whole staff to start fist pumping. When I first walked in, I wasn't quite sure if I walked into an Old City night club or not. The service is pretty bad. I waited in line for five minutes just to order. There was a woman in front of me who was checking on her order for the 2nd time and had been waiting 10+ minutes for a juice drink. I also ended up waiting for 15+ minutes for a salad only to have them give my salad to some girl who ordered the same thing five minutes after me. Oh, and she still sat waiting while her boyfriend waited for his food. I was by myself and ordered first, why wouldn't they give it to me first? So I sat and waited another 2 or 3 minutes until they finally called my order. To top it all off, the bag they stuck it in had sticky juice on it which got all over my clothing. With that being said, the salad was pretty good. Not fantastic but I'd be willing to go back and try some other items on the menu. I appreciate the healthy spin on food. Conceptually, it's a great idea. Don't be fooled by the "everything under 500 calories" though. They have a small print disclaimer which states that their sandwich calorie counts do not include bread. None the less, everything seems pretty healthy and fresh. I guess we gotta keep those bodies tight for the Jersey Shore.
(3)Erica M.
I had a great lunch experience at Fuel yesterday. We were seated promptly by a courteous host/server. Our server was attentive despite the fact that they were busy with the lunch crowd. The food was very good - I had the veggie stacker panini with goat cheese instead of ricotta and my cousin had the Thai chicken wrap. I really enjoyed that my veggies and the bread had a VERY minimal amount of grease/oil...the food truly seemed healthy! My cousin lost her earring and when I called a few hours after we left, the guy who answered the phone was very friendly and offered to take my name and phone number in case it turned up. Overall, a good experience - check it out!
(4)Kiley P.
As a health-conscious business traveler, I was astounding to find Fuel. Everything I've ordered has been tasty yet nutritious without the added fat and calories. I highly recommend the grilled shrimp, Thai chicken wrap, grilled chicken and artichoke Panini on whole grain, grilled vegetables and the pumpkin pie. Each item was well worth it's cost as well as the savings to my waistline. I can't wait for more locations to open across the country - it's a health nuts dream come true.
(5)Jamie G.
I stopped here for lunch and was seated in the tiny foyer area which was great for people watching but I have NO idea what the rest of the restaurant looks like. I had the Roasted Turkey wrap and was delighted it was also served with a side salad. For someone that went through an obsession with counting calories I thought the calories looked a little low for the amount of food served (about 350) but I am far from an expert on these things and kind of stopped caring. Overall - fresh food and quick service - I love a good 'healthy food' joint so this place fared well for me and I'd go back again.
(4)Aisha L.
3.5 I Like what they are doing here its just seems a little poorly executed. When you get there you see that the decor is trying to be kind of modern chic, and with a name like fuel they are trying to be cool and edgy with a sense of humor and realism. It ended up looking a little cheap in my opinion. My friend and my boy friend came here on a beautiful Thursday afternoon to get some lunch. We sat outside and the waitress joined us soon enough. I got an ice tea and she came back shortly there after to answer questions and take our orders. They had a good selection of vegetarian items without soy or seitan or any of that crap that I hate, which is a big PLUS for veg/vegan friendly restaurants, and they have meat on their menu too for the healthy carnivores. I ordered the mushroom sandwich with goat cheese, and my friend ordered the eggplant sandwich. They come with side salads too. The thing that got this place to drop a star was when the food came my friend and mines sandwiches got mixed up, they put mine in front of him and his in front of me and my BF got the right one in front of him.. So when I started eating it, I was like this isnt right. It has eggplant on it, so I jut figured they messed up my order. So when the waitress came back I said to her that I thought my sandwich was wrong, and she started arguing with me that that was what I ordered. Not wanting to have a big confrontation that afternoon (sometimes I dont mind getting into it with a waitress if she is being particularly rude) but it was just a casual lunch so I shrugged it off. After talking to her my friend was like, "Yeah my sandwich isnt quite right either, and we realized the waitress had just put the wrong items in front of us. that was frustrating because sandwiches all look the same its not easily identifiable that yours and your neighbors got switched. I mean if I had the pasta and he had the salad clearly we would have seen a switch. So our waitress should have done it right (seeing that she took the order and thats what position numbers are for) or she should have auctioned off at the table asking whose was whose. Ill still come back. The food was tasty.
(3)Mark K.
I went twice because of friends. impression ? food was nothing special, music overwhelming and space, cramped. never again.
(2)Lizette H.
Diggin' the vegan options in Center CIty lately. Fuel does not let you down. Dip your feet with their sampler and definitely try their pea hummus and regular hummus. yummy. I also enjoyed the eggplant and roasted portabello panini. You reall can't go wrong here. Enjoy without feeling guilty afterwards.
(5)Mike S.
Some days its good to eat healthy. The other day was one of them, and what better way than the head over to a place that serves food under 500 calories. There are plenty of tables if you wish to dine in. The only weird thing is the TV that constantly shows extremely fit men and women swimming and having a grand ol time. Meh, not for me. Got some salads to go. One was shrimp and avacado over a bed of spinach with a lemon dressing. Other was roasted turkey salad. Both were good. I was left hungry after eating my salad and actually made another salad at home to eat. So much for eating small.
(3)