Salad probably isn’t something you find yourself craving often, especially if you’ve never been to Sweetgreen. This fresh spot with a cult following has finally landed in Miami—and it’s here to change your perspective on leafy greens.

Following it’s rise to a household name in major cities like New York City and Los Angeles, Sweetgreen has made its way to the Miami. The best part? Their first location is right here in Coral Gables, and another location is expected to open soon at CocoWalk in Coconut Grove.

The premise behind Sweetgreen is a fast-casual style restaurant with farm-to-table ingredients. Each of its over 109 locations across the country serve produce from local farms and businesses. In Miami, Sweetgreen is partnering with local businesses like Zak the Baker, Keez Beez, Marjon Foods, C&B Farms and Lady Moon Farms to provide quality produce, bread and other menu items. The Coral Gables location carries the brand’s classic salads like the Kale Caesar and Guacamole Greens, but also offers unique seasonal dishes and city-specific options like the Citrus Shrimp + Avocado Bowl.

The Coral Gables location—nestled next to Coyo Taco and La Sanwicherie in Giralda Plaza—is bustling with a busy outdoor patio and socially-distanced line outside the shop.

Whether you’re vegan, keto or anything in between, Sweetgreen’s customizable topping bar can work for all dietary needs. Options range from roasted chicken to goat cheese and roasted sesame tofu. Sarah Simon, a senior pre-med student at UM, said that she is a big fan of their blackened chicken and adds it on top of every Sweetgreen salad.

In addition to Sweetgreen’s mix-ins and dressings, their portion sizes are ideal for busy college students who don’t always have time to do meal prep. UM senior Gabrielle Butman said she always has leftovers, which stretches her dollar and saves her cooking time on her next meal.

Even students who are unfamiliar with the chain say they are anxious to go. “I’m excited to try it, but a little skeptical due to all the hype around a $17 salad,” senior Tim O’Malley said. “So if it’s not worth the large price tag, I’ll definitely be disappointed.”

This begs the question: is Sweetgreen worth the hype? You’ll have to try it for yourself to find out.

University of Miami Student Favorites

Kale Caesar

What’s inside:
Roasted chicken
Tomato
Parmesan crisps
Shaved Parmesan
Shredded kale
Chopped romaine
Lime juice
Caesar dressing

Guacamole Greens

What’s inside:
Roasted chicken
Avocado
Tomato
Red onion
Shredded cabbage
Tortilla chips
Spring mix
Lime juice
Lime cilantro vinaigrette

Citrus Shrimp + Avocado Bowl

What’s inside:
Roasted shrimp
Avocado
Tomato
Red onion
Cilantro
Roasted sweet potato
Shredded cabbage + spinach
Tortilla chips
Warm quinoa
Ceviche dressing

Harvest Bowl

What’s inside:
Roasted chicken
Roasted sweet potato
Apples
Goat cheese
Raw pecans
Warm wild rice
Shredded kale
Balsamic vinaigrette

words & design_lauren mokhtarzadeh. photo_julia dimarco.

This article was published in Distraction’s spring 2021 print issue.