Undercover Diner Visits Greens

From Crisp to Greens: A Fresh Chapter at a Familiar Address

If you have been downtown lately and thought, “Wait… isn’t this just Crisp?” — you’re not wrong.

Greens, now open on Church Street in the exact spot where Crisp used to be, feels like a near carbon copy of its predecessor. From the layout to the ordering line to the overall vibe, it may also be the same business. Word on the street is that someone sold Crisp, and the new owner kept the concept intact. Honestly? That might be the smartest move they could’ve made.

The interior looks almost identical — bright, clean, fast-casual, and perfectly set up for the build-your-own bowl crowd. The menu reads remarkably familiar too, though they have added a few new options like pizza and wraps. But the core of what made Crisp work is still there: customizable salads and grain bowls that feel healthy without being boring.

I didn’t overthink my order. I went with my tried-and-true creation: a base of grains and quinoa topped with sweet potatoes, tortilla strips, edamame, corn, and cheddar cheese. It is the kind of bowl that hits every texture — warm, crunchy, creamy, and hearty all at once.

The real star, though, is the dressing. Their house-made Thai ginger peanut dressing remains elite. I always ask for a generous portion, and thankfully they do not skimp. It’s creamy with just enough kick, and it pulls the whole bowl together. If they ever take that off the menu, we riot.

I paired it with a LaCroix, and my total came to $17. Yes, it felt a little steep for a lunch bowl and sparkling water — but that’s inflation these days. And honestly, the portion was solid and filling enough that I didn’t find myself hunting for a snack an hour later.

What makes Greens work is that the space was already perfectly outfitted for this type of restaurant. It’s quick, efficient, and ideal for a downtown lunch break. You can be in and out without sacrificing flavor or feeling like you just ate something heavy.

In a time when downtown restaurants seem to constantly reinvent themselves, there’s something comforting about a spot that simply stays good at what it does. Greens may have a new name, but if you loved Crisp, you’ll feel right at home. And if you are just looking for somewhere quick for a delicious, healthy salad or grain bowl, it’s still one of the best options around.