Their marquee says it all: fresh food fast! Go-Go (926 Alton Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139, 305-673-3137) a local staple since 2004, offers a selection of healthy soups, creative salads and original empanadas (Argentine-inspired meat or dessert-style pies) at down-to-earth prices.

What sets them apart, for starters, is that all the food is made fresh on the premises: the empanadas are baked fresh to order, and the salad bar is richly stocked with items both common and unusual.

EMPANADAS A-GO-GO

In addition, they’ve taken these relatively common local menu items and gotten creative.  The empanadas come in flavors like Shrimp Scampi, Steak and Shitake Mushroom, Italian Sausage and Marinara, and Nutella and Banana.  At just $2.25 a piece, you can stay on a budget and sample a whole assortment of them. (Check out their full menu here.)

My friend Dave got two barbecued chicken pies, while I tried the Mozarella, Sun-Dried Chicken and Basil and the Spinach, Feta, and Pine Nut pies, with the Guava and Cream Cheese flavor for dessert.  Free sauces are available for dipping: there’s the ultra-hot jalapeno sauce, while those with milder tastes can choose between tomatillo and tomatillo with chipotle sauce.  I sampled all three.

GETTING CREATIVE WITH VEGGIES

We also shared the Mini-SuperFood Salad ($6) for our side.  It was one of the most delectable salads I’ve tasted in my history of salad-eating! The ingredients included spinach, chickpeas, tomatoes, edamame, broccoli, raisins, and Quinoa (pronounced KEEN wa), the botanical fruit of a South American herb plant which has a taste and texture similar to hominy.  It made an excellent complement to the leafier greens.  It came with an Asian ginger dressing on the side.

If none of the salad suggestions appeal to you, you can make your own salad, just as well.  Can’t finish the whole thing? No problem.  It comes in a handy cardboard bowl that’s easily converted into a take-home box.

I washed things down with their freshly made strawberry lemonade. while Dave kept things simple with a can of Coca-Cola.  The total investment for our healthy feast? $22.45, service not included.

A NEIGHBORHOOD SECRET

Apparently, this little business has been popular with SoBe locals for a while now, and has developed a loyal following.  Given its proximity to my apartment, they will soon have another neighborhood face to add to the list!

HOURS: M-F 11 AM - 10 PM, SAT 12 PM - 6 PM, Closed SUN; Credit/Debit Cards Accepted.

Douglas Eames is a freelance writer, homespun philosopher and budget bon vivant who divides his time between Southern California and South Beach. Doug’s column appears Fridays at Miami Beach 411. See more articles by Doug >