Good Karma and Clean Eating at 5 Points Local

The Five Points neighborhood is evolving at break-neck speed, and while that usually is cause for concern and for the "G-word" to be tossed around, in terms of dining variety, local food lovers need to head here stat. The Cove once kept families and groups in its grasp and still does with its sprawling patio, beer-lovers-paradise Texas Bar, dog park and sustainable, organic local grub. Then came the too-soon for its time Taps y Tapas, which is now earning accolades as Kings Hwy. Brew & Q. Alchemy Kombucha and Culture joined the ranks last April by introducing fermented tea to the area along with more plant-based fare and cocktails. Sanchos opened with a great patio, a legit frozen margarita and a quaint rooftop view of Downtown.

But the 'hood's revolution isn't complete even with the addition of the latest eatery to open in early January. Opened by Lisa Asvestas, of The Cove, 5 Points Local bundles good karma, clean eating and all levels of yoga into one refurbished space formerly occupied by the original Green Vegetarian Cuisine.

A far cry from its old digs, 5 Points Local takes its home to a new level with the addition of an upstairs yoga studio, and plenty of seating on the patio. You won't make it that far considering the communal table, open kitchen bar seating and a spacious back room with rustic tables.

But once you get past the facelift and general newness of the space — and maybe after a yoga class or two — do yourself a favor and dive into 5 Points Local's tight and concise menu.

You'll find your choice of cold-pressed organic juices, coffee, followed by bowls and plates along with daily seasonal specials and a lusty smattering of cakes and other sweets — all gluten-free.

Days after the restaurant's official grand opening, the bowls are still the brightest highlights of the menu. The Karma bowl ($8) with quinoa, garlic rosemary sweet potatoes, smoky black beans with chipotle cashew crema and kale salad tossed in house citrus vinaigrette, is enticing and simple. Protein add-ons include egg or avocado, flank steak or roasted chicken from $1.50 to $4.

Zoodle, or zucchini noodle, aficionados can enjoy the Sun bowl with zucchini noodles in kale pecan pesto and a market salad. But the menu — filled with paleo and vegan options — changes often, and specials are definitely worth trying. A recent visit included a bowl of mushroom stroganoff on a bed of spaghetti squash and house kale salad. Lovers of breakfast will want to stop by for their day-long egg-filled plates like the egg-centric grilled cheese quiche of the day and more.

Here's hoping the food and yoga found at 5 Points Local sticks in this evolving neighborhood. [email protected]