How many times have you worked a full day, run errands, picked up kids, driven home, and found yourself staring at an empty refrigerator at 6 pm wondering what is for dinner?
If you are like most of us, that has happened more times than you can count. As much as we want to stay on top of everything, sometimes the ball simply drops.
At the Paseo Club, we have many members that are busy parents. We know how hard it can be to keep up with all family and career responsibilities.
In this article, we wanted to make it easy on you to find quick, healthy dinners for the nights you do not have the time to cook from scratch. You will learn where the best places are, what types of meals you can find, and the costs.
8 Quick dinner options in the Santa Clarita Valley
1. Eat Real Cafe
Eat Real Cafe has fresh, organic, and seasonal meals. The sandwiches, wraps, salads, and bowls are quick, easily accessible, and great for when you are on the run. Homemade dressings are unique and tasty.
They have a small kids' menu, and there are gluten-free options. With one location on Lyons and another on Newhall Ranch Road you are covered on both sides of town.
Meals are available from $10-$16.
2. The Hummus Republic 
The Hummus Republic’s motto is Healthy Food for Happy People. The restaurant is designed fast-food style, but instead of offering junk food, they serve fresh, sustainable meals with vegan, vegetarian, and meat options.
Choose from pitas, wraps, or bowls with numerous fillings — couscous, garbanzo beans, kale, hummus, feta, chicken, steak, hot sauce, dolmas, and lots more. The tasty vegan chocolate shake is a fan favorite.
Salads, bowls, and wraps are available between $11-$12, with protein for just $3 more.
3. Rubios 
Rubio’s is famous for their fish tacos, but many other things are on the menu. Look for bowls, salads, quesadillas, nachos, and burritos. They offer a family taco kit, burrito box, and a kids menu.
They have a few tasty desserts to sample — churros, brownies made from Honduran chocolate, and chocolate chunk cookies. Order for pickup or delivery.
Family meals are $40, kids' are $6.49-$6.99, and meals from the regular menu are about $12.
4. Plate Therapy
Plate Therapy offers a convenient way to help you get your family fed on busy nights. They prepare meals that you can order in advance and either pick them up, get them delivered, or grab them from a designated grab-n-go spot such as the Paseo Club.
All the food is prepared by hand from local and organic ingredients. This is a great option for people who are looking for gluten-free, dairy-free, and sugar-free meals.
Savory options include turkey burrito bowls, salmon fried rice, and Peruvian chicken. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and healthy cookies are available. You can even order dog treats for your puppy.
Breakfast sells for $8-12, lunches and dinners are $15-20.
5. Wolf Creek 
At Wolf Creek, you can order off the menu and grab it out front! With options to satisfy all members of your family, Wolf Creek is a great local option that never disappoints. Order healthy or hearty — you choose.
Fun kiddo-approved options round it out. Try the albondigas in BBQ sauce, Asian chicken salad, and pizzas. You can buy family-sized pasta with different sauces. The fries are great!
Wolf Creek is a little pricier at $18-$25 per person.
6. Deep Sea Poke
Build your own poke bowl at Deep Sea Poke and enjoy every bite. There are lots of options for different poke palates. Diners can select their rice or salad base, protein, sauces, and sides to create a customized dinner.
Protein options include tuna, salmon, aloha tofu, scallops, and more. You can even add crab to your poke bowl! Look for their spicy mayo sauce or sweet chili sauce.
Deep Sea Poke does not require deep pockets. A filling bowl will only set you back $15.
7. Fish Tail Seafood Grill
Fish Tail Seafood Grill offers plates, poke bowls, tacos, and fish and chips. All the food is handmade and prepared fresh. Check out the seared ahi plate with sushi rice, salad, or miso soup, grilled corn with butter, grilled zucchini, yellow squash, and red pepper.
They are the 2022 winners of the Best Seafood Restaurant in Santa Clarita Valley award.
If you do not love seafood, there are a few nice tofu, chicken, and short ribs dishes. Fish Tails has a kids' menu and is a fun choice for the whole family. They offer takeout or delivery.
Plates are $15-20, and kids' plates are $8-11.
8. Rustic Burger
Rustic Burger specializes in hand-crafted, artisan burgers, craft beers, and incredible milkshakes. They are family-owned and independently operated. There are tons of burger options, including blue cheese, teriyaki Hawaiian, kimchi, and barbeque burgers. Burgers are typically served on brioche, but there are gluten-free and vegetarian options too.
If you aren’t in the mood for a burger, there are salmon and turkey sandwiches, sausages, and salads. Tasty sides include french fries, tater fries, and mac and cheese. The small kids' menu is great for younger customers. If you feel indulgent, check out their shakes, especially the salted caramel!
Adult plates are $10-20. A rustic burger and beer go for $11. Kids' options are $5-6.
Your next dinner out in Santa Clarita
The Santa Clarita Valley has become a little food mecca in southern California. Several restaurants cater to healthy, tasty, and quickly made options.
Most restaurants are centrally located, so you can grab dinner on the way home from work or after picking up the kids. Alternatively, get it delivered so you can wind down with a hot shower and a glass of wine.
The Paseo Club is a social club that emphasizes health, fitness, and community. We offer over 60 fitness classes weekly, tennis, pickleball, and swimming in the junior Olympic pool.
We also offer onsite childcare for babies through 12-year-olds, a spa staffed with an aesthetician and two massage therapists, and a cafe for meals, smoothies, and snacks.
If you are interested in joining a fitness community that is your home away from home, then the Paseo Club may be a perfect fit. Come check out the club and meet staff and instructors by scheduling a tour.
Check out these three articles to learn more about the Santa Clarita Valley.
- The girlfriend's guide to a night out in the Santa Clarita Valley
- Where to find the best coffee in the Santa Clarita Valley — A review of coffee shops
- 16 Best lunchtime hikes in the Santa Clarita Valley (When you only have 30-90 minutes)