In a refreshing and nuanced twist on the traditional coffee shops that can be seen all around Skokie and Morton Grove, Steel Fitness Cafe takes upon a different approach. Straying away from the traditional calorie dense coffees and desserts, Steel Fitness Cafe prides themselves on their low-calorie and high-protein donuts, coffees, and refreshers.
The cafe, connected to the Steel Fitness gym, is a hidden gem within the Morton Grove area, offering a variety of coffees, caffeinated refreshers, meal preps, and more. Despite this, their protein donuts in particular stand out the most. With a variety of flavors alternating each week, their protein donuts are the clear choice for any sweet cravings. Calling them ‘donuts’ implies they are incredibly calorie dense and unhealthy, but that is not the case for these delicacies. In fact, most of their donuts have 150-180 calories with 15 grams of protein per donut.
With these macronutrients one might think these pastries have that grainy and dry texture often associated with protein items. Spoiler: they don’t. The donuts are incredibly moist and sweet, something that is often missing from many protein treats on the market.
“I’ve run through hundreds of protein snacks; there’s nothing that competes. It’s literally like a healthy version of the Crumbl line up, with so many unique flavors,” said senior and avid lifter Luciano Gramajo.
Though not the main highlight of their selective menu, Steel Fitness Cafe also has a variety of protein and caffeinated drinks that are just as spectacular. Like the donuts, the drinks are packed with protein, a better alternative to your favorite drinks that will push you toward your gym goals!
Despite my appreciation and recognition for this cafe, there are some things that should be taken into consideration before a trip down to Morton Grove. Like many protein and healthy alternatives, Steel Fitness Cafe has prices not exactly suited for the average consumer. In fact, their refreshers and shakes range from $10-$12 depending on the 24 oz/32 oz size. In comparison, Starbucks offers a blended 24 oz frappe for $5.95. Steel Fitness Cafe is nearly double the price of Starbucks. These prices may be suited for your average gym bro, but for the average consumer looking to eat healthier, Steel Fitness Cafe may be on the pricier side.
Despite its high prices, Steel Fitness Cafe is certainly a hidden gem within the Morton Grove area. Hitting your protein goals isn’t always easy nor does it always taste great, but Steel Fitness Cafe definitely solves both of those problems!
