Her Campus has teamed up with the UNCW chapter of Spoon University, new to the Wilmington scene, to bring you the guide to the best of the best food, coffee, and desserts on UNCW’s campus.
1. Best Bagel
This was the easiest one by far — take it as a warm-up. Found at UNCW in the Fisher Center, the best bagel is obviously Einstein’s bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel. Or the blueberry bagel with cream cheese. Basically, order any bagel from Einstein’s and you are good to go.
2. Best Coffee for Instagram
[Photo courtesy of Olivia Clifton]
A Wilmington exclusive, Port City Java (known on campus as “PCJ”), is hands down, your number-one destination for the most Instagrammable coffee. Pictured is a 24-ounce iced Caramello Leche…which is basically a caramel macchiato. With everything from your standard iced coffee to fancier creations like a Like the Milky Way, which tastes just like a Milky Way chocolate bar, PCJ is sure to satisfy your need for caffeine in style.
3. Best Bang for Your Buck (or Food Dollar)
[Photo courtesy of Spoon Contributor Casey Auch]
Dubs. For just one Teal Meal you get access to the most “gourmet” food on campus. You can go for choosing one of the pre-designed plates, get a sandwich, or even make your own plate. Oh, and don’t forget their soup and salad bar. For those of you with insatiable appetites, feel free to grab seconds (or thirds) and grab a to-go box for a meal later on in your day. Tired? Grab a coffee to go on your way out. Dubs has anything and everything you need to get a day’s worth of calories in one sitting.
4. Best Food Truck
[Photo courtesy of Olivia Clifton]
Even though you can only get it one day a week (that’s Tuesdays, from 11 to 1), PT’s Old Fashioned Grille is the best food truck to ever roll onto UNCW’s campus. The truck offers the same menu as the storefronts, boasting everything from chicken tenders to black bean burgers. PT’s Grille holds the number one spot on the list of best fries in Wilmington! Grab something from here to make Tuesdays a little more bearable.
5. Best Dessert
If you have a craving for something sweet and frozen after your Chick-Fil-A or Jole Mole, try out the local gelato spot in Hawk’s Nest. They have a variety of flavors beyond the normal cookie dough, like hot chocolate and sea salt caramel. Their flavors are always changing with the seasons as well so you are sure to find something unique and delectable. It also supports the local economy, so what more could you want?
6. Best Sandwich
The Green Spot BLT will have to take the title for this one. Utilizing local produce like tomatoes and fresh bib lettuce, paired with sugar-smacked bacon and a schmear of herb mayo, this is by far the best sandwich you can get on UNCW campus. The burst of tomato goodness and the fresh, crisp crunch of lettuce complement the juicy bacon perfectly. They also have a vegan PLT version of this sandwich with a portobello mushroom replacing the bacon.
7. Best Munchie Food
[Photo courtesy of @uncw_dining on Instagram]
Wag takes the cake on this one. Sporting a plethora of choices ranging from a yogurt bar to a pasta bar to an omelet station, Wag has you covered. Need a dessert to complement your three-course meal? Don’t worry. They have you covered with a to-go ice cream selection complete with sprinkles and chocolate syrup. Take it to the next level by crumbling up some freshly baked cookies from the dessert bar, and you are good to go with a snack in hand.
8. Best Late-Night
Wag Out. Okay, we know it isn’t the best quality, but it’s there, and it’s open until 2 a.m. on Thursday-Sunday. Try a meatball sub, or make your own pizza. At least it’s healthier than Cookout, right? Maybe?
9. Best Attempt at Healthy Eating
[Photo courtesy of Spoon UNCW Contributor Elaine Siemek]
Green Spot. It’s in the name itself. For the most reliable health conscious place to get a meal, head over to Green Spot in Hawks. They have vegan and vegetarian options, whole wheat bread, and are flexible with changes for dietary restrictions. Try asking for your salad in a whole wheat wrap for no extra price. Add a side of fresh fruit or sweet potato fries and you have a meal that won’t make your pants feel all that tight.
10. Best Snacks
[Photo courtesy of Spoon Contributor Emily Baxter]
Everyone knows that the P.O.D. Markets are a convenient choice for that quick snack between classes or on your way to your friend’s dorm, but have you checked out Market Place? Much like the P.O.D.s, Market Place offers all the basics of a convenience store but takes it to a new level. With organic produce, a larger variety of frozen meals, and everyday items for when you’re too lazy to drive off campus, Market Place is without a doubt the winner for on campus snacking. Check it out next time you’re in The Landing.
11. Best Hangover Relief
[Photo courtesy of Spoon Contributor Brittany Lancaster]
Dunkin’ Donuts. You’ve just woken up after a long night of doing God only knows what, your head is pounding, and you’re in dire need of GREASE. It’s cool, we’ve all been there. Luckily, the people at Dunkin’ are here to help. Their all-day breakfast menu ranges from a hearty bacon, egg, and cheese croissant to a small, but satisfying, egg and cheese Wake-Up Wrap. You can mix and match any of the menu items to fit whatever your heart desires with a side of hash browns and, my personal favorite, a large mocha iced coffee. After all, calories don’t count when you’re hungover right?
While on-campus dining usually has a pretty bad reputation, UNCW obviously got lucky with these gems. Armed with the information from this article, go forth and grub, Seahawks!
[Thumbnail photograph courtesy of Elaine Siemek, Spoon UNCW]