15. Wingstop – Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders ★★☆☆☆ (2 / 5)
I went to Wingstop for the first time the other day based on a recommendation by a friend. In my class before lunch, twenty minutes prior to when I planned to head over, I ordered my food through Grub-Hub. When I got to the location, however, I had to wait an additional twenty minutes before being handed the goods.
I ordered Garlic Parmesan chicken tenders with a side of fries and a lukewarm Coke (no ice in the machines). The Garlic Parmesan chicken tenders had a crispy, crunchy outside and a warm gooey inside that melted in your mouth, almost making me forget about my additional 20-minute wait. The outside was completely covered in Garlic butter and oil, causing it to taste like heaven in the moment, but soon followed by a weird garlic after taste that staved off vampires and required many a breath mint.
The fries were pretty good, although I accidentally ordered the plain fries, so I don’t think I had the entire “Wingstop experience.” I would give Wingstop 2/5 stars. My expectations were much higher than what I actually received: two fried buttery pieces of chicken and some fries. Maybe next time I’ll order the wings and plan to watch Twilight.
14. Kosher Corner ★★½☆☆☆ (2.5 / 5)
Kosher Corner, located in Morgan Hall, is a place that is more on the down low. It advertises as having “Classic deli vibes. Modern kosher flavor.” I was excited to try this spot, since I heard it was delicious.
The people who handed me the drink were extremely friendly, checking to make sure that I got everything I needed. I ordered corned beef on rye with a macaroni salad and a medium drink. The bread itself was good– fresh and perfectly chewy. However, the corned beef had a very dark, strange color that made me question its freshness. Rather than smooth and tender, it was chewy and flabby.
Additionally, I expected crunchy lettuce but instead was met with a mixture of limp greens and an unidentified other vegetable that tasted sour. However, the macaroni salad on the side was delicious with its creamy base and well drenched noodles.
The coke was also crisp and carbonated to perfection. I would give Kosher Corner a 2.5/5 for its creamy macaroni and surprisingly delectable Coke. If I return, however, I’ll skip the corned beef sandwich.
13. Starbucks ★★★☆☆ (3 / 5)
There isn’t really much to say about Starbucks, other than the fact that personally I never find any of the drinks to be all that good. The campus location doesn’t accept any points or let you order ahead in the actual Starbucks app.
Moreover, Grubhub never has all the potential options, so it makes it tricky to order what you want. Despite the downside, I personally love the student center with the bright and cozy atmosphere. So I’d give the Starbucks (mainly for its location) a 3/5.
12. Freshens ★★★½☆☆ (3.5 / 5)
Freshens is one of those places you have to order online. If not, you’ll be stuck ordering at the counter, and they will look at you like you have two heads. I personally have gone to Freshens twice. The first time, I got an acai bowl and a smoothie.
The acai bowl, though good with creamy Nutella and cold fruit, had previously been frozen and was a lot smaller than the photo portrayed. The smoothie was so blended; it honestly tasted like soda more than an actual smoothie. However, the workers at Freshens have a process. And not just any process, but a process that you can’t interrupt or else you’ll be scolded. (Be forewarned).
The second time I went, I got a wrap and a desert smoothie, both of which were good. Nevertheless, I got scolded for checking whether the smoothies were included in my order. So, while the food is good, be prepared to be humbled if you don’t know the process. Most of the staff are nice until you start messing up the flow. I’d give Freshens a 3.5/5
11. Honeygrow ★★★½☆☆ (3.5 / 5)
Honeygrow is delicious with its crunchy stir fries and fresh salads. The atmosphere is relaxed and the staff is nice, but the actual price of each meal is high, especially for a broke college student.
Initially, the base price seems reasonable until you start adding proteins. So, while Honeygrow is always a nice treat, the price itself is a little steep for what you actually receive. I’d say if you’re trying to save money, skip this one.
10. Saxby’s ★★★★☆ (4 / 5)
Saxby’s is a perfect place to meet up with someone and just talk. My friend and I went there, and we literally sat and talked for an hour over coffee. It was so much fun, and the coffee was absolutely delicious. If you want a cozy, fun place to go, then Saxby’s is likely your place.
9. Insomnia Cookies ★★★★☆ (4 / 5)
Insomnia Cookies is sweet treat central to me. With its gooey, fresh-baked dough and delicious ice cream, Insomnia is the place to go after a hard day when you need a little something to cheer you up. There’s almost nothing a cookie and some ice cream can’t fix.
8. Maxi’s★★★★☆ (4 / 5)
A Temple staple, Maxi’s is the perfect place to go if you’re craving some cheesy pizza and a bubbly Coke. The pizza isn’t too expensive, and the wait isn’t too bad (unless you go at a particularly crowded time, specifically at night or during lunch).
Being right in the center of campus, Maxi’s is great for a late-night outing or for a simple evening when you’re craving some pizza.
7. Saladworks ★★★★☆ (4 / 5)
Another Student Center favorite, Saladworks, makes me feel like I’m eating some vegetables. I always get the Avocado salad, featuring smooth avocado mixed with their creamy sauce (just a delicious combination).
Plus, this location is rarely overly crowded, so it doesn’t take an outrageous amount of time for your order to be made. Everyone is nice at Saladworks, it has a fairly simple menu, and it makes me feel healthy.
6. Halal Shack ★★★½☆☆ (3.5 / 5)
The Halal Shack is delicious with its rice bowls, burritos, and freshly made salads. It’s easy to order and you can get a lot for your meal swipe. Although I have had some less than stellar service, I am willing to keep this on my rotation. Halal Shack is fresh and tasty if you’re craving some Mediterranean food.
5. J&H ★★★★☆ (4 / 5)
The dining hall, though repetitive and frequently hated, is a good, reliable place. For one meal swipe, you have options for an entire buffet of food.
While the food might not be Michelin level dining, it is a good option if you don’t know what you want to get or you are in a rush and don’t have time to wait. Plus, THE ICE CREAM!
4. Panda Express★★★★★ (5 / 5)
I tried Panda Express for the first time a couple weeks ago, and my order was possibly one of the best things I’d ever put in my mouth. The Sesame chicken was juicy and tender, and the rice paired perfectly with the sauce.
It came out swiftly and everyone was extremely nice. It’s in Morgan, so the line isn’t endlessly long and it’s a fun place to go with your friends. I could dream about that order.
3. Burger Fi ★★★★★ (5 / 5)
Burger Fi is pretty simple. You can get a juicy burger, a side of fries, and a Coke all for one meal swipe. It’s tasty, customizable, and absolutely perfect for if you just don’t know what to get but don’t want dining hall food. The line is also quick, and everyone at Burger Fi is nice and helpful. Having a burger option is so helpful if I ever want a big meal.
2. Chick-Fil-A ★★★★★ (5 / 5)
Where do I start? Chick-Fil-A is a beautiful comfort place; every time I have anything from this place, the world seems to burst into sunshine and rainbows. You can get a lot with your meal swipes and the food is consistent. The workers are always nice, and they somehow keep up with hundreds of students storming the counter every day.
The wait can be long, but if you time it right, they get through the orders swiftly. I usually order half an hour before. The mixture of delicious chicken, salty French fries, and a refreshing milkshake is the perfect combination. 5/5. There’s nothing more to say: it’s Chick-Fil-A.
- Panera★★★★★ (5 / 5)
And in first place is my beloved Panera. I go here every morning for breakfast and start my day off with hot tea and the avocado and egg white sandwich. Everything about Panera is cozy, reliable, and comforting to me. Whether you want a sandwich or a pastry, Panera has it all.
The workers are kind of scary at times (know your order when you get there), but it’s worth navigating this for the absolute deliciousness of the food they hand you. Sitting down in a cozy booth with a friend while you sip on fancy tea and eat fresh bread is the best culinary experience on Temple’s campus.