While Colgate as we know it has certainly changed and we now spend most of our time in our dorm rooms, it is still important to find the little things that get you outside. For me, that’s food. Going into the village for a meal with friends can be a fun way to break out of the house and sample some of the foods that local restaurants have to offer. Here are my top 5 favorite places in Hamilton to grab a quick bite:
5. Flour and Salt You can always count on Flour and Salt to satisfy your bagel cravings. Whether it be a bacon, egg, and cheese or just a plain bagel with cream cheese, this is your place. I recommend looking at the menu for the many unique breakfast sandwiches they offer, and pay special attention to my favorite, The Colgate! You can also master your own sandwich creation with the impressive list of ingredient options. Make sure to place your order online for an easy grab and go option!
4. Buenos Tacos Buenos Tacos is the “new kid on the block” in regards to local restuarants. It opened its doors this summer and brought exactly what Hamilton was lacking, a good Mexican restaurant. They have a variety of tasty Mexican dishes, but my personal favorites are the Mexican street corn and the shrimp tacos. With different specials each day, this is the perfect spot to pick up breakfast, lunch, and dinner and satisfy your Mexican food craving!
3. The Rye Berry Café Rye Berry is definitely a staple for Colgate students. While some of the charm comes from sitting inside on the comfy couches, they are currently only open for takeout. I personally recommend the veggie scramble, the turkey sandwich, and the grilled cheese w/ tomato soup, but check out their online menu to see an assortment of savory options! Although it is a little disappointing that Rye Berry is not open on Saturdays, you can stop by their stand at the farmers market to pick up their specialty breads and pastries.
2. Hamilton Eatery The Eatery is a modern take on a classic deli, and is definitely my go-to for a quick sandwich or salad. Their mac and cheese is by far the best in Madison county, and on special occasions they make buffalo mac and cheese which is even tastier. I recommend the Big Willy, one of the Eatery’s classic sandwiches, which is turkey, cheddar, tomato, and guacamole on toasted sour dough. Be sure to take advantage of their online order option for a super easy and efficient pick up!
1. FoJo Beans. This is possibly an unpopular opinion, but I would rank FoJo Beans at number one for Hamilton’s local restaurants. When FoJo came to town during my sophomore year I was excited for a new coffee shop, but little did I know they had gourmet food too. While this sounds cheesy, the food is made with love and the owners and workers are so excited to hear feedback from Colgate students. Their menu is far from a basic coffee shop and they serve a variety of specialty sandwiches, soups, and salads. The menu features an array of grilled cheeses, including my two favorites: the Pineapple and Brie and the Portabella Mushroom. Their courtyard in the back is the perfect place to eat lunch or drink coffee before it gets too cold. You can even add CBD to any of the drinks to make the experience even more relaxing. Definitely check out FoJo Beans if you haven’t already!