According to Niche, Lafayette deserves a B+ campus food rating. Slowly, but surely, that grade is improving with the change in dining hall dynamics that are going on at Lafayette. Our school is increasing it’s investment in students’ well-being and food options all over campus.
Amidst the change, is the Lafayette favorite, Lower Café in Farinon–a.k.a. Lower. This hot spot has meals that are made to order, grab-and-go, and even mimics a little supermarket inside with tons of premade and packaged choices to choose from. Students typically flock here for a casual or late night meal. But it’s also increasing it’s variety, which is attractive to students who prefer it’s low-key vibe, yet suffer from dietary restrictions. The options and quality of this hot hangout spot are rising and students are taking notice.
Angelique Taveras, a sophomore, highlights “I love the fact that I can go healthy or not healthy depending on my mood but there’s always options. I’m also a vegetarian so I’m very into the veggie options at lower. I’m super into the pasta, Impossible burger, black bean burger. It’s so fucking good. It’s well seasoned. And a really good lunch or late night meal.”
She had a lot of great things to say about the vegetarian selection selection in lower, and so did others! When I asked junior Becca Novak, on what her go to meal is, she said “Pierogies-you get eight with one meal swipe!” Even though it’s a vegetarian option, she clarified “I’m not a vegetarian, just a big fan of pierogies because my family is Polish.”
Two items just mentioned, the pierogies and the Impossible burger, were two recent additions to the menu this year. I have tried both of them, and I’m not even vegetarian; but they have certainly been added to my Lower go-tos list.
If you aren’t sold on the inclusivity campaign at Lower yet, wait, because: there’s more!
The gluten-free quesadillas are making quite the impression. “Being gluten free, it’s a quick and good option to take on the go,” adds Caroline Turnbull. This junior Civil and Environmental Engineer major is not stranger to “on the go” meals, which are Lower’s specialty. The quesadillas aren’t the only option though. Salads, wraps, sandwiches, hardwok, pasta and more can be catered to gluten-free eaters too!
Other students, who have no dietary restrictions, also noted the obvious great qualities to Lower. Freshman Alex Molto noted that whatever time of day or mood, “It’s just really good munchies food,”–whatever that means!
The choices are quickly becoming endless. Whether you prefer the classic American burgers and fries, or the Asian inspired hardwok, or a healthy, vegetarian inspired option, Lower has got what you need.
See Lower’s new hours and menu here! (*Menu is not completely updated, but all items mentioned and more can be found in Lower Café in Farinon.)