Times are changing and we’re getting older. We no longer have Burger King, Sbarros, Pollo Tropical and Church’s Chicken at the infamous Centro. But that’s okay, we guess. This means the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus, has been taking a better look at our eating habits. Even though they can’t change our Ramen survival kit: the food we buy outside is a whole different story. Lovely freshmen, transfer students, and whoever finds this article helpful: here are to go places depending on where you are on campus!
If You’re Near Naturales
You have four options in this scenario. The faculty of homozombies barely has any time to get food from farther distances, so there’s this cafeteria called Boca Boca located right in from of the Nestor Rodriguez library. They serve breakfast, snacks (such as bocadillos, yogurts, sweets and what not!) and they have a $6.00 lunch too. It all depends on your taste buds, but it certainly works if you only have 1 hour to eat, and it happens to be at the universal UPR hour.
The second place to eat food is located in AJBR, or as many people call it, Generales Nuevo. It is like 3-minute walking distance from Naturales and, same as Boca Boca, La Fondita Criolla has a lunch menu too. The difference is that they usually have two options, instead of one. Budget wise ranged from $1 to $5.50. They also sell muffins, yogurt and a delicacy of other things.
The third option is almost always available. You see, every faculty has student organizations and sometimes they have Pizza sales. So if you’re in a hurry, a good $5 can save you from your stomach growling in class. They also sell pizzas in la Rotonda between DMN, el Centro and Naturales. Prices may vary.
Last but not least, if you’re just in it for a good place to drink your coffee, there’s Casa Lima, located in front of DMN.
If You’re Near Derecho
Derecho has its own clique and their own time, which involves them being there always. So it’s no surprise they have a cafeteria there. Even though they don’t serve heavy meals, like I said, there’s nothing wrong with survival foods. Next to Derecho, there’s el Complejo Deportivo, on the second floor there is a place called Cafeteria Abel. They have really good sandwiches for breakfast. They also sell fruits, snacks, and great smoothies. Prices can go from $1 to $5.
If You’re Nostalgic and Found Yourself at el Centro
As some people know, before going on strike, the president of the Student Council had informed us that we were going to have a healthier menu at el Centro. There’s a new place that was founded after la Huelga was done, called Nugen. Even though I haven’t eaten there, I do happen to know, though, that they sell things like rice and beans with salad and a soda for a very moderate price. On the second floor, we have IUPICOOP, which is your go-to if you just want a quick meal. They sell desserts, really good coffee, and killer turkey croissants. Fun fact: they have a membership there which saves you 10% on all purchases.
If You’re Near Educación
I haven’t eaten there in years myself, but I do know that it tastes really good. If you have classes near this area, you never do any harm buying from las Mamisongas. They have a good variety of food, and they also sell fruit salads.
If you’re in HUMA
I have found myself eating here a lot. In front of LPM, Los Vegetarianos have a great variety of food. From burritos to lasagnas, you’ll find your hunger satisfied in no time. Now they’re accepting ATM’s.
If you’re near SOCI and ADMI
These people are blessed. There’s this beautiful place called los Merenderos. They have places that specialize in breakfast. Other ones that have burgers. Cositas Ricas has sandwiches and potatoes, and Shirmis that have comida criolla. Some of these places don’t have ATM. But in general, this has been a tradition for generations to eat here.
Los Comedores Sociales is a good option too. They usually suggest to give a $5 donation to get lunch, but their initiative consists of helping students who don’t have the resources to eat.
While there are also many places to eat outside, I wanted to give you the inside scoop about your survival instincts for the first few weeks. But, if you want to learn more about Rio Piedras, and you want to explore some more; stay tuned for part two.