“Next! What do you want? Is that for here or to go? Hot or cold drink?”
When you step up to the register in Gilbert’s Café, you better be prepared to answer these questions fast, as the dedicated workers are busy preparing delicious meals in one of the busiest locales on Lafayette’s campus.
If you’re planning to grab a quick meal between 12 and 1, think again. The line is usually almost out the door by 12:15, when many students are released from their morning classes. The chaos usually continues until around 1:30, when things start to settle down. Breakfast at Gilbert’s is served until 11, although the breakfast sandwiches are typically available the entire day.
Lunch at Gilbert’s is a very popular choice, as its proximity to Oechsle, Farinon, Skillman, and Markle make it a favorable option for students and faculty alike. The pleasant atmosphere and a variety of seating options provide spaces for both work and spending time with friends. If you’re looking for a healthy selection, the Southwest Crispy Chicken Salad is an excellent choice. It comes topped with corn, black beans, and chicken to complement the usual salad mix-ins. An alternative is the House Salad, which comes with a variety of vegetables and can be topped with chicken, tuna salad, or tofu.
If you’re a big pizza fan, Gilbert’s offers several excellent flatbread options such as the Pizza Flatbread, complete with cheese and massive pepperonis. If you’re a BBQ chicken fan, they have a flat for that as well, and if you’re looking to spice your day up, try the Buffalo Chicken Flat with cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, and, of course, hot sauce.
While many students flock to Marquis, Mojo, or Cosmic for an early morning meal, don’t miss out on a Gilbert’s breakfast sandwich or fresh bowl of oatmeal to get your day started right.
If you’re looking for a filling meal in the morning, look no further than the breakfast sandwiches which come with either sausage, bacon, or ham on your choice of an English muffin, bagel, white or wheat toast, or sundried tomato bread. The French Toast, which is served until 11 am, is also always amazing as it comes drizzled with fresh maple syrup and powdered with cinnamon sugar.
Keep an eye out for the daily specials, which are displayed behind the registers on the wall and offer unique options for breakfast and lunch. This past week, I greatly enjoyed the Vanilla Pear Oatmeal, a daily special, which came with cinnamon and pear slices in a rich oat mix, with a nice hint of vanilla taste in every bite. Don’t forget the yogurt and fruit cups in the fridge as well, as they often offer changing options and distinctive flavors.
Lastly, don’t forget about the amazing smoothies offered at the café. You can use a meal swipe or flex to pay for them, and it is a great way to utilize extra swipes you may not end up using towards the end of the week.
My personal favorite is ‘The Leopard,’ which is a delightful mix of strawberry and banana mixed in with honey and soy milk for a refreshing taste. ‘The Island Getaway,’ which is a new addition this year, is also gaining in popularity. The smoothie comes with a tangy mix of pineapple and coconut blended with fat-free skim milk.
“Unlike some of the other smoothies, the Island Getaway is a perfect blend of sweetness and cream,” said sophomore Elle Cox, a Gilbert’s frequent.
The last smoothie I want to highlight is ‘The Awakening.’ If you need a quick shot of energy, the awakening comes with espresso and protein powder, and also comes mixed with banana, vanilla yogurt, cinnamon, maple syrup, and fat-free milk. It is an excellent mix of coffee and banana flavor and provides a great boost to start your day.
The options are fresh and flavorful, and Gilbert’s truly has a great mix of it all. Stop on by for an excellent meal, and take advantage of the seating options before the lunch crowd arrives!
Gilbert’s is open from 8 am – 7 pm Monday through Thursday, 8-4 on Friday’s, and is open from 10 am – 4 pm both Saturday and Sunday. Check out their updated menu!