As a college student, I know that long days require lots of fuel. For students of Loyola University Chicago’s downtown campus, there are plenty of options to grab a bite.
Some of the easiest places for students to drop in for a quick but filling meal are the Loyola Chick-Fil-A and the new Guatemala-based chicken restaurant, Pollo Campero. Both have cheaper menus and shorter wait times. Chick-Fil-A is open Monday through Saturday 7 a.m. — 10 p.m. and Pollo Campero is open every day from 9 a.m. — 9 p.m.
Both fast food options are chicken based but include some alternatives for vegetarian students. Chick-Fil-A has a salad menu and a variety of sides including mac-n-cheese, soup, and fruit. Pollo Campero is a little less vegetarian-friendly but has sides of rice, beans, mashed potatoes, and coleslaw.
Another fast food option is right across from the School of Communications, Epic Burger. The name sums the menu up. With 11 burger options and different sides, Epic Burger is fast for a student on the go. Additionally, students can use Rambler Bucks to pay for their meal. Epic Burger is open every day from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Looking for something more sit-down but relaxed? Jake Melnick’s is located south of campus and has a wide menu of burgers, barbecue, and their famous wings. The restaurant is a great place to watch the latest basketball or football game. Giordano’s has a similar atmosphere but with deep-dish pizza. Both of these restaurants are a bit pricier than the fast food bites, but still worth a visit.
Out of everything on this list, the Ralph Lauren Restaurant is the most upscale. They take reservations for the patio, dining room, and lounge and are open daily from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. The menu can get a little pricey (the Filet Mignon costs $68) but the experience is unbeatable.
There is a Ralph Lauren coffee shop (750 N Michigan Ave) located adjacent to the restaurant if you’re looking for something more low-key but with the same aesthetic (with a cheaper price tag).
After all that food, it may be time for a sweet treat. Head over to Leonidas Chocolate Café to satisfy that sweet tooth. This chocolate bakery has a full menu including hot chocolates, pastries, crepes, and specialty coffee. Open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, the cafe is a fun stop for the chocolate-loving student.