Fall 2020 is a semester like no other. Here we are, doing mostly remote learning, taking COVID-19 tests every three days and only socializing with our roommates. Yet what has hit the Northeastern community the hardest is the loss of our beloved Rebecca’s.
Rebecca’s understood me. I am heartbroken for the first-year students who will never get to experience any of it. That caprese panini I had at least 3 times a week for lunch made me feel something amazing inside. I got butterflies. I remember waiting 40 minutes in line for just one sandwich. I remember doing laps around the room trying to find a table. I remember every little detail about my lunch trips. And now, I feel hopeless. Alone. Scared, even. What does one do without Rebecca’s? How do other university students deal without a Rebecca’s on campus? I’m struggling to cope. (Just for clarification, Churchill’s Kitchen’s reheated sandwiches will never fill the Rebecca’s sized hole in my heart.) So, I decided to take one for the team and try out all the other lunch places on or near campus that are worth checking out. I know nothing will ever compare to Rebecca’s, but we can at least try. Here are my official reviews for lunch options at Northeastern!
- Subway
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Subway will forever be my OG fav. With numerous options for bread, cheese, meat and veggies, the possibilities are endless. No two sandwiches are the same. If you are a big sandwich girl like me and want a quick lunch option as similar to Rebecca’s as possible, then hit up Subway in Ryder Hall. It tastes just as good as that friendly neighborhood deli you probably miss from your hometowns.
Location: Ryder Hall on Northeastern University’s campus
Average Wait Time: 5 minutes (or no line at all) or Use BOOST for mobile pick up
My Order: 6-inch Whole Wheat with Ham, Swiss, Lettuce, Tomato, and Ranch Dressing (Toasted) - U-Burger
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U-Burger is UNDERRATED. The food is so good, with the burgers being cooked to perfection and with loads of different toppings to choose from.You can get healthy options here too, with salads and different veggie burgers. My only criticism is that it takes a good 10-15 minutes for your burger to come up.
Location: Curry Student Center on Northeastern University’s campus
Average Wait Time: 5 minutes (to take order) and 12 minutes (to receive order) or Use BOOST for mobile pick up
My Order: Veggie Burger in a Lettuce Wrap with Lettuce, Tomato, and Guacamole - El Pelon
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My main food group is burritos. I pride myself in loving Qdoba rather than Chipotle and Amelia’s. Yet I have recently been exposed to El Pelon and my world has changed. This is the best burrito I have ever eaten… and the cheapest. For $6, you can get a giant burrito (bigger than Qdoba, Chipotle and Amelia’s) with all the delicious add-ons you love. Worth the walk across the Fens!
Location: 92 Peterborough St, Boston, MA 02215 (closer than Target!)
Average Wait Time: 5 minutes
My Order: Bean and Cheese Burrito with Guacamole - Gyro City
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Gyro City, just a quick way across from Fenway Park, is placed perfectly right around the corner from Target, and Sephora —convenient for both Boston University and Northeastern students to enjoy. The traditional gyro dinner comes with delicious pita bread and there are a ton of options for sides and seasonings. The creamy homemade tahini sauce is the perfect blend of citrus with the lemon flavoring.
Location: 88 Peterborough St, Boston, MA 02215
Average Wait Time: 4 minutes
My Order: Traditional Pork Gyro Dinner - Panera Bread
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Nobody hypes up Panera anymore and it’s not fair. Panera always has tons of options that are both healthy and satisfying for lunch, with lots of snacks and dessert options as well. With online ordering and delivery available on campus, you can enjoy a tasty meal in minutes. We all loved Panera in middle school, so why not show it some love today?
Location: 289 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Average Wait Time: 5 minutes
My Order: Pick Two with Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad and Mac & Cheese
- Playa Bowls
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I just had Playa Bowls for lunch today and it was amazing. They have tons of different options of bases (acai, oatmeal, coconut, etc.), blended to perfection with loads of delicious sweet and savory toppings. I’ve tried Frutta Bowls, Sweetberry Bowls and a bunch of local spots, but Playa Bowls will always be the classic. It just hits the spot.
Location: 277 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
Average Wait Time: 8 minutes
My Order: Nutella Bowl (acai base with granola, strawberries, bananas, nutella, and coconut flakes) - Wahlburgers
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This is the place I was most excited to share with everyone. The grilled cheese from Wahlburgers might just be the best thing I have ever eaten in my life. The bread is toasted perfectly with crispy crusts, and then the gooey melted cheese in the center is what I dream about. AND it’s $6 with a free side (tater tots or fries!)
Location: 132 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02115
Average Wait Time: Delivery takes 15-20 minutes
My Order: Grilled cheese with a lemonade