If it hasn’t already hit you, this is around the time in the semester when the dining hall might be the very last place on Earth you want to eat at. Here are some spots on or relatively close to campus that I find are great for switching it up when you just need something new.
- Irving’s Bagels
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In my opinion, you can never go wrong with Irving’s. It is perfect for when you just want to change things up from your usual morning routine. I recommend getting the “Breakfast Special”: egg, cheese, and your choice of toppings on a bagel. I love their smoothies, specifically the S.O.B., but you can never go wrong with a latte or a chai.
Irving’s is a little bit on the expensive side, but it does not disappoint. I do recommend trying Irving’s on a weekday because the weekends are usually extremely busy.
- Panera Bread in the Kern Building
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Perfect for the incoming cold weather, the Panera in the Kern Building is a great study spot and perfect for a comforting bowl of soup. I recommend the “You Pick Two” deal, which is great if you might be indecisive, on a budget or both. It costs just about $11 for this meal.
If you need something warm or something that feels just a little more like home, give Panera a try. They also offer some great breakfast options and pastries for a sweet treat.
- Snap Pizza
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What’s better than a build-your-own personal pizza place? Snap is great to share with a friend (or have all to yourself), and there is always a new combination for you to try. I recommend their “Hot Little Honey” signature pizza if you’re feeling too overwhelmed by the options.
I would argue that this is definitely a big improvement over the dining hall pizza. Don’t get me wrong, the dining hall pizza is still good, but not as fun and delicious as Snap.
- Yallah Taco
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Yallah Taco is perfect for any time of day, but especially late nights. Yallah Taco is less expensive than most of the places to eat downtown, and you definitely get your money’s worth with their food. Yallah is perfect for after a night out or after a long study session that ran later than you hoped.
I recommend getting a quesadilla, specifically a chicken quesadilla, but you really cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.
- Federal Taphouse
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Federal Taphouse is a little further off campus than the rest, but it does not disappoint. You can find it above the Target and Hyatt Place downtown. Federal Taphouse has mostly “American classics” like burgers, fries, pizzas, pasta dishes and great appetizer options. This place is a great option for a night out with friends or family if they are in town.
I recommend getting the pretzel as an appetizer and trying either a burger or one of their delicious pizza options. Their prices are a little on the expensive side, but like everything else on this list, it is truly worth it.
So, even though the dining hall has its good moments, there are plenty of alternative options to check out off campus.