As UConn students reach the halfway point of the semester, it’s no secret that the dining halls get old and off-campus students get tired of cooking for themselves. Of course, everybody knows about the staples of the beloved Storrs Center – Dominos, Insomnia Cookies, and DP Dough, to name a few – but there are definitely some hidden gems that are guaranteed to get you through midterms season. As writers, students, and lovers of all things edible, we decided to investigate some of our favorite restaurants and report back 9 irresistible findings.
Dog Lane Café
Dog Lane is known for its amazing sandwiches, smoothies, and guarantee that anything you order will come with a bag of kettle-cooked chips. However, what we felt was most underrated about Dog Lane was their extensive breakfast menu. From breakfast burritos to pancakes or French toast, all your breakfast needs will definitely be satisfied here.
Mooyah
Once Tuesday hits, any UConn foodie who’s ballin’ on a budget knows that “Mooyah for 2-yah” is one of the best options. Not to mention that Mooyah’s milkshakes are the perfect ice cream-candy combo Storrs Center has to offer.
Insomnia Cookies
We’ve all fallen victim to a warm box of Insomnia Cookies delivered to our dorm at any hour of the night. However, the menu definitely goes far beyond the basic twelve cookies. Insomnia’s cookie cakes are perfect for any celebration or occasion, like birthdays, or even surviving 8 hours at Homer Bab. This way you can enjoy the bigger version of your favorite cookie for a super reasonable price.
Oriental Café
For any sushi or Chinese food lovers, Oriental Café’s lunch special menu is the ultimate Asian-fusion jackpot. You can get 3 rolls for $12, or an order of General Tso’s for only $6. It’s the perfect sit-down spot for you and your friends to take a study break.
Blaze Pizza
This is probably the most-visited restaurant in Storrs Center, as its lines have not died down since they opened last semester. It’s a pizza-lovers dream, allowing you to custom-design your pizza, from the crust to the drizzle on top. We thought the biggest game changer of all was the white sauce. It’s a white-garlic alternative to the traditional red pizza sauce, and we promise it’ll give you a new perspective on pizza.
Husky Pizza
This was another restaurant we did not expect to have such an extensive menu. From pizza to burgers to mozz sticks to custom grinders, Husky Pizza can satisfy any craving. Our favorite was their turkey sub, pictured above.
DP Dough
The Falling Rock Zone, which includes tater tots, bacon, cheddar, mozzarella, and served with a side of sour cream, was definitely the standout item on the menu for us. We also loved the atmosphere in DP Dough, so we thought that, combined with skipping the delivery charge, made carry-out a more-than-reasonable option.
Kathmandu Kitchen
This is one of Storrs Center’s newest restaurants. Its menu features a full Indian cuisine, vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, as well as some Thai-inspired items. Their hidden gem is without a doubt the daily buffet, which runs from 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM everyday.
Gansett Wraps
After a long week of eating, Gansett Wraps was a good way to get us back on track. If you’re looking for a healthier option in Storrs Center, Gansett definitely has you covered with their classic and Mediterranean wraps and salads.
Happy eating collegiettes!
Images 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 courtesy of Flannery Mackin Image 9 courtesty of Giuliana David