As a third-year student at Temple University, I’ve picked up on life-saving hacks around this campus that can turn a day around. Recently, I’ve carefully curated a short list of the best dining experiences I’ve had on campus thus far. So, if you’re feeling hungry, or just want to try something new, here are my recommendations.
Zaydee’s. This fully Kosher deli located on Norris is a go-to lunch. Though their menu is not the most extensive, the food speaks for itself. A combo meal is one meal swipe ($9.25) and includes a sandwich on the bread of your choosing, a side, a drink, and a pickle. The array of meats include turkey, turkey pastrami, beef pastrami, salami, tuna salad, egg salad, and chicken salad - it’s your choice if you want it hot or cold. They also offer hot dogs. My ever-too-frequent order is a hot turkey pastrami sandwich on wheat, a side of potato salad, an extra pickle, and a diet Coke. You know those lunches that leave you satisfied even once dinner time rolls around? This is that kind of lunch.
Cosí. Located just north of Broad and Montgomery, Cosí is a Panera-type restaurant that actually leaves you feeling cozy. With autumn already here and colder weather quickly approaching, it makes sense that soup is on the agenda. A quick soup and sandwich combo hits the spot every time. After a long morning of difficult classes, it’s important to take care of yourself, so grab some soup from Cosí and get comfy on the couch with your favorite Halloween movie on.
J&H Dining Hall. Food isn’t always about the taste, sometimes it’s about the environment you eat it in. J&H dining hall has an indescribable ambiance that puts you in a working mood. While the dining hall does offer delicious hot meals that change everyday and their staple bars consisting of a pizza bar, sandwich bar, burger bar, salad bar, waffle bar, and dessert bar - the flavor of the food itself is not the only reason it takes the number three spot on my list. When you’ve got five assignments due tonight and Charles is full, J&H is always the answer. Having a slew of food at your fingertips and finding the quiet you need during stressful work days is what J&H is good for. And by the end of the day you can reward yourself with a handmade waffle topped with ice cream.
The Footlong Truck. The last item on my list, of course, had to be a food truck. This one in particular has always been my favorite. The footlong truck is always parked on 12th and Norris and has what seems to be endless possibilities. Whether it’s a full combo or just a sub, it’s always worth it. I recommend the spicy eggplant parmesan if you like some spice. Their fries are those oh-so-crispy ones that get fried to perfection, so never skip out on them. Overall a great and fairly cheap truck that always hits the spot.
It’s time to ditch the Chick-Fil-A line that’s always far too long and start trying some of these hidden gems on campus. Give your tastebuds a break from the Student Center options and relieve the workers of the unforgiving, steady line of students on a daily basis. Try these smaller businesses if you haven’t! And thank me later.
Written by Morgan Cooper