Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to dine and try out some of the downtown off campus restaurant options. Downtown provides food similar food that I’d eat when I went out at home. It is a good reminder that food other than dining hall food exists. Eating downtown is very convenient for me as all I have to do is walk down Shortlidge Road and there you are! Of course, I’m in Pollock so that is probably closer than most of the freshmen that are mostly located in East. Even then I do believe it’s worth it to try out at some point this semester.
The first place I tried out was Chipotle. I walked down with a few new friends the second day of school and it didn’t disappoint despite the hour wait. I think Chipotle is crazy consistent over any coast since my California burrito tasted almost exact to the State College burrito I had that day. If you have never had Chipotle and this is the first time you are hearing about first where have you been??? Secondly, Chipotle is Mexican fast food that prides itself on real, fresh ingredients that create really amazing flavor.
The second place I tried out was The Federal Tap House. This is located right above Target and H&M. We have been there twice for birthday dinners and once again was a great place. I had a burger the first time which was absolutely amazing and then mac & cheese which also was extremely good. The service was also really great and the prices weren’t too expensive for the average college student to splurge on every once and awhile. They also have options that are for any of your friends even the most picky!
The third place I have tried downtown was BRGR. This was by far my favorite place I have tried. Worth the wait on a weekend trust me! I went with a few friends on a Friday which was really fun and we all got dressed up since it feels great to get out of sweats every once and awhile. The place is mostly “GOURMET BURGERS HANDMADE SHAKES”. The Fire in the Hole burger was what I got which was so amazing and not as spicy as I was afraid it was going to be. I also got a side of sweet potato fries which were also very delicious. For dessert I also treated myself to a PB cup shake which was so great. It did Make me feel the need to workout extra that day but it was worth it.
Until next time…
For me, dining downtown not only allows me to get something good to eat, but also allows me to get some good exercise in, since I live in East. Chipotle is an all time favorite of mine because when I’m home, I go so often that the restaurant knows my order almost by heart. I have been to Federal Tap House once, and the food was to die for. Not only was it good American food, it was also not too expensive, so I wasn’t just pleasing myself, my bank account was pleased as well. While I have been to BRGR, their burgers were good, but the wait on a weekday was a little unbearable, so I would go back on a day that really wasn’t too crowded. Have you tried Sauly Boys, Kondu, or Corner Room yet? Those are my all-time favorites.
I have yet to try The Federal Tap House, but that is sure on my list now because I can always for a good mac and cheese! The shakes at BRGR are so good! And the walk there and back makes me feel okay with getting sweets. Another good place to try is Roots! Their salads/grain bowls are so tasty yet also really healthy! Hello Bistro! is also a great place to go with picky friends because it has pretty much everything. It has create-your-own salads as well as amazing burgers and fries!