It is 12 p.m. and you’re sitting in class when your stomach starts to grumble. You try to pay attention to the professor, but your hunger takes over the mind, and all you can think about is what you will be eating once class ends.
With minimal money to spare, what can you do? There are the obvious choices: DAC food court, Marillac, Law School Café, Outtakes, etc.
However, none of those options seem appealing to you. You then decide to step beyond the campus gates.
Although St. John’s isn’t located in an area that offers tons of satisfying food options, there are selected eateries that are delicious and pocket friendly.
Two of the most popular options are the local pizzerias, Regina’s and Vincenzo’s, and there’s an ongoing debate on which is better. Regina’s slices tend to have a thicker, softer crust while Vincenzo’s are thinner and crispier.
Regardless of what your preference is, both have tons of menu offerings that are under $10, such as calzones, paninis, wraps and heroes.
“Ordering Regina’s half vegetarian/half penne vodka pie was the greatest decision I’ve made in my pizza career,” Justice Beckford, a senior at St. John’s, said. “You really get the bang for your buck.”
Additionally, both Regina’s and Vincenzo’s have special deals. At Regina’s, you can get two cheese slices and a fountain soda any day of the week for only $5.00 and at Vincenzo’s you can get cheese slices for just $1.25 on Wednesdays.
If you’re not in the mood for Italian, Umi Sushi may be your answer.
Located just a few doors down from Regina’s on Union Turnpike, Umi has arguably the best sushi in the area.
The normal menu might be a little too pricey for a college student budget, so it’s smart to take advantage of the lunch specials available Monday-Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
They also have the “lunch box specials” that include an entrée, a salad with ginger dressing, miso soup, rice and three pieces of California roll, all for $8.50
Some of the entrees offered are sashimi (pieces of raw fish), chicken teriyaki, tempura shrimp and vegetable tempura.
The best deal is the sushi bar roll lunch special, which consists of any two rolls and miso soup for $7.95. Personal favorites are the spicy tuna roll and the salmon avocado roll.
Every time I’ve gotten food from Umi, which is pretty often, I’ve received a complimentary sweet potato roll, which stretches your dollar be worth more.
Another well-liked spot located right on Union Turnpike is Green Lotus. Like Umi, Green Lotus also offers combo specials which include an entrée, rice and soup or soda for $7.50.
It would be wrong to write an article on inexpensive eats around campus without talking about the Halal truck located outside of Gate Four.
Whether you get a lamb gyro or chicken over rice, you won’t be spending more than $5.
It may not be as good as the famous Halal Guys on 53rd and 6th in Manhattan, but it’s worth a try. Make sure to get extra white sauce.
You aren’t a true New Yorker until you’ve eaten from a halal cart.
