By Eryn Carlson, News Correspondent
One of the greatest challenges a student faces during his or her college years is finding a good meal for a reasonable price. After half a semester of dining halls and meals of Ramen and cereal, most students are starving for food that doesn’t come from a box, or under heating lamps all day. Old-school diners offer the perfect solution. Not only are they cheap and convenient, but they also offer the homestyle comfort food students crave. Plus, many of them are open 24-hours. They are the perfect alternative to the usual BHOP for the late night munchies and diner food is the ultimate hangover cure in the morning.
Mike’s City Diner
1714 Washington St.
Located in the South End, Mike’s City Diner is known for its huge – but cheap – portions and friendly, family-oriented atmosphere. Serving breakfast all day, everyday (and exclusively on weekends), Mike’s promises customers their food will be in front of them within 10 minutes of them sitting down. But be warned: on weekends, the wait for a table will be a long one, and credit cards are not accepted.
Open daily from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Victoria’s Diner
1024 Massachusetts Ave.
Victoria’s offers customers a classic diner experience, but goes beyond just the standard greasy-but-hearty diner fare. The menu at the hotspot, which is open nearly 24 hours on the weekends, is extensive for all three meals of the day. To avoid the extra calories, try the grilled banana bread, eggplant fries or the Nutella-smothered French toast. Bonus: the diner has a liquor license for 21+ eaters.
Open Mon-Wed 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., Thu-Sat 6 a.m. to 5:30 a.m., Sun 6 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.
South Street Diner
178 Kneeland St.
A local landmark, this diner is the only eatery in town that is open 24 hours, seven days a week, making it a late-night hangout for many. A very traditional diner, there are no thrills at South Street, but the service is quick and friendly and menu is full of comfort food at reasonable prices. And, if you stop in after all the bars and clubs close, you’re bound to see some interesting people.
Open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
Rosebud Diner
381 Summer St., Somerville
If you’re willing to venture beyond Boston proper, Somerville’s Rosebud Diner, located in Davis Square, is worth the trek. This diner, located in a restored 1940’s dining car, is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers customers a unique experience while they enjoy the full bar and homestyle cooking. The bar and music scene at the attached Rosebud Bar and Grill is worth checking out, too.
Open Mon- Thu, Sun 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri-Sat 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Mul’s Diner
75 West Broadway
If you’re in the South End and looking for a quick and cheap place to eat, Mul’s is the place to go. This South End diner is best known for its breakfast and coffee, and is a true hidden gem of the city. Though it’s busier with local neighborhoods during the weekends, it’s a fast and convenient place to eat during the week–though it does not accept credit cards.
Open Mon-Sun, 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
