By Spencer Morris
The arrival of Northeastern’s first fall semester comes with new faces, the all-too familiar tug of endless reading, and, for many, rumbling stomachs. The Northeastern News has walked the streets of the area surrounding campus in hopes of stopping the senseless suffering of hunger Northeastern students too often encounter.
Au Bon Pain Marino Center This average-priced eatery features some of the best croissants, breads, and pastries in the area and possibly the best bagels Boston has to offer. “The jalapeno and cheese bagel I had was really good but it definitely wasn’t from New York,” said Alex Conrad, a freshman physics major. Sit down, grab some coffee and one of the desserts or choose from the variety of vegetarian-friendly sandwiches, salads, and soups (five soups of the day). Au Bon Pain accepts the Husky Card and is conveniently located in the Marino Center for those who want to pick up some grub after they work out.
Betty’s Wok and Noodle Diner 250 Huntington Avenue Betty’s offers an “Asian/Latino fusion menu” in an ambient and upbeat environment. Targeted primarily at people with a love for an artsy atmosphere, this diner has a selection of original dishes (many vegetarian-friendly) and a down-to-earth service staff. Much of the food isn’t particularly healthy (as it’s often deep fried) and dangles between being Cuban and Southern Asian, with selections such as golden-fried won-tons and the much-talked about beef firecrackers. Jenn Molnar, a Betty’s waitress and Northeastern University graduate, said “I think we have the best food of this type in Boston.” Eat with chopsticks or enjoy finger foods in the fairly expensive but extremely warm restaurant located less than five minutes away from campus.
Pizzeria Uno 280 Huntington Avenue Uno’s Chicago’s bar and grill, only a short walk away from the heart of campus, is a great place for hearty servings of Italian food and is often packed with others who feel the same way. Definitely not a place to go if you’ve only got a few bucks to spend (or if you’ve only got a little stomach room), Uno’s has some a variety of appetizers and boasts fairly quick seating time (if you have to wait at all). “It’s really convenient because it’s right on Huntington so I can take a quick walk to get there, and it fits my budget,” said Jacquelyn Clark, a sophomore English and history major. The pizza is a favorite among Northeastern students, and it serves as a great place to hang out with buddies.
The Wrap Marino Center The Wrap, also conveniently located at the Marino Center, is nearby and excels in the areas of health. The small, personable atmosphere isn’t a trade-off to quick service, so this little joint is excellent for either those on the move or whomever is interested in sitting and talking with a friend. There are combinations of cold or warm wraps available, most of which are fairly low-fat, benefiting the athletes who leave their workout feeling hungry. Husky Cards are accepted. Stop by, have a smoothie, grab a burrito, and enjoy the decent prices.
Shanti – Taste of India 277B Huntington Avenue Booming with culture and an almost mysterious ambiance, Shanti is the unsurpassed king of nearby Indian food. The prices aren’t cheap, but the healthy servings more than make up for it, as does the knowledgeable staff and truly powerful tastes offered. The floor usually is not overly busy, so Shanti is a great place to meet with friends and talk in a relaxing environment. The owner says he offers “a fusion of modern and classical South Asian culture” and with foods ranging from boneless lamb tikka to tandori shrimp, he does.
Chicken Lou’s Forsyth Street(across from the School of Law) Located close to the heart of campus, Chicken Lou’s is a great place to use your Husky Card for a quick pastry or a fine meal. The shop itself is quite small but boasts a great selection of sandwiches and chicken foods. The prices are fair, but the shop isn’t particularly vegetarian-friendly (though a veggie burger is offered).
