10 Affordable Restaurants In Boston For College Students
Money can be really hard to manage in college, especially if you have a demanding schedule that doesn’t allow you to take on a part-time job. But you deserve to treat yourself on weekends and get something nice to eat instead of being stuck at the dining hall. Here are my top 10 recommendations of affordable restaurants in Boston.
Amelia’s Taqueria – 309 Huntington Ave
Located on Huntington right across the street from Northeastern’s campus, Amelia’s is a student favorite for late night cravings. They’re one of the only places that’s open until 2 AM. It’s a little pricier than Chipotle, but the portion sizes are generous and it definitely satisfies the munchies. You can also use your dining dollars here.
Wagamama – 800 Boylston St (inside Prudential)
Wagamama first became popular as a British chain restaurant serving Japanese and Asian fusian food, but they’ve recently opened up locations in New York City and one here in Prudential Center. The dining experience at Wagamama is unique – there are no reserved tables for separate groups of people. Strangers can eat together at the same table, so it’s a great chance to meet new people. There’s also no specific order that customers are served in, so you’ll get your food as soon as it’s ready.
Blaze Pizza – 1282 Boylston St
Located in Fenway, Blaze Pizza is at a convenient location for both Northeastern and BU students. Most pizzas are under $10, and you even have the option to build your own. They also have salads for anyone trying to eat healthier. Blaze is one of the most popular places for student organizations to hold fundraisers in which a percentage of your purchase will be donated to that group, so you’ll also be giving back to your own school when you eat here!
Honeygrow – 1282 Boylston St
Also located in Fenway, honeygrow puts a healthier twist on Asian fusion. You place your order on a really cool touch screen system at the front of the store. You can choose from rice/noodle bowls and salads, most in the $10-$15 range, but you can also build your own and cut down cost by choosing cheaper and fewer ingredients. Their ingredients are healthy, but still filling and flavorful.
Love Art Sushi – 1 Haviland St
Poke can be pretty hard to find in Boston, but this place right off Mass Ave is walking distance for both Northeastern and MIT students. Again, there’s a lot of room for customization, as you can choose your base, protein, toppings, and dressing. They also offer a free miso soup if you check in on Yelp. The food itself is pretty, and the store has a really pleasant atmosphere.
Penguin Pizza – 735 Huntington Avenue
Penguin Pizza is a little further from Northeastern’s campus, more towards the Mission Hill area, but it could be a good option if you live off campus. They also do delivery and are open until 1 AM. A pie will typically be $10 to $20, but the slices are huge so it’s great for sharing. They are pretty generous with toppings, and the crust is nice and crispy.
Bangkok Pinto – 1041 Tremont St
Only a few minutes by walking from Northeastern’s International Village, Bangkok Pinto is a go-to spot for Thai food. They even accept dining dollars! The place itself is pretty small, so most people will order takeout. The portions are decent, and a lot of dishes are under $10. The shrimp pad Thai and pad see ew are two of their most popular items.
The Halal Guys – 137 Stuart St
Originally started as a food cart in New York City, Halal Guys recently opened their first location in Boston. It’s definitely more expensive than in New York due to a lack of other halal places, but prices are still under $10. You can order a gyro/sandwich or a rice platter, and you get your choice of meat (chicken or lamb) or a vegetarian option (falafel). They top everything off with your choice of hot sauce, white sauce, barbecue, or any combination of the 3. But if you really want to experience halal street food, you’ll have to visit a cart in New York!
M & J Teriyaki – 130 Jersey St
M & J Teriyaki is a small place located right outside the Fens. Similar to what you’ll find at most Japanese takeout businesses, the dishes come with meat and a generous serving of rice for under $10. They also sell bubble tea, which isn’t common for a lot of Asian restaurants in the area.
Mike’s Pastry – 300 Hanover St
And finally if you’re looking for dessert, you can go to Mike’s Pastry in the North End. Mike’s is a major tourist attraction, but everyone says it’s worth the wait. They’re most famous for their cannoli, which are huge and overstuffed with a variety of different flavored creams. This is one of the most famous affordable restaurants in Boston.
