As college students, the go-to place to grab a bite to eat is usually the dining hall. But, once in a while, it’s time to escape the standard options of the dining halls and try something new. Keep reading for the best places to grab a bite around Rutgers. They all offer mouthwatering food without breaking the bank!
36 College Ave
The Yard at College Ave
(732) 214.9182
Average price: Around $10/meal
My personal recommendation: Spicy garlic stir fry.
Conveniently located right next to the Scott Hall bus stop, Honeygrow is one of the newest additions to the Rutgers campus. It offers organic stir-fry, salads, and desserts with vegan and gluten-free options. These healthier meal alternatives not only help you avoid the dreaded Freshman 15, but also taste great as well. You get to personally customize your meal just the way you want it prepared, and despite the refined décor and meal options, the average price of a meal is around $10. The staff is extremely friendly, accommodating, and food allergy-conscious, and you can get your meal to-go if you’re in a hurry. The next time you’re on College Ave, stop by Honeygrow and try one of the most unique eateries on campus.
55 Rockafeller Road
Livingston Plaza
(848) 445.3232
Average price: Around $10/meal
My personal recommendation: Chocolate chip pancakes and chocolate milkshake.
If you’re in the mood for some classic American comfort food, I highly recommend Henry’s Diner. Their food ranges from breakfast options (like eggs and pancakes) to lunch/dinner options (like sandwiches and pasta). Every time I visit, I find myself trying something new, and every time the food tastes fantastic. Henry’s Diner also has a lengthy dessert menu, including an assortment of cakes and ice cream. The minimalist environment combined with the delicious food is an ideal place to take a break and momentarily escape the pressures of school work.
371 George Street
College Ave Campus
(732) 745.2928
Average price: Around $10/meal
My personal recommendation: Pho ga (chicken broth, rice noodles, and shredded steamed chicken).
Indochine serves some of the best Vietnamese food I have ever tasted. They provide some staples of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, including pho (which is rice noodle soup) and Banh mi sandwiches. However, their menu includes other types of noodle soups, rice dishes, and a variety of vegetarian specialties as well. Indochine is open relatively late (9pm on weekdays, 10pm on Saturdays), and on days when you’re not in the mood to leave your dorm, Indochine also delivers. I highly recommend you give Indochine a try the next time you’re craving some Asian cuisine.
106 Albany Street
College Ave Campus
(732) 846.6153 or (732) 846.6155
Average price: Around $20/meal
My personal recommendation: Smashed burger grilled cheese and Oreo Monster Mousse.
Old Man Rafferty’s specializes in All-American food (such as burgers, sandwiches, steaks, etc.) and using locally-sourced ingredients. Some options are a bit on the pricier side, but I still definitely recommend this restaurant for special occasions. There’s an extensive dessert menu that will satisfy any sweet tooth with options like Salted Caramel Vanilla Crunch Cake and Chocolate Zanibar Torte. In addition, there is a specialty shop that offers takeout as well as sells quality meats, cheese, and other food products. You absolutely must try Old Man Rafferty’s during your time at Rutgers.
49 Bayard Street
College Ave Campus
(732) 317.2623
Average price: Around $15/meal
My personal recommendation: Spicy miso ramen and strawberry mochi ice cream.
Ramen is an essential for many college students, but Ramen Nagomi is a Japanese ramen restaurant that elevates a seemingly basic food item to a healthier, gourmet dish. Besides ramen, Ramen Nagomi’s menu also includes buns, tofu, a variety of appetizers, and unique drinks and desserts. Though the soothing atmosphere and delicious food of Ramen Nagomi is a bit further from campus, it is definitely still worth trying out, especially when you’re craving some hot noodle soup.
49 Easton Ave
College Ave Campus
(732) 247.1727
Average price: Around $15/meal
My personal recommendation: Pizza stromboli.
Stuff Yer Face is one of the most well-known restaurants, and on any given day of the week, the place is overflowing with people until closing. They provide typical American food, but their famous stromboli is to die for. There’s so many different kinds that are certain to please any picky eater. In addition, Stuff Yer Face offers their unique twist on nachos using thick potato chips, also called potachos. Other food options include burgers, pizza, and grilled sandwiches. Though this restaurant does not deliver, they are open late (around 12:30am depending on the day) and do offer takeout. Stuff Yer Face is a Rutgers favorite, and I highly recommend their stromboli.
58 Easton Ave
College Ave Campus
(732) 640.0794
Average price: Around $10/meal
My personal recommendation: Meat plate combo with shawarma, hummus, baby ganouj, & fool mudammas.
If you’re ever in the mood to try something new or just craving some Middle Eastern cuisine, I recommend Mamoun’s Falafel. They specialize in classic Middle Eastern foods, such as falafel and shawarma. The most popular meals are the sandwich or plate combos, and there’s meat options as well as vegetarian ones. In addition, Mamoun’s offers unique drinks and desserts, such as mint lemonade and baklava. And the icing on the cake is that Mamoun’s is open past midnight every single night of the week.
130 Easton Ave
College Ave Campus
(732) 846.7090
Average price: Around $8/meal
My personal recommendation: BBQ bacon chicken crisp.
Hansel ‘N Griddle is one of my go-to places to get food. They have breakfast options (such as omelets and French toast) as well as lunch/dinner options, like paninis, wings, and burgers. Their crisps are absolutely amazing, but the vast menu has so many choices, it’s nearly takes forever to decide what you want. Hansel ‘N Griddle is open late (until 3am daily) for when you get those late night cravings or just want pancakes for dinner. They also offer online ordering and delivery, making Hansel ‘N Griddle a Rutgers favorite.
56 Easton Ave
College Ave Campus
(732) 317.2070
Average price: Around $8/meal
My personal recommendation: Quesadilla suiza with pollo asado.
Tacoria is a Mexican street kitchen unique to New Brunswick. They offer typical Mexican foods, such as tacos, burritos, nachos, tortas, and quesadillas. There’s a unique ambiance, though most people usually get takeout. It’s a great place to grab a quick bite to eat, but also each menu item is very filling. The food is cooked to order and always tastes fresh. Each order can be customized to exactly the way you like it, making Tacoria one of the most well-known eateries around Rutgers.
115 Easton Ave
College Ave Campus
(732) 543.0202
Average price: Around $10/meal
My personal recommendation: French onion soup!
Fritz’s is a cute little café that offers breakfast and lunch food options, such as omelets and sandwiches, and homemade desserts and pastries. There are seasonal options, and around the fall time, they offer pumpkin spice donuts. Everything on the menu is house-made, making the food taste extraordinary. Fritz’s is a fantastic casual place to grab a quick bit to eat, whether it be alone or with a group of friends. The food always tastes fresh and delicious, and every item on the menu is very filling. Fritz’s also offers takeout and delivery. Fritz’s is by far my favorite and most highly recommended eatery around Rutgers because it provides a perfect balance of everything, most notably the delicious food. Eating at Fritz’s is by-far a must in terms of Rutgers cuisine.
What’s a meal without dessert!? Many of the aforementioned restaurants offer desserts as well, but there are a few must-try places that specialize in satisfying your sweet tooth.
106 Easton Ave and 4C Easton Ave
College Ave Campus
(732) 317-4117 and (732) 543-1909
Average price: Around $4-5/cup
My personal recommendation: Hot chocolate with whipped cream.
When you want to try something besides Starbucks or Dunkin’ Donuts, Hidden Grounds Coffee provides delicious made-to-order coffees, teas, homemade pastries, and sandwiches. The hipster-esque environment provides an escape from the constant noise of campus, The peaceful atmosphere is a great place to get some work done or go on a first date. The food and coffee are totally Insta-worthy, and I assure you that they don’t just look good, but taste good, too.
176 Easton Ave
College Ave Campus
(732) 253.7730
Price: $1.50/cookie but combo deals available
My personal recommendation: Red velvet cookies.
Cookie Rush provides fresh, baked-to-order cookies and delivers them right to your doorstep. There’s a long list of cookie flavors, including classics (like sugar and chocolate chip) as well as more unconventional ones (like s’mores and red velvet). The combos are great to split with a group of friends, and other dessert products offered include brownies, milkshakes, and ice cream sandwiches. For those who have food allergies, each order is baked on a fresh pan. Aside from late-night delivery, Cookie Rush has a cute in-store environment complete with a flat screen TV, couches, and board games. What more could you ask for?
55 Easton Ave
College Ave Campus
(732) 828.3855
Price: Around $5/one serving of ice cream
My personal recommendation: Chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream with Kit Kat blend-ins.
Thomas Sweets offers the best homemade ice cream around Rutgers, but what sets them apart are their blend-ins. You start with any hard ice cream and blend-in toppings, and these ingredients get blended to the point where the final product is creamy soft ice cream with the toppings of your choice dissolved into every bite. Thomas Sweets also offers other desserts like milkshakes, smoothies, cakes, and pies, but for sure, you ABSOLUTELY have to try Thomas Sweets’ blend-ins ice cream.
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