Finals: a last push during the semester that leaves you mentally and physically exhausted. An effort to cram four months of hard work and learning into one week so you can regurgitate it in a three hour period. What you need to get through the week is some good food, whether you’re looking to procrastinate, stress eat, or because you simply haven’t left the library in what feels like years. Stop scrolling hopelessly through Instagram for inspiration and instead try this list for ideas of some of the best places to favor food from this finals week.
1. Sushi Kyoto
Sushi Kyoto is satisfying, affordable, and their menu offers pages of exciting rolls, delicious noodles, and fun appetizers. It’s everything you could want from a college-town sushi restaurant, and it’s close, so you know your delivery will get to you fast. My go-to: the sexy roll (shrimp tempura, spicy tuna and avo wrapped in soy paper).
Postmates: yes
Favor: yes
Ubereats: no
2. Super Chix
All I can say is holy cow, this Texas-native “chicken and custard” restaurant is the place to be. They specialize in the classic fried chicken sandwich, but there’s nothing basic about it. Their fries’ signature seasoning is a sweet-and-salty combo, which adds a special kick, and the frozen custard is what the quintessential milkshake of your childhood tastes like: thick, creamy, sweet and cold. Favor this ish because it’s a far enough drive to justify it, and because there’s nothing wrong with getting a feast delivered to your door… or to Club Fondy.
Postmates: yes
Favor: no
Ubereats: yes
3. JD's Chippery
These cookies are just plain good. JD’s has been a Highland Park institution since 1983, and with one bite, you’ll know they aren’t going anywhere soon. In addition to cookies, they have some unique flavors of savory and sweet muffins, from ham and cheese to pineapple, and are one of the only places I know that will pump flavor syrup in your soda fountain soda. My go-to: a milk chocolate chip cookie and a large vanilla coke.
Postmates: no
Favor: yes
Ubereats: no
4. East Hampton Sandwich Co
Let’s be honest with ourselves, East Hampton knows their sandwiches. That supple bread, the perfectly prepared meats, the side of crispy fries—there’s a reason they made the list of the 33 best sandwich shops in America. Everything is an immediate classic, whether you get the lobster roll with a hefty side of sweet potato fries or you choose to forgo the bun with a rustic chicken Caesar. Either way, you know you’re getting something good.
Postmates: yes
Favor: yes
Ubereats: yes
5. Greenville Avenue Pizza Co
If you've managed to make it through 1+ years at SMU and haven't heard of GAPCo, you might live under a rock. Greenville Avenue Pizza Company is a staple for many SMU students, with late hours and delicious pies. It may be a long walk from OT, but it's a longer one from your dorm, so whip out Favor and give it a go. Depending on your stress level, you may want to splurge on an order of garlic knots.
Postmates: yes
Favor: yes
Ubereats: yes
6. Taco Deli
These tacos are an out-of-body experience. They’re gooey, cheesy, hot, perfect tacos that have the power to transform your mood for the entire day, which is perfect for finals week when everyone’s angry and sad. The only catch—they’re open from 7am until 3pm daily, so no late night tacos for you, unless you order ahead.
Postmates: yes
Favor: yes
Ubereats: no
7. Cindi's New York Deli and Bakery
Being from the Great North, I may be biased, but Cindi’s is the mecca of deli food in Dallas, in the New York style that extends far beyond sandwiches. Every time it’s raining or I feel peruna plague coming on, a hot bowl of chicken soup with kreplach (little dumplings) is what I crave. If that’s not compelling enough, their breakfast is also served all day. No matter what you choose from that mile-long menu, Cindi’s style is comfort food all the way.
Postmates: yes
Favor: yes
Ubereats: no
8. Twisted Root Burger Co.
Twisted Root embodies the hearty, American burger we all know and love. The “Freshman 15” comes with fries on the burger, “The Western” incorporates onion rings. Whether you've been stressing from studying for days, or you just walked out of that stats exam close to tears and plan on locking yourself in your dorm for a few hours, there’s no better feel-good food than a juicy burger.
Postmates: no
Favor: yes
Ubereats: no
9. Velvet Taco
Velvet taco is absolutely a classic for SMU students, and there’s a reason for that. There’s a taco for every mood, and sides that are to die for. Tater tots with bacon, goat cheese and a farm fresh egg? Check. Elotes with queso fresco, crema and lime? Definitely. When you do order Velvet to your door, don’t forget that signature slice of red velvet cake, with extra icing of course.
Postmates: yes
Favor: yes
Ubereats: no
Food delivery apps are truly a gift to every college student, especially during finals. Don't limit yourself to just Favor, either. Postmates tells you your delivery costs before you place your order and Ubereats shows up on your credit card like a ride, which is a fun secret to keep from your parents when you've ordered food four times in one week. This finals week, don't let distance stop you. Let food delivery apps help make the world your food oyster.