Everyone has heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. If you were like me growing up, you normally ate breakfast in the car on the ride to school. Sunday mornings were the only time I had a home cooked breakfast. The sound of sizzling bacon and the aroma of cinnamon buns faithfully woke me up. Unfortunately, in college I’m never awake early enough to cook my own breakfast. But, as they say, the best time for breakfast food is anytime.
We asked students around campus to vote and comment on their favorite breakfast items around campus and the results are in! Most of these are from fast food joints, and I know some of you oppose fast food entirely. But not every one of these places has food dripping with grease or drenched in salt. It may be hard for you to believe, but some places offer food with great nutritional value.
1. McDonald’s: Big Breakfast with Pancakes
Photo by Alex Furuya
Kristin: “McDonald’s is the best though. It satisfies my hunger and the orange juice is an added bonus.”
Although this option is heavy on carbs, it is still a decent, well-rounded meal when compared to that bowl of marshmallows from your Lucky Charms. The Big Breakfast is a good kick-start to anyone’s day, with a good amount of protein, starch and carbohydrates to get your metabolism working in the morning. Now that McDonald’s serves breakfast all day, you can enjoy this meal during an all-nighter or after your traditional Thirsty Thursday routine.
2. Chick-fil-a: Chick-n-Mini’s
Photo by Madison Lucas
Alex: “Chick-n-Mini’s hands down is their best breakfast option.”
These bite-size sandwiches are perfect to pop in your mouth when you’re on the go, especially when you’re late and rushing to get to your 9 am class. This meal is delicious not only for its classic Chick-fil-a nuggets, but also for its honey spread found on top of each roll that’ll make you say “mhm” with each bite.
Chick-fil-a’s food isn’t greasy, but the mom in me wants to warn you about eating too much fried food. Nonetheless, I love Chick-fil-a because there is nothing better than mixing their Chick-n-Mini’s and Polynesian sauce for the perfect nugget-dipping experience. If you haven’t tried these two together, you’ll definitely want to try it the next time you swing by.
3. Dunkin’ Donuts: Egg and Cheese Croissant
Photo by Devon Flinn
Shannon: “Simple yet delicious.”
Although this sandwich is basic, it still gets the job done. You can’t go wrong when keeping it classic. The only downside to this sandwich is that sometimes the cheese isn’t fully melted, but otherwise, it is flawless.
4. Denny’s: Denny’s French Toast Slam
While fast food is great when you are crunched for time, I prefer to sit down for breakfast.
This meal from Denny’s is a favorite of mine for two reasons. The first is because it comes with french toast, and who doesn’t love french toast? When compared to pancakes and waffles, there is absolutely no competition. The second reason is that the French Toast Slam comes with not one, but two choices of meats. If you are a bacon-fanatic like me, you’ll double up on that bacon.
5. Taco Bell: A.M Crunchwrap
Elliot: “People have been sleeping on Taco Bell breakfast.”
Of all the options that were voted on, this item was an overwhelming favorite, winning over 60% of the votes. The best part about it is that it allows you to eat everything you love about breakfast food in one hand, while Snapchatting your great breakfast choice with the other.
6. Starbucks: Ham & Swiss Breakfast Sandwich
Photo by Kristen Eisenhauer
Whether you’re a Pumpkin Spice kinda gal or Chai Tea Latte is more your style, you should ask for their delicious Ham and Swiss sandwich. I highly recommend this option because it comes on a delicious croissant. Let’s be real, no one can turn down a warm, flaky croissant. They make any breakfast sandwich taste 10x better.
7. Bagel Place: Cinnamon Sugar Bagel
Photo by Sarah Silbiger
If you love Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal and you are near Route 1, then I promise you won’t be disappointed with the Cinnamon Sugar bagel from the Bagel Place. Their bagels are made fresh and can be turned into sandwiches with ease. The Bagel Place is a surefire way to start your morning and warm yourself up in this Maryland weather.
Their food is reasonably priced, but the only down side to the Bagel Place is their hours. Unfortunately, with a 7 pm closing time, you’ll have to find somewhere else to satisfy your late-night bagel needs.