Everyone loves mac and cheese. Everyone loves mac and cheese at the Eatery. But did you know that there are SO MANY OTHER OPTIONS in Hamilton for mac and cheese? Coming from someone who spent her entire seventh year of life eating Kraft mac and cheese for dinner, this was life changing.
GIF courtesy of gifrific.com
So to evaluate these delicious options, I ranked each on three qualities: creaminess, cheesiness, and texture. I also factored price into the equation, because food = money and college = broke.
1. Saxby’s at the Barge
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Creaminess: 9/10
Cheesiness: 10/10
Texture: 8/10
Price: $3.50
Saxby’s mac and cheese is low key AMAZING. Cheesy, creamy, and a good size portion. Also has a little bit of a kick to it which really adds to the flavor. Good for: a brief study break that is actually going to turn into 20 minutes of you dreaming about the next time you can eat this mac and cheese.
2. Hamilton Whole Foods
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Creaminess: 10/10
Cheesiness: 8/10
Texture: 8/10
Price: $4.50
Hamilton Whole Foods HAS MAC AND CHEESE. Just saying. And don’t worry, it’s not like vegan cheese and rice pasta. It is so creamy and I feel healthy eating it so that’s a plus. It is a little pricey, but it’s a good size portion and comes out steaming hot. Good for: pretending to be healthy but let’s be honest, you’re eating mac and cheese. Stop lying to yourself.
3. Number 10 Tavern
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Creaminess: 7/10
Cheesiness: 8/10
Texture: 9/10
Price: $14.00
Number 10 Tavern is not just burgers – their mac and cheese is fancy and dope and comes with goldfish on top (dope topping). Also, the truffle oil is very ~in~ and adds a fancy component. Texture was on point, but not terribly creamy. Good for: telling your parents that you are “mature because you eat peas and truffle oil, but are forever a kid because you’re eating mac and cheese for dinner and still need their money every month.”
4. Hamilton Eatery
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Creaminess: 9/10
Cheesiness: 5/10
Texture: 4/10
Price: $2.00
Unpopular opinion: Eatery mac and cheese is not my favorite. Popular opinion: still love the Mac Daddy forever. But the mac alone is too creamy for me and not cheesy enough for my taste buds. Good for: putting in between a grilled ham and cheese and stuffing your face. #SPOONTIP: add bacon and guacamole for the sandwich of your dreams. There is also a delightful Kosher Mac Daddy hack.
BONUS RANKING:
5. Oliveri’s MAC BITES
Photo by Mallory Shaner
Fried: 10/10
Late-night availability: 8/10
Crunch to mac ratio: 8/10
Price: $5.00
Whoever thought to deep fry mac and cheese should really be featured on the cover of Time Magazine. These also come with a side of ranch which is ~GENIUS~. Good for: taking something unhealthy and making it even unhealthier. Also RIP to 22 Utica Street’s 3 AM mac bites – never forget :(.
The decision was tough, but we found a winner. The kick of Saxby’s mac and cheese, combined with the convenience and bang for your buck, ultimately pushed it to number one. It was a tough decision, though, because mac and cheese is the best food ever to exist.
GIF courtesy of glee.wikia.com
Hope this ranking helps you with all your mac and cheese needs. Also, lesson learned: eating this much mac and cheese is not something that should happen on a daily basis.