We’ve all been there. There’s ten minutes left of class, and the professor keeps talking about the next assignment’s details. You don’t care, because your stomach is roaring and people are beginning to stare. Next class starts in 30 minutes, or maybe you really need to go to office hours right after this lecture. In any case, there is no time, and you are too lazy to go to West Campus to prepare lunch. Something fast, tasty and cheap is necessary, and you need to find a place to eat close to campus.
So next time you are walking around the Forty Acres on an empty stomach, keep these places in mind.
VertsKebap
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Europe’s most popular street food is now on our campus. Located on Guadalupe and Dean Keeton, these kebaps are too irresistible not to try. You can pick your choice of chicken, beef, lamb or falafel. You can also choose to get a wrap or a salad instead of a kebap, but why would anyone do that? Fun fact: kebap is short for döner kebap, which translates loosely to “spinning roasted meat.”
Zen
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Who doesn’t crave Asian every minute of the day? I know I do. Located at the SAC, this Japanese spot will put you in a good mood for the rest of the day. Sushi, Asian-inspired tacos and rice bowls are all on the menu. Don’t let the long line intimidate you. It moves so fast, you’ll forget you were ever in line. #SpoonTip: get the chicken teriyaki bowl. Don’t even doubt it.
Burrito Factory
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Leave that Chipotle aside, because this is the real deal. Located on the second floor of Dobie Mall, this authentic food will satisfy your hunger. Prepare to get overwhelmed by the size of the burritos, the fresh ingredients and the extremely friendly staff. Try the chicken burrito, the enchiladas or the flautas.
Pita Pit
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Located on the Drag, Pita Pit is for the Middle Eastern and hummus lovers. Pick your choice of meat (options include chicken, beef, turkey and tuna), choice of vegetables, cheese, hummus and put it all inside a warm pita. Healthy, fresh and a fast alternative for the broke college kid. They grill your vegetables upon request, and students get a 10% discount!
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Who doesn’t love cheap Tex-Mex? Think Baja style tacos, quesadillas, jumbo burritos and of course, chips and queso. Make sure to come back for their margaritas when you aren’t eating between classes. Scratch that, just get one no matter what time it is. #TreatYOSELF
Field of Greens
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Located inside the Union, Field of Greens is definitely one of the healthiest options on campus. Salads, wraps, sandwiches and soups make up the items on the menu. You can build your own salads and watch them being made in front you by friendly staff. They also include a piece of bread along with the salad, which is surprisingly irresistible. Eat the bread, even if you ordered the salad to watch out for carbs.
Littlefield Patio Cafe
Photo by Kathleen Lee
This cute, warm, little place is located between Whitis Avenue and University Avenue, close to Dean Keeton. This place has many options to choose from, including pizza, a build-your-own wrap station, sushi, salads and more. There’s also some Starbucks coffee machines, so help yourself to some $2 coffee while you’re at it.
Fricano’s Deli
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Head here for signature sandwiches you can’t find anywhere else on campus. It’s super filling and affordable, so you might end up eating half your sandwich and getting the other half to-go. Or maybe you’ll just eat it all since it’s that good. Along with the high quality food, they also have Wi-Fi, customer punch cards and a parking lot. Fricano’s is located on 24th and Nueces street.
O’s Campus Café
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Located on East 24th street and inside the McCombs School of Business, O’s Café is your go-to for a quick healthy bite. O’s Café offers contemporary food such as sandwiches, burgers, wraps and salads. If you’re seeking out food early in the morning on campus, O’s Café also offers a breakfast menu, including eggs and pancakes.
Texas Expresso Café
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Get it? Texas Exes, Texas EXpresso? This spot might be hard to find for those unfamiliar with campus, but this great little spot is located on the east side of UT on 21st and San Jacinto. Connected to the alumni center, this café is great for paninis, soups, salads, sandwiches and coffee. Texas Expresso has a relaxed student hangout area, with outdoor seating surrounded by trees. Besides getting a quick bite to eat, this is a fantastic place to get some studying done.