I had only been to UD one snowy day for a tour before I drove up for new student orientation last July. I can remember my nerves instantly being settled by the smell of comfort food as my mom and I drove down Main Street. That same comfort stuck with me as I returned last August on move-in day. I made it through my freshman year with both a work-life balance and a meal plan-Main Street balance. I made it a goal to go to as many new places as possible, which gives me the confidence to go into my sophomore year with a guide for all of my troubles and the wisdom to share it all with my friends. It just so happens that off campus eating at UD happens to mostly fall on Main Street.
Whether you’re a wandering freshman or a nostalgic senior, here is a guide to everything you will ever need to eat or drink at UD.
1. You’re sick of Starbucks: Brew Ha Ha
Photo By Casey Irwin
After spending my summer as a barista away from UD, I can confidently say that Brew Haha is offering students the best quality coffee in the area. The menu has something for everyone, but more than that the service will warm your heart like a latte warms your tummy.
What To Order: If you have a sweet tooth like me, go for a creme brûlée latte and don’t be afraid to go big. A cappuccino muffin makes for a great study snack.
Location: 45 E Main St #205, Newark, DE 19711 (minutes from memorial hall)
2. You turn 21: Grotto’s
Photo by: Caroline Grew
As a bystander of the twenty-fun phenomenon for a few more years, it is evident that taking your “first drink” at Grotto’s on your twenty first birthday is a right of passage that is well worth the wait. The line is inevitable, but make sure you use your time wisely with kinky shots and the rubber duck machine.
What to Order: Any and all alcohol, with a pizza to soak it all up.
Location: 45 E Main St #100, Newark, DE 19711 (Can’t miss it, right next to those lucky kids in Sharp Hall)
3. You’re craving a slice: Margherita’s
Photo Courtesy of @mrsnewark2016 on Instagram
Pizza is a very personal subject. The one place that meets both my Chicago Deep Dish and Jersey Shore Boardwalk pizza standards is Margherita’s. It’s a small place and pretty far down main street, but sometimes Domino’s is just not the right call when you could get that just about anywhere.
What to Order: Something about a simple cheese pizza is special in our trend-based food world, so keep with the classics and skip the toppings.
Location: 134 E Main St Newark DE, 19711 (10 minute walk from Smith)
4. You’re Hung over: Newark Deli and Bagel
Photo by Caroline Grew
If there is one lesson I learned this past year, it is order ahead of time for NDB. It decreases both the time it takes to get the food and the amount of human interaction. Carbs and grease won’t exactly cure a hangover, but they well do a hell of job trying.
What to Order: Mix it up with different bagels each time you go, but the real beauty is the rainbow bagel. Top it with the basics like cream cheese or bacon, egg, and cheese.
Location: 36 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711 (The building that could be a lot bigger of the gym wasn’t in the way)
5. You want to check out live music: Home Grown Cafe
By Alison Sprong
Live music is not something you come across often, but Home Grown does it in style with a vegetarian-friendly, delicious menu to top it all off. Good food is always available, but live music is found every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights.
What to Order: Dip anything and everything in their crab dip.
Location: 126 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711 (6 minute walk from Trabant)
6. Your parents are visiting and they’re footing the bill: Taverna
Photo Courtesy of @tavernamainstreet on Instagram
Whether your parents just show up for parents weekend or are that one dad at a dage, it’s easy to take advantage while they’re around when it comes to food. You can’t always make them a home cooked meal, and you probably do not even want to, so the next best thing is a family dinner at Taverna.
What to Order: Remind your parents that you’re still a kid with a plate of spaghetti and meatballs.
Location: 121 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711 (Walk right past Caesar Rodney for a quick 11 minute walk)
7. You’re craving Mexican: El Diablo
Photo courtesy of @crazel6 on Instagram
There may be more Mexican restaurants on Main Street than there are people at the second home football game of the year, but that just means more options. I’ve personally gone back and forth in the El Diablo versus Chipotle debate that everyone becomes familiar with, but the one thing that sold me is the more expansive menu that El Diablo offers.
What to Order: A burrito bowl with guac, corn, jalapeño, pepper jack cheese, and anything else you had always dreamed of putting into your burrito bowl but couldn’t.
Location: 127 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711 (Right across from Chipotle)
8. You’re cramming for exams and the library is full: Central Perk
Photo courtesy of @jfdarky on Instagram
It was not until spring semester that I even stepped foot in Central Perk and that was my first mistake. The second was ever wasting my time in the library when Central Perk offers a cozier atmosphere and better food than crowded club morris.
What to Order: The All in One sandwich will fuel your brain without putting you into a food coma
Location: 42 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711 (less than a 15 minute walk from Morris)
9. You’re craving something sweet: Grain
The entire Grain dessert menu has been tested and approved by yours truly and you cannot go wrong with a single bite. You’ve got the classics with a few of Chef Bill‘s personal creations. Ant sweet or savory craving can be curbed at Grain.
What to Order: The Challenge Cake is any chocolate or cake lovers dream. Any description of the size of it is an understatement, you’ll just have to go see it for yourself.
Location: 270 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711 (Minutes from McDonald’s. Drop the Mcflurry.)
10. You’re trying to be healthy: Honeygrow
Photo Courtesy of @SpoonUD on Instagram
This may be debatable with the variety in the menu, but the protein and veggies are exactly what you need to get you through a workout. I’m personally not a salad person, as I can imagine a lot of people are not either, so Honeygrow offers fresh meals that aren’t full of fat or grease.
What to Order: Whatever combination you can think of. That’s the beauty of Honeygrow and the way that you can combine as many cravings as you can fit into the bowls.
Location: 58 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711 (A block down the street from the new crosswalk)
11. You’re trying to watch the game: Stone Balloon
Photo Courtesy of @kogdenn on Instagram
Being somewhat of an underdog of sports bars helps Stone Balloon keep people happy by playing whatever game you request. My dad would not have been able to watch his beloved Nebraska Huskers football game at any other crowded place during parents weekend. The food was great and the atmosphere was even better.
What to Order: Nothing says American sports like a side of a classic hamburger and a cold beer.
Location: 115 E Main St, Newark, DE 19711 (20 minute walk for you north campus kids)
12. You’re “doing it for the Insta”: The Perfect Blend
Photo by Erin Grady
UD is easily one of the most Instagram-able campuses around. That may be a completely biased statement, but the facts are there when you look at the waffles and coffee offered by The Perfect Blend. Get a full table view or take to boomerang for a syrup shot.
What to Order: Owner Jeanne Kress suggests a warm waffle, vanilla ice cream, chocolate sauce, strawberries, and whipped cream. That’s hard to beat, but you can even pair it with nitro coffee.
Location: 249 East Main Street Newark, DE (20 minute walk from the instal-worthy fountain on the south green)