Cafeteria food getting you down? Tired of eating the just slightly-too-crunchy fries, and making your own pasta when there isn't anything else worth eating in the cafe? Then why not go out and eat in town with some friends! With numerous yummy cuisine options just a hop, skip, and jump away from campus, it's impossible to go hungry when you venture into the South Orange Village. So, assemble your squad, plan a dinner date with your roommate, or just grab your significant other and head out into the Village and try out some of these restaurants in South Orange that SHU students absolutely love!
1. Village Trattoria
The Village Trattoria, aka "The Tratt", has some of the best pizza in SO. It definitely beats out Domino's any day of the week, and is worth the wait on the weekends! They serve pizza, pasta, and subs among other things. My favorite pizza is the "Drunken Grandma," which is a typical pie topped with penne in vodka sauce and ooey-gooey fresh mozzerella! (Actually, I'm pretty sure my happy place is filled with pizza places that only serve the "Drunken Grandma"). Their prices are pretty affordable for a college student, with an individual pizza costing around $9, and a plate of pasta (which comes with a house salad and homemade bread) coming in at around $13 to $19 depending on what you get!
2. Pandang
SHU-shi loving students love Pandang and the traditional Asian cuisine that they serve! It's a great place to take your significant other out to eat because the atmosphere there is both welcoming and cozy. While they don't deliver, you can certainly order food to take back to your dorm for a cheap dinner-for-two or a Girl's Night Out!
3. The Village Diner
The Village Diner, which is located under the train station, has a wide selection of food to choose from. Typical SHU student faves come from their salad menu, where any plate can be topped with grilled salmon, chicken, shrimp, or sliced steak. They also have a variety of both hot and cold sandwiches, plus some spot-hitting pasta dishes!
4. Stony's
Stony's is one of the restaurants in South Orange that SHU students never stop talking about. Not only do they serve have enjoyable food that you would expect to find at a diner for a great price, but also a few fun surprises (like tacos!). Stony's main attraction is it's student discounts on Wednesdays. It's a great place to hang with friends, and maybe eat outside when the weather is warm.
#SpoonTip: A Pirate-approved must-try? A classic Stony's milkshake!
5. Grid Iron Waffle Shop
The Grid Iron Waffle Shop is one of the best breakfast places in South Orange! They open at 8 am and close by 4 pm during the weekday, but waking up early to eat there is absolutely worth it. They have savory and sweet waffle options to choose from, which also includes stuffed waffles, which are highly recommended. They also serve typical breakfast foods like french toast, pancakes, crepes, and eggs. As well as lunch items like sandwiches, soups, and salads. It's the perfect place to grab breakfast with the family, and to have decent food that's free.
There are so many options in town that are way better than eating the cafe food any day. So grab some friends or go out and explore the restaurants in town by yourself. Just have a blast enjoying the places SHU students have fallen in love with in South Orange!