As temperatures drop, the days get shorter, and finals approach the longing for comfort food classics like grilled cheese and PB&J is real as ever. You don’t even have to venture far off campus to find your childhood favorites with a gourmet twist. Nothing beats your mom making it just the way you like it, but these places can pose some serious competition.
1. Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Photo courtesy of capmacdc.com
The best mac ‘n’ cheese in Foggy Bottom is from the CapMac food truck. As a kid (honestly and still even now) I always loved mac ‘n’ cheese. It was my go-to snack because it was quick and easy to make. While CapMac does have some interesting types of mac ‘n’ cheese that vary from the norm (like Chicken Parm) you can never go wrong with the Classic CapMac ‘n’ Cheese.
2. Chicken Fingers
Photo by Brian Cleary
I don’t care what anyone says, chicken fingers are not just for kids. Chix-N-Stix food truck has some of the best chicken fingers on campus. I’m still a big fan of chicken fingers and you can catch me ordering these off the kids menu fairly often, no matter where I’m eating. Chix-N-Stix offer a great selection of wings and hotdogs too, but the chicken fingers are my personal favorite.
3. PB&J
Photo courtesy of bubandpops.com
A classic PB&J is always a great choice… but fried PB&J is even better. Bub and Pop’s puts a whole new spin on a classic favorite. Eating this PB&J sandwich makes your middle school lunch one seem pathetic. If you order this sandwich, do not overlook the dipping sauce. It’s the best part!
4. Grilled Cheese
Photo courtesy of facebook.com/meltshop
Grilled Cheese is, and always will be, a staple in my life. My favorite grilled cheese is from the Melt Shop. They have many different options and every type of cheese sandwich you could want. My go-to order is the Maple Bacon, which is just cheddar cheese and bacon on white bread. The Melt Shop also has delicious tomato soup – which everyone knows is an essential component to any good grilled cheese sandwich.
5. Hot Dogs
Photo by Justin Schuble
Hot dogs from Swizzler definitely aren’t the Hebrew Nationals you grew up eating. Made from all grass-fed beef, and served with inventive toppings such as house-made pesto, fresh mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and balsamic glaze, Swizzler will change your idea of what a hot dog can be. My favorite part is that the dogs are served on a pretzel bun.