We all know that eating at the dining hall day in and day out is a bad idea. Your stomach is definitely not going to thank you. You can turn to the Max, but eventually you’re going to run out of board bucks doing that. And when you’re left with just dining hall swipes at the end of the semester, you’re going to regret those days you went to the Max for every meal. Your saving grace, though, is your ECCash. You can use ECCash at the Max or Einsteins or the vending machines if you’re really desperate, or you can use your ECCash to treat yourself.
1. Boloco
Photo courtesy of Church Street Marketplace at Flickr.com
If you’re an Emerson student, most likely you were introduced to Boloco during orientation week. I had an OL that told me that if we ever needed him we’d find him in two places: his dorm or Boloco. If you’re not a fan of burritos, you should probably take a hard pass on this one for meals, but you should still check out their shakes. You can try to recreate the Jimmy Carter Shake but nothing beats the real thing.
2. Earl of Sandwich
Photo courtesy of Prayitno at Flickr.com
This shop is great for when you want a sandwich but you really can’t do another DH sandwich. You can find this place in the middle of Boston Common, so be advised that it’s closed during the winter. But when spring comes around, it’s a great place to grab lunch before laying out to soak in the sun.
3. Crazy Dough’s Pizza
Photo courtesy of steppystar at Flickr.com
Sick of pizza from the Max? I don’t blame you. Crazy Dough’s is a great alternative. There’s tons of variety so you know that you are going to get something a lot more exciting than just a plain pizza. It’s located just over in City Place, so when you and your friends want to split a pie, you barely need to leave Emerson to get one.
4. D’Angelo
Photo courtesy of Mike Mozart at Flickr.com
D’Angelo is where you can get a hot, filling sandwich or a nice, juicy burger. You could probably get these things at the Max, but D’Angelo is where you can get real versions of this food. It’s only a few steps over in City Place, but if you’re feeling particularly lazy, you can order online.
5. Iron Wok
Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com
While it’s definitely not the best Chinese food around, if you want Chinese food between classes (or in the middle of your four hour class), Iron Wok is your best bet. Make all your classmates jealous when you run over to City Place during your break and show back up to class with some delicious Orange Chicken.
6. Osaka Express
Photo courtesy of tripadvisor.com
As a sushi fan, I’d be the first to admit that Osaka Express is not the best sushi in the vicinity, but it is quick and it is cheap. Also located in City Place, it’s something fast to get in between classes and when you’re too lazy to venture out to get Finn’s (or because your parents just put in ECCash and Finn’s unfortunately doesn’t accept that.)
7. CVS
Photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org
In desperate need of some essential groceries? The CVS on Washington Street actually accepts ECCash. It seriously comes in handy when everything in the area is closed down at midnight and you have some serious cravings.
8. Piperi Mediterranean Grill
Photo courtesy of piperi.com
Sick of greasy, fried food? Sick of frozen garbage? Piperi is for someone who is seriously hating the rather gross diet of a college student. The food at Piperi is always fresh and healthy. If you are going to spend ECCash, this restaurant is a really good bet if you want something you’re not going to find on the Emerson campus. It’s also a really great bet for vegetarians.
9. Lambert’s Marketplace
Photo courtesy of yelp.com
If you want a sandwich, but not a DH sandwich (again), Lambert’s may be the place you are looking for. Lambert’s is not frilly, but it’s a great deli. There’s plenty of hot and cold sandwiches, pastries, and soups to try here. Plus, if you are feeling especially lazy, online ordering will be available in time for the fall semester in 2016.
10. Sal’s Pizza
Photo courtesy of Mark H. Anbinder at Flickr.com
Honestly, if you’re an Emersonian, you know about Sal’s. It’s probably the closest thing to New York pizza you’re going to find around here. Your OL may have even taken you during orientation week. It’s also a great value so it’s the perfect place to spend a little ECCash.
11. Subway
Photo courtesy of geograph.org.uk
It’s pretty cheap and it’s another place to get a sandwich that’s not another DH sandwich. It’s also a really short walk so if you want something off campus that’s barely off campus, Subway may be a place to stop by to get a quick lunch.
12. Domino’s Pizza
Photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org
Can’t stomach any more DH or Max pizza? I can’t say I blame you. Although it’s clearly not the best pizza on this list, Domino’s is best if you’re looking to get something to split with some friends or need a couple pies for a party.
13. Potbelly Sandwich Shop
Photo courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org
Potbelly is a cute and cozy sandwich shop. It’s a great lunch out with some friends. Although it’s not particularly fancy, the ingredients are fresh and it’s also a good place for a soup and salad. It also has live music and showcases local musicians. In fact, you probably know some Emersonians that perform there.
14. Frozenyo
Photo courtesy of m01229 at Flickr.com
Wow, I wish I’d known about this shop last year. Who doesn’t love some good frozen yogurt? Well, even if you don’t, there’s sorbet, custard, gelato, and soft serve. Oh and chocolate covered strawberries. And coffee. Seriously, especially as the weather is getting warmer, you need to go to Frozenyo.
15. Shawarma Falafel
Photo courtesy of cyclonebill at Flickr.com
If it’s good enough for Ironman, it’s good enough for you. Shawarma’s a delicious break from everyday chicken fingers and curly fries you get from the Max. It’s only a quick walk over to Downtown Crossing.
16. Rite Aid
Photo courtesy of Mike Mozart at Flickr.com
CVS not your thing? No worries. You can still pick up your necessities at Rite Aid. Also, for the Emersonians living off campus at Beacon Hill, it’s closer than having to make the trek over to CVS.
17. Griddler’s
Photo courtesy of Griddler’s Burgers and Dogs on Facebook
Although you could get a burger at the Max, you can’t really do much with it. If you want a different kind of burger, try Griddler’s. It’s perfect for off campus students living in Beacon Hill, since it’s over on Cambridge Street, and on campus students, since it’s right next to Piano Row. Plus, chocolate-covered bacon!
18. Panera Bread
Photo courtesy of wikipedia.org
For on campus students, Panera is nice treat every now and again. It’s a right around the corner on Stuart Street. Sometimes you need comforting foods and what’s more comforting than Panera’s Mac and Cheese with bread that came just out of the oven?
19. Papa John’s
Photo courtesy of Taber Andrew Bain at Flickr.com
Again, not the best pizza on this list, but it’s good for the same reason Domino’s is good. It’s party pizza or pizza that’s cheap enough to share at a study session.
20. New York Pizza
Photo courtesy of Hungry Dudes at Flickr.com
Want a giant slice of pizza that tastes pretty good? NYP’s a good bet. Be careful though. Make NYP a treat for lunch, not dinner since they can get a little expensive at night. Since, the splurge might be worth it if you’re craving a slice and you barely want to leave the dorm.