Ahh, summer. Three and a half long months away from what we call home for eight months of the year, endless days at the pool or by the beach perfecting our tans and sipping cocktails, summer internships, jobs, and responsibilities of being home, and for many of you, you might just be waiting to get into college. GW’s food scene is perfect for students with lots to offer and for those who want more, D.C.’s food scene is extensive and nothing less than exciting.
For the summer, I’m back in my native Malaysia and though I miss the food here a crazy amount when I’m in college, I still do miss GW’s campus and sometimes, its food. There are five particular ‘GW dishes’ that I miss so to those incoming freshman, listen up – this is your low-key guide on what you munch on when on campus.
1. Southblock’s Frozen Yogurt
Photo by Amanda Fung
Located in the Lerner Health and Wellness Center, Southblock is your go-to for after-gym protein shakes, açai bowls, quick sandwiches or a beautiful bowl of froyo. Sure, you might get better froyo back home or around the city but their froyo is right on campus and as creamy as ever. Plus, who can complain about free-flow raw honey and their selection of healthy toppings?
Photo courtesy of @spoon_gw on Instagram
Bonus: If froyo isn’t your thing, then try one of Southblock’s açai bowls instead. They’re just as yummy and are guaranteed to hit all the right spots after your workout.
2. Swizzler’s Leonardo Dog Vinci
Photo by Amanda Fung
If you didn’t know already, Swizzler is a food truck that serves up mean hot dogs with a twist and their signature parmesan fries on the side of their Leonardo Dog Vinci is the ideal meal for a sunny and cool day out on campus between classes. After taking a million pictures of your picture perfect hot dog, you’ll taste the mild buffalo mozzarella and fresh pesto paired oh so well in your mouth with the fresh hot dog.
What’s even more special is that they use a pretzel bun instead of a standard hot dog bun. This entire meal is just one-of-a-kind and I can’t wait to get back in the Swizzler line once the semester starts in the fall.
3. Tonic’s Tots
Photo by Thomas de Lima
Located pretty much in the center of campus, Tonic has been serving up American comfort food for years and is the perfect spot for you to hit up for some good ol’ tater tots. Whether it’s the night of a big NBA game or the night after a final, their tots are sure to keep you full and wanting more.
The tots are usually served with three sauces on the side but if you’re feeling a little bit more adventurous or are craving some Mexican food, their totchos are definitely what you need.
4. GW Deli’s Bagels
Photo by Aaron Kaufman
Yeah, okay, bagels aren’t one singular dish because there are millions of types of bagels you could get in the world but basically every single one of their bagels is sure to satisfy your hunger pangs. My personal favorite is their sausage, egg, and cheese bagel with cheese oozing out the sides of the bagel and their sausage patty sitting contently between the egg and bun.
#SpoonTip: The lines at Deli do get long at peak hour so definitely avoid it during lunch hours and between afternoon classes.
5. District Commons’ Pretzel Bread
Photo by Amanda Fung
Okay, technically this isn’t on campus but District Commons’ Pretzel Bread is to die for. Brunch spots are all around the city serving different kinds of dishes for you to feast on during the weekends and District Commons is one of them – and they’re right at our doorstep. Sure, you could go to other places for better brunch meals but nobody does pretzel bread like District Commons does.