Welcome to UNCW, where the sun is shining, the beach is nearby, and the dining options are plentiful. Sometimes the hardest part of the day is choosing what you want to eat, but don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here is your on-campus guide on what to eat and where at UNCW.
1. Best Bagel
This was the easiest one by far. Take this as a warmup. Found at UNCW in the Fisher Student Center, it is obviously Einstein’s bacon, egg, and cheese on an everything bagel. Or the blueberry bagel with cream cheese. Basically any bagel from Einstein’s and you are good to go.
2. Best Coffee
A Wilmington exclusive, Port City Java (known on campus as “PCJ”), is your number-one destination for the most Instagrammable coffee, hands down. Pictured above is a 24-ounce iced Caramello Leche…which is basically their version of a caramel macchiato. With everything from your standard iced coffee to fancier creations like a Like the Milky Way, which tastes just like a Milky Way chocolate bar, PCJ is sure to satisfy your need for caffeine in style.
3. Best Bang for Your Buck
Dubs. For just one Teal Meal you get access to the most “gourmet” food on campus. You can go for choosing one of the pre-designed plates, get a sandwich, or even make your own plate. Oh, and don’t forget their soup and salad bar. For those of you with insatiable appetites, feel free to grab seconds (or thirds) and grab a to-go box for a meal later on in your day. Tired? Grab a coffee to go on your way out. Dubs has anything and everything you need to get a day’s worth of calories in one sitting.
#SpoonTip: Use their to-go cups to pack yourself some fruit to snack on later.
4. Best Food Truck
Even though you can only get it one day a week (that’s Tuesdays, from 11 to 2), PT’s Old Fashioned Grille is the best food truck to ever roll onto UNCW’s campus. The truck offers the same menu as the storefronts, boasting everything from chicken tenders to black bean burgers. PT’s Grille holds the number one spot on the list of best fries in Wilmington! Grab something from here to make Tuesdays a little more bearable.
5. Best Dessert
If you have a craving for something sweet and frozen after your Chick-Fil-A or Jole Mole, try out the local gelato spot in Hawk’s Nest. They have a variety of flavors beyond your typical cookie dough, like hot chocolate and sea salt caramel. Their flavors are constantly changing with the seasons, so you are sure to find something unique and delectable. It also supports the local economy, so what more could you want?
6. Best Sandwich
The Green Spot BLT will have to take the title for this one. Utilizing local produce like tomatoes and fresh bib lettuce, paired with sugar smacked bacon and a schmear of herb mayo, this is by far the best sandwich you can get on the UNCW campus. The burst of tomato goodness and the fresh, crisp crunch of lettuce complement the juicy bacon perfectly. They also have a vegan PLT version of this sandwich with a portobello mushroom replacing the bacon.
7. Best Munchie Food
Wag hands down takes the cake on this one. Sporting a plethora of choices ranging from a yogurt bar to a pasta bar to an omelette station, Wag has you covered. Need dessert to complement your three course meal? Don’t worry. They have you covered with a to-go ice cream selection complete with sprinkles and chocolate syrup. Take it to the next level by crumbling up some freshly baked cookies from the dessert bar, and you are good to go with snack in hand.
8. Best Attempt to be Healthy
Green Spot. It’s in the name itself. For the most reliably health conscious place to get a meal, head over to Green Spot in Hawks. They have vegan and vegetarian options, whole wheat breads, and are flexible with changes for dietary restrictions. Try asking for your salad in a whole wheat wrap for no extra price. Add a side of fresh fruit or sweet potato fries and you have a meal that won’t make your pants feel all that tight once you’re done.
9. Best Snacks
Everyone knows that the P.O.D. Markets are a convenient choice for that quick snack between classes or on your way to your friend’s dorm, but have you checked out Market Place? Much like the P.O.D.s, Market Place offers all the basics of a convenience store but takes it to a new level. With organic produce, a larger variety of frozen meals, and every day items for when you’re too lazy to drive off campus, Market Place is without a doubt the winner for on campus snacking. Check it out next time you’re in The Landing.
10. Best Hangover Relief
Dunkin’ Donuts. You’ve just woken up after a long night of doing God only knows what, your head is pounding, and you’re in dire need of GREASE. It’s cool, we’ve all been there. Luckily, the people at Dunkin’ are here to help. Their all-day breakfast menu ranges from a hearty bacon, egg, and cheese croissant to a small, but satisfying, egg and cheese Wake-Up Wrap. You can mix and match any of the menu items to fit whatever your heart desires with a side of hash browns and, my personal favorite, a large mocha iced coffee. After all, calories don’t count when you’re hungover right?
While on-campus dining usually has a pretty bad reputation, UNCW got lucky. Armed with the information from this article, go forth and grub, Seahawks!