If you’re anything like me, you probably are always hungry late at night whether it’s after a night out with friends or you’re just getting off work from your second job. Whether you’re looking for the perfect midnight snack or your first meal of the day, I have you covered.
1) AJ’s Burgers & Beef
Oh my goodness, this place is heaven. Originating from the Chicago suburbs, AJ’s brings classic Chicago cuisine to campus life. AJ’s is definitely known for their burgers and beef but, I personally think the best thing on their menu is their funnel cake fries. Especially on the really cold days, I order some of those and I am instantly reminded of summertime and county fairs. However, when it’s my first meal of the day I will be craving the best burger on their menu, the Buffalo Bleu Burger. It’s a 1/3 lb burger with bacon, bleu cheese crumbles, and homemade buffalo sauce. My mouth is watering just thinking about it. Seriously, y’all need to try one of these.
2) Rice Cafe
When I am not in the mood for burgers or pizza, I’m usually craving Chinese food and after a long night at work, I’m usually in the mood to just hang out somewhere and people watch. Rice cafe is the perfect spot to just hang out, eat good food, and watch people walk back from the bars. I usually stick to sesame chicken and crab rangoon but every time I visit this place I always have the best time. The staff is always so nice and will chat you up about your evening. And it’s always squeaky clean.
3) Insomnia Cookies
Sometimes, the day just sucks more than usual and I just need a sweet snack to make my day feel a little better. I love insomnia because one, I love cookies, and two, because the minute you walk in, the aroma lets you know that everything is going to be OK. Not only can you order your favorite cookies, you can buy milk to go along the side. So pick up an order of cookies and milk, and then a movie from RedBox or on Netflix and you have yourself a perfect end to a night after a long day of work or class.
4) Hot Box Pizza
If you’re anything like me, then you probably have an obsession with pizza too. I just love pizza so much that if I could afford it, I would have it for every meal of every day for the rest of my life. The best part about this town too, is that there are so many place to be able to eat pizza. Hot Box is one of my favorites just because not only are their famous pies some of the best I’ve ever ate, their signature Stix are killer, and are what really set them apart from other pizza places.
5) Jimmy Johns
You can't beat the speed. From counter to doorstep in under five minutes? What's not to like? Though I am not a big fan of sandwiches, I really do love the option that you can make your sandwich and un-wich, which just means that instead bread you get a lettuce wrap. And because I’m a weird person when it comes to food, I usually order the J.J.B.L.T. un-wich style. Though it’s a BLT, I usually just ask them to hold the lettuce, because I don’t want there to be too much lettuce and I usually have them go easy on the mayo and add a little bit of avocado spread. So good, and I don’t feel guilty afterwards.
6) Von's Dough Shack
If I am tired of pizza, which is rare, I still want the same feeling pizza gives me I will call up Von's and order myself a calzone. I may not eat this as much as I would with other places, but when I have it I really do appreciate every bite. Though my personal favorite, especially during the winter, is the OMFG S'Mores. It's everything you need in one meal, even if desserts aren't technically meals.
7) Mad Mushroom Pizza
Two words: cheesy bread. If you haven't had it, pick up your phone and order some now. It will change your life and if it doesn't, I would call your doctor and make sure schedule a check-up because something isn't right. And don't forget to get extra ranch, because you're going to need it. But in all honesty, I think I went to at least four callout meetings for clubs I had no intention of joining after I heard they were going to have cheesy bread. It's a serious obsession but I know I'm not the only one.
