Ah, dining halls. As college students, we sort of view them as we do naps; nobody wants to admit it, but we wouldn’t survive without them. In fact, we come to appreciate (or at least, take for granted) the reassuring constancy they offer.

Well, this summer, the wind of freedom blew lots of my money away as I spent five weeks in Menlo Park and on campus without a meal plan! I really should learn to cook, but in the meantime...

I present my opinions on the best dining options University Avenue has, as well as what dishes I’d specifically recommend and how to appease your broke-college-student budget.

1. Oren’s Hummus:

Definitely one of my favorites! Featuring Mediterranean food, Oren’s is reasonably priced considering the large portions. I ordered the Chicken Pita Sandwich and it was delicious and filling. Though sides can get expensive ($4.50 for one side), if you’re with a group I’d recommend splitting a small hummus platter. As a general warning, Oren’s is fairly small and can get very crowded, so keep that in mind if you’re going on a weekend or around dinnertime any night.

2. Pluto’s & Sprout Café:

Both are create-your-own-salad places, but also offer sandwiches and the like. Before this summer, I had been to Sprout Café more often simply because of its proximity to campus. However, I give Pluto’s the nod for better salads as they seem to deliver more on that toppings-to-lettuce ratio. Nonetheless, both of these restaurants are relatively inexpensive ways to pick up a healthy meal on the go! (And at both restaurants, a “side/half” portion is plenty big enough!)

3. Sweetgreen:

For me, Sweetgreen set itself apart from both Pluto's and Sprout Café. Though I spent a little more here than at either of the other two salad places, Sweetgreen's staff was exceptionally friendly and the seasonal peach and goat cheese salad blew my mind - such an unexpected yet incredible combination.

4. Crêpevine:

Unfortunately, I have not yet tried the heavenly-looking crêpes here! I was not super hungry the day I visited Crêpevine, so I ordered a side of black bean chili - which was less than 5 dollars, very good, and generously portioned! To top it off, the food came fairly fast. I will definitely be going back to try the Stanford crêpe.

5. Lyfe Kitchen:

I was very impressed by Lyfe Kitchen and its variety of healthy options. I was skeptical about trying their ginger mint chia water, but it exceeded my expectations! I also loved the Quinoa Crunch Bowl. Lyfe's service was quick but I felt as though I'd eaten a substantial, fulfilling meal once I left.

6. Sliderbar:

A tasty burger-and-fries joint. However, I was pleasantly surprised to see it also serves healthier options like the Hollywood Bowl. I’d recommend that, as well as the Bravcado sliders! Their combo deal is a decent price, too - two sliders and sweet potato fries more than filled me up.

And these last two, which are pricier, but worth it on occasion!

7. Burma Ruby:

I can't praise Burma Ruby highly enough for its fantastic food and sophisticated atmosphere. The lettuce wrap appetizer (with tofu or chicken) is great to split with a group and for your entrée, the pumpkin chicken stew is a personal favorite (and in season too!)

8. Local Union 271:

Though definitely on the pricey side, Local Union's food is amazing and I'm a big fan of its trendy, upscale-garage vibe. At Local Union 271, the chicken tacos were amazing, and for dessert, the warm chocolate chip cookie with ice cream! As an extra bonus, Local Union is a farm-to-table restaurant, so you can feel good knowing that your dinner supports the surrounding community.

With all this said, here’s to the beginning of fall quarter at Stanford; check these places out if you’re looking for a little break from your work as well as your dining hall!