Hey freshmen and transfer students, welcome to UCF! We've got football season, we've got almost no parking anywhere, and best of all, we've got food. Do not let the nonexistent parking deter you from enjoying your experience here. Instead, let the food be one of the main reasons you love this school!
I've been a student at UCF since 2015, and I've gotten myself acquainted with some of the best restaurants this area has to offer. Read on to soak up some knowledge and to help you decide your next hangout spot.
1. Lazy Moon
Lazy Moon Pizza
Down the street from campus, this pizza place has the most giant pizzas and slices on the planet. The slices they serve are so big, they literally give you a knife and fork to eat it. Of course, you can be a champion and eat it with just two hands. But don't ignore this place, because there's really nothing else like it around here.
2. Vespr
YouTube
I've only gone here twice so far, and this place does not disappoint. It has craft coffee and delicious foods to pair with it, and I sincerely recommend the avocado toast (seriously, it has red pepper on it). If you're tired of Starbucks and want to support local businesses, this is one little coffee joint you absolutely need to try during your time at UCF.
3. Sus Hi
Sus Hi Eatstation
Do you love Asian food? Do you love bowls? Of course, you do, that's why you're at Sus Hi! It's actually unreal how much I love this place. You can get a bowl and pick your own rice and proteins, as well as any toppings you'd like to add. Try all the sauces they have - it's an absolute adventure.
4. Gringos Locos
Gringos Locos
Though technically not at UCF yet (it's been saying "Coming soon" for a year now), Gringos Locos and their tacos cannot be beat. Located in downtown Orlando (so it's a bit of a drive), their happy hour runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. every day. Yes, even on Sunday, and this deal entails $2 tacos, $5 burritos, and $2 Mexican beers. If you've never had Taco Tuesday here yet, what are you even doing with your life?
5. Spoleto
Spoleto
You would probably not believe me if I said that I only had Spoleto for the first time last week during the first week of classes. Not only was it delicious as h*ck, but the format of the restaurant is designed almost exactly like Chipotle...but with pasta. After finishing my fettuccine alfredo with onions, I instantly longed for more of the savory taste of this pasta I designed myself. Well, technically the employees did, but still!
6. Bento
Bento
One of my favorite go-tos around UCF, Bento is another great place to satisfy your Asian food cravings. They have sushi, they have classic Asian food if you don't feel like sushi, and they even have katsu noodle soup (my absolute favorite). If you're borderline obsessed with boba like I am, they have it here, too.
7. Insomnia Cookies
Insomnia Cookies
The late-night sweet treats bakery serves all your old and new favorites all day and night! That's right, a bakery that actually closes at 3 a.m., hence the name "Insomnia Cookies." So if you're hungry for some sweet stuff at 1 a.m. after partying it up at Lib, you already know where you need to be.
