1. Erbert & Gerbert’s
People who like it: those who are pleased that Sub Connection has finally ceased to exist. Erbert & Gerbert’s is the new place to be. From the turkey and avocado Narmer to the PB&J Pudder, what more could you ask for? Quick service and pretty big servings makes this place a perfect choice for lunch.
People who don’t like it: This place is pretty much identical to Sub Connection except now you can’t choose your toppings and your sandwich is swimming in a sea of mayonnaise.
2. IndAroma
People who like it: IndAroma offers an assortment of Indian food that’s extremely flavorful and the perfect option for dinner. As a reasonably priced option for a hot meal, Indaroma lets GMU students indulge their palettes with Indian spices and flavor. Oh, and that naan bread? It's to die for.
People who don’t like it: This food is way too spicy for anyone to handle without a gallon of milk next to them. The chicken tastes like it’s a solid three days old and often I question if I’ll be living tomorrow after the danger I feel from eating it. Did someone call it cheese curd? Is that sanitary? Looks like it’s been left out since 2004.
3. Star Ginger
People who like it: YES. Sayonara, Mein Bowl. Star Ginger is the new star of the show. From tasty pho to orange chicken with rice that reminds me of the kind my neighbor used to cook, this place is delicious. The line might be long but the food is well worth the wait. For Chinese food on campus, this is quite authentic and downright delicious.
People who don’t like it: I believe Mein Bowl just got worse. Star Ginger can do a shooting star out of my way because it’s disgusting. The pho noodles are impeccably flavorless and the containers are so hot that my tongue may have received second degree burns.
4. Red Hot & Blue
People who like it: Want barbecue? Come here. Indulge your senses by taking a mouthwatering bite out of some pulled pork on a sesame seed bun that’s as soft as velvet. Not to mention the macaroni and cheese – way better than my mom's.
People who don’t like it: I believe I have just taken a bite of something made entirely of fat. It may have been moist, but it was definitely not what I was expecting. And the macaroni and cheese might as well be known as cheese soup.
5. Burger King
People who like it: Does it get better than Burger King? The fact that this burger gem is at our disposal makes me want to cry tears of joy. The burgers are juicy and charred to perfection, and those fries are just Heaven on Earth. Vegetarian? No problem. The veggie burger is a web of excitement. The fact that Mason has such a successful food joint located right in the Johnson Center is a miracle.
People who don’t like it: Sorry, I’m not looking to get seriously ill before the age of 22. Haven’t you seen the movie Supersize Me? The fact that this place is smack dab at the center of campus will forever confuse me. Also, I need a gallon of water now because I'm pretty sure I just ate a tub of table salt.
6. Freshens
People who like it: This place sells both pineapple Chobani yogurts and Cliff Bars, and I am forever grateful. Whenever I run out of groceries, I can conveniently get milk, cereal, granola bars, or any other treat right at Freshens. Not to mention their rice bowls – we might not have Chipotle, but Freshens is great.
People who don’t like it: First off, thanks for not taking meal swipes, Freshens. You really know how to help us college kids out. Not to mention, your prices are off the roof and your crepes taste like failures each time I try them. Sure that’s a Nutella crepe? Looks like a strangely crispy over-baked pancake to me.
7. Panera
People who like it: Can we just take a minute to bow down in praise for this gem? Panera never fails me. Want coffee? Check. Sick and want soup? They got you. Craving kid food? The macaroni and cheese is heavenly. And a pastry for only 99 cents? Call me happy. Want a place that accepts those rewards you're always earning for eating on campus? Check. The addition of Panera to GMU truly makes dining here a delight.
People who don’t like it: Thanks for giving me tortellini when I ordered a sandwich. I’m not entirely sure how many times my order has been misinterpreted here, but be aware that what you order is not what you get. Might I add, the last sandwich I got was black on the bottom. Thanks for burning my money. Just thanks.
8. Starbucks
People who like it: Can I live here? From frapps to mochas to lattes to iced teas to pastries and more, Starbucks hits every corner of the market. It’s quick service and coffee quality is just awesome. Creaminess at it’s finest.
People who don’t like it: Thank you, Starbucks, for 1. Giving me unsweetened coffee when I could’ve used the extra sugar I just ordered. 2. Misspelling my name. Horribly. 3. Allowing me to witness Barista arguments when I’m stressed enough. 4. Singlehandedly wiping out my bank account.
9. Jorge's
People who like it: Bless you, GMU, for letting me have something resembling so close to Chipotle within walking distance of my dorm. And my heart. Jorge's lets me choose meat, beans, rice, sour cream, guacamole, and any other side that my hearts desires wrapped in a soft tortilla or put in a huge bowl. For Mexican food, Jorge's is where it's at.
People who don't like it: The chicken here is not only flavorless but it's chewy. Yes, chewy. Curious about the guacamole? Don't risk it. The avocados taste spoiled and they only give you a teaspoon's worth. For safety reasons, I assume.
10. Sodexo Cart
People who like it: did someone say sushi? YES. That Tokyo Fusion I just had brought me to another world. I've missed sushi so much until I found Sodexo, and it's quite a delight to be able to have the freshly wrapped rice goodness that's provided. And the sauces on top? Flavor at it's finest.
People who don't like it: Okay, I may have gotten food poisoning for the seventh time now. Stay away from the salmon rolls, and be warned that anything named Dynamite Fantasy is spicy with hidden crunch. Whether or not that was someone's fingernail or a crispy piece of tuna, I never want to know.
Believe what you want to, but GMU dining and GMU students seem to have quite a love/hate relationship. What do you think? Do you love it or hate it?
