Finals week is officially upon us, Gauchos. Universities across the country have been out for weeks, but not us. As the school year is finally coming to a close, we're spending more and more hours in Davidson which means that the struggle to make our own meals is simply becoming too much to bear. Lucky for us, Isla Vista is full of fun places to get great food.
Here are some food tips to help guide your week, so you can fuel your brains and focus on studying.
1. Silvergreens Breakfast Burrito
The fact that Silvergreens serves burritos is a hidden gem in IV. Better yet, they have four different types of breakfast burritos, all wrapped in whole wheat tortillas and served with homemade salsa and fresh fruit. You can even ditch the tortilla (pictured below) if you're trying to go for something healthier, but still delicious.
2. Super Cucas Breakfast Burrito
A bit different than the Silvergreens burritos, this one is not for the faint of heart. It's heavier and bigger than the Silvergreens' ones and is likely to onset a food coma. The good news is that they're served all day, so you can have one for dinner when you're trying to unwind from your all-day study session.
Pictured above is the Vegan Burrito.
3. Freebirds Nachos
Note that these can be consumed sober and make for a fun meal in the middle of a stressful finals week.
Pro-tip: Ask for extra melted cheese. Trust me on this.
Also, if you're craving Freebirds, but don't want to go all-out with the massive nachos, then their bowls are always a great (and much smaller) alternative.
4. Hana Kitchen
My personal favorite is their Vegan Mini Bowl. I feel like it's more than enough food despite it's name, but do not -- I repeat, do not -- skimp on their yummy toppings on the side. Spicy mayo, teriyaki sauce, and pickled jalapeños and cucumbers are all a must, anything else is up to your own discretion.
Pictured above is the Mini Chicken Teriyaki Bowl.
5. Bagel Cafe
Perfect to grab if you're leaving IV early in the morning on your way towards a full day of studying in the library. If you're like me and had never heard of lemon pepper until stepping foot upon our campus, then I highly recommend adding it to your bagel -- major game changer.
PSA: They close early on most days, so double check before you go if you're craving an afternoon bagel because it's simply heartbreaking to arrive there to find it closed and being left bagel-less.
6. South Coast Deli
An all-time classic is the Tuna Salad Sandwich (or "Sammy" as they are called at South Coast Deli). Add on your fave veggies and you're good to go! Whether you stay there, take it home or are the smelly kid at the library, you can't go wrong with this choice. Their tuna salad is also bomb to top off their Greek Salad if you're more into that.
7. Subway Chopped Salad
Speaking of tuna salad...
IV has a lot of great food, but what it lacks is a killer salad bar. Little do many know, Subway makes some damn good chopped salads. I know, it seems a little sacrilegious to not get a sandwich from Subway, but maybe you'll think differently once you actually try it. Just think, your parents can be happy to hear you're eating your vegetables, and you'll be happy that you didn't have to make it yourself.
8. Blaze
Walk in starving, walk out with your own personalized pizza. Blaze is fun, fast, delicious and cheap. All in all, it's perfect for (well...it's always perfect because pizza is definitely bae), but it's especially great for finals week.
Don't forget about the toppings, like pesto and arugala, that they have at the way end after your pizza has baked.
9. Buddha Bowls
Yes, their bread bowls are otherworldly and allow for a range of dietary wants -- whether you're feeling their Pizza Bowl, going ham with a Mac Daddy or using it to hold your soup -- but Buddha Bowls are more than just bread bowls. Their snapwiches (made with the cut-off tops of the bread bowls) and Munchies (their small plates menu) always hit the spot too.
10. Cinnabread from Woodstocks
I had to finish on a sweet note.
Looks like a pizza, tastes like a cinnamon roll. What else could you possibly want from life?
See, a college student's diet can consist of more than just ramen noodles.
Good luck on finals and happy eating!
