I have to give Temple some credit here - students really do have a lot of different places to choose from when they get hungry. Even if you are limited to meal swipes, you can still choose from a variety of food spots. But for some reason, I always see people carrying around food from the same places. We're all guilty of getting stuck in the same food routine, especially when you're in college. Here's my list of the most overrated places to eat at Temple, and a few suggestions of where to try instead.
1. Chick-fil-A.
Don't get me wrong, I love a good milkshake and some waffle fries. But I can never understand why the line is always a mile long! And the limitations you can get with a meal swipe get old fast. Instead, try the Chicken Heaven food truck on Montgomery Ave. right by the Student Center. They have tons of great choices and you get to support a local vendor while you eat!
2. Honeygrow.
Honeygrow is wayyyy too expensive if you ask me, and I never feel like fighting the wind tunnel at Morgan to get some. Crisp Kitchen is a great alternative when you're feeling stir fry or a salad. Plus, they have frozen yogurt for when your sweet tooth is acting up.
3. Saxby's.
Unless you're a coffee connoisseur, there is no reason to spend 10 dollars on your daily pick me up. Plus, there is never any room to move inside the one on Liacouras Walk. Instead, I honestly recommend 7-11 coffee - it's cheap, you can make it however you'd like, and you won't go broke from your coffee addiction (at least not as fast). Plus, if you get the 7-11 membership card, your 7th cup of coffee will be free!
4. Tony Luke's.
When I lived in Morgan, I ate at Tony Lukes more times than I care to admit. Although they have some pretty good french fries, their cheesesteaks are nothing to write home about. And every time I went, the wait to get my food was super long. Next time you're craving a Philly cheesesteak, try getting one from Lee's Hoagie House on Cecil B. Moore.
5. Maxi's.
There, I said it. Maxi's Pizza isn't that great. Of all the pizza places I could visit at 2 am, Maxi's food only really stands out when it comes to convenience of location. Now if you're talking about Maxi's Bar, thats a whole other story. Next time you are in desperate need of greasy food, check out Diamond Pizza on the corner of Diamond and 17th. Their pizza is pretty good, the food is cheap, and they have amazing chicken fingers!
6. Chipotle
Chipotle is overrated in general, not just at Temple. While their food is pretty good (especially the guac), it's still super expensive. You can get some great (and affordable) Mexican food from the Mexican Grill Stand food truck on N 13th street right near Ritter Hall.
7. Richie's.
I love Richie with all my heart but there is always such a crowd outside and I don't understand why. While I wouldn't trade Richie's friendly face for the world, sometimes I just don't feel like fighting the masses of customers. On those days, I will usually go to Saige Cafe, which has great coffee, tea, and food!
