If the pilot episode of "Friends" were a person, it would have just turned 21 years old last year -- an appropriate age considering the hoards of college students that binge watch it on Netflix regularly. A cult classic, the TV show’s six main characters are iconic. Ross, Rachel, Chandler, Monica, Joey and Phoebe will always hold a special place in our hearts -- just like our favorite campus eateries. From Dhall to Passport, Richmond’s dining options are varied and fantastic in their own ways just like each friend. If the six friends were to drop by Richmond, where would they eat? Find out below!
1. Joey Tribbiani: Dhall
Of course the infamous eater would head straight to the all-you-can-eat Dhall. Can’t you just picture Joey with two full trays of food wobbling back to a table? I’d take a guess that the Italian would stop by the custom pasta station before making his rounds. Just as lovable and a little slow like Joey, Dhall is where we run when we need to be cheered up. And yes, “How you doin’?” is an appropriate response to the dessert bar.
2. Monica Gellar: The Cellar
Where else would the chef of the group eat but our own on-campus restaurant? Monica runs a tight ship, but I have a feeling The Cellar would impress her with their cheddar bay flatbread crisps. Always there for her friends and offering her apartment as a hangout space, Monica has quite a lot in common with The Cellar, the much-loved, late-night food choice and home to Cellar Wednesdays. Maybe a little yellow frame on a door is just what The Cellar needs.
3. Rachel Green: Passport Café
Fashion lover and girly-girl Rachel would be completely at ease in Passport Café. She could grab a coffee, a yummy sandwich or indulge her worldly tastes in sushi or other international foods. A little more high-end, Passport completely reflects the personality of Rachel, who (spoiler alert!) thankfully got off the plane. We love Passport for its great atmosphere and variety, just as we love how Rachel reminds us that it’s okay to be a little materialistic.
4. Chandler Bing: ETC
Cracking jokes at all times, Chandler is the perfect pick-me-up to some of the show’s more serious moments. Just as quirky and fun as Chandler, ETC is our one-stop convenience shop on campus, where you never know what must-have item you’ll find. From the chick(-en Ramen) to the duck(shaped crackers), ETC is a much-loved and much-needed component to our campus eateries. Plus we can avoid commitment (like Chandler) to one food choice and buy all the things at ETC!
5. Phoebe Buffay: Lou's
The only vegetarian of the group, Phoebe would fit right in at Lou’s with her hippie and nature-loving personality. Serving up the best soups and salads on campus, Phoebe would surely make a beeline for Lou’s in the b-school, although her famously odd fashion choices might not fit in there. Regardless, we love Lou’s warming capabilities on a rough day just as we love Phoebe’s great heart and happy nature. Maybe she could even serenade stressed b-school students with a soulful rendition of “Smelly Cat.”
6. Ross Gellar: Tyler's
Smart-but-awkward Ross is always on the go, from spending time with his son to working at a museum and later as a professor at NYU, or getting divorced again. Tyler’s is the perfect place to grab a quick meal and avoid the clumsy process of finding someone to eat with at Dhall, a problem only Ross would have. Tyler’s knows good food, just as Ross knows bad relationships. Let’s be real: we’re never on a break with Tyler’s.
But wait, what about 8:15, our beloved coffee shop at Boatwright? I think you know who belongs there -- none other than our favorite Central Perk manager Gunther. Perhaps he could bring the orange couch in?
