Eating on a budget

Hungry students often look for food that is easily accessible as well as a bargain. Here’s where to go to get the biggest bang for your buck, either on campus or within walking distance.

Superdog
1438 SW Park Ave.

$3 lunch

This place was seen in Rachael Ray’s Tasty Travels on the Food Network. There is a fully loaded condiment bar with a Crock-Pot keeping the sauerkraut hot.

A few hot dogs are available for under $3 including a Zweigle’s white hot, direct from Rochester, made from pork and veal.

“We even have courtesy ice water in a ‘to go’ cup,” said Ellen Green, owner.

Park Avenue Café
1535 SW Park Ave.

Under $5 breakfast

• Chocolate croissant
• 16-ounce coffee

Under $5 lunch

• Hummus bagel with tomato, onion and cucumber

Splurge on breakfast with a huge seashell-like croissant drizzled with chocolate and a 16-ounce coffee. The atmosphere is great for a quiet conversation with friends or just to contemplate the day’s tasks.

Safeway
1030 SW Jefferson St.

$2–$3 lunch

• Sandwich roll for 59 cents with a couple of slices of meat and/or cheese from the deli

It is a bit of a walk, but Safeway offers many choices and frequent sales. Bulk gourmet muffins, donuts and bagels range from 59–79 cents each.

“For the same amount we would have spent in the cafeteria, my friend and I got apples, yogurt, a pomegranate, vitamin water and orange juice,” said Natali Pardo, 18, business administration major. 

Zoca
Viking Court, SMSU

$5 lunch or dinner

The Loco $5 Value is just plain a lot of food for the money. Two tacos (choice of chicken, beef or pork, plus condiments, no extra charge for guacamole) and a side—a big boat of chips and several kinds of homemade salsa or beans and rice and a 22-ounce fountain drink.

“The Loco $5 Value is kind of an ongoing promotion from last term due to the economic downturn,” said Mark Lange, Zoca chef.

Grille Works
Viking Court, SMSU

$3 lunch

• Pork sliders

Pork sliders are three mini-burger buns with pork and french fries that are very filling. The Grille Works has $2, $3, $4 and $5 selections, and are recommended as a great value for the price point by John Proul, Viking Court location manager.

Starbucks
1717 SW Park Ave.

Under $6 lunch

• Chicken tarragon sandwich and free ice water

The chicken tarragon sandwich is the bomb. Check out fruit and cheese plates and the dark chocolate bar with caramel.

Plaid Pantry
950 SW Mill St.

$2 lunch

• Microwaveable chicken potpie, can of soda, Cella’s chocolate covered cherries

Yes, you still have to microwave the potpie if you buy this meal, but you are getting an entrée, drink and dessert for $2. Speaking of dessert, nearly the whole store is dedicated to goodies and many are on sale.

“Never will you walk down the candy aisle and not see some kind of candy on sale,” said Christopher Davis, store manager.

Microwaves
SMSU, next to the Viking Game Room office

One way to save money and have a readily accessible lunch is to bring it with you. Students may have a short wait, but the area clears pretty quickly since there are four microwaves and no one seems to stick around to eat there.

“It saves money and I can keep track of the nutritional value better,” said Erika Eggers, 27, postbaccalaureate student.

7–Eleven
1533 SW Broadway

$2 lunch

• Taquito with an AriZona Mango Half & Half

$3 lunch

• Two slices of pizza and a Big Gulp

Specials come and go, but there always is something on sale at 7-Eleven. Currently, taquitos are 99 cents apiece and so is AriZona Tea.

Subway
SMSU lobby

$3 lunch

Every day a different 6-inch sandwich is on special, ranging from turkey and Black Forest ham to spicy Italian. For an additional $2, a fountain drink and your choice of chips, apple, cookies or yogurt is served.

“Most students know if they go with a $5 footlong, it is like paying you to eat here,” said Patrick McGinnis, Subway server.

A large array of condiments awaits your selection, and flatbread is available in addition to several other bread options.

McDonald’s
1850 SW Sixth Ave.

$2 lunch

• McChicken and a parfait

The Golden Arches serve speedy meals on the cheap if you choose from the value menu.