Sick of eating at Eli’s when family visits you at school? Don’t get me wrong, their food is very good; but it can be tiring to eat there frequently (it also gets very busy with Quinnipiac students – especially during Parents’ Weekend). That being said, trying new places is definitely a good idea. My family and I love these restaurants to hang out and catch up at:
1) Hamden Townhouse Diner
If you love diner food, eat at Hamden Townhouse. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner (breakfast all day!) and I honestly have never had a bad meal there. My favorites? Pancakes for breakfast and a Chicken Salad club for lunch/dinner. The prices are very reasonable and the waitresses are so polite and friendly. The menu has a wide variety of options; you basically can get anything you want there. It’s also an added bonus if you’re staying at the Clarion in Hamden; the diner is right in front of the hotel. I highly recommend taking your family here.
2) Ixtapa Grille (Hamden)
Such good food at this place. Serving Mexican lunch and dinner, this is a popular spot for Quinnipiac students and their families. I usually order a Chicken quesadilla (boring I know) and sometimes we’ll order guacamole as an appetizer, which is delicious. I’ve also ordered enchiladas in the past. Ixtapa really does give you a bang for your buck. Check out Ixtapa the next time you’re looking for a night – or afternoon – of yummy Mexican cuisine.
3) Glenwood Drive In (Hamden)
Don’t go here if you’re on a diet, collegiettes! Known for their “high quality fast food”, they’re famous for scrumptious hot dogs, burgers, lobster rolls, and onion rings. My usual order? A cheeseburger and coleslaw. The coleslaw comes in a mound and is just so good. If you’re looking to satisfy a guilty pleasure of quality fast food (yes, there is such a thing!), go here for sure.
4) Kumo (Hamden)
Ah, Hibachi. I’d never had Hibachi before this past fall. My suitemates and I went here for one of our birthdays and I fell in love. You get a lot of food for a decent price – not to mention it’s fun to see your food cooked right before your eyes. I usually order chicken or steak which comes with hefty servings of your choice of either fried rice or noodles along with cooked veggies. I definitely recommend going to Kumo when you get the chance!
5) Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana “Pepe’s” (New Haven)
This place certainly knows how to make a tasty pizza. I went here with my aunt and cousin back in the spring and we were beyond satisfied. Even though the menu only consists of pizzas and salads, the pizza is hands down one of the best I’ve ever tasted. Toppings range from classic pepperoni (my favorite: again, boring I know) to fresh clams. The prices are reasonable; which is great because then you can do some shopping with your family in New Haven afterwards (and you’ll be full and satisfied from a great Italian meal)!
Those are my personal favorites, collegiettes. Comment below or Tweet @hercampusqu to tell us yours!