All right, let’s face it. We all know campus food sucks. The Underground’s ultimate brownie is completely overrated, and the new, supposedly Mexican place that replaced Si Señor is certainly not living up to our expectations. We can’t help hopping on the bus to eat off campus. But surprisingly, many CMU students have not branched out any further than Chipotle or Five Guys. Sure, Chipotle is awesome—but what many don’t realize is that Pittsburgh actually offers a great variety of eateries for all different price ranges and tastes. Here are some picks below.
If you’re feeling fancy:
Soba
If you appreciate Asian fusion and a nice atmosphere, Soba is the right place for you. With their beautiful interior design and delicious dishes, Soba is the place to go for a special occasion.
(5847 Ellsworth Ave)
Paris 66
Paris 66 offers a wide selection of French cuisine; their savory crepes are excellent as well as their quiche.
(6018 Penn Circle)
Girasole
If you’re an Italian food aficionado who’s been looking for legitimate Italian food near CMU but haven’t had the greatest luck, you should pay a visit to Girasole. What’s also cool about Girasole is that they have a seasonal menu that changes frequently, so you’re presented with something new every time.
(733 Copeland St.)
Legume
Located very close to campus, right on North Craig, Legume offers an elegant ambience and great dishes.
(214 N Craig St)
If you would rather save up after last night’s retail therapy:
The Porch
If you visit after 9:30p.m. on weekdays, the Porch offers their pizza for half price! Don’t settle for the greasy, mediocre $5 pizza—go to the Porch and enjoy their gourmet, thin crust pizzas.
(221 Schenley Drive)
Oishii Bento
Located conveniently in Oakland, Oishii Bento offers its customers with delicious Korean/Japanese bentos and bowls for modest prices. Their Katsu Don is to die for—what’s even better, the portion is bigger than it seems meaning your next meal is taken care of!
(119 Oakland Ave)
Fuel & Fuddle and Mad Mex
Good food for cheap. But actually, SO cheap! You can get Fuel & Fuddle’s delicious live fire pies (I’d like to recommend the Smashed Potatoes Pizza) and Mad Mex’s amazing wings (Honey Chipotle BBQ, all the way) for $4 or less if you visit any day after 11p.m.! You might want to go around 10:30p.m. and put your name down so the wait won’t be too long, though!
(Fuel & Fuddle: 212 Oakland Ave, and Mad Mex: 370 Atwood St)
Miss Saigon 88 Cafe
Craving Asian food late at night but don’t know if you want to go for Thai, Vietnamese, or Chinese? Miss Saigon 88 Cafe can easily meet your needs with their menu that has everything from Pad Thai to General Tso’s to Sushi to Pho. They offer a “late night” menu past 8p.m. on weekdays and 9p.m. on weekends which let you have a nice, hearty bowl of pho for only $6.
(256 N Craig St)
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