If you're like me, you enjoy getting off campus every once in a while to sample restaurant fare. However, if you're like me, you also understand the struggles of wanting to enjoy a meal out and not blowing your bank account. Here's a few places in the Claremont Village to definitely go to when you want to treat yourself a bit!
1. 50-Fifty Asian Fusion Cuisine
Perk: A $9 lunch special from Monday to Friday.
That includes soup or salad and rice along with your entree. With choices like stews, stir-fry, and curries, this restaurant is perfect for the student who wants a solid, filling midday meal in between classes.
2. Kazama Sushi
Perk: A Happy Hour lunch menu.
From 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, you can get discounted rolls and lunch combo meals for less. With tempura, teriyaki, and several types of sushi rolls, Kazama is a great option for someone who wants fresh sushi without the high price tag.
3. Bua Thai
Perk: Under $10 lunch special.
From Monday to Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Bua Thai has many lunch options all for under $10. You can get your curry, pad thai, or protein fix for a fraction of their usual cost. Additionally, it also comes with veggies, rice, and your choice of soup or salad. It's a loaded meal for a great price.
4. King Kong Sushi
Perk: All you can eat sushi.
We all know sushi is expensive, but for $17.95 at lunch or $20.95 at dinner, you can chow down as much as you want here. With maki rolls, sushi, and an array of appetizers, all you need to do is check off what you would like on a menu sheet and wait for all of it to be brought to you. Stuffing yourself won't be as bad when you can eat more than how much you would be paying at other restaurants for a lower price.
5. Domino's
Perk: The Roommate Special.
This is a special that my friends and I order all the time, and it's the perfect end to a late night out. For $10, you get a large one-topping pizza along with either parmesan bites or cinnasticks. When it's too cold to walk to Jay's Place or The Hub, you can count on Dominos to have your food ready in the time it would take you to walk an eatery and back.
6. The Last Drop Cafe
Perk: Packed sandwiches all for under $10.
With a pick two option similar to Panera and the ability to design your own sandwich or salad, this establishment is a solid pick for someone looking for inexpensive, healthy fare. With many sandwich options all packed full with fresh proteins and veggies, you can also finish your meal with a cafe drink for under $12.
7. Kickback Jack's
Perk: Breakfast Classics.
As someone who grew up in New Jersey, I always love a good diner that has loaded meals. For Kickback Jack's, their breakfast classics consist of an entree with a side of eggs, flapjacks, rice, and fruit, all for an average under $13. Along with breakfast skillets, California scrambles, and omelets, you can trust that you will eat well and full in just minutes here.
8. Tikka Wraps & Curry Bowls
Perk: Rice bowls.
For under $10, you can get a rice bowl with proteins such as chicken, shrimp, or salmon. Even better, there are other options, such as wraps and rolls that are even more inexpensive. Topping any option off with samosas or naan, you're still well under $15 and can bring your leftovers home for a later microwavable meal.