After four years on campus, I have learned which restaurants are good to go to, and which to stay more away from. These are in no particular order, so don't @ me on where something falls on the list.
1. Saga (Troy Dining Hall)
Do people still call it Saga? This place is the most popular among freshman (mostly due to no choice) and popular among half the campus on Wednesday due to the smell of fried chicken circulating the air. Sage has the most variety and the sole reason why the ominous "Freshman 15" hit me like a truck (along with the Saga Sh*ts). There is most likely something there that you will like. My favorites were always Megellians and cheese quesadillas.
2. Moe's
You can easily spend every single flex point you have here. It is one of the more expensive places by far, but most of the food can last for two meals if you do it right. You can never really go wrong with chips and queso though or a chicken rice bowl.
3. Boar's Head (Saga side)
I actually prefer this Boar's Head compared to the one in TC. Everything somehow taste fresher and I don't know how to explain it. The sandwiches are good, and for the most part the workers are pretty friendly. I highly recommend the BLTA croissant. It is basically a millennial's dream.
4. "Starbucks"
Everyone calls it Starbucks, but it really is not. The stuff is okay, you can't use flex points. But a good alternative if you don't mind paying real money to avoid the wait at Einsteins.
5. Einsteins Bros
Well since I already mentioned it, lets talk about it. They are well known for having rude staff and long wait times. I can never be mad at those bagels though. Especially the pizza bagels. While I never really get the specialty coffee (I don't like sweet coffee personally), their grab and go based coffee makes it easy and quick to get that caffeine kick...until they run out at 10 pm and you have to fight with them to refill those canisters.
6. Mein Bowl
It has been four years and I am still unsure of the correct pronunciation of Mein Bowl. It seems to be a toss up of "Mine Bowl" and "Main Bowl" whenever I ask someone. Mein Bowl is that place that many of us keep going back to, even if it makes our stomachs turn. You really can't stop eating it. Also, keep an eye out for the rare green beans they serve. The absolute best.
7. Steak & Shake
It is a drastic improvement to its predecessor, A&W. I'm a fan of the $3.99 chicken fingers, but that is just me. I just wish they had more of the menu options that are offered at the main stores.
9. Grab n Go Stations
The best one is Herb's Place just due to its biggest variety (though very overpriced on some items). The one in MSCX would probably be next. The one in TC never seems to be as stocked as it once was.
10. Chick-Fil-A...Express
I laugh at the express part everytime. It has always been a gamble on if you were going to get raw nuggets or not. It is a risk that many are always willing to take. I've watched people wait for 30+ minutes for their food, and their dedication is something I strive to have.
11. Great American Cookies/ Marble Slab
Just some more reasons while the Freshman 15 has never left my body.
12. Market Place
R.I.P Market Place. You are missed and loved and will never be forgotten. The only real food that was on campus.
Honestly, there is something good about each place, and stuff that can be improved. Just make sure to check all your food before consumption, or not if you are feeling risky.