Commentary:
To incoming college freshmen unfamiliar with the college routine, everything is a new task. With the freedom that college offers, comes new, sometimes unexpected responsibilities. For students living in a dorm, long gone are the days of parents doing laundry and maintaining cars, as well as home cooked meals every night at a regular time. For most students, formerly routine tasks such as washing clothes,
traveling and even eating become near daunting tasks. These tasks do not end when those former freshmen become sophomores, juniors and ultimately, seniors. While there is little that this writer, and former freshman, can do to help you with your laundry or traveling, there is one thing I can help you with, and that is eating great for cheap.
For college students on a budget, deciding where to eat there is only one factor as important as price, and that is convenience. Nearby Hillsborough Street offers choices for even the pickiest eaters, as well as the convenience and affordability that has made Hillsborough Street a destination for generations of students.
I Love New York Pizza
Every Friday afternoon signals the beginning of a new weekend, and that makes Friday the best time to try something new. Eating out is also a great way to meet up with friends and can be the necessary beginning to an enjoyable weekend. One Hillsborough restaurant which should be familiar to all N.C. State students offers affordability and convenience, as well as a casual atmosphere perfect for meeting with friends. I Love New York Pizza is a Hillsborough Street institute that serves New York style pizza either by the slice or by the whole pizza. One slice of this authentic big apple pizza is enough for most appetites, and two will fill up even the biggest eater. I Love New York offers every type of pizza, from basic cheese or pepperoni to unique creations such as the tomato, basil and feta pizza, or the Rio Ranchero pizza, which is topped with bacon and tomatoes, and drizzled with ranch. A slice of pizza ranges from $2 to $3.50, depending on the toppings. The pizzeria also serves a variety of calzones, strombolis and original pizza rolls all for less than $6, and they are big enough that you are almost guaranteed to take some home. I Love New York Pizza is hard to beat for both price and convenience, making it a regular hangout spot for many students.
Melvin’s Hamburgers
Another great deal is the Wolfpack Combo at Melvin’s Hamburgers, a hole in the wall burger place also on Hillsborough Street. Of the current students who are familiar with this classic combo, it is either because they have eaten at Melvin’s themselves, or more likely, because they have seen a flyer on campus advertising the special. It consists of a hamburger topped with mustard, chili, coleslaw and diced onions with french fries on the side and a drink, all for $2.99. Many students have found themselves walking past the diner — located next to Western Lanes Bowling center — but have not gone in, and that was a huge mistake. The interior of Melvin’s is surprisingly large with ample seating, making it a great place to come with friends, even on the busiest days. The burgers themselves are cooked to order, which means they are always hot and fresh. The burgers are served with french fries on the side, a choice which many seem unexceptional, were it not for the special vegetable oil blend in which they are cooked. This vegetable oil contains no trans-fats or hydrogenated oil. The Rock ‘n’ Roll songs playing over the P.A. complete the experience, and diners can enjoy their meals while listing to classics such as Don McLean’s “American Pie.” Melvin’s is a Wolfpack tradition, and it’s convenience and price make it a must for all hungry college students.
Charley’s Grilled Subs
Another Hillsborough St. eatery located in the same block as Melvin’s offers something for students looking for more variety. Upon entering Charley’s Grilled Subs it is hard to know what to expect. To anyone unfamiliar, or only slightly familiar with Philly Steak sandwiches, Charley’s will be a new and surprising experience. The first thing you notice about this unique sub shop is the variety of sandwiches that they serve. They offer eight different subs made with either grilled steak or chicken, all between $4 and $5. In addition to the authentic Philly sandwiches, they offer chicken and steak with buffalo or teriyaki sauce, cooked with fresh vegetables, and made to order with a large variety of toppings. They also carry traditional deli sandwiches such as their Ultimate Turkey Club. The sandwiches are all served on bread baked in-house every day. By ordering carefully, you can eat a full meal for under $5. Charley’s is a great lunchtime choice because of their convenient location and the fast service, which only compliments the great food.
So grab your spare change and head to Hillsborough Street. You’re guaranteed to find a great deal.