Croutons

Oliver Kelton, Features Editor

Located on the second floor of the Student Services Center, above the Cashier’s Office, Croutons offers a welcome break from normal campus dining. The sandwich shop serves freshly made paninis as well as soups and salads for a healthy touch. Be sure to make some time in the middle of the day to come here, as the hours are only from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. With prices ranging between $7.50 and $11 for medium-sized portions, Croutons is definitely worth checking out, but eating here regularly will take a bite out of your wallet.

Worth your money?: Yes, on occasion.

Bombay Coast

Oliver Kelton, Features Editor

If you are looking for authentic Indian cuisine this is not the place for you: All the recognizable dishes from the subcontinent are there, such as tikka masala and saag paneer, but they lack the powerful spices that define the real deal. What is commendable about Bombay Coast are the portions. The prices for combo meals range from $7.25 for three vegetarian entrees to about $8.50 for three vegetarian or non-vegetarian entrees. This may seem like a lot of money, but together with the generous servings of rice and naan bread, one meal can keep you full for almost a whole day.

Worth your money?: No, unless you are willing to sacrifice quality.

Lemongrass

Lemongrass is a newcomer to Price Center, but the Thai restaurant has a much longer history on campus: For many years it was the farmer’s market vendor that attracted the longest lines. This eatery earned its good reputation by offering generous servings of Thai classics like chicken red curry and pad thai. The food is much more flavorful than what you would expect from a typical fast-food eatery, giving you some of the spice and unique flavors that Bombay Coast lacks. Like most of the venues in PC, the food is in the $7.50 to $10 range, but the portions and quality make it money well spent.

Worth your money?: Yes, always

-Oliver Kelton, Features Editor

The Loft 

Oliver Kelton, Features Editor

In addition to being one of the best entertainment venues of campus, The Loft also serves up a variety of American grill classics like burgers and french fries, as well as a good selection of sandwiches. The food is a bit more expensive than typical fast food fare, in the $10 to $14 range, but the quality is also much better. Though the kitchen closes for the evening, you can come at night and enjoy the bar, which serves a wide variety of craft beers, while watching a variety of live indie performances.

Worth your money?: Yes, on occasion

Santorini

Matthew Zamudio, Staff Writer

Of all the options at PC, Santorini — a Greek-style restaurant — offers some of the best grub when it comes to value and taste. Serving everything from breakfast gyros to chicken kebabs and salads, the restaurant — located between Burger King and Tapioca Express — is one of the most popular eateries among students, a fact that can be easily deduced by the winding line that amasses in front of Santorini every day at lunchtime. Meals at Santorini usually range from $7 to $10 for a plate of food that will leave you more than satisfied. This is something that can’t be said for every restaurant on campus, so choose wisely and get ready to eat plenty of pita.

Worth your Money?: Yes

Shogun 

Oliver Kelton, Features Editor

Located above the PC Theater and Box Office, Shogun offers three things in one: a sushi bar, a noodle bar and a pool hall. Though the restaurant’s focus is on Japanese cuisine, the noodle bar also serves well-known dishes from the rest of Asia, such as pho, a popular Vietnamese noodle soup. The noodle bar serves medium to large sized portions in the $7 to $10 range, and the sushi bar offers six-piece plates as well as bento boxes and other typical Japanese fare. With this much variety, you might think this is one of the best restaurants on campus, but be warned: Though the food isn’t terrible, the prices are too high given that this is far from the best Japanese food out there.

Worth your Money?: Not really

Home Plate

Alvin Chan, Senior Staff Writer

If you are looking for the best burgers on campus, then head over to Home Plate. Next to RIMAC, the gym in ERC, Home Plate is a sports bar that offers only a few burger selections — but each are worth trying. Home Plate also offers outdoor seating and a second floor with a shuffleboard, pool table and a few other common barroom games. Relative to the other food options on campus, Home Plate should be a place students try at least once. They also have beer. Who doesn’t like that?

Worth your Money?: Yes, if you’re looking for the sports bar experience.