One of the many benefits of being on the CCNY campus is that us HSMSE students have a lot of easily accessible restaurants with diverse cuisines that we can go to for a quick bite during lunchtime. Burger & Shake Co., Cafe One, and Oasis are just a few of the magnificent array of food options we have in a five-block radius of HSMSE. But which ones are “the best”? Our very own classmates have reviewed and rated these eateries, which led me to come up with HSMSE’s Ultimate Grub Guide. 

I conducted a poll in the NAC cafeteria—the most common place you can find an HSMSE student chewing away—and this is how they replied: 

Which eatery around here is your favorite? 

ALZ Campus Deli: 1

Avrilililly’s: 1

Burger & Shake Co.: 3

Cafe One: 7

Campus Deli & Grill: 1

Chipotle: 3

Halal Truck: 3

NAC: 5

Oasis: 1

Taco Bell: 2

Uncle Tony’s Pizza: 2

Wingstop: 2

I asked a few HSMSE students about their opinions on the atmosphere and environment of establishments around the school. These are some of their responses:

“It’s easiest to socialize in the NAC, because sitting on the top of the stairs in a circle makes it easier to talk. It’s also a very social setting unlike a library or a quieter establishment like Taco Bell. But when I have a difficult test coming up Taco Bell, because I love their food and the NAC is too loud,” says Aaron Darko (‘27).

“The NAC is my preferred place to socialize because the round tables make it easy to see everyone and have space for everyone. The three minute transition period isn’t enough time to talk to my friends in the hallways, so I enjoy eating at the NAC because it helps me decompress and socialize. There is a lot of open space and the tables are spaced far enough apart that you can have private conversations even if it’s a public area.” says Mina Forouhar (‘27). “On the other hand, going to Cafe One helps me study because nobody bothers me and there’s enough space on the tables allowing me to study and guzzle down my California wraps at the same time,” she states. 

“Cafe One is a good environment for studying. It feels very productive there and college students are working there also, which inspires me to also to complete my work. Also, the coffee wakes me up!” exclaims Zaynab Bah (27’). 

These responses made me wonder: What exactly makes these establishments so special? The menu must have an effect on the students’ responses. The top option among the students is Cafe One, as we can see above, but the NAC comes in a close second. So what is the final verdict? 

Imagine you’ve always brought in lunch from home and you’ve never had the guts to try something new. What should you definitely make sure to try? I investigated this by asking students what their favorite food or drink item to order was.

“A California Wrap from Cafe One. It’s a healthy yet delicious combination!” says Aurora Vigna Califano (‘27).

“A Chai latte from Cafe One is my go-to beverage. It’s so tasty,” says Elena Davis (‘27). 

“A nice and warm Bacon Egg and Cheese sandwich from ALZ Campus Deli. It’s cheap and filling,” says Aidana Zhanuzakova (‘27).

Review

Based on these answers, I’ve come to the conclusion that Cafe One is a classic option for most students and all HSMSE people should make sure to try it. Even if you have allergies to things like dairy or nuts, for example, there’s so many options on the menu. They also have a lot of vegan items, making their cuisine inclusive for all. If you need to work on an assignment, this is the place for you! If that’s not what you have in mind, then try heading to the NAC for a chatty social atmosphere.

Although we love to support small businesses, it is true that many students tend to flock toward popular fast-food chains like Taco Bell and Wingstop. Some students don’t know that we have these places near us because they are a little bit further away. This may be good news for you as chains like Taco Bell and Wingstop are popular among NYC teens. Unfortunately, from personal experience and from remarks from classmates, I know that Wingstop is not a very good option for when you’re in a rush. A normal HSMSE lunch period is 35 minutes long, and if you add on a six-minute walk, a ten-minute wait, and another six minutes to walk back, you’re looking at about 13 minutes to eat a whole box of wings and catch up with companions. To me, that seems rushed and not worth it. I know that some other sophomores doordash their food to a location closer to campus, but that can be risky and also costly. I’d say if you really can’t deny your craving for wings, then order away! If not, then save the gamble and participate in a two minute stroll to closer locations like the Halal Truck (a fan favorite) or Uncle Tony’s Pizzeria. 

This next one is a “hidden gem” in my eyes, because I barely see any HSMSE students approach this chic cafe or let alone mention it: Avrilililly’s. Their ice cream is to die for and their pastries are super flavorful. I understand why this spot is not that popular for lunchtime, but make sure to stop by Avrilililly’s on 139th for a sweet treat!

I hope these suggestions can guide you for your next meal or inspire a new dietary adventure! Happy grubbing, HSMSE!