As first-years get caught up in getting to know campus and making new friends, they should also remember to get acquainted with the food scene before committing to regular standbys. After all, restaurants are similar to those new friends—you can’t always judge them by appearance. So to make the process easier, skip over the obvious mediocre choices and head straight for these lesser-known but far superior destinations.
For your grocery needs
Obvious Choice: Morton Williams
Morton Williams is like that peppy girl that smiles and introduces herself to everyone on move-in day. Her friendliness is a great introduction to the Columbia social scene, but ultimately most first-years don’t form lifelong friendships with the first person they meet freshman year. By the end of the year, she’s just good for some small talk on the way to the bathroom. First-years will probably have a similar encounter with Morton Williams. It’s brightly lit, convenient, and a good starter grocery store, but ultimately it’s overpriced and has a small selection. Protect your wallet early and start shopping around for some longer-term grocery store relationships.
Better Choice: Fairway
Penny-savvy first-years will locate Fairway immediately. Located on 133rd Street and Broadway, Fairway is hard on the legs but easy on the wallet. With its jam-packed shelves and maze-like layout, Fairway may not be as easy to navigate, but first years that get the hang of it will be able to find everything from fresh deli meat to all-natural skincare products at reasonable prices. The best part: Fairway keeps all their cold products in a giant refrigerated room complete with jackets to keep you warm. Save time buying ice cream, and do it in style.
For great cup of college coffee
Obvious Choice: Hungarian Pastry Shop
On the surface, Hungarian Pastry Shop is the perfect college coffee joint: Students sip cappuccinos and debate philosophy and religion in a dingy, but not dirty, setting. The paintings on the wall are thought-provoking, and the pastries undeniably rich. Even the rude service seems to fit the café’s feel. But bad lighting and a perpetual lack of seating can get old fast.
Better Choice: Society Coffee
Instead, venture into Harlem and discover this hidden gem. This brightly lit coffeehouse has friendly service, good coffee, tasteful background music (playing everything from jazz to dub), and big rustic wooden tables, making it an ideal place to discuss idealism until Contemporary Civilizations.
When you’re craving chow mein
Obvious Choice: Ollie’s
Ollie’s will seem an obvious choice for many naïve first years, but they shouldn’t be fooled. Locality and convenience are sacrificed for taste at this fast-food joint. Before first-years get into the habit of eating at Ollie’s for the occasional non-John Jay lunch, they should shop around for some quality scallion pancakes.
Better Choice: Columbia Cottage
The coat rack at the door may fool some first years into thinking this restaurant is out of their price range, but don’t let the attempts at fanciness fool you. Columbia Cottage is wholly a college student outpost, complete with large portions of decent Chinese food at reasonable prices. But what sets them ahead of the crowd? The free house wine. After a week of Carman parties and jungle juice, Columbia Cottage is the perfect place to go out with new friends and drink in a classy but inexpensive way, even if it is just watery Franzia.
More Tips...
Morning latte
Obvious Choice: Starbucks
Better Choice: Oren’s
Brunch
Obvious Choice: Tom’s
Better Choice: Deluxe
Milkshakes
Obvious Choice: JJ’s Place
Better Choice: Tom’s
Sandwich
Obvious Choice: 212
Better Choice: HamDel
Burrito
Obvious Choice: Chipotle
Better Choice: Taqueria y Fonda la Mexicana
Ethiopian food
Obvious Choice: Massawa
Better Choice: Awash
Fresh Produce
Obvious Choice: Westside Market
Better Choice: Morningside Heights Greenmarket (Sundays only)
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