Throughout my college career, I have had three girlfriends. As you can imagine, that is a lot of dinner dates in my nearly four years here.
So to make it easier on some of you young lovebirds, I’ve compiled a list of my favorite places to eat downtown that will not only woo your love interest, but might also save you a buck.
1.) Easy Street Cafe
104 S. Main St.
Price range (for 2): $18-45
Serving sizes: You’ll be taking home leftovers
The upscale look of Easy Street makes it a nice lunch or dinner spot to take your date. The menu offers a wide variety for any type of eater and at a reasonable price. I usually get away with $18 – $22 on a date. I recommend the chicken sandwiches or burgers. The burgers are packed with seasoning and flavor and they load the plate up with fries, which I recommend getting if you want a generous helping. While it is a popular spot on the weekends, avoid the rush by going around 5 p.m.
2.) Taste ofAmish Deli
133 E. Wooster St.
Price range (for 2): $14 – 19
Serving sizes: You’ll be comfortably full
The quaint little deli has a lot of character and the first thing that hits you is the smell of the variety of meats and cheeses the shop offers. I recommend the Neal’s Manhattan or the chicken sandwich basket, my personal favorite, but they also have some good Amish bologna and BLTs. While the store is not as upscale, it’s a nice little deli where you can buy your meats and cheeses for the same price as the grocery stores. They also have a student ID discount that gives you free soda with the purchase of a basket meal.
3.) Call of the Canyon
109 N. Main St.
Price Range (for 2): $14 – 24
Serving sizes: Just enough
Call of the Canyon is a nice place to dine if you want an Old West-style twist on your meal. It caters to both vegetarians and meat eaters with its sandwich and wrap options, which have southwest/Mexican influences. They also have amazing pies, so make room for it because they give you hefty servings. Or just take it home. Be sure to have cash on you because that’s all they accept. Last time I went I had to use my girlfriend as collateral while I went to the nearest ATM.
4.) SamB’s
163 S. Main St.
Price Range (for two): $16 – $44
Serving size: You’ll be taking home leftovers
When I first came to the University, students told me SamB’s was the place to go to wow your date. When I finally went there, I found the atmosphere to be inviting and the two dining rooms convey two different moods. The food is reasonably priced and I was satisfied by the burgers and fish sandwiches (I usually eat my girlfriend’s leftovers). Overall the place was reminiscent of Easy Street to me, but this place has a haunted theater above it as well if that adds to the cool factor.
5.) Stone’s Throw
176 E. Wooster St.
Price Range (for 2): $16 – 42
Serving size: You’ll be comfortably full
As you can see, I am a fan of themed restaurants. The Irish-themed Stone’s Throw offers choices other than just burgers like most restaurants in town. Corned beef and bangers and mash are a nice addition to the palate in town. It also has more beer options, which really compliment the menu and come on, it’s an Irish pub, so should you expect otherwise? While the individual meals are a little pricier than some of the other restaurants in town, they load up your plate so it’s money well spent.
