Photo Credits – SECC Building via WCU Instagram
It’s Welcome Week at West Chester University, and you’re one of the approximately 3,000 new freshmen on campus. As you sit for your ID photo (because undoubtedly, the one you submitted online wasn’t accepted), you notice the Ram E-Card slogan: “Your key to everything at WCU.” While it ironically doesn’t unlock your dorm, this little piece of plastic is indeed all-important; it holds your meal plan. Your meal plan could consist of 10, 14, or, for the ambitious eater, unlimited meal swipes per week and hundreds of dollars in Flex (and maybe some Rambucks if you’re lucky). For students living on North Campus (virtually all freshmen), a meal plan is mandatory and can cost up to $1,925 a semester. But are the dining services WCU offers really worth it, or should you stick to the Giant on Downingtown Pike?
BERNARD J. CARROZZA DINING HALL
Go-to Order: Cereal
Overall Grade: C-
Those returning to campus this semester held out hope that the new Commons Dining Hall would somehow bring WCU’s food rating on Niche.com from a C up to an A. No such luck, unfortunately, as the menu remains reminiscent of Lawrence. Physically, we’ve gotten a few upgrades: the facility seats approximately 800 diners, and the staff finally trusts students with real dishes and silverware. But the Commons certainly seems to be thinking highly of itself, having valued a dinner at $12.25 for guests. Yet, the meat leaves me paranoid about food poisoning, herbs and spices have apparently yet to be discovered in Chester County, and I can make better pasta in my dorm.
The few positives include the fully stocked salad bar and an endless supply of desserts from our beloved Baker Bob (and he’s worth that $12.25 all by himself). The dining hall experience has changed very little in the school year turnover. Luckily, students can find alternatives in the Ram’s Head Food Court and various other campus locations.
TWISTED TACO
Go-To Order: Vegetarian Quesadilla
Overall Grade: A-
Open for lunch and an early dinner, Twisted Taco features an array of classic Spanish dishes including quesadillas, burrito bowls and, yes, tacos. The portions here leave you feeling satisfied and suddenly minoring in Spanish. However, be sure you have plenty of time between classes if visiting since the wait can get pretty long.
ECOGROUNDS
Go-To Order: Lemon Danish
Overall Grade: A
Having reopened last week after a three-year hiatus due to COVID-19, Ecogrounds is one of the university’s hidden gems. Tucked away in the back of Sykes, this little cafe currently features an abbreviated menu of both hot and iced coffee, pastries and bagels, and grab-and-go drinks such as Gatorade and Starbucks double shots. Soon to be added to the repertoire are specialty espresso drinks, pre-made sandwiches and pasta dishes, fresh fruit, ice cream pints and even sushi. With low prices and virtually no wait time, the only critique I have of Ecogrounds is that it wasn’t available sooner.
WILD BLUE
Go-To Order: Chicken Teriyaki Bowl and Spring Rolls
Overall Grade: A-
Normally I’d be wary of college seafood, but Wild Blue, formerly known as AFC, is enjoyed by even the snobbiest sushi connoisseurs. The employees are also very friendly and always willing to give you extra soy sauce.
EINSTEIN BROS. BAGELS
Go-To Order: Everything Bagel with Onion, Chive Schmear and Iced Coffee
Overall Grade: A+
Certainly the most popular option on campus, Einstein features a wide assortment of breakfast sandwiches, unique bagel flavors and cream cheese options and, in my opinion, the best coffee at WCU. Having recently added more dangerously delectable pastries such as chocolate chip muffins and a heavenly Cinnamon Bliss Roll, there’s now more reason than ever for Einstein to become a part of your morning routine.
B + F
Go-to order: Mozzarella Sticks
Overall Grade: B(eef)
Following a marketing revamp this semester at what was known to most as Grille Works, our favorite purveyor of fried foods has discontinued the chicken tenders and is now a burger-centered establishment. Regardless of these changes, though, remain wary not to grab your own pickup orders here — the staff still doesn’t like that.
FOOD TRUCKS
Staple food trucks across from Anderson Hall include Sabatino’s Pizza, Tuk Tuk (aka The Lunch Box) Thai and the newly permanent residence of Auntie Anne’s after a series of cameos last spring. Greek Express is my personal pick here (and even if you’re not a fan of gyros, who doesn’t love their ABBA playlist?). Prior to COVID, WCU was host to many more food trucks, so maybe soon we’ll start to see more lining Church Street.
GOOD UNCLE
In Memoriam
The sudden departure of the Good Uncle food truck from campus has left students mourning its succulent pulled pork and cornbread. Why this happiness on wheels is no longer with us I do not know, but one can only pray they’re still blessing the nieces and nephews of other colleges.
BEST RAMBUCKS LOCATIONS
- Carlino’s
- Playa Bowls
- Amore’s
- McDonald’s
- Jersey Mike’s
- The Couch Tomato
- 7-11
- Exxon Gas
- D.P. Dough
- Dunkin’
- Wawa
- Giant
- Rita’s
- Taco Mar
- Saxby’s
- Campus store + vending machines
FINAL THOUGHTS
Of course this article cannot fit full reviews of every dining option on campus, especially since newer locations such as Freshen’s and Juice’d Up! have yet to be consistently open (and you’re most likely already familiar with brand-names like Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, and Chickie’s and Pete’s). From experience as a seasoned meal plan holder, however, I can give the West Chester University meal plan a solid B. It may not offer as many choices as an urban school or merit four Michelin stars like an Ivy League, but all in all, the pricing and quality are acceptable, and despite being a picky eater, I’ve never gone hungry here. That being said, let’s not halt petitioning for a Panera in SECC.
Hannah Linkowsky is a second-year Early Grades Prep major in the Honors College with minors in Spanish, Dance Performance, and Civic + Professional Leadership. HL977843@wcupa.edu