No matter how excited a freshman gets about the plethora of options available through a meal plan at the Terrace Dining Room (yes, ice cream IS available for breakfast), eventually the options exhaust themselves. Chicken sandwiches and salad only taste good for so many days. After those days come and go, it is vital to know the venues to escape to for real dining. After all, a date at TDR doesn't impress anyone.
Chinese: Taiwan Caf? 4654 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. (202) 363-8888
Taiwan Caf? is easily the best choice for Chinese food, either delivery or dining. The quality is good, the delivery time is quick, they have more vegetarian options than any other restaurant that delivers to campus and their crab rangoon is actually good. The only problem is that delivery stops at 10 p.m., so any late-night cravings will have to be satisfied by Spring Garden or, better yet, Mayflower, which does not accept EagleBuck$ but delivers until 3 a.m. on weekends.
Italian: Angelico's Pizzeria and Caf? 4529 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. (202) 363-4557
Although New Yorkers will be disappointed (as they are with almost every Italian offering in the District), Angelico's is the best option for an Italian evening on EagleBuck$. Pesto pasta with shrimp, spicy portabello mushroom pasta and other pastas are all available as well as pizza, sandwiches and gyros. Vegetarian options include salads, hummus and a wicked good spinach and artichoke wrap. Angelico's is pretty much an AU institution.
Pizza: Armand's 4231 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. (202) 686-9450
Armand's offers a much wider pizza selection than any other EagleBuck$ venue. Thai Chicken, Bacon Cheeseburger, White pizza and Sergeant Pepper are just a few of their offerings, plus they let guests design their own pizzas and have delicious garlic bread. Armand's also has subs, cheesesteaks, pasta, salads and wings, so they're sure to satisfy any craving. Plus, they're open until 11 p.m. on weekends and host fundraising parties for clubs on campus now that Tenleytown fixture Guapo's doesn't anymore.
Sandwiches: Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory 3347 M St. N.W. (202) 333-8040
Although nothing touches the true Cheez Wiz wonder of South Philly, the Philadelphia Cheesesteak Factory comes as close as any restaurant in D.C. They focus on cheese steak sandwiches, hoagies and burgers, and also offer sides like onion rings, fries, poppers and mozzarella sticks. To make it even better, they regularly deliver until 2 a.m. and until 4 a.m. on the weekends. That's much better than anything a late-night visitor could get at Steak and Egg. However, Caf? Romeo's on Wisconsin Avenue is a close second and it's a shame they don't accept EagleBuck$.
Sushi: Megabytes OR Wagshal's On Campus!
Although they lack variety, both venues offer California rolls, tuna and other basics. They have basically the same sushi for the same price, so no worries about where it is purchased. In fact, many students muse that the sushi for both comes from the same source. However, it still makes a delicious and healthy snack between classes or during the break of that block class that just won't end.
Ice Cream: Caf? Haagen-Dazs 3120 M St. N.W. (202) 333-3443
Looking for dessert? This is the place to go. Ice cream, bars, frozen yogurt, sorbet and sundaes; you name it, they've got it. Plus, they will let visitors sample everything with those tiny little spoons. Second place goes to the pints of Ben and Jerry's in the Eagle's Nest, which have satisfied many a stressed-out student.
24-hour Dining: The Eagle's Nest On Campus!
Although almost shockingly overpriced (check out The Eagle's expose from last year), this is the only place that will cater to any 5 a.m. cravings while studying for finals or cramming for that quiz that was forgotten until the last minute. Whether the search is for cookies, cappuccino, TV dinners or ramen, the Nest can satisfy, especially if parents supply most of your EagleBuck$ donations and cost doesn't really matter. The only drawback is that it closes super early on weekends.
Best Date Location: Chef Geoff's 3201 New Mexico Ave. N.W. (202) 237-7800
One of the more expensive locations to spend EagleBuck$, Chef Geoff's is so fancy they have actual waiters, don't deliver and put candles on the tables at night. The food is fantastic, the environment is cool, the patio is great at night, they have a decent happy hour and the last Monday of every month is half-priced wine night. Plus, if a student is up early enough on Sunday, he or she can enjoy an absolutely fantastic brunch - all on EagleBuck$!
Restaurant that SHOULD be on EagleBuck$ but isn't: K's New York Deli 4620 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. Lunch: 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Dinner: 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
For those craving a Reuben, tuna melt, Matzo ball soup, cheesecake, pickles, blintzes or any other deli staples, K's is the place to go. Although it has changed ownership (and names) several times in the last few years, the quality of the food remains the same. The portions are huge, the fries are crisp, the service is friendly and the new owner is an AU alumnus. He is considering adding K's to the EagleBuck$ list, so make sure to go in and let him know that K's should accept EagleBuck$.
