9. Chick-fil-A
You know damn good and well why this is here and why I’m telling you not to eat here.
8. Subway
I know what you’re thinking: “you made the sandwich,” but hear me out on this one. It’s a limited menu, so last I was there wraps were an impossibility, as was the jalapeno cheddar bread. The sandwiches are never bad, but they tend to go a little light on the veggies. And with my friend who gets the veggie-only sandwich, she’s reported to me that it doesn’t get much better there. I don’t blame anyone working there because I know Big Sandwich lays these laws down summarily, but Subway corporate sucks eggs and every change they have wrought on the menu these past few years has diminished their quality. I am sympathetic, and I still eat there probably once a week, but this is one of the weaker options.
7. Sol Tex-Mex
The main issue holding Sol down in the rankings comes from the uncertain availability of ingredients every day. If shortages never plagued them, they would sit at least two places higher. The chicken has changed from last year for the better, and with corn salsa, pico de gallo, and fajita veggies, there are plenty of fresh toppings to enjoy for those who do not eat meat as well as for those who do.
6. Pat Case Dining Center
Pretty solidly middle of the road. Some foods are better than others, but nine times out of ten you’ll find an avenue to make your meal out. Options always exist, including something for any and all dietary restrictions, but if you want something vegetarian, kosher, or halal you might get pigeon-holed into a single choice of plate. Some days the food misses the mark, but other times they’ll host a special selection to recognize some event, such as when they run the Oktoberfest menu. So whereas the former possibility can come as low as a two out of ten, the latter easily sweeps a ten and beats all other options on campus. Sixth seems right.
5. Benvenuto Cuccina Italiana
It’s pasta. It always hits. The only downside is it’s just pasta, so you either want it or you don’t. Top dining choice with quite a few options insofar as what can happen with the dish. For my money, I would recommend just getting chicken alfredo and making them add as much garlic and parmesan as they will. Maybe add a little spinach or broccoli so you don’t feel too guilty.
4. Sushi Blu
Okay, so it’s not the world’s greatest sushi, but it’s still sushi and it fills that void in one’s soul when it needs to do so. All the crunchy add-ons get a bit soggy in the cooler, so if you have a texture aversion problem maybe opt for something without the crunch topping, but taste-wise it never misses. Also, if they still have them, the instant miso soup cups border on a delicacy with regard to quick college meals. That canned green tea ain’t it though.
3. Tulsa Burger & Wings Co.
Here we enter the top tier. Yes, it deals exclusively in artery-cloggers, but it never fails to please. Starting with just french fries, hamburgers and wings, they offered plenty to secure themselves as a top option. Adding to that, I’ve seen corn dogs, onion rings, and now some real Anheuser-Busch brew? As a Missouri boy, I have to respect the king of beers; as a college boy, I have to respect beer. Honestly, this ranking might be too low.
2. Tossed
No other location on campus has as many customization options. You can always make a meal out here and they seldom run short of any of their ingredients. More than that, they sell soup. I love soup. They sell good soup, which makes matters even better. They have yet to open their mobile dining as of the first week of school, so I do not know how they’ve managed the move from the union into Pat Case, but I will be there as soon as they do. Fingers crossed that they extend to dinner hours too.
1. Einstein Bros. Bagels
Did we not all know that Einsteins’ would win? A farmhouse bagel in the morning and a turkey bacon avocado for lunch sounds like the perfect day. Not to mention, they also have a delicious breakfast burrito that most do not seem to know of, as well as coffee options, pastries, and now a cooler full of ready-to-go options as well. I almost knocked them down a peg as retribution for removing the greek yogurt cherry pastry (Einsteins’, if you read this, for the love of God bring that back), but they still have the best food on campus, hands down.
