Local eateries provide off-campus delight

Like the local diner or the mom and pop’s place down the block at home, Boston College students have their classic eateries that act almost as an extension to campus. While most freshmen do not catch on for a couple months, here are a few hints as to where BC kids are going for quality food and a good time.

Eagle’s Deli

Nestled in the long line of stores and restaurants located in the Cleveland Circle area, the Eagle’s Deli definitely carries the flavor of Boston College. BC jerseys, photos, and memorabilia are hung from the wall, along with a few BU items. The deli offers a variety of hot and cold subs, dinner foods, and even soups and salads. Those that finish the Godzilla Burger (a pound of beef, four slices of cheese, and a pound of fries) get a Polaroid picture of themselves pasted to the wall. The pictures are gradually becoming increasingly wallpapered with photos of Boston-area students and residents. A burger has also been named after Sean Reilly, a BU student who ate three pounds of beef, 12 slices of cheese, and 5 pounds of fries, and a Tufts student who beat Reilly’s record by half a pound of beef. Perhaps this will be the year that a BC student can finally eat a few pounds of meat and fries to have a burger bear his or her namesake.

Cheesecake Factory

The Cheesecake Factory is an absolute must for an off-campus dining experience. Its menu resembles more of a catalog than a menu, with 19 pages of selections complete with advertisements. The establishment serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner foods, but is most renowned for its dessert selection, boasting 38 different types of cheesecake. All of its lunch and dinner portions are notoriously large so most visitors leave with a doggy bag or two. Recommended entrees include the Lemon Chicken, or the Open-faced Turkey Sandwich practically smothered in delicious gravy. A cheesecake option not to pass up is the Oreo variety that practically melts in the mouth, similar to the kind that the dining halls on campus serve but well, better.

For the average penny-pinching college student, The Cheesecake Factory may be a little too expensive to visit often. But it’s a perfect place to go when family visits the Boston area, especially if a family member will foot the bill. Located in the Atrium Mall on Route 9 in Newton, the restaurant has a slightly upscale atmosphere and students tend to dress up when they go there, but dressing up is not mandatory. Make sure to arrive early; The Cheesecake Factory does not take reservations and is extremely popular.

Roggie’s

Located in Cleveland Circle, Roggie’s New Age Brew and Grille is usually overrun with BC students, especially at night during televised sports events or on the weekends. On nice days, the restaurant and bar opens its large paneled windows at the front, creating the atmosphere of a terrace. Roggie’s serves lunch and dinner, but late at night becomes primarily a bar where students are often IDed at the door. The main floor has many tables with a large bar in the back and TVs suspended from the ceiling. Roggie’s renovated its facilities and added a basement last year with a new bar and a metallic club-like atmosphere. Recommendation: Wednesday is Karaoke night.

Anna’s Taqueria

Anna’s Taqueria is the ultimate discovery for Mexican food lovers. It offers delicious burritos and tacos, and has led to many BC students developing an almost unhealthy obsession with the restaurant. Its customers are loyal so once hooked, you’ll keep going back. The employees at Anna’s can wrap a burrito almost faster than the blink of an eye. It is a casual place where you can grab Mexican delicacies to go, or sit and relax since the restaurant was expanded to allow more seating room. Allow a bit of time to get there if venturing from campus, since it is located on the C-line from Cleveland Circle at the Summit Avenue stop.

Cityside Bar and Grille

Cityside Bar and Grille is another favorite among BC students with a bar on the first floor and a restaurant on the second. It is located in Cleveland Circle at the intersection of Sutherland and Beacon Street, in a line of stores almost resembling a movie set. During the spring, summer, and early fall, Cityside opens its terrace on the second floor overlooking the circle, where one can shout to friends below. Everything ordered from Cityside tastes good, especially the appetizers. They offer different types of nachos: one with a tasty spinach dip, and another covered in beans, chili, and melted cheese. As something to look forward to at 21, Cityside features a “Kegs and Eggs” special every Saturday morning before BC home football games.

Closer to Campus

By simply walking out of Main Gate by St. Ignatius, one can go grocery shopping, or buy coffee, dinner, and even dessert. Directly next to the Boston College T-stop is a line of little stores including Maddie’s Market, which accepts the Eagle-One card for purchase of all grocery items except condoms and cigarettes. Espresso Royale Caffe offers a wide selection of coffees and teas, in a relaxing atmosphere with unique couches and artwork. It is a great quick stop for coffee before boarding the T, or bring a book and relax on the couches with herbal tea. Flatbreads Café accepts Eagle-One cards and provides gourmet sandwiches and pizza. College Sub offers excellent subs and wraps and is perfect for a group on the go. A little further down the street is White Mountain, serving delectable ice cream flavors and providing a place to sit and relax. Many students discover White Mountain during either freshman orientation or the first weekend at BC.