By Christina Kwong
On the case of munching mayhem
Are you looking for a good way to procrastinate? Are you trying to escape the geese on campus? Or are you just looking for anything besides ramen in your dorm room?
If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then I have the perfect list for you.
As you might have noticed in Waterloo there are restaurants everywhere, and you might be confused as to where to start. Here is a list of student staples that you must try at some point during your time here.
Where to eat when you’re really hungry
Sushi 99
If you’re looking for an all-you-can-eat sushi place, Sushi 99 is located just around the corner from Conestoga Mall and has the freshest sushi I’ve tried in Waterloo, so far.
The Works
This is a classic burger place in Uptown Waterloo known for its massive list of burger options. Not only are the burgers great, but if one person at your table orders fries as their side, you can get unlimited fries for your table, just ask for the bottomless fries, and you will surely leave stuffed.
Where to eat when you’re feeling bougie
Famoso
Now we all love pizza, especially cheap pizza, but sometimes it’s nice to eat a slice without feeling like you’re drinking pizza grease. Try Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria in Uptown Waterloo, their pizzas are definitely fit for a more bougie meal. You might not be able to pronounce some menu items, but that’s because it’s just that fancy.
Beertown
Gather your friends up for a dinner at Beertown. This place has quality food for the price of, well … quality food. If you’ve been saving up some extra spending money then definitely take a look at this menu. Or have some drinks on their awesome patio in Uptown Waterloo (19+ of course) and live your best bougie life. I’ve heard the sticky toffee pudding is to die for.
Where to eat when you’re ballin’ on a budget
Pub on King
This is one of those places that you’ll probably hear everyone talk about and never know why. Well I’m here to tell you why. Everything on the menu is $5.95. there’s nothing else I need to say about that.
Ethel’s Lounge
Close to Uptown Waterloo, this is another classic for students, especially known for their daily specials. Where else can you get an awesome burger and fries for only $5.00 every Monday? If you think that’s a steal, try Taco Tuesdays. You get four tacos for $2.86 — this is not a typo.
Where to eat when you’re hungover
Mel’s Diner
Let me just say this: if you haven’t been to Mel’s Diner at least once in your first year here, then I’ll have to confiscate your WatCard. Just kidding, but if you need to be revived after a long night out with your friends, they have the best menu to bring you back from the dead. If you’re just looking for a hangout spot for your friends, their milkshakes are iconic and a staple in Waterloo.
Angie’s
Angie’s is a great place to go eat with your family when they come to Waterloo to visit you. But it’s also a great place for brunch the day after a night out. It’s a bit further away from our campus, but worth the trek for their homemade cinnamon buns.
Where to eat when you’ve got a sweet tooth:
Menchies
I’m sure you’ve heard of Menchies already. It’s the perfect place to go when you decide that you need ice cream at 10 p.m. and everywhere else is closed. Don’t be embarrassed to walk in with your pajamas on, it happens quite often. You never know when you’ll get an ice cream craving, after all.
Sweet Dreams
If you’re looking for delicious bubble tea and desserts close to your residence, try out Sweet Dreams. Their atmosphere is super chill and everyone is always in a bubbly mood when you’re in there (pun intended). You can pick out a board game from their big selection, hang out with your friends for a while, and de-stress from your studies.
