In a previous article, the SM discovered that students at Andrews aren’t particularly fond of the food offered on Campus. Many find the meals offered in the Gazebo and Dining Services to be overpriced and the food mediocre. Therefore, many go off campus in search of better dining options. Students who do so have many recommendations for places to eat quality meals.
Although Tianshu Ming (junior, medical laboratory science) mostly eats at the Dining Services to utilize her meal plan, she prefers to eat off-campus. Two of Ming’s favorite off-campus restaurants are Jinya Ramen and K-pot. Jinya Ramen Bar is a Japanese ramen restaurant in South Bend. Prices range from $15.80 to $22.25-plus for ramen bowls, and $4 to $13.95 for small plates and appetizers. K-pot is an all-you-can-eat, interactive tabletop buffet. It offers Korean barbecue, hot pot, and a variety of meats. There is a location in Mishawaka, Indiana, and another in Lansing, Michigan. Prices run from $21 to $35-plus per person, but the amount varies based on what time of day you go.
Ming’s favorite is Jinya Ramen because she loves both ramen and wontons. “I recommend the chicken ramen with wontons, and they have some great sushi. I haven't tried the drinks, but the tiramisu is good. Compared to the desserts at the Terrace Café, it’s not that sweet, and the cream is good.”
Bowl of Pho is one of Timothy Yi’s (sophomore, biology) favorite restaurants. It is a Vietnamese eatery located in Mishawaka. They specialize in Phở noodle soups and have a large selection of vegan and vegetarian options. Bowls usually cost around $17.50, but lunch specials are often much cheaper. “They make traditional Vietnamese food very well, and for a good price too,” says Yi. In general, he avoids eating on campus because he believes there are dining options in the area with much better quality. “I like to avoid the depression and sickness from the monopolizing, greedy food corporation of Bon Appétit,” Yi jokes. He also likes to eat at La Perla, Haymarket, Cava and Baguette de France. “These restaurants have very good quality food and use the appropriate ingredients for their respective cuisines.”
Neijer Ortiz (freshman, animal science) also sees Baguette de France as a very good option. This sandwich shop can be found in Berrien Springs and has a multitude of fresh-baked baguette sandwiches. On average, meals are between $10 and $20. “Baguette has really good options for people on a budget,” Ortiz suggests. “It won’t take much of your money, and has food for both vegetarians and people who eat meat.” He recommends ordering the brisket sandwich or the roast beef sandwich. Ortiz also likes to eat at both McDonald's and Melendez Imports, a Mexican restaurant in Berrien Springs, but he finds the former to be lacking in quality and the latter to be a bit pricey.
Money seems to be the driving force behind why so many people choose to eat on campus, despite their dislike of what’s offered. “I like to eat on campus because I don’t need to go anywhere, and I don’t have a car, and spending my own money on food is a no,” says Isai Roberto (freshman, architecture). His favorite restaurant is More Mex, a Mexican restaurant in South Bend that includes a bakery and cake shop. When it comes to saving money, though, he suggests going to Chick-fil-A or Taco Bell.
Matthew Hernandez (freshman, animal science) says the students on a budget should go to Joanna La Michoacána Taquería. This is a Mexican restaurant in Benton Harbor, and meals are between $10 and $20 per person. “I really like their tacos, and I’ve heard their ice cream side dish is really good. The prices aren't that crazy; you can get a lot of food for what you pay.”
Ming believes that Hibachi Grill in South Bend is the best place to go to get a deal. The food is all-you-can-eat, and it offers desserts, sushi, and fruits. “Compared to Andrews’ food, I think it’s cheaper,” says Ming. “It’s about $12 per meal.” (Meals at the Dining Services are $15 per dine-in, and $17 for takeout.)
Even though there aren’t many restaurants in Berrien Springs, the surrounding area has many great options for affordable, good-quality food that is beloved by students. If you are looking for a way to avoid eating from Dining Services, check out one of these restaurants and enjoy a good meal away from campus.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.