Storrs, Connecticut can seem like a foreign place for newcomers. With many families accompanying students as they move onto campus, the parents of incoming freshmen might get nervous about their young ones leaving the nest. Therefore, to start their first year on a good note, students should have a farewell lunch or dinner with their families. Here are some recommendations for locations you should choose.
Dog Lane Cafe
As a safe option, Dog Lane Cafe can satisfy any family’s appetite. Their menu consists of traditional-style dishes ranging from breakfast omelets to grilled items like The Dog House Burger. Students with younger siblings may appreciate the kids’ menu with simple items, especially if you’re hearing the never-ending: “I don’t know what I want to eat.” In that case, a grilled cheese sandwich with a bag of chips and fruit should suffice.
Additionally, Dog Lane Cafe serves coffee and other beverages. For coffee drinkers, the wait in line is worth it, and for those with a sensitive stomach, hot or iced beverages can be a good alternative.
Square Peg Pizzeria & Bar
Pizza lovers are bound to appreciate Square Peg. Recently opened last year, Square Peg became a hotspot for UConn students and those living in the Mansfield area. Despite being a pizzeria, the main attraction of Square Peg is its bar. College students old enough to drink can relax with dinner and a glass of their favorite beverage.
To top it all off, Square Peg is a recent addition to Downtown Storrs. Due to its popularity, the wait time can be excessive, especially if you have a large party.
Kathmandu Kitchen & Bar
Another restaurant with a bar is Kathmandu. The Indian cuisine provides a bit of flavor to the lacking downtown area, but whether the food is spicy enough is up for debate. Unfortunately, there aren’t many Indian restaurants in Storrs itself. Students suffering from cravings might order the popular chicken tikka or any of their biryani options.
As a note to students, Kathmandu is frequently rented out by UConn clubs for parties. If you’re looking to dance and have fun with your friends, keep an eye out for any news on the weekends.
Whale Tea
Sometimes you’re not in the mood to eat, and that’s alright. After moving your luggage and furniture, students might want to spoil themselves with a sweet treat. Once you settle into Storrs, you’ll find that almost everybody loves boba tea. Many restaurants in Downtown Storrs offer boba tea, but the consensus is that Whale Tea has the best options.
Other restaurants like Tea More Cafe or Eatjoy offer boba tea and food, but their drink options are limited. Whale Tea is so popular that our friends on last year’s food-column “Food Fight” duked it out over what the best boba tea combination is.