Eating well as a college student is a notoriously tall task. Luckily, there are lots of great spots in and around University City to grab a bite when you get tired of dining hall meals and instant noodles. A short walk or subway ride off campus can also take you to some more of Philly’s dining options. This list of some of the best food spots to enjoy while not breaking the bank.

Coffee Shops

Saxbys is perfect for a quick pick-me-up coffee. Stop by their larger location at 34th and Arch St. on the way from your dorms or their PISB location in between classes. The coffee and teas are about what you would expect at a chain shop, and they have pre-made breakfast foods like muffins or crumb cake as well. Not the best around, but Saxby’s does their job well and conveniently enough to deserve a mention. Recommended Item: Iced Vanilla Bean Latte

Madis Coffee Roasters up Lancaster and Greek From Greece (GFG) on 33rd and Arch Street fit the bill for sit-down cafes around campus. They are both open into the late afternoon, so changing the scenery with a treat is great for getting some work done after classes. Madis specializes in more standard cafe food, like egg & cheeses, bagels and some sandwiches, while Greek’s has more salad & create-your-own bowl options. Unfortunately, both locations can get pretty crowded with students, so keep that in mind. Recommended Item(s): Avocado Toast for the former and Powelton Peach Tea at the latter.

Green Line Cafe is a little bit of a hike at 42nd and Baltimore Ave, but the walk through West Philly and UPenn’s campus is a pleasant one. It is a quieter location, so you can get away from the hustle and bustle of campus activities. Alongside standard coffee options, their treats include vegan cookie and brownie options which are just as good as their normal counterparts. Recommended Item: Lavender Lemonade

Sabrina’s is both a cafe and a full on brunch restaurant, for those willing to spend the extra dollar in a beautiful building on 34th and Powelton. The menu has a wide variety, and every item is amazing — it’s a challenge to decide. From wild mushroom toast, to omelets and pancakes there are no wrong choices. However, the place is almost always busy, which can lead to long seating and service times. In addition, the price is a little hefty. All-in-all, Sabrina’s is perfect on certain occasions. Recommended item: French Toast

Restaurants

Ed’s and Savas are the two Pizzerias located side by side just past 7/11 on Lancaster Walk, open past midnight for the late night munchies. Competition between them is just as infamous as the food. Ed’s has their signature Boom Boom pizza, with buffalo and ranch over top chicken cutlets, while Savas sticks to the classics. Both kitchens have other options like wings, strombolis, calzones, paninis and other sandwiches. The differences between the two could be chalked up to better topping options versus a better crust, but decide for yourself which you prefer! Be careful, however, not to find yourself in a group of supporters of the other restaurant.

Tataki Ramen and Sushi Bar is located just off of 34th on Lancaster Walk, and is a great restaurant for either a hearty meal or budget dining. Sushi rolls come in a standard 6 piece, but at a cheap price point without lacking in quality. The specialty rolls are a little pricier but make up for it. On the heavier side of the menu, the soup selection is fantastic too. There are options for pork, miso, curry or another kind of broth for your noodles. Often there are specials for two at Tataki, so bring a friend and save a few dollars. Recommended item: Tonkotsu Ramen w/ Chashu Pork

Any kind of food you might be thinking of, Reading Terminal Market is sure to have it. Over a hundred shops will have you covered for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The crowded atmosphere may be a little overwhelming,but it undoubtedly adds to the experience of fighting your way through for a delicious meal. Try a Dutch apple dumpling or crepes to start the day off, or some Mediterranean cuisine or Peking Duck in the afternoon. Fresh produce and meats are also available in a pretty wide selection to take back home.

Mango Mango, surprisingly, is a mango-themed dessert restaurant in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. A short walk from the 11th street subway station is worth the trip for the refreshing sweets. If mango isn’t quite your taste, they have other flavors like strawberry, lychee, taro and durian. The portions are adequate so you will leave satisfied but still feeling light since it’s fruit-based, so you can continue sightseeing afterwards. Recommended item: Mango Coconut Sticky Rice