Justin Higgins (C’28), originally from Albany, New York, is a first-year in the College of Arts & Sciences and a Georgetown Storyteller. He plans to study government with a minor in journalism.
As a first year at Georgetown, I have the privilege of having the All Access 7 Meal Plan – it includes unlimited swipes at Leo’s, 14 Meal Exchanges per week and $200 Flex Dollars. If you are anything like me, you want to, one, make sure you’re getting your money’s worth and, two, not get bored of what you’re eating. If you’re falling into a spring Hoya Eats slump (yes, I just made that up), then look no further than my go-to guide and snack hacks for the Hilltop Campus — and don’t forget to check out my list of the best budget eats around Georgetown.
Leavey Center
Chick-fil-A
My first thought would be to advise anyone reading this not to spend all of their Flex Dollars here. However in my opinion, Chick-fil-A is the best Flex option on campus. Disclaimer: I am cheap with my Flex in hopes of going on a Vittles shopping spree during my last weeks on campus before summer. However, I find that going once a week is a great treat and break from the more traditional dining options on campus. And also, Chick-fil-A is your key to the only milkshake included in your dining plan.
Royal Jacket Deli
Royal Jacket routinely has lines out the door because of their fresh build-your-own sandwich options, but personally, I prefer their premade options. My friends and I usually grab lunch between classes and for that reason, we get the hot and ready meatball subs, allowing us to skip the line and have more time to relax and catch up.
Crop Chop
I’ll die on this hill: you can’t diss Crop Chop because you build the salad. With that out of the way, the ingredients are always fresh, but make sure you don’t cheat yourself — you get four toppings!
Vital Vittles
If you’re anything like me, you were unsure of what exactly The Corp was before coming to Georgetown. “The Corp” is a public, non-profit organization that is entirely run by undergraduate students — something that sets its business operations apart from other companies. Vital Vittles is admittedly one of the only Corp locations I frequent, but for a good reason — they are a convenience store with endless snacks and beverages. I’m a Guayakí Yerba Mate ambassador, but when I am running low, I buy a can (or case) from Vittles.
Leo’s
Sazón
One hack. Ask for chips.
5Spice
Request double protein — especially if you have unlimited meal swipes. In case you are looking for a pretty basic order or like to switch it up a little, I always get a bowl with white rice, grilled chicken, peppers, onions and sweet chilli sauce. Bonus points if you eat it with a fork (I don’t know how to use chopsticks).
Whisk
Get the strawberry lemonade with a brownie but you have to eat it outside. The sun makes everything taste better. Thank me later.
Downstairs
My biggest hack is not to go. Just kidding, but in all seriousness, Downstairs Leo’s is at its prime on Saturday mornings when they serve chocolate chip pancakes, on Tuesday evenings for birria tacos at the grill, and at all times for dessert. P.S. The dessert bar has a hand-scooped ice cream bar!
Car Barn
Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einsteins: my Hoya Eats pride and joy. Einsteins is 100% my most frequented meal exchange recipient. I’ve been known to indulge in a Cinnamon Sugar Bagel with Honey Butter for breakfast before my 9 a.m. or frequent a Bacon, Egg and Cheese for a late breakfast or lunch (and maybe once at 1 a.m. on a Saturday). Pro tip: tap twice and get a Strawberry Banana Smoothie with your bagel sandwich. My friends and I also enjoy taking the walk to Car Barn as the weather warms up.
Epis
Illy Cafe
Arguably the best non-Flex coffee option on campus in my opinion. My only tip is to make sure you get the pastry that comes with your drink — they’re always pretty fresh.
The Grill
I am a big fan of the Epi’s chicken quesadillas. I always make sure to order ahead on Grubhub to avoid the line.
At the end of the day, the best on campus dining experience involves a balance between variety, convenience and getting the most out of your meal plan. Whether you’re grabbing a grab and go sandwich between classes or indulging in a well-earned Chick-fil-A milkshake after a midterm, there are plenty of ways to keep things interesting. Hoya Snaxa!
