They say the best way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. If this is true, I’ve found my soul mate. The off-campus restaurants and eateries satisfy every poor college student’s wants and needs: cheap food, good food, and a whole lot of it.
Today’s blog will give a breakdown of some of my favorite places to eat in the Fordham neighborhood. From fine diners, to fan favorites, and the occasional diamond in the rough, you’ll never be hungry from Belmont to Bathgate.
Today’s blog will give a breakdown of some of my favorite places to eat in the Fordham neighborhood. From fine diners, to fan favorites, and the occasional diamond in the rough, you’ll never be hungry from Belmont to Bathgate.
PUGSLEY PIZZA (191st Street): The classic. First-timers are certainly in for a treat when handed their slice and caught off-guard by hearing a bang from an obnoxiously large gong, horns honking, and a small Italian man screeching at the top of his voice. The food is great (I highly recommend a Chicken Roll) but the atmosphere is definitely the reason Fordham students keep coming back for more. Sal, Pete, and the Pugsley staff will always keep customers guessing; you might witness Sal singing a cappella, on the karaoke machine, or, if you’re lucky, hear him play his saxophone. And although things may seem nutty, there is an overwhelming family atmosphere in Pugsley’s as soon as you walk in. As Sal always says, “Pizza is good, but love is it!”
PETE’S CAFÉ (Hoffman & Fordham Road): Nothing says “city living” like a good old-fashioned greasy spoon diner. Pete’s is great at any time of day, but my personal favorite is breakfast. With huge portions at a decent price (and a Fordham student discount) it’s one of the best ways to start—or finish—your day. You can get a stack of pancakes, two eggs, and a side of bacon topped off with a large orange juice for under $10. That's right. Today, you dine like a breakfast king. Go ahead, pour syrup on your loyal French toast subjects. For those of you who are more practiced in the breakfast arts, and have a nagging sweet tooth, I recommend the Oreo pancakes. Yup, I said it. They’re real, and they’re delicious. For those simply looking to snack, I would recommend the grilled cheese or the cheese fries with gravy (definitely a dish for sharing). The various burgers and fries are always great, and the club sandwiches never disappoint. For a classic, cheap, sit-down meal with friends, Pete’s is the way to go.
TINO’S DELICATESSEN (Arthur Ave. Between 188th & 187th): I personally challenge every Italian eating establishment in the Bronx—no, in all of New York City—to make tastier Italian sandwiches than Tino’s. You can taste how fresh each individual ingredient is with each bite, and it is absolutely worth every cent of the $7.50. True, Tino’s is a bit more pricy than the other places in the neighborhood, but the saying “you get what you pay for” absolutely applies here. From lasagna and pasta dishes made fresh daily, to sausage and peppers, to your classic Italian subs, Tino’s is a deli and market that tops all the others.
SIMON’S DELI (The corner of 189th & Arthur Ave.): Oh, what? You’re in a rush? Need something to satisfy the pangs of hunger in one fell swoop? Stop into Simon’s. With an abundance of bagels, schmears, (Yeah, I said “schmear,” So what?) and breakfast sandwiches, Simon’s will calm the beast in your midsection in a hurry. My personal favorite is the Simon’s Steak, Egg & Cheese Sandwich. Cooked with sautéed onions and slapped in between two halves of a warm, toasted Simon’s bagel, this classic breakfast combo just became portable. Boom goes the dynamite. Simon’s is the place to be if you’re on the go, or just need a good bagel in your life.
MUNCHIEZ (Arthur Ave. Between 189th & 188th): So it’s late. Like, really late. And you want chicken fingers. But wait. You also want mozzarella sticks. And a cheesesteak. And fries. And you only have $7.50. WELL GUESS WHAT. YOU JUST HIT THE JACKPOT, BUD! You can get all of that ON ONE SANDWICH. How do you like me now, appetizer menu at Applebee’s?! Alright, let’s calm down for a second here. To be sure, Munchiez is not for the faint of heart, but if one feels like stuffing themselves more than a Thanksgiving tur-duck-in—look it up; it’s real—head on down and order up. Munchiez has a variety of “fat” sandwiches that will blow your mind and pack your stomach fuller than an overstuffed suitcase...filled with sandwiches. To top off your experience, I highly recommend the fried Oreos. Cue the angelic chorus, because it looks like you just died and went to food heaven.
BELMONT GOURMET DELI, A.K.A. “THREE DOLLAR SUBS” A.K.A. “THRUBS” A.K.A. “3-D-CHEE” (Corner of 187th & Belmont): The sleeper pick of off-campus eating. This place is like Tom Brady getting drafted in the 6th round. Tucked away in a cozy corner of Belmont Avenue, finding this place is like finding the Cave of Wonders. In the dark. And your best friend is Iago, who won’t shut up and keeps whining about when you’re going to find it. Oh, what? Your three wishes are for a tasty sammich? For no more than some chump change? That’s only two wishes, and they both came true. Looks like you saved on money and wishes. Sandwiches here range from $3 to $5, all of which can be customized to your taste buds...bud. I highly recommend the cheesesteak with the works. It’s no Pat’s or Geno’s for you Philly natives, but it sure is mighty tasty. If you’re willing to make the journey, you will most certainly return with treasures beyond your wildest dreams: cash in your pocket and a sandwich in your belly.
Mike Dahlgren
FCRH 2014
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