They are ready to duke it out in a showdown for the ages. Six campus eateries enter, yet only one can come out a Temple student favorite. We’ll let you decide.
City View vs. Owl’s Nest
City View first graced campus about a year ago. Manager Jim Angelis described the establishment as being a part of the neighborhood.
“We are friendly and low key,” Angelis said. “We try to produce and deliver a fresh, clean product every time.”
To some students, City View’s charm stems from it prices and location.
“The food is prepared quickly,” said sophomore physical therapy major Nicolette Vakirtzoglu, while she waited to pick up her order. “It’s perfect because the price is just right.”
“City View is a convenient place to go because when I lived in Elmira Jefferies. It was close by,” said junior finance major Chequana Waters. “They have quite a range of food as well. You get a lot of food for a good price.”
Though City View is fairly new to campus, Temple’s veteran pizza shop Owl’s Nest has reigned in the same location for more than 50 years. They claim that their success is due to their availability.
“College students are always up late, whether they are studying or partying,” said manager Kris Seiberlich. “On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, we are open until 3 a.m.”
Freshman international business major Erin Kirk turns to Owl’s Nest for its student-oriented atmosphere.
“I think it feels more like a hangout than a restaurant,” Kirk said. “It’s a great place to eat pizza at two in the morning where you know that the service will be fast and efficient.”
However, not everyone finds the establishment to be up to par.
“Their delivery is fast and the food is delicious, but when you have to go inside to order, you are turned off by the grime,” said junior communications major Stephanie Schaefer.
If you are not in the mood for pizza, then Chinese food is a nice alternative.
Temple Garden vs. Temple Star
Temple Garden claims to offer their services to a wide variety of people.
“Our customers range from Temple students to residents in the community,” said front desk cashier Sophia Wang.
For senior finance major Joanna Bryjak, Temple Garden stands pretty high on her list.
“Compared to some of the other Chinese food places around, Temple Garden is better than most,” Bryjak said. “With fast delivery and good prices, they provide a great service.”
Though, for some students, sometimes that quality service is not received.
“I went in to ask a question, and they were extremely rude to me,” said sophomore theater major London Summers.
For those in the Johnson and Hardwick residence halls, Temple Star is a popular spot to purchase a platter of General Tso’s chicken.
“We cater more towards the student population because we are in an area where a majority of the freshman residence halls are located,” said manager Karen Chen. “We have more pick-ups than we do deliveries. Often times, they are students returning from parties.”
Sophomore music education major Sarah Ketterer admitted to being hooked on Temple Star her freshman year.
“It was a better alternative to the Johnson & Hardwick cafeteria,” Ketterer said.
“I thought that they had the best General Tso’s chicken in the city, but then I discovered China House,” said senior BTMM major Gregory Nothstein.
Draught Horse vs. Maxi’s
For the past five years, the Draught Horse has been an upscale bar for faculty and students alike. Recently taken under new management, the Draught Horse of the past has been remodeled into smaller sections to create the ambience of a traditional college pub. Not only has the physical area been renovated, but so has the menu.
“We pride ourselves on our freshly ground hamburgers and home-made French fries,” said manager Jolly Weldon.
However, this renovation has failed to excite some regulars of ‘the Horse.’
“The space is better than before, but they have gotten rid of a few items that I really enjoyed,” said Victor Rodriguez as he ate lunch with his daughter.
Others felt the same way about the menu change. “They took the New England clam chowder off of their menu. It was my favorite,” said Nicole Rivera, another customer.
As the Draught Horse has been under construction, Maxi’s on Liacouras Walk has remained the same for the Temple community since 2005.
“We provide our services strictly for Temple students and faculty,” said owner and manager Robin Cola. “It’s a Cheers bar. Everyone knows your name.”
“Maxi’s is so friendly,” said regular Stacey Wheeler before pounding down an Irish Carbomb. “The prices suck, but the love you feel makes up for it.”
“I like that I can use Diamond Dollars to pay for drinks,” said another regular, Jonathan Todd.
The reasons for choosing where to go to eat are as diverse and varied as the students on campus. For some, it depends on proximity, cost and treatment. For others, it all comes down to one thing: How hungry are you?
Lauren McCulligan can be reached at l.mcculliagan@temple.edu.
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