Storrs, Connecticut, can seem like a foreign place to newcomers. Since many families accompany students as they move onto campus, parents of new freshmen may be nervous about their children leaving the nest. Therefore, to start the first year off right, students should have a farewell lunch or dinner with their families. Here are some recommendations for places to choose.
Dog Lane Cafe
Dog Lane Cafe is a safe bet and can satisfy any family’s appetite. The menu includes traditional fare, from breakfast omelets to grilled dishes like the Dog House Burger. Students with younger siblings will appreciate the kids’ menu of simple dishes, especially if they keep hearing, “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.
In addition, Dog Lane Cafe serves coffee and other beverages. For coffee drinkers, the line is worth it and for those with sensitive stomachs, hot or iced drinks can be a good alternative.
Square Peg Pizzeria & Bar
Pizza lovers will appreciate Square Peg. Opened just last year, Square Peg has become a popular hangout for UConn students and Mansfield area residents. Although it’s a pizza place, Square Peg’s main attraction is the bar. College students who are old enough to drink alcohol can relax here with dinner and a glass of their favorite beverage.
And to top it all off, there’s Square Peg, a new spot in Downtown Storrs. Due to its popularity, the wait can be quite long, especially if you have a large group.
Kathmandu Kitchen & Bar
Another restaurant and bar is Kathmandu. Indian cuisine brings some spice to the sparse downtown area, but whether the food is spicy enough is debatable. Unfortunately, there aren’t many Indian restaurants in Storrs itself. Students who are craving something can order the popular chicken tikka or one of the biryani variations.
A note for students: Kathmandu is often rented out by UConn clubs for parties. If you want to dance and have fun with your friends, keep an eye out for news on the weekends.
Whale tea
Sometimes you don’t feel like eating, and that’s OK. After moving luggage and furniture, students may want to indulge in a sweet treat. Once you get settled in Storrs, you’ll find that almost everyone loves boba tea. Many restaurants in downtown Storrs offer boba tea, but the consensus is that Whale Tea has the best selection.
Other restaurants like Tea More Cafe or Eatjoy offer boba tea and food, but the drink selection is limited. Whale tea is so popular that our friends in last year’s Food Fight food column argued about what the best boba tea combination is.
