If your tummy’s rumbling on campus and you don’t have access to the Wayne Dining Hall of William Paterson University, your best option is to eat at the food court located at the campus’s Student Center.
As experts in the field (of eating), we’re going to break it down for you and tell you what’s worth your time from worst to best. The criteria will be based on taste, affordability, and how it satisfies your hunger.
There are five places to choose from, and they’re all very different. For this ranking, we will not be including Starbucks, as it is mostly pre-made food and Starbucks beverages.
#5: Mi Comida
Taste: 2.5/5
Affordability: 3.5/5
Hunger-Satisfaction: 2/5
This was disappointing to say the least. While it’s cheaper than an average Chipotle bowl, it’s not enough to save this bowl of dog kibble. For starters, the portions were … true to price. The meat is cut into small pieces, and you’re only served about a handful on a big bed of dry rice. No amount of sauce was saving this bowl, which is drier than your Hinge account.
Here’s the thing: if you’re gonna have the audacity to charge extra for guacamole, it should be more than just flavorless, mashed-up avocado.
#4: Ignite
Taste: 3.5/5
Affordability: 2/5
Hunger-Satisfaction: 3.5/5
There’s no doubt that the waffle fries are the star of the show. However, they shouldn’t take up 80% of your box. The reason we decided to rank Ignite so low is that we feel that it doesn’t give you a “bang for your buck”. For about $15 for wings and fries, it doesn’t really satisfy your hunger. I find that they’re pretty inconsistent. Sometimes it’s nice and meaty, and other times it’s straight up bone. There should also be a lot more chicken tenders included in the meal. Most importantly, you pay $15 only to be mostly full from the fries, and then you walk away feeling greasy and big.
Ignite, we need more from you.
#3: Brother Bruno’s
Taste: 3.5/5
Affordability: 4/5
Hunger-Satisfaction: 3.5/5
As New Jerseyans, we don’t take our pizza lightly. Brother Bruno’s wasn’t the most amazing thing ever, but it wasn’t horrible. It was middle-of-the-road. The crust had a sort of different taste. It could’ve been crunchier, but it wasn’t soggy or falling apart.
There really isn’t anything much to be said. It’s quick, affordable, and perfect for in between classes.
#2: Acai Bowls
Taste: 5/5
Affordability: 4.5/5
Hunger-Satisfaction: 4/5
This place is the bomb dot com. It’s perfect for a hot day. At only $9 a bowl, you get a nice portion of the Acai Base, and you get to pick as many toppings as you’d like. It’s refreshing and healthy, and it was a really good addition to the Student Center Food Court.
You might be wondering why we think so highly of it, but it’s only at number two. The only problem is that it’s only open once a week for an hour and a half. I believe that if it were open on more days and for longer, it would be extremely successful and a quick fan favorite, especially since it’s starting to warm up.
#1: Bento
Taste: 4/5
Affordability: 3/5
Hunger-Satisfaction: 5/5
It is without a doubt that Bento is one of the best places to eat in the food court. With a wide variety of items and prices, it’s a pretty flexible lunch option for commuters who may not be on campus for long. At Bento, you can spend your money knowing you made a semi-healthy decision, even if that wasn’t your intention. As an avid poké bowl consumer, I know my $15 was well spent, and I will leave the food court full and satisfied. The staff there is also super kind, so that’s always a plus.
Again, the variety is amazing, and it’s something the other places in the food court are missing. You have your choice of poke bowls, sushi, appetizers, ramen, and even boba. Bento has also always been consistent, which is a huge plus. It deserves its #1 spot.
Do you agree or disagree with us? Let us know in the comments.
