Alex Akel with Permission
With an influx of mediocre Acre Dining lunches, Convent and Stuart Hall students have sought more delicious, convenient, and fast alternatives. Many of these options can be found on Fillmore, a bustling street filled with a variety of restaurants.
One of the most popular places to dine at is Taco Bar, a lively Mexican taqueria known for its authentic Mexican flavors and fresh ingredients. Situated on the corner of Fillmore and California, Taco Bar offers a wide range of options, from carnitas tacos to carne asada burritos.
“The food is always fresh, and it’s prepared within minutes,” says Junior Henry Pluim, “Even though it’s expensive, it’s like eating a fancy Mexican dinner.”
Apizza is a beloved pizzeria known for its thin, crispy crusts and innovative toppings. Unfortunately, it has temporarily closed its doors with little details as to when it will re-open. For many years, Apizza has been a staple for Convent and Stuart Hall students, offering delicious thin crusts and tasty frozen yogurts at affordable prices. Their unique pizzas such as the burger pizza topped with savory beef and pickles, and the cacio e pepe pizza featuring a rich blend of creamy cheese and pepper topped with spaghetti, have intrigued adventurous students through a blending of classic Italian flavors with creative twists.
The abrupt closure of Apizza has saddened many students. “One of my favorite off-campus lunch spots was definitely Apizza,” reflects culinary expert David Leshchenko, “You could get a solid pie there for 10 bucks, and then finish with a nice frozen yogurt dessert for an extra couple bucks. Sadly they are closed right now.”
For those looking for something more upscale but still casual, Roam Artisan Burgers offers a gourmet take on the classic American burger. Located down the street from Taco Bar and Apizza, Roam Burger is sumptuous but pricey. Nonetheless, the restaurant is a popular lunch spot, especially for students who want to treat themselves.
“What can be better than a good burger,” says David, “Although the price can be steep, I’d still prefer to save up and treat myself to a good burger every once in a while.”
Known for its organic ingredients, Roam features many types of burgers made from beef, bison, turkey, or plant-based patties. They can also include creative toppings such as cremini mushrooms, caramelized onions, avocado, or even a sunny-side-up egg.
“Everything is so fresh,” notes David, “A double-double classic burger is hard to beat, especially paired with the garlic-truffle fries and the prickly pear soda.”
Despite the unfortunate closure of Apizza, the off-campus food scene remains vibrant with Taco Bar and Roam Burger offering mouthwatering flavors and dishes for students. Whether it be grabbing a quick taco or savoring a luxurious burger, Fillmore offers great alternatives to Acre.