Grinnell College
- Off-Campus Dining

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While off-campus dining in and around Grinnell is lacking in diversity, it’s certainly a viable alternative to campus dining. It’s easy to find good pizza in town. People looking for a good solid Midwestern meal will surely not be disappointed. Off-campus dining is more of a social event than a culinary adventure. While the pizza at Pagliai’s is awesome and Lonnski's subs are delicious, the best part about going is forgetting about deadlines and enjoying time with friends. It is not uncommon for students to forget, if at least for an hour, that they all have term papers due in the morning.

Furthermore, some restaurants that have been around for a while have become unofficially linked to the College. Saints Rest is owned by a former Grinnell student, and Grinnellians use it as a study haven. You would be hard-pressed to find a customer there around finals week that doesn’t have a textbook. The Phoenix Café is also well known on campus, but it is notorious for its expensive menu, so take your parents. It’s safe to say that ice cream runs to Dari Barn are a Grinnell pastime. Recently, Chinese restaurant Chuong Garden has risen as a viable Saturday afternoon watering/feeding hole. There is a local diner (A & M) where your portions will certainly not be unsatisfying and can serve as the perfect feel-good meal when you finally get sick of the dining hall. The best part about living in a town with a population of 9,000 is that the off-campus dining options are cheap! Unless you meander into the Phoenix, you would be hard-pressed to find a meal for more than $10.

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Off-Campus Dining at Grinnell College

Ezk1993

'15

Political Science and Government

3.8

B+

Not Great, Not Bad

The town of Grinnell has seen better days but it offers a nice range of dining options, from the Peppertree to La Cabana. Most places are good and all are fairly priced

Oct 13, 2011

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Off-Campus Dining at Grinnell College

barsha21

'12

Sociology

3.1

B-

Check Out Downtown

Downtown is mostly where all the restaurants are. There isn't much variety but we have 2 Chinese and 2 Mexican restaurants. There is also a middle-eastern restaurant,Phoenix, and it's surprising to see this diversity of restaurants in a small town. However, as a student its not always easy to afford eating out at Phoenix and other fancier restaurants that do not necessarily cater to college students.

Apr 04, 2011

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Off-Campus Dining at Grinnell College

judsonca

'14

Space and Undersea Systems Operations

3.5

B

It's Okay

In terms of fast food options, there is Tacobell, Taco John's, KFC, McDonald's, and Dairy Queen. My two favorite places that are only a 10 minute walk away are La Cabana Mexican Grill and Chuong's Chinese Food. They are both pretty cheap and laid back. Not much in terms of student discounts, but it starts inexpensive so a discount is not really necessary. In terms of variety, they are your classic Mexican and Chinese restaurants.

Mar 29, 2011

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Student Survey Poll ResultsWhat's This?

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