COLLEGE IN THE 401: Best Late-Night Eats
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Few things are as synonymous with college students as food. They consume massive amounts of it at seemingly every hour of the day. Whether after a long night of studying or socializing, no college campus is complete without local eating options. Where are our local college kids’ favorites and what are they eating?
Providence College
Go to: Li Li Wok, 600 Douglas Ave, 331-8188
For: Pork Fried Rice Platter with Sesame Chicken ($10.99)
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTHow late? Open/Delivery until 12 AM
Because: This small, local Chinese restaurant offers cultural variety in a Providence College student’s late night diet. This meal features a big container of steaming fried rice with pieces of pork mixed in, a big side of sesame chicken slathered in sauce, and a piping hot egg roll.
Go to: Golden Crust, 228 Oakland Ave, 273-2288
For: Small Buffalo Chicken Pizza ($7.99)
How late? Delivery until 4 AM
Because: A true Providence College institution and a favorite for students of all types. This legendary pizza features spicy buffalo chicken on top of a doughy, cheese pie complete with a side of blue cheese for dipping. A second location is perfect for RIC students: 1526 Smith Street, 353-1416.
Go to: Big Tony’s, 525 Eaton St, 490-0000
For: Sammy the Bull Gravano Wrap ($7.20)
How late? Delivery until 4 AM
Because: Big Tony’s takes a culinary spin on Mafia gangster culture and one of its highlights is this wrap. While students often debate on the best option here, there is no denying the greatness of this meal. Enclosed in a warm white wrap are tenderloin steak tips, BBQ sauce, provolone cheese, and fries. Is there anything better? Fuggedaboutit.
University of Rhode Island
Go to: The Burger Shack, Kingston Emporium, 99 Fortin Rd, 284-0037
For: Rhodey Blue Burger ($6.79)
How late? Open until 11 PM
Because: The Burger Shack offers food and URI school spirit aplenty. Food wise, many students choose to go with a succulent patty of meat topped with sautéed mushrooms and onions lathered with blue cheese dressing. If this doesn’t get you cheering for Rhodey, we don’t know what will.
Go to: International Zone (aka the IZone), 100 Fortin Rd, 782-2321
For: Chicken Bacon Ranch Calzone ($5.99)
How late? Open until 3 AM
Because: Offering the best Calzones on URI’s campus, IZone provides a creative proficiency for putting anything into a calzone as well as the always valuable late night delivery. Chicken, bacon, and ranch, all stuffed into a steamy calzone equals both creative and yummy.
Go to: Caliente Mexican Grill, 99 Fortin Rd, 284-2816
For: Pipeline Burrito ($5.56)
How late? Open until 10 PM
Because: This massive morsel offers URI students a taste of Hawaii. Included in the burrito are pieces of grilled steak, Mexican rice, grilled pineapples, red onions, and portabella mushrooms. Surf’s up.
Brown University/Rhode Island School of Design
Go to: Antonio’s Pizza, 256 Thayer St, 455-3600
For: Tortellini Pesto Pizza ($1 a slice)
How late? Open until 2 AM
Because: This hopping pizza joint located right on Thayer Street offers dollar slices of pizza in all shapes and sizes. And while the pizza may be lacking in cost, there is no shortage of taste. Some students prefer to embrace pizza and pasta at the same time and the Tortellini Pesto Pizza provides exactly that.
Go to: East Side Pockets, 278 Thayer, 453-1100
For: Gyro Pocket ($6.02)
How late? Monday-Thursday 1 AM; Friday & Saturday 2 AM
Because: Arguably the tastiest morsel in the whole 401 area code. Enveloped in a warm pita are strips of Greek style seasoned lamb (fresh off the grill), tzatziki sauce, hot sauce, hummus, tabbouleh, feta cheese, red onions, and pickles. Be warned: eating at this place, may lead to the immediate development of an affinity for Greek food and a desire to attend Brown/RISD due to its close location.
Go to: Baja's Texa and Mex Grill, 273 Thayer St, 383-7079
For: Chipotle Chicken Burrito ($5.99)
How late? Open until 2 AM
Because: Also located on Thayer Street is this authentic burrito joint. You can top your burrito off with any toppings offered and it is all free of charge. Students recommend black beans, Mexican rice, sautéed onions and peppers, lettuce, guacamole, sour cream, and sliced jalapenos.
Bryant University
Go to: Ronzio’s Pizza, 9 Cedar Swamp Rd, 830-5758
For: Mac & Cheese Pizza ($10.99 large, $12.99 extra large)
How late? Sunday thru Thursday open until 1 AM; Friday & Saturday Open until 3 AM
Because: Ronzio’s is a household name for all Rhode Islanders, especially those who call themselves Bryant Bulldogs. One of their favorites combines two of the world’s greatest foods into one. Macaroni with a tangy cheddar cheese sauce on top of Ronzio’s cheese blend and bacon.
Go to: Manville Palace, 141 Railroad St, Manville, 769-9777
For: 16’’ Cheese Pizza, 10 Wings, & 2 LT Bottle Soda ($17.99)
How late? Delivery until 4 AM
Because: This meal could feed three people and what could possibly be better after a long night of ‘studying’ than a large delicious pizza and a few scintillating buffalo wings? I’ll tell you what. Nothing.
Go to: J’s Deli, 285 George Washington Hwy, 231-0823
For: Final Exam ($7.35)
How late? Open until 8 PM
Because: Finally an exam at Bryant you actually want to take and one that you are guaranteed to do well on. This culinary test features extra lean roast beef, BBQ sauce, melted muenster cheese, and onions on a torpedo roll.
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