Wesleyan is in a prime location, surrounded by numerous restaurants that feed all the needs and cravings of its students, faculty and families. Bigger named restaurants such as Chipotle or California Pizza Kitchen are always full of Wesleyan members, but there are many places that not many people have even heard of. Places like Hog and Ale, Dagwood’s, Gino’s Pizza and Pita all surround the Wesleyan bubble, yet people rarely go to them (so I thought).
As I conducted a poll from the current junior and senior class, I came to realize 35 seniors and 27 juniors have all eaten at one or more of the restaurants listed above. Due to that unexpected number, I decided to take matters into my own hands and eat, observe and critique each place. I was thoroughly satisfied with my results, and I will recommend any of these places to people in the future.
Ratings are as follows:
Tolerable.
I will eat this, but I probably never go here again.
It is satisfactory, but there are problems and reasons why I don’t love it.
Good, but not great.
Amazing. I would absolutely eat again and recommend.
Hog and Ale:
Rating:
Type of food: Bar-B-Que
What I ordered: BBQ Chicken Nachos with Fried Okra
Review: This unique style of nachos consisted of pulled BBQ chicken, jalapenos, spices and cheese all on top of warm and crispy French fries. Senior Matt Adent said, “I honestly didn’t have much expectation [about the restaurant] because I hadn’t heard much about it, but right when I walked in I could tell I was going to have a good meal. I definitely enjoyed the BBQ just as much as I thought I would.” Senior Alva Jones ate there and was “surprised by the flavor of their juicy meat.” While the meal was unexpectedly delicious, the service was subpar. Another factor that was not very attractive to me was trivia because I was not able to have full conversations with the people around me. The food and atmosphere were wonderful. I give this restaurant a three out of five starts because they lacked welcoming service and the trivia night bothered me.
Dagwood’s:
Rating:
Type of food: Pizza
What I ordered: The White Pizza
Review: The beauty of a hole-in-the-wall pizza joint is that each one is different. Dagwood’s was pleasant and fun! The service wasn’t amazing but that is okay. Senior David Thrower said, “Dagwood’s offers a diverse menu of savory food. I’m the type of person who likes to try something new every time I eat there. The atmosphere is also very relaxed and inviting.” I am giving this four out of five stars because everything was phenomenal except the service.
Gino’s Pizza:
Rating:
Type of food: Italian
What I ordered: Classic Pepperoni Pizza
Review: Walking into this hole-in-the-wall pizza joint, I was surprised. The atmosphere was not trendy or pretty, but it was a normal looking pizza place. I opted for the classic pepperoni slice because I do not love stepping out of my comfort zone. The pizza was warm, gooey and super yummy. I do not think I would bring a party there to eat some pizza, but I would definitely feel confident that if I ordered three large pizzas to-go I would be thoroughly satisfied. I am giving this restaurant four out of five stars because the food and the service was wonderful! The atmosphere was not to my liking, but everyone who worked there was so kind.
Pita:
Rating:
Type of food: Greek
What I ordered: Grilled Chicken Gyro with Hummus
Review: I was very skeptical because I do not love Greek food, but was so happy I decided to eat here. I walked in and I instantly loved it. The atmosphere was chic and fun, and I loved its upbeat and energetic vibe. I ordered Grilled Chicken Gyro with Hummus. I devoured the dish and loved it so much. I did not stop talking about it — just ask my mom. I am giving this restaurant a five out of five because it was cute, yummy, fast and inexpensive.
