By Daytripper Ambassador Gabby Guzdek of Honestly Gabby
Are having plenty of options to eat close to campus an important factor in your college decision-making process? If so, and if you’re looking at Wesleyan University, you’ve come to the right place! Located in Middletown, CT, Wesleyan has an array of delicious food options all close to the university! Most places are within walking distance on Main St, and all are affordable. Whether you’re looking for a good cup of coffee, a quick bite, or a sit down vegan meal, this guide has you covered.
Best Coffee : Qawa Coffee Co.
Qawa is still pretty new to CT (less than a year old) but it’s made its mark on Middletown. The coffee is delicious, the people are friendly, and the cafe is full of natural light and a dream study space. My personal favorite is the Yemeni Latte, made with almond milk, vanilla, and cardamom...it’s delicious and super unique. Pair it with their Ricotta Toast and you’re good to go! I also recommend the drip coffee if you like your coffee simple.
Best High-End : Esca
The Wild Mushroom Flatbread and the Tiramisu are two favorites off the menu here. The restaurant is nicer than most of Middletown dining spots and more expensive, but it’s a great option for when you need a classier dining experience.
Best Quick + Casual : Brewbakers
Brewbakers is perfect for grabbing a quick bite or grinding out some homework on the weekends. The local breakfast and lunch cafe serves egg sandwiches, pastries, coffee, lunch sandwiches, soups, salads, and more! I love the Garden Veggie Burger, which is loaded with caramelized onions, tomato, and pesto aioli. For coffee, check out the Cookie Jar or Berry White specialty lattes!
Best Late-Night Grub: Whey Station
The Whey Station food truck (parks near Fisk on campus) and it’s newly opened store front on Main Street offer tons of cheesy goodness! Grilled cheese is their specialty. At the truck, get the Channing Tater or the Ella. At the brick and mortar restaurant, get the raclette (bonus points for getting it over tater tots!)
More Late Bites: Mamoun’s Falafel Truck
A Wesleyan staple. Parked outside Exley Science Center most Thursday-Saturday nights, the truck serves both Middle Eastern food and American food! The mozzarella sticks are delicious, and I’ve heard the Falafel Wrap and Steak + Cheese Wrap are also delicious.
Best Sweet Tooth: Durham Dari Serve
Worth the drive. Super cheap and super delicious ice cream! The shop is seasonal, so take advantage when it’s open. I love their flavors of the day, but the chocolate soft serve with rainbow sprinkles is always a staple.
Best Takeout: Asian Restaurant
Asian Restaurant has super cheap and deliciously large portions of whatever Asian food your heart desires! My go-to is the Pad Thai with Tofu...yum! My friends recommend the Lo Mein and the Hibachi Shrimp. Asian Restaurant is definitely my top contributor on Grubhub!
Personal Favorite: Ion
This all vegan restaurant has been up and running for 30+ years, and there is a reason to its success! The food is delicious, and my non-plant-based friends also love it. ION uses the freshest ingredients (local when possible!), focuses on sustainability, and emphasizes quality. Everything is scratch-made, so it takes a while to get you food, but it’s worth the wait. I genuinely would recommend everything on the menu, but some of my favorites include the Southern Fried Tofu, the Classic Cheeseburger, the Nachos, and the Cajun Gumbo. You MUST finish your meal with the Coconut Cake...the cake is incredibly flavorful and has an almond frosting. I’m not a massive fan of either coconut or almond desserts but this cake single handedly changed my perspective...it’s that good.
**Hi, I'm Gabby! I'm in the Class of 2022 at Wesleyan University, double majoring in Biology and Science & Society! I am on the Wesleyan Field Hockey Team, and am passionate about health and wellness. Follow along with me at honestlygabby.com or @honestly_gabby on Instagram! :)