Being vegetarian in a meat-centric society is difficult. Being vegetarian while also struggling to make ends meet (haha, meat) as a broke college student is even more difficult, especially given the unfortunate reality that healthy vegetarian food is often more expensive than the unhealthy options.
I come from a historically vegetarian family, and have been vegetarian my whole life. Having lived on campus for a year and a half before I escaped the clutches of dining hall food, I understand the difficulty of finding filling, tasty, moderately healthy vegetarian or vegan food at an affordable price around campus.
Thus, I have decided to create a guide for any vegetarian or vegan students, as to where one can find decent meals without breaking the bank. The following are some restaurants that are my personal favorites for when I want a break from University Dining or my own cooking, but don’t have more than $10 to spend. All listed prices are without tax included.
1) Mitch’s Tavern, Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
Situated across from Patterson Hall, Mitch’s Tavern is not only close to Main Campus, but the food is healthy, filling and, for the most part, all under $7 without tax. If you’re 21, Mitch’s has a wide variety of reasonably priced beers to pair with their food menu.
My personal go-to meal is a garden melt sandwich — it can be made vegan by removing the cheese — which comes with either a cup of soup or a side of potato salad, if you’re so inclined ($5.95). For a drink, water is always a good, free, hydrating choice, but if you’re legal and the adventurous sort of person, a fun mystery beer might be for you — the bartender dunks their hand in the cooler without looking and you’re stuck with what they pull out ($2.50). Altogether, the meal comes out to under $10 without tip.
2) Jasmin Mediterranean Bistro, Hillsborough Street, Raleigh
Also located across from Patterson Hall next to Mitch’s, Jasmin has one location near NC State’s campus, and one location across the street from Meredith College. With a menu full of spicy, flavorful food that’s rich with protein and vegetables, Jasmin is the perfect place to bring a little variety into your diet.
My favorite meal is a falafel panini — a grilled sandwich of sorts with fresh falafel, Mediterranean slaw and its house sauce — paired with a side of fries and a refreshing drink of water ($6.48). For guaranteed vegan options, diners can get a platter, with a choice of two sides, one sauce and one protein — falafel counts — or a bowl, with your choice of rice, hummus, lettuce and two toppings, one sauce and one protein. Both of these options are under $8 without tax.
3) Moe’s Southwest Grill, Cameron Village, Raleigh
“Why is this girl telling me about one of the most popular chain restaurants in the area,” you may be wondering. The answer is because I love the way Moe’s welcomes me to Moe’s every time I walk in the door. That its food is delicious and comes in massive quantities helps, too. It’s located a little farther away from campus in Cameron Village, but it’s still within plausible walking distance for those able to and inclined to do so.
Although slightly more expensive than the previous two options, Moe’s has a reputation of giving their customers almost supersized portions packed with flavor in every bite. I typically order the Art Vandalay burrito ($6.00) with the works, and yes, guacamole is, unfortunately, extra. If you’re vegan, the burrito tastes just as fantastic without added cheese, queso or sour cream. With water as a drink, your receipt is still way under $10, even with tax and, most importantly, guacamole included.
4) Bruegger’s Bagels, Hillsborough Street/Mission Valley, Raleigh
Who doesn’t love a good, hearty bagel? Even though they close at 7 p.m. every day, for breakfast, brunch or lunch options, Bruegger’s offers a variety of filling, healthy meals at reasonable prices. Their coffee is never-failingly well-roasted, smooth and the perfect drink to combine with any bagel or bagel sandwich.
For lunch, my usual order is a Leonardo DaVeggie on an asiago cheese bagel, toasted ($5.89). If I have an extra couple of bucks, I’ll spring for a cup of coffee — hot for when it’s cold outside, and cold for when it’s hot outside ($1.99). If I’m in less of a lunch mood and more of a breakfast/brunch mood, I’ll order a sundried tomato bagel with light garden veggie cream cheese ($2.49) and that same cup of coffee, black with no sugar.
5) Delirious Salads and Wraps, Atrium, NC State
If you absolutely cannot spend any more money than what you already do through your meal plan, as is the case with many students, there are options on campus for healthy, affordable, vegetarian meals, however few.
A salad without meat proteins at Delirious is $3.99, and when I had a meal plan freshman year, I practically lived at its station in the Atrium. A salad loaded with a spinach or lettuce base, vegetables including tomatoes, onions, peppers, cucumbers and tomatoes, cheese, legumes or eggs for protein and one of the many delicious dressings they have available is filling and tasty enough to satisfy my hunger cravings.
Given that the meal credit value is $7.50, you can pair your salad with a carton of milk or a package of chips and still stay under the limit. If you are OK to use dining dollars, throwing a bottle of Naked Juice in with the salad completes the perfect midday meal.
It can be hard to find the time to look for meals that are good for your body and your wallet and are within accessible distances. Hopefully the above list makes the search for good food a little easier, and a little tastier.
