Central Table
23 S. Euclid Ave.
Price: $$ (breakfast and lunch), $$$ (dinner)
Been to Einstein’s too often for breakfast? Central Table. Looking for an alternative to lunch that’s not too far of a walk? Central Table. Want a somewhat fancy dinner? Central Table. I’ve heard that they also offer Sunday brunches, so there’s another option to add to the list. Central Table, located right next to the Center for Outpatient Health, boasts a unique concept: cafeteria lunch, sit-down dinner. For lunch, there are four stations: deli (sandwiches and salads), hearth (pizza and pasta), sushi, and grill (burgers). Breakfast and dinner options are more limited, with breakfast consisting mostly of pastries (but ask about their hot breakfast sandwich) and dinner offering pizzas and a few upscale, meat-centered entrees. At the very least, try this place out for lunch, when it’s most affordable.
— Debra Y., M1
Drunken Fish
1 Maryland Plz.
Price: $$-$$$
The setting for Drunken Fish is great. You can eat outside on a nice evening, eat inside when it’s cold, drink up at the second-floor bar, and sing karaoke when it’s late. I think the sushi is great (Disclaimer #1: as a native Kentuckian, I hear that I may not have had any truly great sushi). The atmosphere, food presentation, and professionalism of the staff make the Drunken Fish a CWE asset. Come during happy hour ($1 sake shots) so you can afford the expensive sushi and feel like a high roller (Disclaimer #2: no amount of sushi consumption will make your puns any better.)
— Andrew L., M1
Two words: Sake bombs! Whether you’re here for sushi or drinks, you will not leave unsatisfied. Drunken Fish has a wide variety of delicious and FRESH rolls, including quirky plays on traditional sushi, like Philly cheese steak rolls! Sushi aside, Drunken Fish also has a great happy hour every night from 10 p.m. – 12 a.m., with $3 domestic and Japanese beers, sushi deals, and a decent variety of tasty cocktails. While the main floor is for dinner patrons, head upstairs and you will likely find an interesting crowd and loud beats. Also, thank the PT students, for they frequently hold fundraisers upstairs, with all of the happy hour specials and more ($1 shots of Captain Morgan?!)
— Harleen G., M1
Little Saigon
10 N. Euclid Ave.
Price: $$-$$$
Little Saigon is the go-to Vietnamese place around campus for pho, banh mi and other specialties. While it runs on the expensive side, stick to the soup or rice dishes and you can get a fresh, flavorful, and relatively large meal for a decent price. My personal favorites are the com chien trai thom (pineapple fried rice) and bun cha thit nuong (combo plate with noodles and spring rolls). Head over for lunch and take advantage of the seasonal outdoor seating and your taste buds will thank you!
— Jessica H., M1
Pickle’s Deli
22 N. Euclid Ave.
Price: $
Located on Euclid, a convenient 10-minute walk from school, Pickles is a great place to grab a quick lunch. In other words, it’s a great option when you get sick of St. Louis Bread Co. (a.k.a. Panera) and want to go somewhere else within walking distance. They have tons of delicious fresh foods including deli sandwiches, soups, yummy salads, and an assortment of interesting sides (macaroni and cheese salad, gooey butter cookies, etc.). It also has a really chill, hippy vibe with music and cool employees. Just don’t make the mistake of trying to go there for dinner on a Saturday: It’s closed after 3 p.m.!
— Bree P., M1
Rasoi
25 N. Euclid Ave.
Price: $$-$$$
While a little pricey (though perfect for a nice, upscale dinner), Rasoi‘s classic takes on Northern Indian food like butter chicken, palak paneer, and lamb kofta, will definitely satisfy the palate. It is located right in the heart of the Central West End on Euclid Avenue, so you will be sure to see it within your first couple days here at Wash U. You will also be sure to taste it, whether you go there or not, because thankfully it is a frequent flyer in terms of free lunch talk food. Did I mention there’s a lunch buffet?
— Harleen G., M1
Tortillaria
8 1/2 S. Euclid Ave.
Price: $-$$
Tortillaria is a great, moderately-priced, authentic-style Mexican restaurant conveniently located less than a block from campus. The food is delicious (try the fish tacos) and there is a self-service salsa bar to enjoy with your unlimited tasty chips before your meal. Menu items range from $5 – $13. The staff is usually very friendly, and there is an outdoor patio seating area for when the weather is nice. Make sure you plan ahead during busy hours, especially if you have a big group, because the place is pretty small and can fill up fast.
— Anna M., M1