The famous DuffeyRoll variety pack is a favorite on the menu. photo courtesy of DuffeyRoll Bakery Cafe
Take a deep dive into the best food spots near Thomas Jefferson High School.
One of the many great things about Thomas Jefferson High School is the abundant choice of restaurants in the nearby area. With lunch only being 52 minutes, the goal for all students is the same: find somewhere cheap, tasty, and close enough to school in order to not be tardy for the next period. While there are many great options, let’s take a deep dive into the best of the best spots to hit if you are looking to find a great meal that won’t break the bank.
DuffeyRoll Cafe
Close enough to walk to and affordable enough to not worry about overspending, DuffeyRoll has been a staple to the TJ neighborhood since it was introduced in 1986. With a cozy interior and comforting food choices, you can’t go wrong with this Colorado classic no matter the time of day. Many know this restaurant for its famous DuffeyRolls – which are cinnamon rolls that are anything but ordinary – but what many skip over is the sandwiches. For only $13.49, there are many different sandwiches they offer, but none are better than the Nick Turkey. This sandwich consists of sliced turkey breast, provolone cheese, spinach, cranberry chutney, and honeycup mustard on a fresh baguette. This bite merges savory and sweet perfectly, and the cranberry chutney shines through, highlighting every other component perfectly. With the ability for students to get there and back without a car on time, DuffeyRoll consistently shows why this location deserves the praise and fame that it receives.
Bagel Deli
Shown on the culinary show “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” the Bagel Deli has been pumping out delicious eats since their opening in 1967. With a menu large enough to last you a lifetime, there is something there for everyone. While the dine-in area is remarkable standing alone, the counter is going to be the go-to for lunch. With a display case full of desserts, salads, and meats, you are sure to find something amazing. The bagel and lox spread is a true specialty, giving you an authentic New York style bagel and a mixture of cream cheese and lox that is not applied sparingly. For $7.50, this has been a staple in countless Spartans’ lunch diets for many years. Located just off of Hampden and Monaco, everybody is sure to find something delicious here.
Pho Bom
Last, but definitely not least, is Pho Bom, a Vietnamese joint that has been serving TJ students and Hampden residents alike since its opening. From the pho to the plates to the drinks, everything on the menu is enjoyable, and this spot is delightful when trying to find food from a different culture. Their pho, a customizable broth and noodle soup, is the highlight of the restaurant, and this bowl is perfect for those cold winter days we so often get. Pair that with the amazing crab cheese wontons, and you’ve got yourself a tasty and warming lunch for just under $20, and, if you have a little extra in the bank account, treat yourself to a thai tea and get ready to feast.
With these locations and various other locally owned restaurants in the area, many Spartans are able to push the boundaries of their palate with food that would not be found anywhere else. This is just one of the many highlights of TJ’s location, allowing kids to have the fuel to keep learning at an exceptional level for the second half of the day.
