Artwork by Mia Nogueira
As a senior at TJ I’ve eaten at possibly every restaurant around at school. I’ve compiled a list of the top ten won’t-burn-a-hole-in-your-pocket fast food restaurants that have become my favorites over the years and hopefully underclassman will find the list helpful when debating where to eat.
10. McDonald’s
McDonald’s, an oldie but a goodie. For people who are pinching pennies McDonald’s is the idyllic place to go because of the dollar menu with many amenities such as the double cheese burger, hot n’ spicy McChicken, small fries, hash browns and apple pies. Although not the most popular fast-food restaurant on the list, TJ students always flock to McDonald’s for their delicious golden fries and low prices. The closest McDonald’s to TJ is located on East Hampden Avenue in a long strip of shops that include Qdoba and New York Deli. Senior Mariah Brown adds, “I like McDonald’s because I love their fries and their breakfast burritos.” What I Order: a Hot n’ Spicy McChicken with a side of warm golden fries and a cold drink.
9. Burger King
Burger King is another great place to go when pinching pennies. A favorite of most TJ students is the Whopper JR for only a buck. Burger King is in walking distance of TJ, nestled between The Duffeyroll Café and Starbucks on East Hampden Avenue. With its close location, students without cars are able to walk the few blocks during lunch or after school. Not only is Burger King close and cheap but it also is true to its claim that its burgers taste flame broiled, as if they just came right off the grill. What I Order: a crunchy TENDERGRILL® Chicken Sandwich with a side of crispy onion rings and a medium Cola. Senior Ben Le asserts, “Burger King is great because it’s close and I can get good sized food for a low buck. People are friendly and it doesn’t take long to get the grub.”
8. Taco Bell
Sick of Hamburgers? Try Taco Bell, which is also close by TJ (by driving standards) on East Yale Avenue. Taco Bell is also known for its cheap prices and abundant food choices and combinations. Senior Katie Dehmlow declares, “I could buy a month’s worth of food with $15 and eat it all in 10 minutes. It’s filling and delicious.” The fast food restaurant always keeps us on our toes with its creative and inventive new menu items such as its Volcano Taco and the Mexican Pizza. What I Order: Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas which comes with a crunchy taco and a large refreshing Mountain Dew.
7. Subway
One reason for Subway’s popularity is its healthy choices, which students constantly boast about. Another reason the chain is so popular is its sub-sandwiches that can be easily customized to fit anyone’s taste. The restaurant also offers a lot of food for a great price. Subway is set in a little nook next to Chipotle and across from Whole Foods on East Hampden Ave. What I Order: A toasted 6-inch whole wheat Sub-Sandwich decorated with lettuce, roast beef, onions, tomatoes and honey mustard sauce. Senior Alex Palmer stated simply, “I love Subway because I love vegetables.”
6. Wendy’s
Looking for a fantastic chicken sandwich? Look no further than Wendy’s. Although it’s one of the furthest restaurants on the list (on South Monaco Pkwy), it’s still very popular among students. Wendy’s is another affordable place to eat; if you don’t have a lot of cash you can get one of the Deluxe Value Meals™ for only $2.99 which includes a side of medium fries and a medium drink. Students also love their wide array of desert drinks. “Their Frosty™ are the BOMB,” says Junior Michael Kutz. What I Order: a Crispy Chicken Deluxe sandwich (without bacon or cheese), with warm golden fries, and an ice-cold coke.
5. Sonic
Sonic is another burger restaurant but with a unique specialty for drinks. They offer soft drinks, iced teas, flavored teas, Minute Made ® juices, milk, limeades, real fruit slushes, flavored slushes, ocean water, fruit smoothies, and water. Sonic is also unique in how they serve their customers, TJ students usually park outside and order from the row of order menus lining the restaurant and an employee comes out with the order(s). Senior Caleb Johnson claims, “Aside from being good, eating at Sonic is like rolling back into America’s heyday where style and tradition and all the classics are everywhere.” What I order: Sonic Burger, melt-in-your-mouth mozzarella sticks and a cherry limeade.
4. Qdoba
Chipotle’s second cousin twice removed, Qdoba is another favorite. More and more students are flocking to the restaurant because of its proximity to TJ and the freshness of its food. Qdoba is also a Mexican fast food restaurant and its height in popularity has a lot to do with students looking for something fresh and new to try out that was also close by. The low prices don’t hurt, either. “Qdoba has fresher food and they don’t put weird spices in their food,” Senior Will Simon states. What I Order: A burrito bowl with white rice, beef, mild salsa and a healthy helping of lettuce.
3. Panda Express
Panda is a little more than your average fast food restaurant, located a little further away then Wendy’s on South Monaco Pkwy. The food is a bit more expensive for the average high school student but it’s well worth it. The restaurant offers delicious Chinese cuisine (and even includes a vegetarian menu). Senior Ivanna Vdovich had nothing but praise for the restaurant, saying, “Panda Express is amazing because it has a wide variety of food from which to choose and I happen to like the spices and whatever it is they use in their food. The people are pretty nice and are ready to serve with a smile. Food is prepared right in front of you and the wafting smells are the perfect start to your lunch (or dinner). The atmosphere is laid-back and care-free.” What I Order: A panda bowl full of steaming chicken fried rice topped off with sweet and sour chicken and mouth watering pot-stickers.
2. Noodles and Company
Noodles and Company or “Noodles” is a slightly more expensive choice on the list, but it’s well worth it (if you have the cash). One senior who just can’t get enough is Rebecca Holt who remarks, “I like Noodles because it’s healthy, high quality food, with the quickness of fast-food.” Noodles is also one of the closest restaurants to TJ and it offers a change from burgers and burritos. What I Order: straight from the Mediterranean menu a Penne Rosa with pieces of parmesan crusted chicken breast mixed in, and a medium drink. Noodles is just as close as Burger King, located on East Hampden Avenue.
1.Chipotle
Who doesn’t love a big fat burrito prepared right in front of you with the freshest ingredients and a friendly staff of servers? Chipotle is widely visited by TJ students, especially around lunchtime, also located on East Hampden Avenue. There is always a line that almost touches the door, and a great relaxing atmosphere filled with the sound of hungry mouths at work. Senior Martha Alvarez says, “Chipotle is the only fast food restaurant that comes close to tasting like authentic Mexican food.” Spicy, fresh and fast describe the restaurant which also offers a wide array of other menu choices aside from its famous giant burritos. What I Order: Burrito Bowl with steaming rice, black beans, mild salsa, extra beef, and a drink.
