Here’s the best part about living in the center of a big city: late-night munchies.
Picture this, it’s 1 am on a Saturday night, your feet are sore from walking across campus, and the only thing on your mind (besides the freezing air) is the sound of your empty stomach. Trudging your way back to your dorm means settling for the frozen microwavable sitting in your tiny micro-fridge, which seems far from a satisfying option. Don’t worry hungry homie, I’ve discovered the best places to get your fix-ins before 2 am in the morning.
1. Victoria’s Seafood Restaurant
This classic Chinese restaurant has a menu that runs almost the same length as a novel. To all my fellow Chinese students who miss the taste of home-cooked restaurant quality food, Vicky’s is the place to go. Open until 1 am, this restaurant will definitely satisfy your salty cravings with their famous fried rice, mapo tofu, and my personal favorite – salt and pepper squid deep fried in crunchy batter. Oozing with traces of savory deliciousness, this place will bring the comfort of
authentic Chinese food directly to your taste buds in only a matter of minutes. And believe me when I say you know it’s good food when the servers don’t need to coddle their customers because they are confident people will come back for the mere smell of their chef’s cooking.
2. El Jefe’s
An excellent place for my burrito-loving students. I like to call this restaurant Chipotle on steroids. El Jefe’s just screams authentic, not only because their ingredients are top-quality, but because the workers definitely know what’s good. Just from the look of their array of toppings, you can immediately tell how fresh everything is – from the hefty servings of hot pulled pork to
the bright and colorful pico de gallo. For the price, which rounds out to about $10-$13 dollars each, you can easily split a bowl into two meals and still feel full from the large serving of pinto beans. If you’re looking for a hearty bowl of Mexican flavors catered to your taste, El Jefe’s is one to try.
3. BBQ Chicken
I believe the trend of restaurants in the west is an unfair advantage to those who live all the way across the bridge. But worry no more my fellow easters, because Kenmore has got your back. BBQ chicken is THE place to get your chicken fix-in. I would strongly suggest you take a good number of people here so you get to try each and every chicken flavor. This Korean restaurant serves flavors like cheesy snow, honey garlic, and my personal favorite – “secret sauce”. The tangy, sweet, and spicy combination leaves you craving more and each morsel of crunch is
perfectly coated in their signature sauce. A good serving of 20 pieces can definitely last you a few days if you’re planning on ordering in on a Saturday night. But asides from their star dish, I would not pass up on the Korean sides like their Rose Tteokboki, a creamy and spicy base littered with pieces of rice cakes, fish cakes, and topped with cheese.
4. Insomnia Cookies
It would be a crime to college culture if we were to end the night without something sweet. Insomnia Cookies are a staple at Boston University. This late-night dessert place brings students from both ends of campus given its prime location. Located right by the central campus, Insomnia Cookies serves one of the best sweet treats in a wide variety of flavors. From the classic chocolate chip to HERSHEY’S Reeses pieces, you’ll find yourself craving these gooey pieces of baked sugar even as you walk by campus and unintentionally steal a whiff of
their fresh batch. Insomnia welcomes customers until 1 am on weekdays and 3 am on the weekends. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, grab a bite of their ice cream sandwhiches or limited edition flavors. Just don’t forget to wash it down with a cold glass of fresh milk – the perfect end to a night out.
This only touches the surface to what Boston has to offer those searching for a treat amidst the bustling lights of college nightlife. These top tier restaurants will definitely leave a mark on your time at BU, but the adventure doensn’t end here. This city is all about good food and even better people, so take my advice and make these food trips a group activity – a shared experience you will never forget.
