Everyone knows the pain of a long, drawn-out day on campus with back-to-back classes. Sometimes, those days can feel impossible to push through without a bite to eat. Fortunately for UT students, there are plenty of places to find fuel to get you through the day.
On the Forty Acres, dining halls aren’t the only places students can satisfy their cravings. Littlefield Patio Cafe, the Texas Union, the Jester and Kinsolving markets and the William C. Powers Activity Center are home to some of the most popular dining spots on campus. While these frequented spots may be the most convenient, some of the best snack options might be where you least expect them.
“When I think most ideal, I think the best tasting. And if we’re talking taste, my choice is Texas Expresso,” said Erin Cobb, a third-year journalism major. “Their bagels, muffins and kolaches are great and cheap. They also have amazing sandwiches, salads and good lunch options.”
Located in the Etter Harbin Alumni Center, Texas Expresso is a lesser-known snack spot with various tasty breakfast and lunch options. Cobb says their cinnamon raisin bagel with cream cheese is among her top three snacks on campus.
Cobb also said that while she’s tried plenty of great spots on campus, she’s a regular at Littlefield Cafe since it’s situated perfectly between her classes. At the Cafe, Cobb says her repeat orders include their $3.49 pizza slices or breakfast tacos.
“Both are pretty substantive, cheap, and easy to pick up on the go,” Cobb said.
When it comes to quick fixes, Cobb said that Jester and Kinsolving are her top picks for the best snacks on campus due to their variety. These locations have candy, Pop-Tarts, smoothies, sushi, chips, and microwaveable meals. Of the options offered at the two, the sushi rolls are Cobb’s go-to bite.
Kirsten Corrigan, a third-year Government major, said that after years of searching, she found her favorite snack spot in the William C. Powers building, deep in the heart of campus.
“My favorite snack spot on campus is definitely Longhorn Coffee Co. or Hook ‘Em Hut at the WCP,” Corrigan said. “ It’s the best because it has a variety of different options, offering everything from pastries to sandwiches and, of course, coffee. Students are always bustling in and out of the WCP between classes as it’s a really convenient dining spot.”
While the snack scene on campus typically meets the needs of most students, both Corrigan and Cobb said there are some improvements they would like to see.
“I would suggest having more snack options in the six pack area, as many of the buildings only have vending machines and not grab-and-go store options,” said Corrigan, who spends most of her time in the liberal arts buildings.
While these buildings are smaller and less conducive to restaurant-style additions, liberal arts students often have to trek to the Union or WCP to find a snack in the midst of packed schedules.
As a journalism major, Cobb is fortunate to have plenty of snack options within a short distance. However, she hopes UT will reopen the Poolside Cafe at the Gregory Gymnasium. As the weather begins to warm, she reminisced about what used to be one of her favorite places to relax and grab a bite.
“Fruit smoothies and lemonade by the pool?” (It’s) all I could ask for,” Cobb said.