Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.
To many at Swarthmore College, The Ville is just a quaint little town from whence come numerous pizzas and Chinese food delicacies that get us through a night of paper writing and problem sets. However, the restaurants of The Ville are capable of catering to more than just our ubiquitous nocturnal cravings. If you find yourself disillusioned by Sharples but lacking the time and money to eat in Philly or Media, one of these restaurants might prove a surprising alternative:
Occasionally Yours – Occasionally yours is a tiny restaurant next to Renato’s with a charming Mom and Pop atmosphere that helps assuage any unexpected bouts of homesickness or general cafeteria disillusionment. It serves fresh, homemade foods for reasonable prices with a diverse array of desserts for afterwards. Though its size and quiet ambiance could use some background music, Occasionally Yours is a fun place at which to eat with a group of people. Especially noteworthy is its macaroni and cheese.
Dunkin’ Donuts – It’s pretty self-explanatory, it exists almost everywhere, but the caffeinated sugary goodness of its coffee and donuts is undeniable.
The Countryside Market – The Countryside Market has a friendly, general-store kind of atmosphere and good, casual service. It serves (among other things) excellent sandwiches named after buildings on the Swarthmore campus. Though it was at first disconcerting to be told I was eating a “McCabe,” I have come to enjoy the sandwich far more than I usually enjoy the library. The Market’s drawbacks are that it can be a little pricey and is a bit of a hike compared to the other restaurants in the Ville.
Vicky’s – Vicky’s is much like any American diner but with much better food. It is most popular for breakfast, which is definitely worth the lost hours of sleeping in for anyone willing to wake up early. The prices are reasonable, but it is not open for dinner.
Renato’s and Cheng Hing – Though these two lovely restaurants are generally used for their delivery services, both are great places in which to sit down and enjoy a meal. Renato’s offers delicious pizza by the slice as well as a variety of other Italian specialties, and Cheng Hing provides an enjoyable atmosphere and decent Chinese food.
Wow you guys have no idea how lucky you are! When I graduated (all of two years ago) there was no diner. There was certainly no dunkin donuts. A chain in the ville! Who would have thought?? And its open later than Kohlberg Coffee Bar, I would imagine!