Whether it be dining halls or dining out, the choice of where to eat is up to you.
Many Sacred Heart University students say they enjoy dining off-campus in local areas such as Fairfield, Bridgeport and Westport. These areas have a plethora of restaurants to choose from, making them popular spots.
“There’s not much to do on campus, and going out to eat with my friends off campus is always fun,” said sophomore Juliana Beaton.
Many students say they prefer certain off-campus restaurants.
“Molto, located in Fairfield center, is my favorite,” said sophomore Adriana Bracco.
Students say they are attracted to the fun, easygoing atmospheres of off-campus restaurants. The diverse menus which give students more options than they are accustomed to with on-campus dining make many students agree that the restaurants act as a piece of normalcy.
“The fun atmosphere in Molto attracts me, along with the menu, making it a great place to enjoy dinner with friends and have some fun,” said Bracco.
Another key aspect of the dining experience are the prices, especially for college students where money can be hard to come by.
“Molto is my favorite restaurant because the food is not only handmade, fresh and delicious, but the prices are very affordable,” said sophomore Brianna Ramos.
Students say hearing other people’s experiences is what draws them to try a restaurant for themselves.
Beaton said, “My roommates always find new places to eat that they hear about from other people.”
Engagement through social media is also a factor in the popularity of off-campus restaurants. Students share their meals and the locations of restaurants on apps such as Snapchat, which allows them to offer suggestions to other students who want to try new restaurants.
“I usually hear about places through Snapchat when other people post their meals or just by searching foods near me and looking at every menu,” Ramos said.
The excitement to try new places also allows students to expand their list of off-campus choices for dining. While trying one new place, there is another place lined up behind it on their list to try.
“While my favorite is Flipside, I would love to try Brick and Wood as I have heard it has not only a good menu, but amazing food as well,” said sophomore Jenna Dimech.
On March 4, Governor Ned Lamont announced that starting March 19, Conn. restaurants will expand dining to 100-percent capacity. A curfew for dining rooms will still be mandated, along with an eight-person limit at tables.
“I think Connecticut has earned it,” Lamont said according to nypost.com.
Will this affect the comfort students have built to leave campus and dine out?
Sophomore Matthew Monopoli said, “I think with the ease of the capacity rules, I will be able to experience the normal energy a restaurant gives: a welcoming energy and one that isn’t such a cold exchange.”
