By Sara Prendergast

Staff Writer

Restaurants near campus with affordable eats for Brookhaveans
on a budget

1-Taste of Chicago  14833 Midway Road, Addison 972-701-0090

Students looking for a taste of the Windy City need look no further than Taste of Chicago. “All of our sauces are homemade, and one of our most popular dishes, the house pasta, was created by our owner,” manager Dario Anarijic said. The pasta has a cream sauce with mushrooms and chicken and comes with a breadstick and drink for $8.99. Another popular choice is the authentic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich. The sub, fries and a drink cost $8.99. For the thriftiest students, a slice of pizza, salad and a drink is the best deal at $5.99. As an extra treat, Brookhaven students can take their student ID and a copy of this article for an extra 10 percent off their purchase.

2- Pete’s Café  3610 Belt Line Road, Farmers Branch 972-241-1880

Pete’s Café is all about homestyle cooking. It is open weekdays from 5 a.m. – 2 p.m. and serves breakfast during business hours. Offerings range from homemade pancakes and Belgian waffles to quesadillas and burgers. For less than $10, Pete’s serves up a chicken-fried steak meal with two eggs, hash browns, biscuits and gravy or a choice of three homemade sides. Students looking for a classic burger can get a half-pound cheeseburger and fries for $8.98.

3- The Victoria Restaurant  13435 Bee St., Farmers Branch 214-772-6617

Victoria Restaurant is a Tex- Mex eatery known for daily $5 lunch specials. “Our most popular special is on Tuesday,” employee Johanna Rodriguez said. “You get a choice of two chicken, cheese, or beef enchiladas, choice of sauce, and rice and beans … I also recommend the brisket tacos on Wednesday.” For students who do not find those specials appealing, there are many menu choices that will satisfy almost any appetite for less than $10.

4- Loving Hut  14925 Midway Road #102, Addison 972-980-1840

Those feeling a little more herbivorous can check out Loving Hut, where all food is 100 percent vegan. An expansive lunch buffet of Asian-inspired cuisine is available Tuesday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and costs $9.95. Meat-lovers are encouraged to try the sesame “chicken” and Mongolian “beef.” The pot stickers are also a must-have. A full dinner menu is offered Tuesday- Friday from 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. The Loving Hut is closed Mondays.

5- Jen’s Place  4455 Alpha Road, Dallas 972-991-3663

Jen’s Place, located five minutes from campus, is a familyowned and operated bakery and café. It serves up fresh, fromscratch food Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. – 2 p.m. Daily specials range from chicken tetrazzini to sour cream chicken enchiladas. Specials are $8.50 and come with sides, choice of salad and a dinner roll. On the lighter side of things, Jen’s Place also serves homemade soups, salads and sandwiches, all under $10.

6- VertsKebap  5100 Belt Line Road, Dallas 972-807-6248

Healthy and delicious do not always go hand in hand, but this local eatery is an exception to the rule. VertsKebap was started by two students at the University of Texas at Austin with a mission to share their favorite German street food. Several locations have since opened around Texas, including one in Dallas. Diners can order the beef and lamb mixture, chicken or go the vegetarian route. Meats are cooked rotisserie-style and served on warm bread, in a wrap or on a salad of fresh (and unlimited) vegetables. Most meal combinations are under 550 calories.

7- Nuevo Leon Mex-Mex Restaurant  12895 Josey Lane #100, Farmers Branch 972-488-1984

A self-proclaimed Mex-Mex restaurant, Nuevo Leon offers weekly lunch items for $5.95. The combination plates are made from classic Mexican favorites: enchiladas, flautas, chalupas, tacos and more. Nuevo Leon also offers other daily specials, including a 30 percent discount for all law enforcement officers.

8- Marshall’s Bar-B-Q  12895 Josey Lane #215, Farmers Branch 972-243-4941

Texas is known for its barbecue: huge cuts of slow-cooked meats covered in sweet and savory sauces that could make any meat-lover’s mouth water. At Marshall’s Bar-B-Q, students can try a variety of menu options under $10, including barbecue sandwiches, brisket tacos or a lunch plate with six ounces of meat, two sides and Texas toast.

9- The Diner of Dallas  3330 Belt Line Road, Farmers Branch 972-243-8646

Diners looking for friendly service and a retro atmosphere can try this hidden gem, where the slogan is “Nothing’s finer than eating at the Diner!” This family-owned restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The diner has a daily special for $7.99 or a list of 14 blue plate specials under $10. Customers can join the restaurant’s Diner Club by signing up online. Signing up comes with a free appetizer, along with other specials and coupons throughout the year.

10- Cafe Max  2001 Midway Road #100, Carrollton 972-490-4673

Cafe Max has been a Dallas-area staple for years. It specializes in catering, but also has three cafeteria- style restaurants. Cafe Max serves everything from chicken salad and pasta salad to homemade quiche, soups and sandwiches. Brookhaveans can get a number of combinations for less than $10. Students can dine in Monday- Friday from 10 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. or carry-out Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.