University City and Penn offer numerous options for dining and eating out. Here are some possibilities for those looking to grab a bite.
The University has three major dining halls, each of which has a slightly different selection of foods and a distinct atmosphere.
Hill House Dining Hall, located at 34th and Walnut streets in the lower level of Hill College House, is often considered the best of the University dining halls.
All dining halls offer all-you-can-eat meals -- which are included in all undergraduate meal plans and can also be purchased with cash -- that include a variety of choices such as hamburgers, cheesesteaks, salads, soups, pizza, fruit and assorted desserts.
Starting this year, all dining halls have extended their hours so that they are open between regular meal times. Hours vary from weekdays to weekends.
The first floor of King's Court/English House holds another, smaller dining hall that occasionally features guest chefs.
Located near the high rises at 38th Street and Locust Walk, 1920 Commons is a third dining hall on campus. Commons has a food selection similar to Hill's and also allows patrons to build their own quesadillas and omelettes.
Although all-you-can-eat meals cannot be found at Houston Market -- located on the ground floor of Houston Hall -- Dining Dollars, PennCash and cash can be used to purchase food. Houston Market is a popular place to grab lunch and offers a variety of freshly prepared foods, including sushi, salads, grilled items, sandwiches and pasta.
Scoop deVille is a new ice cream parlor in the lower level of Houston Hall. Although the flagship store is located in Rittenhouse Square, the ice-cream shop still offers homemade ice cream and other sweet treats at its on-campus location.
An unusual eatery called Cereality graces Walnut Street between 36th and 37th streets. The cereal specialist stocks dozens of cereals, toppings and smoothies.
Outside the Quadrangle on Spruce Street are several food trucks. Some notable names at this location include Hemo's and Mexicali.
Hemo's specializes in grilled chicken sandwiches, while Mexicali is known for its burritos and loyal customers who brave long lunchtime lines.
Also outside the Quad near 38th Street is Beijing Chinese restaurant.
On 40th Street, there is a group of restaurants that are open late and a welcome change of pace from the dining halls and food trucks.
Once a popular food truck, the Greek Lady is now also a restaurant near 40th and Locust streets. This restaurant serves hoagies, gyros, chicken sandwiches and salads.
And for those who have a craving for that late-night college staple, Allegro Pizza sits at 40th and Spruce streets. The popular pizzeria also serves buffalo wings, cheesesteaks and calzones.
