Welcome to Penn, Class of 2028! We've got you covered with the ultimate guide to campus dining, coffee spots, and late-night cravings.
Caffeine Chronicles
Penn students keep busy schedules, which can mean substituting caffeine for sleep. Luckily, the coffee options on campus are abundant.
There are several places where you can purchase coffee and espresso drinks using the Dining Dollars included in your meal plan. Stommons, or the Starbucks at 1920 Commons, is a go-to for grabbing a coffee and settling in to work at tables inside or outside. Just be prepared to see plenty of familiar faces and face the possibility of frequent interruptions.
Pret a Manger, located on the ground floor of Huntsman Hall, has both indoor and outdoor seating. The tables are small and fill up fast, so keep an eye out for a free seat if you plan on staying for a while.
Tucked away at the back of Steiny-D (that’s Steinberg-Dietrich Hall), Joe’s Cafe is a quieter spot with plenty of outlets, making it a great place to get work done. It’s also close to the Quad, so most first years won’t have to go far to grab a coffee and find a study spot to settle into.
Beyond Penn’s dining options are a wide array of options to caffeinate. A Dunkin’ with no seating but fast service is located on Walnut Street across from Van Pelt Library. A few doors down is a Starbucks.
At the far end of campus, where Locust Walk meets 40th Street, Saxbys is a staple for both studying and hanging out. Their extensive selection of pastries, food, and drinks includes "The Daily Grind," a peanut butter-banana-cold brew concoction that has kept many a Daily Pennsylvanian editor fueled.
Metropolitan Bakery, located on 40th and Walnut, is known for a sandwich called "The Wharton." Met has few tables available, but offers a bona fide cafe vibe for those lucky enough to find a seat. On Sansom Street, Avril 50 stands out as a charming spot for coffee and pastries, with limited outdoor seating perfect for those looking to enjoy a quieter moment.
Gratis Grub
Free food tastes better, so keep your eyes peeled for opportunities around campus. From tables on Locust Walk to catered club meetings and professional events, you might just score some gratis grub.
“Club meetings are everywhere. It’s horrifying. If I walk into a GSR there’s a 50% chance one of the alphabet-soup Wharton clubs is doing things I have no business knowing anything about,” one student told the DP. “However, they often get catering. I fear you can eat for free for months if you just lurk around Huntsman after 10 p.m.”
Comfort Chains
For a quick meal between classes, or just some familiar favorites, the fast-casual chains around campus won’t disappoint.
On Walnut Street, Chipotle is the spot for building your own Mexican bowl or burrito, while Sweetgreen offers a healthier bowl option. For those craving stir-fry or salads with an Asian fusion twist, Honeygrow is just down the street. DIG, just off Walnut Street by the Penn Bookstore, offers another option for customizable bowls.
Qdoba on 40th Street offers another build-your-own Mexican option, while Hangry Joe’s on the same block is known for its fried chicken and wings. On Spruce Street, Five Guys delivers classic burgers and fries, while Playa Bowls offers açaí bowls and smoothies.
Down a Drink
For those of age and looking to unwind, 40th Street’s Smokey Joe's, known as "Smokes'," is a Penn institution that is more than just a watering hole — it's a hub for student life and entertainment. The bar is known for its Wednesday night "Sink or Swim," which attracts large crowds with $2 shots.
On Sansom Street, New Deck Tavern has become a favorite among students for its “Quizo” trivia nights on Wednesdays and karaoke on Thursdays nights, where aspiring singers can take the mic and showcase their vocal talents (or lack thereof) to an always encouraging crowd.
Order a margarita at Copabanana, or "Copa," during its happy hour, running from 4-6 p.m. on weekdays. The bar's convenient location and fun vibe make it a popular choice for everything from casual meetups to birthday celebrations.
Midnight Munchies
Whether you’re pulling an all-nighter or just need a late-night snack, these spots have you covered.
Allegro Pizza, a beloved campus staple, is a go-to for Penn students at all hours and in various states of sobriety. This late-night spot is known for its pizza and subs, and keeps its doors open until 3 a.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, perfect for post-party cravings or late-night study breaks.
Raising Cane’s stays open until 2 a.m. on weekends and 1 a.m. during the week. And let's not forget the holy grail of late-night sustenance: Wawa. Open 24/7, it's got everything a busy student could want, from snacks to full meals.
BYO Bliss
BYO is a Philadelphia dining tradition, saving students some cash and adding a personal touch to a night out.
Ken’s Seafood Restaurant and Ochatto are Penn classics, offering Chinese and Japanese fare, respectively. Both are solid choices for a casual meal with friends. Cilantro Mediterranean Cuisine is a bit further from campus, but it’s cost-effective and offers a discount if you leave a review before you leave. Thai Singha House and Pattaya are great options for Thai cuisine and group meals.
DP’s Insights
Finally, a few favorites from the DP. For those who have a sweet tooth, Kiwi Yogurt is the perfect spot to satisfy it. This fro-yo spot is on Chestnut Street and open until 11 p.m. every night.
Located on Walnut Street, Hummus Grill offers delicious Mediterranean food with a straightforward, no-frills approach perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner. Greek Lady on 40th Street is known for its lamb, chicken, and veggie gyro sandwiches, as well as its salads and Philly-style hoagies. And when it comes to pizza, Zesto’s on 40th Street delivers with stone-baked perfection and gourmet toppings that elevate the experience.
And if you’re indecisive or just want a variety of options, Franklin’s Table at the corner of 34th and Walnut streets is the place to go. This food court offers everything from sushi and hoagies to falafel, Asian fusion, pizza, and boba — all under one roof. With lots of seating available, it's the perfect spot to grab a bite with friends and make sure everyone’s cravings are satisfied.
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