Farrah F.

El Azteca Ii

Come to El Azteca any night and you'll find packs of college students downing pitchers of margaritas that El Azteca makes from the Tequila you bring (word to the wise: we hear that if you bring tequila that is too good, servers will take a swig). If you're also interested in the food (you may as well), it's run of the mill Mexican--the typical meat, beans, cheese, rice, and salsa, and not bad at that. The complimentary chips and salsa are also excellent. And if you're a student on a weeknight, show your id to get 2 for 1 margarita pitchers.

New Number 1 Chinese Rstrnt

Ah New Number One. Let me put it this way--they gave us calendars for the new year's, and we could have wallpapered the house with them, meaning we order from there all of the time. New Number One makes hands down the best tofu around (general tso's and tofu with broccoli) and great chicken dishes as well. They're also incredibly fast and reasonable. Don't be fooled by the store front--order delivery.

Raku An Asian Diner

Although there are lots of asian fusion restaurants around now, Raku stands out as a flavorful place to have a variety of thai-esque and sushi dishes. I prefer the big plates, but you can also order tapas-style and share many little dishes. If you're looking for a deal, it's very possible to eat under $15. Plan on waiting if you come at peak times, though.

San Marco

I was unimpressed at this pasta place I had heard was "good and cheap." Cheap maybe, good an overstatement. Perhaps it was a function of ordering, but two pastas with red sauce, no chicken dishes besides salad, and hardly any vegetables besides salad in sight, the menu was lacking. The service was similar---as our waitress refused to take away a two-person table at our six so that I could sit at the head of the table. Bread--the one thing that could have redeemed the meal--didn't even. Go somewhere else unless you love risotto

La Viola

La Viola is one of the many byo eateries in Philadelphia, but it stands out as both one of the best and one of the most reasonable. While the tables are few and close together, the service is friendly and attentive. The unpretentious food is equally attended to--excellent chicken and pasta dishes priced at a great deal (8-14 dollars). The secret has not been kept, however, so make sure to make a reservation in advance.

PROS: Great food at a great price
CONS: Make a reservation ahead of time

Izzy & Zoe's Inc

Izzy and Zoe's has long been the quintessential brunch on Penn's campus. However, with local eateries popping up quickly, it now has competition. Izzy and Zoe's does a great job with Jewish basics like bagels and lox, potato pancakes, blintzes, kugel, matzo ball soup, and of course corned beef sandwiches. They have a full breakfast and lunch menu and incredible desserts. And while you're waiting, help yourself to a homemade dill pickle or two. However, you might end up full on pickles before your meal arrives. Although they make fairly straightforward dishes, it can often take 20 minutes to get your sandwich. Your best bet is to order food ahead of time.

PROS: Homestyle deli favorites, local crowd, pickles
CONS: Slow service

Greek Lady

The Greek Lady has always been a staple on the University of Pennsylvania's campus, but now that it has gone from a food truck to a full-size restaurant on the 40th Street Corridor, Lady afficionados can eat gyros at all hours of the day. Friendly, local service and hearty portions mean a great deal. The salads easily feed two, and the grilled chicken is moist and delicious. On the weekends, they stay open until 3 am to serve the local college crowd, and they offer delivery at all times. A must try for all.

PROS: Reasonably-priced, fresh made, giant portions
CONS: Not always incredibly fast