When I first walked into Lisa’s, I was surprised to be surrounded by shelves lined with gas-station snacks, any cleaning product a college student could possibly need, and a fridge stocked with pre-made sandwiches, sushi and salads. When I reached the cashier, I couldn’t help but stare at the freezer stashed with dozens of Ben’s & Jerry’s pints, the perfect fix to satisfy any craving for a sweet treat. They pair perfectly with your choice of made-to-order burritos, quesadillas, nachos or tacos, which are available with meal exchanges. Pro tip: If you are in a rush to get food, ask for a burrito without the tortilla. They’ll speed up your order and either give you a burrito bowl or toss your toppings on chips. What I appreciate most about Lisa’s is the variety: you can walk in empty-handed and leave with detergent, Oreos, a pint of “The Tonight Dough” ice cream and a greasy chicken quesadilla. One night, I accidentally ate my roommate’s ice cream, so I swung by Lisa’s to grab her a pint of The Tonight Dough while also picking up a quesadilla for myself, proof that Lisa’s can save both your hunger and your friendships.

I immediately loved Fran’s atmosphere. It feels more like a lounge than a café, a place to actually hang out with your friends. My friends and I would go whenever we had free time, striking up conversations with students nearby and making poor attempts at the piano. The couches are arranged in a circle, lounge chairs line the firepit outside, and yes, there’s even a piano. Fran’s is best known for its chicken tenders, burgers and milkshakes. While the tenders and burgers are available with a meal exchange, the milkshakes, unfortunately, require dining dollars. I also recently discovered that Fran’s will serve soft serve in a cup if you ask. It’s less effort for them and costs the same as a milkshake. Pro tip: Ask for toppings after you pay so they don’t add an extra charge. Even though Fran’s feels more inviting, the food options are pretty average compared to Lisa’s.