First: Einstein Bros. Bagels
From classic sesame to specialty cheesy hash brown bagels and drinks, Einstein Bros. Bagels was yet again voted the top dining choice for students on campus.
But it wasn’t the bagels that reigned supreme among students. According to Diane Johnson, the senior manager of the Student Center dining locations, it was the specialty drinks that drew people in.
“That’s just what the kids like,” Johnson said. “And it’ll vary from semester to semester, too. They’ll have a whole new taste profile.”
Among students, some of the most popular drink options for this semester remain the cold brew shakes and cold brew classics. However, Einstein also offers blended drinks, caramel lattes and various specialty drinks.
Recently, Einstein added juice-based morning mocktails and an all-nighter egg sandwich as part of its special features menu. As part of its offerings, Einstein’s has breakfast and lunch items, including coffee.
The dining spot has dominated Best of Kent for years, becoming a shoe-in for on-campus dining due to the drink and food options. The secret?
“A couple things — consistency,” Johnson said. “They’re always consistent. Everything is fresh, and it is a name brand. It’s a popular brand, so I think that’s part of it.”
According to Johnson, Einstein’s continued success can also be attributed to their excellent customer service skills and the hard work from student workers and managers.
‘‘Customer service is great,” Johnson said. “Managers all lead by example, and all our students are pretty hardworking.”
Einstein is located on the first floor of the student center, and it’s open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Second: Rosie’s Diner and Market
Accompanied by the sound of people chattering and stove tops sizzling, the long staple of Tri-Towers housing rotunda, Rosie’s Diner and Market, has once again made its way to a top spot in Best of Kent.
The dining spot includes a variety of options, including pizza, sandwiches, soup, breakfast and more. The American-style food and long operating hours have made it a favorite place to dine among students.
Christian Booher is the new senior manager of Rosie’s Diner and Market, having moved from Eastway a month prior. Despite having arrived a short time ago, he believes Rosie’s success can be found in how organized it is.
“It’s a fine-tuned venue. Everything has been thought out,” Booher said. “It just works.”
According to Booher, the thing that has students coming back to Rosie’s is its continued quality and consistency, especially the atmosphere it provides to students.
Rosie’s is open seven days a week until 1 a.m. and can be accessed through a keycard in the Tri-Towers. Commuters with a meal plan can also opt for access to the building through a form.
Third: Eastway Dining
The final spot recognized by students is Eastway Dining, once again taking the third spot due to its wide variety of meal options.
Assistant Director of Culinary Services Edward Hardin expressed his pride in Eastway taking a top spot. He believes the placement to be a testament to the hard work of the staff and the continued dedication towards the student body.
“It makes me feel amazing,” Hardin said. “That’s how it goes to show that the staff, the management, the students [and] everyone here is putting forth 100% effort, because we’re here for the students, and it’s reflecting by the ratings now.”
According to Hardin, the best part of Eastway Dining for students is the wide variety. It’s also the ability to accommodate the students’ needs, including pizza, burgers, salad, desserts and more.
“If you’re in the mood for anything, we pretty much got it,” Hardin said. “If you come in and say you have a certain type of allergy, you can talk to the chefs who can make you something.”
Eastway is open throughout the week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sascha Aleksich is a campus editor. Contact her at [email protected].