Your Recs, Our Reviews

As a freshman foodie, finding good places to eat can be a challenge. To help my understanding of the BU food scene, I asked some students: What’s your go-to restaurant in Boston? Below are their recs and my honest reviews.

By: Sophia Keohane

Saxby’s

Recommendation by Anna Albrecht, Class of 2027

Saxby’s is a BU staple - if you look into the Center for Computing & Data Sciences’ first floor from 7:30 to 5, there is almost always a long line. I would argue that it’s usually worth the wait. Per Anna’s recommendation, I got an iced vanilla latte with oat milk. I am a bit of a stickler when it comes to coffee, and Saxby’s often hits the mark with it. There are food options as well, and I highly recommend the French toast muffin. There have been instances in which my coffee hasn’t been the best, and it is a little pricey. I wouldn’t tell people to go here every day (look at my bank account for reference), but for a treat, Saxby’s is the place to be.

P.S. - You can use dining points here.

Wagamama

Recommendation by MINA Boston, Class of 2026

Wagamama is tucked in a corner of the Prudential Center, just behind the newly surmounted

Photo By: Mirabel Chin

View Boston ticket booth. It’s a pretty casual restaurant. I tried the pork belly, panko bao, crispy rice ahi, and Asian mint limeade. The clear winner for me was the pork belly and panko bao - the other two were unmemorable (although the limeade did taste faintly like battery acid). Despite the unique flavor pairing of apple and pork, the bao was delicious. It wasn’t a hit in my book, but Wagamama is definitely a place you should check out if you’re ever in the area.

P.S. - Newbury is really close to this spot.

Kupel’s Bakery

Recommendation by Julianna Occipinti, Class of 2027

Kupel’s Bakery lies in Brookline. It is a bit far from campus, but it’s very worth the walk (and as a bonus, the walk is lovely). Julianna recommended the Cleveland Circle, and before I went, she told me that this bagel would ‘change my life.’ Kupel’s quickly produces orders despite long lines and high demand, and those orders are consistently high quality. The Cleveland Circle did change my life. The ratio between tomato, onion, cream cheese, bagel, and lox was perfect. These bagels are massive, so be prepared to get a little messy. I would recommend this life-changing bagel place to all students at BU.

P.S. - Kupel’s offers a student discount. Bring your BU ID!

In short- from now on, I’m asking classmates where to go. I encourage you to go up to people and ask them where to eat. You could end up having that life-changing bagel, that oddly satisfying flavor pairing, or that deliciously expensive coffee.