WSU Vancouver students boast that, compared to other colleges, the cafeteria on campus has very high-quality food. Some think the impressive menu is due to the lack of a meal plan option for students that are traditionally offered at campuses with dorms.
While some may consider the food better than other campus cafeteria’s, some students complain that it is overpriced. Beyond that, simply eating in the same place day after day becomes repetitive. Thankfully, there are some popular nearby food options.
If a student finishes class at 1 p.m. and breakfast was on the back burner, WSU Vancouver neighbor, the Kitchen Table Cafe, can help. The restaurant closes at 2:30 p.m. and serves breakfast and lunch all day. A little further down the road is Breakfast at Valerie’s, which serves breakfast until 2:45 p.m. Located off Interstate 205 at 516 SE Chkalov Drive, 98683, Breakfast at Valerie’s is convenient for students with commuting back home to the Camas or Washougal area.
Whether students are craving only a slice or a whole pie, there are a couple popular pizza options near WSU Vancouver. Dominos is just 2 miles from campus, a mere six-minute drive. The company commonly offers deals, such as large three topping pizzas for $7.99, a budget-friendly option for college students. Another 1/2 mile down the road is Pizza Schmizza, a local chain that started in Hillsboro, Oregon. While Pizza Schmizza sells whole pizzas they have become popular for selling individual slices as well.
For those on the hunt for a bargain, many restaurants in downtown Vancouver have happy hour menus. With grills and pubs on nearly every corner, it seems hard to go wrong; however, a few locations stand out amongst the rest. One pub, Shanahan’s Pub and Grill, boasts specialty bacon loaded “Shany fries” for $5.
Main Event Sports Grill offers small share plates such as wings, pulled pork sliders and bacon-wrapped meatloaf muffins. Not only are the appetizers affordable, they are known to be filling too.
If something a bit more upscale is in the budget, The Eatery at the Grant House is a venue worthy of a special event. The Eatery is open for brunch on weekends, then lunch and dinner Tuesday through Sunday.
According to the Grant House website, the building was originally established in 1849 to barrack U.S. Military officers. The building has an old-time atmosphere and is a ‘farm to table’ restaurant, meaning the food is fresh and the menu changes seasonally. The Grant House venue has multiple rooms available for dining and special rooms upstairs for events. Each room has a unique charm but diners may choose to eat on the wrap-around porch in the warmer months.
For students on a tight budget, WSU Vancouver offers a food pantry. “The Cougar Food Pantry can provide non-perishable items to WSU Vancouver students in need of food,” explains the WSU Student Affairs website. More information on the Cougar Food Pantry and food bag order forms are available online at https://studentaffairs.vancouver.wsu.edu/cougar-food-pantry
When exploring restaurants the bottom line is, Vancouver is the place to be when hungry, on any budget.