By Mia Stratman on February 21, 2020 "Eat Street Gems" by Mia Stratman As a student at MCAD, it is easy to get carried away in your work and work up quite the appetite. Luckily enough MCAD sits adjacent to Minneapolis's Eat Street; home to so many wonderful eateries. Here are some picks for you to peruse! 1. ZETTA’S—SOMEWHAT ORIGINAL FLATBREAD SANDWICHES Located between an alley and a Metro PCS, Zetta’s is the epitome of a hidden gem sandwich spot. As you walk inside you feel as if you are transported into a New York-esque shop, complete with subway tile and subtle purple neon. Owner Bryan and sandwich maker-extraordinaire Sophie are most often behind the counter ready to whip you up something lovely. My favorite is no doubt the number nine: consisting of garlic chicken, house-made ricotta, sriracha aioli, and oh so many greens. Depending on the complexity of the sandwich, prices are anywhere from $6–$10. However, they are the perfect size for splitting, and already cut in half. If you’ve got a hungry buddy, go halfsies on a Zetta’s flatbread. Student discounts available. 2. PENINSULA MALAYSIAN CUISINE As delicious as this place is, it is almost always empty. You will have no trouble finding a seat here. This is a great thing, but Peninsula’s cuisine deserves a full house. If you like spice and an abundance of flavor, this is the place for you. Prices are pretty comparable to other restaurants in the area. You can get a decently sized dish for $10–$15 depending on how fancy you want to get with it. One standout for me is a delicious soup, Nyonya Laska, that has a rich and buttery broth with thick noodles, chicken, shrimp, squid, and more. Be warned, you will slurp and get little flecks of soup everywhere. I walk out of there, without fail, decorated with freckles of soup broth. 3. WEDGE TABLE I will admit, I am a little biased with this listing. I love the Wedge Table, I love the food, I love the people, I love the vibe. The organic, crunchy vibe may not be for everyone, but for the only name in quick stop ‘n’ shop on Nicollet, the Wedge Table delivers. Better yet, a snack from the Wedge doesn’t have to break your bank. On my walk home the other day after being bombarded by the elements, I stopped in for coffee and a side of chips and salsa. I slurped the Wedge Cold Press with maple syrup and milk and noshed on chips and salsa for under $7. The Wedge Table is the ultimate spot to catch a break from the hustle and bustle. 4. DUNN BROTHERS MCAD and Dunn Brothers. Name a better duo, I’ll wait. You probably have snacked on Dunn Brothers’ muffins and coffees at most admission events. They also offer a student discount, hooray! Prices are cheaper than what you will find at most places on Eat Street. A delightful cold press and breakfast burrito will run you about $10, $11 if you want to be lavish and add avocado. 5. GLAM DOLL DONUTS A Minneapolis staple, everyone in the Twin Cities knows Glam Doll Donuts: pink, perfectly kitschy, and sweet-smelling. It’s no secret that when you get that evening sweet craving, Glam Doll is the place to go. They are open until 9:00 p.m. Monday–Thursday and midnight on Friday and Saturday. If you’re feeling decadent, go for the $3.25 cherry cheesecake donut, or keep it classic with an equally delicious chocolate and sprinkle number for $1.50. Pro tip: most evenings if you go within the hour before closing, chances are you might walk away with a donut on the house depending on the baristas whim. 6. SPYHOUSE Next up on the list is Spyhouse coffee roasters. Just a short walk from campus, Spyhouse is the ideal place for a quick caffeine fix on long class days. From their signature Spygirl—a latte infused with lavender and honey—to a classic drip coffee, Spyhouse will quickly become your favorite stop for a pick-me-up. The only downside is the higher price point—although a delicious MCAD favorite, a college student’s budget might make Spyhouse a better spot to occasionally treat yourself rather than a regular destination. My favorite Spyhouse treat? A maple cappuccino paired with a savory croissant. 7. SLICE OF NEW YORK Slice of New York is a student’s dream spot. Prices are inexpensive, the food is delicious, and the hours are long. The bright cliche decor automatically gives you some sort of vague nostalgia, and the cozy heat rising from the oven is a great juxtaposition from the Minnesota chill outside. If you don’t like pizza, don’t count it out—they have subs, calzones, and sides as well. Roast potatoes, anyone? 8. JASMINE DELI Jasmine Deli is arguably the most delicious hidden haunt of Eat Street. Seeing as though MCAD is located right next to Nicollet, we are blessed with the gift of having multiple Asian Cuisine options at our fingertips. Lu’s has the Bahn Mi, Quang has the Pho, Ichiddo the ramen, etc. Jasmine Deli, however, has all the options you desire! The prices are friendly on the wallet as well. A bowl of vegetarian noodle soup will cost you $8, and their original Bahn Mi is a shocking $4! For a hungry student, Jasmine Deli is a fantastic option. 9. LU’S SANDWICHES Getting your first Bahn Mi at Lu’s is sort of an initiation ritual for MCAD students. Are you really an Eat Street regular if you haven’t noshed on their flavorful sandwich? Lu’s has multiple options for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. I always opt for the curry tofu, but I’ve heard delightful things about the traditional ham option. The small size is a little over $5, and let me tell you, it doesn’t feel like a small—portion size is not an issue here. However, Lu’s isn’t just for sandwiches: boba, spring rolls, and rice bowls are just a few other things that one can sample at Lu’s. Staffed by several previous and current MCAD students, everyone is always friendly and helpful! 10. BAD WAITRESS Bad Waitress is a consistent favorite for parents, siblings, and relatives coming to visit MCAD. The seating is ample and the retro vibe gives the place a fun, casual atmosphere. In the summertime, feel free to sit on the sidewalk and people watch. As your local chips and salsa enthusiast, I appreciate that each sandwich is accompanied by the tasty aforementioned side. There is something for everyone at Bad Waitress, from diner food to breakfast fare, they have it all. If you’re looking for a recommendation, I suggest the Super Nova Scramble (an affinity for goat cheese and kale is preferable for this one).