In This Guide
The Quick Answer
The Best Food Near Boston University (BU) is part of Boston University's (BU) dining ecosystem in Boston, Massachusetts. This guide reflects actual student experiences with BU dining—including the operational realities that affect your daily life.
The Best Food Options Near BU
As a BU student, you'll quickly learn that the food options around campus are endless. From classic college staples like pizza and burgers to diverse global cuisines, the Comm Ave area is packed with top-notch restaurants, cafes, and eateries to satisfy any craving. In this guide, we'll share the must-try spots that BU students swear by, along with insider tips to make the most of the local food scene.
Popular Food Hangouts on Comm Ave
When it comes to dining on or near the BU campus, there are a few go-to spots that have become beloved student hangouts over the years:
- Warren Towers Dining: The massive dining hall in the iconic freshman dorms, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner with tons of options.
- Marciano Commons: Another huge dining hall, located in the GSU building, with stations for various cuisines.
- The George Sherman Union (GSU): This student hub on Comm Ave has a food court with a Starbucks, Panda Express, Jamba Juice, and more.
- Bay State Road: This street running parallel to Comm Ave is home to a cluster of casual eateries like Rimports Cafe, El Jefe's Taqueria, and Raising Cane's.
Local Favorites Near BU
Beyond the main campus dining options, there are tons of beloved local restaurants and cafes that BU students swear by:
- Shawarma King: A Middle Eastern spot on Comm Ave serving delicious and affordable shawarma, falafel, and platters.
- FoMu: An inventive vegan ice cream shop with creative flavors and a laidback vibe.
- Espresso Royale Caffe: A cozy independent coffee shop on Beacon Street, perfect for studying or meeting friends.
- Cornwall's: An iconic gastropub on Harvard Ave known for its burgers, beers, and buzzing atmosphere.
- Gyro City: A casual Greek/Mediterranean spot on Commonwealth Ave with tasty gyros, salads, and more.
Special Occasion Dining
When you're looking to celebrate a special event or treat yourself to a nice meal, there are several upscale dining options within walking distance of the BU campus:
- Eastern Standard: An elegant brasserie on Comm Ave serving craft cocktails and refined New American cuisine.
- Island Creek Oyster Bar: A modern seafood restaurant on Commonwealth known for its extensive raw bar and seasonal dishes.
- Sorellina: An upscale Italian restaurant on Boylston St with an impressive wine list and handmade pastas.
- Met Back Bay: Part of a local Boston chain, this sleek modern American spot on Newbury St is great for brunch or dinner.
Late Night Dining Options
When the campus dining halls are closed and the hunger pangs hit late at night, here are some of the best 24/7 or late-night food spots near BU:
- New York Pizza: A classic Boston pizza joint on Comm Ave open late every night, perfect for a post-studying slice.
- Kung Fu Tea: A popular bubble tea shop on Beacon St open until 1 AM, great for a sweet treat.
- Anna's Taqueria: A local Mexican fast-casual chain with a location on Comm Ave, serving burritos, tacos, and more until 3 AM.
- Buger King: The iconic fast-food burger joint right on Comm Ave is open 24/7 for those late-night cravings.
The Best Food Near BU - Student Reviews
To get the inside scoop on the best food options around campus, we asked current BU students to share their top recommendations:
'Espresso Royale is my go-to coffee spot - the vibes are so cozy and the drinks are amazing. It's the perfect place to study or meet up with friends.' - Samantha, Junior
'For a nice meal, I love going to Island Creek Oyster Bar. The seafood is always super fresh and the atmosphere is really upscale but still casual. It's perfect for a special occasion.' - Alex, Senior
'When I'm craving a late-night snack, I always hit up Anna's Taqueria. Their burritos are massive and so delicious, plus they're open super late which is a lifesaver.' - Jared, Sophomore
What Surprises BU Students About Dining
The dining point system at BU works differently than most students expect. Points don't carry over the way meal swipes might at other schools, which changes how you should budget your dining dollars.
Key Considerations
When evaluating The Best Food Near Boston University (BU), BU students should weigh both the benefits and constraints. No option is perfect for everyone—the right choice depends on your specific priorities, circumstances, and what tradeoffs you're willing to accept.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the dining hall options on the BU campus?
The two main dining halls on the BU campus are Warren Towers Dining and Marciano Commons. Both offer a wide variety of food stations with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Are there any 24/7 food options near BU?
Yes, there are a few 24/7 or late-night food spots near BU, including New York Pizza on Commonwealth Ave, Burger King on Comm Ave, and Anna's Taqueria which is open until 3 AM.
Where can I find good coffee shops around the BU campus?
Some of the best coffee shops near BU are Espresso Royale on Beacon St, the Starbucks in the George Sherman Union, and several independent cafes on Bay State Road.
What are the most popular restaurants that BU students love?
According to BU students, some of the local favorites include Shawarma King, FoMu, Cornwall's, Gyro City, and Island Creek Oyster Bar.
Are there any special occasion dining options near the BU campus?
Yes, there are several upscale dining options within walking distance of the BU campus, such as Eastern Standard, Sorellina, and Met Back Bay, that are great for celebrating special events or treating yourself to a nice meal.