Everything people have told you about dorm food is true.
That's why The State News has been on a quest to find good, affordable meals around East Lansing.
But what's affordable? On a college student's budget, that means under five bucks. Yes, a complete meal, with a drink and everything, for less than $5.
Think it can't be done? Think again. Below are the top cheap eats we found during spring semester.
1. Tony's Restaurant, 235 Ann St. (517)332-5553
The food: A grilled cheese sandwich ($2.95) and a regular (22-ounce) Mountain Dew ($1.40)
Total with tax: $4.60
Delivery: Available for an extra fee through Special Delivery, 5220 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Lansing, (517)882-1777. Remember to give the driver a tip.
Xtras: The sandwich doesn't come with much, but the pickle wedge was nice and fresh. Onions or deluxe toppings can be added for 25 cents; with tax, the total still comes out under $5.
Our thoughts: This certainly has to be the best-looking and best-tasting grilled cheese sandwich in the area. The toasty bread was nice and thick, and there was plenty of gooey cheese. Our only complaint was the high price for the drink, but the Mountain Dew wasn't bad either.
2. Lou & Harry's Five Star Deli, 245 Ann St. (517)351-5566
The food: A small Italian hoagie made to order ($3.50) and a small (16-ounce) Nestea raspberry iced tea ($0.90)
Total with tax: $4.66
Delivery: Available through Special Delivery, 5220 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Lansing, (517)882-1777. Delivery is generally for larger orders, so we wouldn't recommend asking them to bring one sandwich to the dorm. Besides, you could use the exercise.
Xtras: Several specials are offered daily. In addition to hoagies, the eatery has lasagna, gyros, pitas and a variety of salads and coffees, most for less than $5.
Our thoughts: This was definitely one of the most flavorful meals we've found. Our hoagie was ordered hot with cheddar cheese, lettuce, red onions, mayo and Italian dressing on wheat bread.
The toppings, along with the salami and two varieties of ham, provided just the right amount of kick for our taste buds.
3. Bell's Greek Pizza, 1135 E. Grand River Ave. (517)332-0858
The food: Lunch special No. 1: One slice of pepperoni pizza, an individual Greek salad and a 24-ounce Mountain Dew.
Total with tax: $3.75
Delivery: Free delivery is available, but a minimum order of $7 is required. Remember to tip the driver - not even we're that cheap.
Xtras: Feeling like dessert? Add a brownie ($1.18), and your total with tax is an even $5. Or, if you don't want the sweet stuff, get another slice of pizza with the same combo for a total of $4.49, tax included.
Our thoughts: Bell's touts itself as "Home of the 89-cent Slice," and its reputation for providing a good value is known to many experienced partygoers who venture there in the wee hours of the morning.
The salad had a surplus of lettuce, but it was still tasty. Garden salads are on the menu for those who don't like the black olives and feta cheese, but there weren't any available during our visit.
The pizza was pretty much average. Loaded with plenty of cheese and grease, and not dripping with sauce, our slice went down well with the large glass of Mountain Dew.
4. The Peanut Barrel Restaurant, 521 E. Grand River Ave. (517)351-0608
The food: A Papa Joe's cheeseburger ($3.40) and a 12-ounce can of Pepsi ($1 from an on-campus pop machine)
Total with tax: $4.60
Delivery: Delivery is not available, but you can call ahead for carryout orders. During peak hours, carryout might not be available.
Xtras: The one-third-pound burger comes with a pickle spear and a bag of Better Made potato chips (made in Detroit). You also get your choice of a white or rye bun and Swiss or cheddar cheese. If you can dig some loose change out of your couch, lettuce and tomatoes can be added for 50 cents.
Our thoughts: The Peanut Barrel is famous for its outdoor patio and casual atmosphere, but you're probably going to need more than five bucks if you plan on eating there. (Most drinks, even the nonalcoholic ones, will push your total past the $5 mark; bring some extra cash or order a water so you have enough for the tip.) If a fiver is all you have, it's still possible to get a quality meal to go, and the food is good and filling regardless of where you choose to eat it.
