Genoa Pizza & Bar 

A beloved favorite of the PPU community, Genoa’s, is located only a mere 3-minute walk from campus. Also available for takeout, dine-in and delivery. The menu includes an extensive list of selections like gyros, wedgies, wings, wraps, and of course, pizza. They even have a gluten-free pizza crust. One of the great things about Genoa’s is their ability to play to their college audience. They have cheap “college specials” that will get you a large pizza, bread sticks and a drink for under $20. This paired with their late hours (2 a.m. Monday-Thursday, and 3 a.m. Friday and Saturday) kept me and my roommates going back for more. 

My go-to: College Special “Large Cheese Pizza with Bread sticks and Drink” for $15 This can feed multiple people and is a lot of food.

Mandarin Gourmet 

Mandarin Gourmet is personally one of my favorite places to eat close to campus and, generally, one meal’s leftovers will feed me for at least two more meals. The menu is huge and covers a wide range of dietary restrictions and price points, but the best time to visit is during lunch for their lunchtime specials between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Also, they are available for dine-in, pickup and delivery with GrubHub, DoorDash and Beyond Menu. And who doesn’t love fortune cookies?  

My go-to: Orange Chicken and Fried Rice for $12.

The Simple Greek 

The Simple Greek can be compared to Chipotle or Moe’s, but for Greek food. You start out with what type of meal you want, whether it be a bowl or pita, and can add your choice of proteins, toppings, and sauces. Also because of its “build your own” service style, you are able to critique gluten-free and vegan-friendly options. The Simple Greek is located right in Market Square and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

My go-to: White Pita with Traditional Gyro, Tzatziki, Lettuce, Tomato and Red Onion for $8.35.

Chipotle/Moe’s 

Everyone at Point Park probably has an opinion on the Moe’s vs. Chipotle debate, but I’m just here to tell you that they are both great options for food by campus. Some pros for both are portion sizes and their gluten-free or vegan options. Also, both places have an app where you can order online, track your orders, and get rewards for them. 

My go-to Chipotle: a burrito bowl with a tortilla on the bottom (perfect for wrapping up leftover into a burrito later), chicken, brown rice, corn salsa, sour cream, and cheese for $7.49.

My go-to Moe’s: Stack with Chicken, Cilantro Lime Rice, Grilled Onions, Shredded Cheese, Roasted Corn Salsa, Sour Cream, Queso, and the included side of chips and salsa for $8.50.

Cherries Diner

Located right next to Dunkin’ in Market Square, Cherries is one of my favorite places to eat near campus. Although, they are only open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a limited menu right now due to COVID, so a quick stop for some pancakes before class or a nice lunch is perfect for this spot. It is also by far the cheapest eatery on this list, with its most expensive option being under $10. They are open for pickup and delivery with UberEats and Doordash. Cherries’ only downfall is their lack of options for people with dietary restrictions. 

My go-to: Reuben Sandwich for $7.75