This semester had its highs and lows along with its good and bad meals. The most were served for breakfast and the fewest were for dinner. To all of you that followed along, thank you. It was an absolute joy to go to new places, try new things and share them all with you.

We began the academic calendar strong by ranking last year’s best eats, which were mostly dinner spots. So I present to you this semester’s ranking of best to worst dining establishments with a new category:

Best Breakfast:

1. It may be because my boyfriend lives in the North Side, but It was impossible to stay away from Wise County Biscuits for less than twice a week this semester. Located on Galveston Avenue, the place bake’s its own biscuits and the vegan grits bowl comes with its own house made mushroom sausage. Not to mention the bottomless cups of coffee, although, you need to wait for an attendant to come around and offer it. The restaurant offers an irregular way of ordering that involves paying at the counter then taking your hot cup of coffee, a glass of water and a number to the customer’s table of choice. The side of potatoes is very crispy and so is the juicy fried chicken that’s bathed in honey and placed on a warm, and sometimes overcooked, biscuit.

2. The Speckled Egg Downtown is on the first floor of the Union Trust Building Downtown. Every minute of the 11 minute walk there is worth it. The latte was sweet and its environment provided the same feeling as a classy dining experience for half the price which averaged around $12.30. Order the T.S.E. breakfast sandwich to try an egg sandwich that will send you out of this world.

3. Next, and in less detail, is the most recently visited Lola’s Eatery in Lawrenceville. Its decor is surrounded in a glaze of hip fashion and cloth seats. Its breakfast is to die for, but on the more pricey side. The chefs there know how to cook eggs properly, especially in the Taylor Gang sandwich, which goes for $16. Keep in mind that no substitutions are allowed.

4. When I first tried Pamela’s Diner, I thought that its omelet was tasteless, when actually, the eggs are just unsalted and cooked well, but not overdone. If $10.50 specialty pancakes and $11 waffles are your thing, no one does it better.

5. Last is Nicky’s on Grant Street, an excellent stop for its proximity to campus. Around three blocks away from Point Park it’s tucked inside the Grant Building. The fact that there is still breakfast diner Downtown is incredible. The food is cheap and is easily accessible from your dorms.

There were three breakfast restaurants reviewed this semester that didn’t make the list.

Open your wallet to eat category:

1. At the top is Cafe Momentum. Not only is the food here killer, so is its mission to help kids affected by the juvenile system. Kids between the ages of 15 to 19 years old are offered paid internships ranging from $12 to $15 depending on experience and age. They serve in roles as hosts, servers, cooks and more. This place deserves all the recognition and business in the world. Prices range between $7 and $44. 

2. Second is The Eagle. The buffalo chicken dip is spicy so please avoid it. When I first reviewed the restaurant everyone assumed that “chewy fried chicken” was a bad thing. Allow me to clarify, it’s a good thing and was intended to allude to the chicken’s moisture content. Located on Penn Avenue, it’s 11 minutes away from campus. While this restaurant doesn’t cost all that much, it’s impossible to refrain from walking away without ordering a few sides. 

3. Last Is Gaucho Parilla. To be honest, while the food here is good, it doesn’t do anything that another restaurant Downtown can’t already for about half the price.

It’s close to campus category:

Everything in the “open your wallet to eat category” is close to campus, but if you don’t want to do that take comfort in knowing that there are other more affordable restaurants around.

1. Forbes Tavern is on the corner of Wood Street and Forbes Avenue directly past the Student Center. Last I checked, its chicken wings are sold cheaper than the ones at the Point Perk, and are tastier. While it’s dark inside, it’s a fun place to hang out and isn’t horribly expensive.

2. Instead of ordering in the Boost App consider running to The Burgh in PPG Place for a change. It’s a block away from Academic Hall and takes call ahead orders for pick up. The strawberry milkshakes are delicious and made with real berries. It serves fast food that doesn’t taste incredibly processed and provides a 15 to 20% discount for student and faculty purchases.

3. Up the road on the Boulevard of the Allies is an honorable mention for Pair Charcuterie. The coffee is tasty and so is its cheese, grilled cheese and $12 charcuterie cups. 

4. As for the last mark on my list, I heard through the grapevine that a few faculty members were upset about my feelings on Rosewater Middle Eastern Grill. I’m sorry that the meat pie was dry. I’m sorry if you enjoy eating here. While the cinnamon rice and chicken skewers are admittedly tasty I likely won’t visit there again.