As the semester draws to a close, there appears to be less leisure activities that students can pursue. With the pressures of increased projects and schoolwork, final exams, and rising Covid-19 cases, time and opportunities are in decline. Nonetheless, students can take a break from stress and their studies in an enjoyable, socially distant way by utilizing restaurant drive-throughs. By ordering a meal in this manner, the students can sate their hunger and the urge to wander off campus. Below are a few places that I visit rather regularly and recommend.
Chicken Coop in Benton Harbor
The Chicken Coop features a selection that is Southern comfort food. My favorite thing about this restaurant is the value. For quite a low price, the helpings are humongous, and often the food is sufficient for two meals. Although perhaps not the healthiest, as the majority of the food items are fried, it is certainly a budget-friendly choice. Try the fried okra.
Arby’s in Benton Harbor
I used to primarily visit Arby’s for curly fries. Although their sandwiches are certainly very good, I particularly enjoy their sides. Arby’s certainly has healthier options, however alongside with the curly fries, I have particularly taken to a new item on their menu: the jalapeño poppers. An old favorite, my family makes them from scratch over the grill, with cream cheese and a variety of vegetables, and I have missed eating them. Although Arby’s jalapeño poppers do not rival home’s, they make a worthy substitute for the time and price.
Panera Bread in St. Joseph
Panera does not have a drive-through, but they have contactless curb-side pick up. Personally, I believe this location is the most health-conscious amongst this list, and has a large variety of vegetarian options. I stop by Panera when I feel like having something more nutritious than my usual fare, though the restaurant definitely has choices that are less so. A dish of note would be the barbeque mac-and-cheese.
Culver’s in Stevensville
Culver’s is another location for comfort food, and is also relatively budget-friendly for college students. Their dinner meals are quite a good value, and they offer a wide range of items. A side dish that they have perfected is the fried cheese curds, which goes along with anything one may order. In addition, they have refined their drive-through system and have maximized their efficiency. The last time I went to Culver’s, a few friends and I had a significantly large order, yet we received our food in record time.
Silver Beach Pizza in St. Joseph
This is one of my favorite locations near Andrews. Before the pandemic, I would regularly go to eat at Silver Beach Pizza. Now that they have their drive-through system, I find it even more convenient to pick up food. The pizza has consistently been remarkable, and their selection ensures that there is something for everyone. Although this is a bit on the pricier side, I would still encourage anyone who likes pizza to try it out. Split a large pizza with a few friends!
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.