When considering options for off-campus lunch, you have a lot of options. In fact, it may be difficult to decide when looking at all the possibilities. There are a lot of factors that can narrow down your decision.

Zwanzigz: 1038 Lafayette Ave

Zwanzigz, affectionately labeled “Zwanz” by the students, is one of the options that people love. Zwanzigz is a local pizza place that offers an assortment of breadsticks, cheese breads, pizza pies and craft sodas. The drive there is an estimated nine minutes. The wait time is usually up to fifteen minutes, but Zwanzigz is a very popular spot so the wait time can be unpredictable. The best part about this place may be their five dollar lunch special that provides you with a large slice of pizza, a drink, and a couple of breadsticks.

Chick-fil-A: 1250 N National Rd

Chick-fil-A has been a community favorite since it opened in April 2016. With a quick look at the menu, you can see that the options include chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, salads and sweets such as milkshakes and cookies. The drive is an estimated six minutes. The wait time is lengthy and can take up to twenty minutes, because the place is often busy. The entrees range in price from around four dollars up to a maximum of eight. Chick-fil-A is likely one of the most popular choices and will satisfy any chicken sandwich cravings.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe: 3135 25th St

Tropical Smoothie, sometimes referred to as “T-smoothie”, is another great option. Tropical Smoothie has smoothies, salads, wraps and sandwiches. The drive takes around seven minutes, and the wait time varies. For smoothies, the wait time is around five minutes, but the food can take up to fifteen. Smoothies are four or five dollars depending on what you get, and the entrees fall between three dollars and nine. The food there is a fresher, healthier option than the fast food options in the surrounding area.

Noodles & Company: 3040 Columbus Ctr

Noodles & Company is the place for the pasta lovers. They have a solid range of pastas. You can go for a classic like spaghetti and meatballs or try something new. They are accommodating to possible order changes such as extra cheese or added vegetables. You can also grab some appetizers, a freshly made rice krispie treat, or a cookie. The drive there takes around six minutes, and the maximum wait time is around ten minutes. The prices ranges from three to nine dollars, and a regular is usually around five dollars. If you’re looking for comfort food, this is the spot.  

Panera Bread: 3056 Columbus Ctr

Panera Bread is right near Noodles and Company and is both a good lunch spot and a good study spot after school. On the menu, you can find a wide selection of soups, sandwiches, and baked goods. All of their bakery items are baked fresh daily. The drive time is an estimated six minutes, and the wait time can go up to around fifteen minutes. Meals tend to fall between five and nine dollars, putting Panera on the more expensive side especially for regular sizes. Bakery items usually cost around three dollars. If you’re in the mood for soup on a rainy day or something sweet while you do your homework, Panera is the place for that.

There are still many more options in Columbus when it comes to looking for a good place to have lunch. These are some of the most convenient in our area for our East O’s. We all have our favorites. Go find yours!