The new meaning of eating outdoors
By Lenny Mata Cuevas | Published by October 7, 2020
Whether it is for a solo meal, a get together or a date, going to a restaurant seems to always be a good idea. However, because of the regulations imposed to restaurants due to COVID-19, the options were limited during most of the summer.
Even though restaurants adopted a takeout and delivery policy, many have had to come up with new ideas in order to keep offering their services. Those ideas include limited indoor seating and outdoor dining options l in an effort for readjusting to the new normal.
This initiative has given eateries and its public the chance to enjoy food at their location once again, and those at Kean can only take advantage of it. The Union campus location is surrounded by a variety of bakeries, restaurants, steakhouses, coffee shops and all kinds of eating places to stop by for a good meal, especially for those students who live near or on campus.
“I live near Kean and there are a lot of places to eat on Morris Ave” architecture and design student Emely Peres said.
For those who prefer a cozier place, Colombian bakery and restaurant “Casa del Pan”, located on North Ave and famous for their Arepas de Chocolo, could be an option. The restaurant is open from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.
For those planning to gather with more than two friends, “Suspenders Restaurant & Pub” on Magie Ave has opened a tarp at their parking lot for its customers to enjoy some outdoor dining.
Another important aspect about these places is that it is not too expensive and could work well with a budget. However, those intending to max out their benefits as a Kean student can always visit restaurants that accept Cougar Dollars. Locations that accept Cougar Dollars include Applebee’s located on Morris Avenue, Rock ’n’ Joe’s Cafe on Green Lane at the Union train station or the Ursino Steakhouse & Tavern.
“I have used it in the cafe. I know it can be used at the steakhouse on campus,” Kean student Keshna Roberts said.
Also, not far from North Ave., family restaurant Tropicana is located on Morris Ave. Not long ago, the restaurant opened a tarp at the side of their building for those who prefer outdoor eating. This one too is another of the many spots that accepts Cougar Dollars.
Finally, one major advantage that all these food places have in common is their location, regardless of their distance from campus; most of them are less than two miles away. Although, those who wouldn’t mind walking around Kean’s buildings at Union can just enjoy the outdoors, visit their favorite eatery spot and make their Cougar Dollars worth it.