Madeleine Durham

FCS students are eager to get back to their coveted off-campus lunch, tired of packing lunches and ready for a hot meal. But with the recent minimum wage increase, fast food chains and restaurants prices continually increase. The Dollar Menu or Value Deals have been removed from many menus. This begs the question, is it possible to find a reasonably priced lunch in the area?  

Luckily for you and your wallet, the answer is yes! With more than 34 restaurants/fast food places in the area, the list of options is longer than Fresno’s winters. From cheesy pizzas to bold Mexican cuisine to breakfast options and local cafes, it is still possible to find a great lunch for under $15, (and beating the end of lunch bell, making it back to school on time!)

Best Bowl Option: Viva! Be Bowl’d 

For a fast-paced, Mexican food-meets-bowl; Viva! Be Bowl’d wouldn’t be a bold or bad choice. Rather an obvious choice, with fresh food and flavors it stands out from other fast casual dining places. Viva! Be Bowl’d offers daily deals on their website and a very special deal to its Fresno Christian students. For any FCS student with their ID, they offer the Fresno Christian Eagles Bowl. This fresh place is located in the Covenant, which is within walking distance.

The base for the bowls, include  roasted garlic, rice, beans, and lettuce. Toppings include grilled cooked proteins ranging from vegetarian alternatives like potatoes and tofu to other choices including chicken, steak, and shrimp.

Senior Gabby Hutcheson and her friends frequently visit Viva! Be Bowl’d.

“I love Viva! Be Bowl’d, because there food is exemplary and right when you walk in the door the workers are friendly until you leave,” Hutcheson.

Best Chicken Option: Chick-fil-A 

Chick-fil-A is one of the most iconic fast-food places in Fresno. Going by  Christian values, they close on Sunday but every other day of the week offers good quality meals with real ingredients With arguably the most variety out of all options, including delicious home-style sides, like….Chick-fil-A has made a name out of their chicken sandwich but they’ve also branched out of the hen with wraps, salads, and numerous sides. 

Best Burger Option: In-N-Out 

It’s not far-fetched to say Fresno runs on In-N-Out. When price is a factor, these burgers are at the top of the food chain. In N Out’s number two includes a cheeseburger, medium fries, and a drink at $7.20. This deal will soon to be cheaper than a gallon of gas in California.

Author’s choice: The Ark, Mediterranean 

A kid’s chicken bowl costs $8.99 and comes with a side of sauce and pita bread. It’s reasonably well and does not sacrifice taste. They also have lamb and beef options in both bowls and vegetarian options. 

Coach Micheal Fuller is a lamb bowl enthusiast.

“It’s like all the things in life I love,” Fuller said. 

 

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Students also enjoy the Mediterranean meal. Junior Caleb Iest tried The Ark for the first time after an intense workout at the George Brown Gym, (GB3) across the street.

“It was very satisfying, the rice is always very delicious there and the chicken has a great seasoning to it,” Iest said. “Even just the kids’ meal filled me up.” 

Best Pizza Choice: Pieology 

If there’s one food group Fresno has, it’s pizza. So why is Pieology the better choice for FCS students? Pieogly has solved teenagers’ indecisive nature with over 25,000 unique pizzas combinations. 

This variety includes four different crust options: Original Thin, High-Rise, Cauliflower, and their Gluten Free Crust. Then with all their vegetables, to meats, anyone, whether vegetarian or not can enjoy a good meal. The employees will even change their gloves to accommodate any food needs. 

This place provides multiple drink options, from bottled sodas to sugar cane based sodas, even juices and fresh lemonades! If you’re still looking for a sweet treat they also have their dessert pizzas loaded with nutella, fresh baked cookies and ooey gooey brownies. 

Most Liked: Taco Lindo

If you’re looking for authentic Mexican cuisine, Fresno has numerous options. Though on campus the majority of FCS students seem to gravitate towards Taco Lindo. With 4.5 stars on Yelp it’s not just the FCS students that like this restaurant, but the Fresnonian locals as well. 

Tyler Maxey ‘25 ,a student who goes almost traditionally every Wednesday, loves it.

“It’s right by school, good Mexican food and the people who work there are really nice.”

They have classic Mexican dishes with portions that leave nothing to be desired. The drinks are exceptional as well with fountain drink options and glass bottle cokes and Jaritos in the back.

With such a variety of options and all at an reasonable price, there is a meal for every student including the picky eaters. From Mexican to Mediterranean there is many choices to choose from and all a quick walk or drive away. This makes a meal even more exciting on a time crunch.

To read more delicious eats from The Feather visit: Food Review: Students favorite Dutch drinks under review and Food Review: Crave vs. Crumbl