Every weekend since July 27, 2025, my friend and I have taken our lunch break together at the local pizzeria: a large cheese and two fountain drinks, always costing $21.28. Just last week, as I reached for my phone to pay, the small kiosk displayed “22.68.” Our meal had not changed, yet it was still a dollar more expensive.
These price hikes are becoming increasingly common, and the cost of eating out keeps climbing. For Haverford students, food is inevitable. As students accumulate more extracurricular and athletic responsibilities, they need to stay longer on campus, so at some point, whether it be in between rehearsals, practice, or meetings, they must find something to eat. But for those strapped for cash, can just ten dollars provide a filling meal within a mile of school?
A famously affordable spot on the Main Line is El Limón. It serves a variety of tacos, burritos, and other Mexican foods. Three tacos will set you back $10.50 before tax, although it is important to recognize that there is a 3% upcharge for using a credit card. Additionally, said tacos are only $3 each on Tuesdays, making them the optimal choice for those who want to save some money on that particular day. Besides tacos, the restaurant has several other options, including quesadillas, sopes, tamales, and empanadas.
Away from Bryn Mawr, Ardmore Pizza has been a reliable student favorite for over fifty years.
Another option right next to El Limón is Hu’s Kitchen. The restaurant offers a variety of noodle soups, rice bowls, and pan-fried buns. Four of their pork buns cost $10.60 with tax; they’re a dish likely to keep you full longer than other comparable options. Those with different tastes may opt for a bowl of broth, either vegetable or meat, which costs $2 less. Both Hu’s Kitchen and El Limón’s proximity to the Ludington Library means students have a close and quiet place to relax or do work before their activities. However, when I visited, I noticed the speed of service. It took nearly 30 minutes for my food to be prepared, so those in a hurry may consider avoiding Hu’s.
Away from Bryn Mawr, Ardmore Pizza has been a reliable student favorite for over fifty years. A cheese slice costs under $5, meaning those who are especially ravenous can likely get two with only one $10 bill (with tax). They also have a variety of other slices at a similar cost. Students have nearby access to the Ardmore train station and several buses if they are in a rush, an option which Bryn Mawr’s restaurants can’t claim as robustly. Service is quick and easy, too, and should take no more than five minutes.
Finally, there is Yu Noodles, located on the outskirts of Suburban Square. However, the titular dishes are slightly more expensive and are not a viable option for the most frugal. Instead, many of their dim sum dishes are under $10 and quite filling. Popular options include pork wontons, steamed vegetable buns, and scallion pancakes. Thus, Hu’s Kitchen may be the better choice for students wanting more protein, while Yu Noodles vastly outclasses the Bryn Mawr restaurant in terms of variety.
Unfortunately, although all of these restaurants are accessible by public transportation, this factors in an additional charge, not to mention the time spent waiting at the station. Instead, most students end up walking, which is time-consuming in itself. While it may be difficult, students with or without a car can still eat for close to $10 near Haverford and on the Main Line, but it requires planning, time, and effort.
You must be logged in to post a comment.