Let’s be honest: it’s hard to find good food on the cheap without either camping at the dining hall salad bar or fighting for the kitchen stove with the roommate who makes the Soup Nazi look like Mohandas Gandhi. Here’s our guide to tasty eats that won’t do any damage to your wallet—or to your large intestine.
Planet Fresh Gourmet Burritos (1003 Cedar St., Santa Cruz. 831.423.9799) Connoisseurs of authentic burritos might hold their noses, and admittedly, the tortillas in Planet Fresh’s rice-and-bean wraps aren’t greasy enough to see one’s own reflection. But the surf-and-turf burrito on a spinach tortilla, layered with yummy steak and shrimp, will still excite the taste buds. The fish tacos—$4.95 on Tuesday nights—are another solid bet: Held together by Jack cheese, the crumbling red snapper creations are so delicious, you might accidentally do damage to your own sauce-covered hand before you’re through.
Charlie Hong Kong (1141 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. 831.426.5664) OK, here’s proof vegans and carnivores really can get along. This place’s famous Charlie’s Pad Thai is just as satisfying as the Hoisin Pork. A staple for healthy college students, Charlie Hong Kong has four meals starting under $5 and gluten-free options too. The restaurant specializes in rice and noodle bowls that come tossed with curry, spices, nuts, mushrooms, tofu—and yes, even chicken, fish or pork.
Yan Flower (617 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 617.423.2574) Searching for Himalayan-sized side dishes of vegetarian goodness? Look no further. Every afternoon, Yan Flower offers heaping mountains of cashews and broccoli with your rice, egg roll and soup, all for under $4. Lunch specials start at $3.95, and all Yan Flower’s meals are under 10 bucks. Plus owner Raymond Bellville and his team of smiling, friendly servers are as generous with the drink refills as the cooks are with their portions.
Sitar Indian Cuisine (1133 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 831.427.3000) A good all-you-can-eat buffet feels a little bit like robbing a bank—minus the jail time, of course. Sitar’s unlimited vegetarian lunch buffet is $6.95, and a smaller lunch box is $4. Make no mistake: That brown box is plenty big enough to cram in several mouthfuls of rice, naan, vegetable pakara and Punjabi curry—while leaving enough room for the box to seal—and you’ll still make out like a bandit. Prices on some more elaborate offerings are a little steeper but you can still get a wide variety of wraps and skewers for around $9. Throw in a 15-percent student discount, and you have yourself another steal.
Paula’s (3500 Portola Ave., Santa Cruz. 831.464.0741) With a basic breakfast of toast, eggs, and potatoes for $3, Paula’s is the ultimate hangover breakfast for staggering students with just enough leftover pocket money to put a little protein into their systems. For a nominal fee, migraine-fighting college kids can add a healthy side like spinach, mushrooms or avocado to their delicious no-frills meal. And the laid-back anti-cell phone establishment has additional seating in a old Dodge van for those who want to kick back like it’s 1969.
