As Drexel enters a new school year, the campus starts to come alive with old and new students alike moving to campus. Whether you are just getting situated in your freshman dorm room or moving into your senior year apartment, it is important that your fridge and cabinets stay stocked with food for the new school year.
Fortunately, University City and the surrounding area offer many different locations for students to get their groceries. From fresh produce to those five-minute frozen meals, there is something for everyone to indulge in.
Old Nelson’s
Old Nelson’s is a campus staple. Part grocery store and part deli, Old Nelson’s has something for everyone. The grocery store side of Old Nelson’s is convenient for getting those last-minute groceries you forgot about, or if you are looking for a variety of snacks. The deli side offers a multitude of different sandwiches, as well as salads and desserts, such as banana pudding and cheesecake. Located just across 7-Eleven and a few doors up from Chipotle, Old Nelson’s is one of those places you will find yourself going to at least once in a while at Drexel.
Trader Joe’s
A personal favorite, Trader Joe’s is one of the best places to get your groceries if you live in University City. Although it is a bit farther – located across the bridge on Market Street – Trader Joe’s has something for everyone. With seasonal snacks, quality frozen foods, fresh produce and baked goods, anything you need can be found at Trader Joe’s at a reasonable price. It is the perfect store for your meal prep needs or if you simply want to try one of their many trending foods.
Heirloom Giant
Heirloom Giant is one of the more accessible grocery stores for Drexel students. Located on Chestnut Street, next to Penn’s campus, Heirloom is one of the most ideal locations to pick up groceries. While a bit pricey, Heirloom has everything from produce to canned goods, as well as a great selection of deli meats and cheese. Additionally, the self-checkout option can make the trip to Heirloom quick and efficient. And, if you are not looking to cook, Heirloom also has many options for prepackaged foods – and a sushi selection that is not half bad.
Mario’s Market
Located on the second floor of the Rush Building, which is on North 33rd Street just off Market Street, Mario’s Market is a food pantry accessible to all Drexel students, faculty and staff with a valid DragonCard. Operated and managed by Drexel’s Student Center for Diversity and Inclusion, Mario’s Market was created to solve the issue of growing food insecurity among university students. Mario’s Market can be accessed anytime during normal hours of operation. Individuals can enter the pantry solely with a swipe of their DragonCard, search the pantry’s inventory on their own and leave with what they need at no cost.
Northside Dining Terrace
Picture a small mall food court combined with an even smaller grocery store on a university budget, and you will get Northside Dining Terrace. Northside, as it is referred to, holds a Chick-fil-a and a Wild Blue Sushi. Do not get too excited, however, as options are limited to only a select few menu items. Yet, students appreciate Northside as it is conveniently located by Race Lawn and across from Greek Row. Attached to these dining options is a little market that holds snacks, drinks, ice cream and pre-made food. It is ideal if you need a quick pick-me-up after class or are looking for an easy, ready-made dinner. The best part is, all the establishments take dining dollars.
Rittenhouse Square Farmer’s Market
Rittenhouse is one of Philadelphia’s most notable neighborhoods, which houses many restaurants, hotels, apartments and activities for people to explore. Rittenhouse Square Farmer’s Market is a year-round market that runs every Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Farmer’s Market offers a wide variety of local produce, as well as other meats, dairy, crafts and artisanal foods. The Farmer’s Market is the perfect way to explore the neighborhoods of Philadelphia with friends, appreciate the beautiful Rittenhouse park, while also picking up some groceries from local farmers.
So, as the year kicks off, whether you are on a dining plan or not, there are many great stores near campus for you to pick up your groceries and enjoy a nice meal.