Free periods at LHS often get wasted doom scrolling, wandering the halls, or waiting for the bell in the cafeteria, but there are better options hiding in plain sight. Highlighted below are a few underrated spots where students can make the most of their free time, all offering good food, a quiet environment, and a break from the school day without going far or spending much.
At Halal Express, the food is high quality for a low price. One of students’ favorite things to order is their crispy chicken sandwich priced at $7.99, adding a drink brings it to $9.99. This halal spot has the perfect food for filling one’s stomach after a long morning of classes. Their Philly cheesesteak is another go-to; for just $9.99, it is a great value featuring a giant sandwich that two people could share. One of the best parts about Halal Express is the service; the staff is super friendly, and the food is ready quickly, which is helpful for students with less than 40 minutes. Also, students have commented that workers make them feel welcome, and that matters to many trying to make it through a long week of classes.
When walking by Santorini’s, the first thing you notice is the smell of the food. It is as if they are piping it into the air outside, drawing you in. Santorini’s is a mix of Italian and Greek food, but with the number of pizzerias so close to the school, the Greek food is a way to switch up one’s menu. One featured meal is the chicken souvlaki that is served on pita bread with lettuce and tzatziki sauce. The staff is very welcoming, making sure that this is a place where students could have an enjoyable lunch in a quiet atmosphere.
While some students do dine at The Bowl, a considerable amount more eat at its neighbors, SaVino’s and Union Bagel. One thing that gives The Bowl a leg up compared to Savino’s and Union is that it is healthier. For the price of two slices of pizza from SaVino’s, you can get a serving of dumplings from The Bowl. As the food is also fueling, students, especially student-athletes, may prefer The Bowl as their lunch spot. A popular appetizer offered is the pork gyoza, served with The Bowl’s signature spicy sauce, and it costs about $10. Freshman Julia Jin, who enjoys The Bowl, shared, “I really enjoy going there because it’s basically the only restaurant that has Asian cuisine that is near the school and within walking distance for a quick lunch. I would say it’s also a pretty underrated place, and although it’s small, the atmosphere is nice… My top recommendation is the pork gyoza, but the pork soup dumplings are also good. In general, it’s one of my go-to restaurants and somewhere I think all students should go as they have a variety of options like ramen and bubble tea alongside their bowls that most would probably not get elsewhere in the school day.”
Other underrated places students go to during a free period include Prosperi Bakery and Philly Pretzel Factory. Freshman Aidan Palacio explained, “An underrated spot to go on an off period is Prosperi Bakery…they sell everything from baguettes to my favorite, apple turnovers. I usually go at least once a day; everything there is great and sold at very cheap and reasonable prices.” Freshman Owen Ginsberg said, “Sometimes I go to Philly Pretzel Factory; the pretzels taste very good, but [they’re] not exactly cheap… depends what you buy. A ‘Rivet Box’ is $10, [but] pretzels are $1.50 each. The pretzels go well with the dips, especially when they’re hot.”
These spots may not stay undercover for long, so consider checking them out soon during an off period.
