10 Local Restaurants to Support During the Pandemic
Anya Ernst ‘24
Photo by Anya Ernst of outdoor dining outside of Slave to the Grind and Haiku Asian Bistro in downtown Bronxville
On-campus and commuter students quickly tire of the dining hall food, especially with current limited menus.
With the dining hall staff trying to keep both employees and students as safe as possible, both Bates and the Barbara Walters Campus center this semester have cut back on the variety of food available but have since begun offering daily specials at the beginning of Phase three.
With the COVID-19 pandemic causing stricter enforced health code restrictions and fewer people venturing out to eat, many small businesses took large hits in 2020. In May, The Washington Post reported that over 100,000 small businesses have closed nationwide, while bigger chains and corporations survive the year.
Many establishments are now allowing customers to dine either in or outside –– whether it is safe or not –– just to keep their business on its feet. And while some people feel eager to dine at restaurants after months of confinement, it is important to acknowledge the privilege of being able to do so, especially as lockdowns have strained the economy and put an unfair burden on frontline, low-wage workers.
If you are able to buy from local restaurants, consider which ones have been hit the hardest by restrictions. And try connecting with the food sharing space on campus or student-driven mutual aid initiatives, where you could donate to support fellow students.
To make matters worse for small businesses, more and more Americans have turned to apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats, causing many small businesses to lose money as they are forced to turn over a percentage of profits to the food delivery apps.
Instead of using third party apps, students and Bronxeville residents should either call the restaurants directly or use their websites for pick up or delivery.
The Phoenix offers a list of 10 local eateries to support this fall.
Bronxville Diner
$$ Delivery/Dine In/Curbside Pick Up
Whether it's brunch or late night dining, Bronxville Diner is a great destination to get classic American favorites — pancakes, burgers, and milkshakes. In the heart of downtown Bronxville, this local treasure is a hub for Sarah Lawrence students to grab a bite to eat.
Ladle of Love
$$ Curbside Pick Up/No Contact Delivery
Want an easy healthy lunch? Try Ladle of Love for delicious salads, sandwiches and more. Located a short 15 minute walk from campus, Ladle of Love is a great spot to get some fresh air and a hearty lunch on a break from class.
Haiku Asian Bistro
$$ Dine In/Take Out/Delivery
Whether craving sushi, ramen or stir fry, Haiku Asian Bistro is a great spot to run into many SLC students. Haiku Bistro offers their own delivery service, available to order on their website. They have affordable and filling lunch specials, too!
BK Soul Food
$$ Take Out/No Contact Delivery
Barbecue, cornbread, mac ’n cheese, yams and more, all at BK Soul Food. Located in Yonkers, BK is a great place to stop for affordable lunch specials. This family-owned establishment also provides catering, so make sure to check out their website!
Park Place Bagels
$ Take Out/Outdoor Dining/Delivery
Park Place Bagels has two locations in downtown Bronxville, but at either location , customers are sure to enjoy a freshly baked bagel. Park Place also has tons of delicious soups, salads and sandwiches and is open until 5pm!
Clairmont Diner
$ Take Out/ Free Delivery
Known for their friendly staff and great service, Clairmont Diner in Yonkers is a great spot to grab breakfast, lunch and dinner. After a long week of studying, Claremont Diner is a great spot to reward yourself with an affordable feast.
Slave to the Grind
$ Take Out/Outdoor Dining
Buy a nice hot (or iced) cup of joe at Slave to the Grind in downtown Bronxville. A Sarah Lawrence classic, this coffee shop is a great place to study with a coffee or tea and a baked good. Slave to the Grind also has lots of vegan and gluten-free pastries!
BXVL Coffee Shop
$ Take Out
Recently opened, BXVL Coffee is located in Bronxville’s Metro-North train station and is a great place to grab a drink and snack before getting on the train. Known for their friendly and helpful staff, at BXVL customers can trust to get a yummy treat plus, they’re sure to catch their train on time!
Pondfield Cafe
$ Take Out
A great breakfast spot located conveniently in Yonkers. Can be super packed on the weekends but with take-out there is no wait before diving into their famous breakfast sandwiches. Pondfield Cafe is a great option for a filling and delicious brunch.
Rebecca's Cafe
$ Dine In/Take Out/Delivery
From tacos to conchas, Rebecca's Cafe in New Rochelle is an ideal spot to catch up with friends over great food. They have great deals including a Taco Tuesday event every week. The cafe and their staff also take sanitization and safety very seriously to ensure a safe dining experience for everyone.