Great Ivy League Eats Slideshow
Harvard University: Cambridge, Mass.
The Crimson campus dining halls aren't your only dining option. Start in Cambridge at one of the two dining rooms at UpStairs on the Square where you can hoose from the ever-changing seasonal menu at The Monday Club Bar or have mom and dad treat you to a more upscale experience in the Soirée Dining Room. If you're in an adventurous mood, the Afghani fare at Helmand Restaurant is sure to satisfy your craving for diverse dishes. Don't forget to order their famous flatbread, baked in front of you in their wood-burning oven.
And located in an old townhouse on a charming street in Beacon Hill, No.9 Park is a must for regionally inspired, flavorful Italian and French cooking. Nearby Beacon Hill Bistro is a perfect brunch spot for when your parents are in town. (And it doubles as a place for them to stay!)
Princeton University: Princeton, N.J.
The eating clubs at Princeton are sure to bore you by the end of summer, especially in the face of fresh fare served at Elements. Drop by for brunch and fill up on French toast with Vermont maple syrup and bacon, pecan, vanilla ice cream, or order their steak and eggs, with "48 hour" short ribs, fried eggs, and home fries.
No visit to Princeton is complete without a stop at Hoagie Haven, an institution for subs since the 1970s. Dinner at David Burke Fromagerie will be sure to impress and locals sing the praises of Ajihei Sushi for the freshest, finest-quality fish around. To satisfy your sweet tooth, the Little Chef Pastry Shop has a wide selection of exotic tarts and pies that are out of this world.
Columbia University: New York, N.Y.
It's no surprise that Columbia Lions roar for the freshly baked pastries at the Hungarian Pastry Shop — take a seat at the sidewalk tables outside or bring your laptop for a delicious study session. New York City is no stranger to ethnic food and the mouthwatering Ethiopian cuisine at Zoma will have you coming back for more. Made famous by Seinfeld, Tom's Restaurant is a Columbia student staple that has been around since the 1940s. It is perfect for Greek-American diner classics or even a milkshake and gravy fries at 3 a.m.
Yale University: New Haven, Conn.
Fulfill your morning caffeine fix or plan a coffee date at the quirky Koffee on Audubon. History majors and foodies alike should make sure to get educated at Louis' Lunch, the "Birthplace of the Hamburger Sandwich." Their original burger recipe has hardly changed since its inception in 1895. Bespoke offers a farm-to-table dishes like horseradish-crusted salmon with garlic-spinach puree, while the old world charm and French offerings of the Union League Café will have you cooing oh la la after every bite.
University of Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Pa.
Looking to crack a UPenn student's recipe for success? Visit Bui's Lunch Truck to gorge on a delicious breakfast sandwich — there's a reason it attracts students from all over campus. Look no farther than the "Pennstitution" Smokey Joe's to binge on bar food and, if you're legal, a cold one. Visiting parents should look no further than the upscale Japanese menu at Morimoto — acclaimed chef Masaharu Morimoto's outpost in Philadelphia.
Cornell University: Ithaca, N.Y.
Ithaca may be gorges, but every Cornellian knows the real striking force of nature in their tiny college town is its food. Local favorite College Town Bagels is the perfect stop for a morning bagel and schmear while locavores should make sure to visit the Ithaca Farmers' Market for a truly green experience — everything that's sold is grown within 30 miles of Ithaca.
Taste of Thai offers authentic noodles and curries and John Thomas Steakhouse is a sure thing for the finest dry aged beef in the New York area. Finish off the night at Ruloff's Restaurant and Bar with their award-winning Bloody Mary or pick your poison from their extensive drink menu.
Dartmouth College: Hanover, N.H.
Partake in a Dartmouth tradition (since 1947) and stop by Lou's Restaurant for breakfast served all day. Favorites like freshly baked artisan bread, cinnamon-streusel coffeecake, and brownie bites at King Arthur's Flour are not to be missed; the same goes for the famous half-pound beef burger at Molly's Restaurant and Bar. Zins at The Hanover Inn offers the finest in Upper Valley cuisine, serving ingredients sourced locally. And the iconic Dartmouth memorabilia that comprises The Canoe Club's décor serves as the perfect backdrop for dining on their namesake shellfish stew.
Brown University: Providence, R.I.
The university may be famous for its contentious core curriculum, but the deliciousness of Providence's cuisine is something scholars and students continue to agree on. For affordable, delicious (and vegan-friendly) food, AS220's artsy atmosphere and neighborhood feel are a perfect fit for any Brown prospective. Local culinary philosophy is all the rage, so make sure to stop by La Laiterie, who earned a nomination for Best Chef in the Northeast in the 2011 James Beard Restaurant Awards and XO Café serves consistently delicious farm-to-table fare.
A trip to Rhode Island isn't complete without a meal at Al Forno — an authentic Italian menu that uses all locally produced goods. And dinner at 1854 at Stone House promises a unique take on New American cookery.