Places that Take Campus Cash and Don’t Suck
By Ken Greller
New York City is a great place to shop, an even better place to eat and a particularly incredible place to spend all of your parent’s money (or even worse, your own money!). And despite NYU’s overkill pitch, Campus Cash actually provides students with the unique opportunity to use money in a way that potentially controls their spending and asks you to go no further than your NYU ID (Ed. Note to Freshmen: no, it’s not the same as dining dollars).
Okay, so it’s basically just a debit card, which you probably already have. It’s filled with money that you’re parents unwittingly threw on there upon moving you in, and you’d probably rather have cold hard cash to waste on St. Marks. While the West 4th Starbucks certainly isn’t anything to write home about, here are some places that will take your Campus Cash and, oh yeah, don’t suck. For the full list of Campus Cash merchants, click here:
- ‘wichcraft (8th St. & Broadway)
For those who follow Top Chef, ‘wichcraft is the baby version (read: a lot cheaper) of head judge Tom Colicchio’s flagship restaurant Craft (no, you’ll never get a table here and you’ll never be able to afford it). But for a quick-yet-gourmet breakfast or lunch, ‘wichcraft is a pretty sweet deal. And every now and then they host something called “Coffee Happy Hour.” Perfect for the AA crowd! - Maoz (8th St. & Broadway)
While it’s certainly no Mamoun’s — being more expensive, less spicy, and far less supportive of your 4-in-the-morning-why-am-I-eating-this needs. Maoz nevertheless provides delish falafel at reasonable prices and invites customers to deck their sandwich (or salad!) out with various sauces, slaws, and other delicious ethnic toppings. Plus the place is kind of decorated like an IKEA Café. We like that. - Blue 9 Burger (3rd Ave. & 11th St.)
Former and current residents at 3rd North definitely do not need an introduction to possibly the best burger in the East Village. And french fries. Oh, milkshakes too. Campus Cash: a most convenient way to the Freshman 15. - Bite (14th St. & 3rd Ave.)
According to its website, Bite is a “fusion of european american and med cuisine with unique twists,” which is a fancy way of saying this is really good food. Sandwiches are filling and, best of all, cheap. Although you might enjoy people-watching while eating lunch on the window counter, Bite also delivers directly to your lazy self. - Brick Lane Curry House (6th St. & 2nd Ave.)
I’ve never eaten here, but I saw this place on an episode of Man vs. Food. It’s kind of incredible. - Dashing Diva (8th St. & University Pl.)
While I personally don’t have much to say about the cosmetics and other fun lady things sold at Dashing Diva, I did see Rihanna outside of there once. So it’s good for that, at least. - Whole Foods (Union Sq. South)
While Hayden provides the occasional Farmer’s Market apple — or maybe even Vegan Chicken Tikka Masala (And, by the way, thank you for that, Hayden) — nothing beats the all-natural, all-delicious Whole Paycheck. Though, the healthy wallet drainer doesn’t have to burn into your bank account quite so terribly should you visit the location on Union Square and swipe your NYU Card. - Duane Reade (“Around the corner”)
Talking about going to Duane Reade is always cooler than going to CVS (which, incidentally, also takes Campus Cash). If you ever throw in a complaint about “that guy who works at the Duane Reade,” people will instantly know that 1) you don’t have time for anyone’s bullshit besides your own, and 2) you live in New York! How cool!
Add other Campus Cash locations that you would recommend in the comment box below.
