I’ve never really brought it before on a public writing space, but some of the off-campus dining options at Rowan are really, really exemplary. I’ll mention three establishments specifically that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed over the years.
Ciconte’s
Ciconte’s Pizzeria, at 321. Mullica Hill Rd. (right between Beau Rivage and the main campus), is one of the best pizzerias in the area. Their plain pizza is pretty good, but their specialty pizzas are what really do me in. I remember walking in for the first time and seeing the display case which contained many ornate pies, each with a variety of distinct toppings. I was starving, so I pointed at the thickest pie and asked the man behind the counter what it was.
“That’s our cheese steak sub pizza,” he replied.
That was all I needed to hear. I ordered two slices, and headed to my apartment. After throwing the slices in the toaster oven for a few minutes, I was welcomed with thick, steak-filled bites and the crunch of lettuce and fresh tomato. Needless to say, the cheese steak sub pizza is reason enough to head to Ciconte’s. Aside from the aforementioned specialty pie, the Buffalo Chicken Pizza pie is also fantastic. They even offer it with wheat crust, for all you health freaks out there (myself partially included).
Samurai
Samurai Japanese Restaurant, at 64 Delsea Drive, is an excellent destination for sushi lovers and hibachi aficionados alike. Despite its location in a college town, Samurai dishes out food that is easily on par with trendy SoHo joints and urbane Philly hotspots – minus the pretension. Their all-you-can eat sushi special is perhaps their biggest drawing point to the college crowd. On Sunday through Monday, for about $23, nearly every type of sushi is at the diner’s disposal. It should also be mentioned that various salads, soups, and ice creams are included in the fare, as well. After a tough workout in the gym, a friend and I downed nine rolls apiece, two salads, and a bowl of ice cream. If you’re a big eater, you’ll definitely get your $23 worth. However, if you’ve been told that your eyes are bigger than your stomach, and you can’t finish those last two rolls you ordered, you’ll have to pay for them on top of the $23. Sadly, you can’t bring home what you don’t finish. Regardless, Samurai is an excellent establishment, and the ideal destination for Rowan foodies.
Bomb Bomb BBQ
It might be surprising that Bomb Bomb BBQ, on 22 High Street East, makes the list of top 3 off-campus eating locales in Glassboro. It’s a barbecue restaurant in New Jersey! However, it’s food options are anything but Jersey. With brisket sandwiches, pulled pork, chili, burgers topped with slaw and onion rings, and nearly every other southern delicacy imaginable, you’ll think you were transported to Memphis! Bomb Bomb’s a bit pricy, but the food really can’t be beat. My sentiment: Go for The Cubby, (slow cooked BBQ pulled pork with coleslaw), and a side of BBQ sweet potato fries. Both of these are quite unique, and very authentic tasting. So if you’re feeling like some down-home cooking, look no further than Bomb Bomb BBQ.
Conclusion
The Glassboro area has some really trendy and unique eateries. With Rowan University’s focus on the promotion of Glassboro as an ideal town, my guess is that more new restaurants will pop up in the area. In fact, Prime Burger is already up near Rowan Boulevard, and Ry’s Bagels is set to open shortly. As a graduating senior, it’s a shame that I won’t be around to experience the abundant amount of new restaurants that are going to shoot up within the next year. Happy blogging!
-Scott
