Balling on a budget to bougie dining: Chapman eatery recs based on your budget

Blaze Pizza is just one of the several businesses in The Circle that offers discounts to Chapman students. Photo by JACK SUNDBLAD, Staff Photographer

Not all moments of hunger have the same solution. You may have woken up late from your mid-day nap and only have an hour before your next class. You may not have much money in your checking account. Or, perhaps you and your best friends want to catch up or your parents are in town and they tell you to pick a nice place. Picking the right place as a new Orange resident can be a stressful task, that is, unless you’re senior screenwriting major Will Mader. 

“I really will eat just about anything,” Mader said. “Freshman year when I moved out here, it was during COVID-19, so there really wasn’t a whole lot to do. So I would just kind of go to The Circle and see what all the restaurants had to offer.”

If you are a new student at Chapman, it can be hard to differentiate the vibe that each place suits. The Panther spoke to several students about their favorite places to eat around Chapman with recommendations ranging from balling on a budget to bougie dining.

Balling on a Budget $

College students are not unfamiliar with late-night ramen dinners and cafeteria lunches, but sometimes you just want that quick fast food munchie — a break from the monotonous microwave meals. You want something quick, within walking distance or a quick car ride… and cheap. As a self-proclaimed foodie, senior creative producing major Keely Johnson believes you can get the most bang for your buck at Ojai Burger. 

“(Ojai Burger) is kind of like burgers with an Asian take on it,” Johnson said. “You can get fries and all that for like $13. It's a full meal, and you’ll have stuff left over.”

Junior public relations and advertising major Emma Wu recommends The Taco Stand as the best taco option around. 

“(The Taco Stand) has to be one of my favorite cheap eats around The Circle,” Wu said. “It’s walkable and usually pretty fast. Their tortillas, for whatever reason, are the most delicious things I have ever had. They’re just so flavorful.”

While Cali Tacos may be slightly out of The Circle, Mader recommends their jumbo burritos that are “the size of your arm” and can last two to three meals. 

The Happy Medium $$

Most restaurants near Chapman fall in the affordable to moderate range, but how do you know which options are worth spending the extra cash on? Ramen is a favorite of many Circle-goers, and the options, according to Wu, are appropriately priced. 

“I really like Butaton Ramen,” Wu said. “I feel like they have pretty standard prices for ramen – between $12 to $18 for a bowl. It's a good meal, and you can share an appetizer with friends! I’ve always been so full after a bowl of ramen from there.”

Besides her weekly ventures to her favorite place in The Circle, Thai Towne Eatery, Johnson loves grabbing a quick take-out option at Hanano Ramen.

Bougie $$$

If you were to stroll down Glassell Street, you’ll find a number of splurge-worthy options including 1886 Brewing Co. and Citrus City Grille. While they may have you spending more of your paychecks, Mader claims they are worth the price and perfect for a special occasion. 

“(1886 Brewing Co. and Citrus City Grille) are both pretty expensive, but honestly, the two times I have eaten at both, it has been well worth it, “ Mader said. “They’re great places if you have a parent come visit you where they are going to pay for dinner. That’s the time to go.”

Many locations in The Circle are aware of the density of Chapman students in the area, and provide discounts anywhere from five to 20% if you show your Chapman ID at the register. However, these discounts aren’t always so obvious to the everyday foot traffic. Check out a list of locations in and near The Circle that offer discounts to students looking to save a quick buck:

Blaze Pizza: 10% off

Green Tomato Grill: 10% off

Impact Juice Bar: 5% off

Jalapeños: 15% off

Pandor Bakery: 10% off

Sweet Art Cafe: 10% off

Pie Hole: 20% off

Oiio Cafe: 5% off

Zito’s Pizza: 10% off

Byblos Cafe: 10% off