I love food. It’s one of my favorite things about the world, and a simple meal can bring the greatest memories. Its only drawback is that it costs money, and like other college students, I don’t look at my bank account with a smile. But I digress — Bloomington offers a ton of cheap eats around town that will leave you going, “I can’t believe it was only that much.”
Right on Kirkwood Avenue, Goodfellas is known as one of the staple pizza places off campus. For just $4, a fresh foot-long pizza slice could be your next affordable meal. The portions here are giant and, more importantly, leave you satisfied without having to break the bank. As a lactose-intolerant person, this isn’t always my first option when it comes to eating out, but it should be one of yours.
Right across the street from Goodfellas, Z & C offers hefty portion sizes for more than reasonable prices. I got their Chicken bowl for $8.25, and couldn't finish all of my food. It’s quick, it’s cheap, it’s good — it’s Z & C.
Where do I start? Game-day deals? Check. Great combo meal prices? Check. AMAZING FOOD? Check. WingsXtremeU has it all, and it has been my go-to for good comfort food at insanely reasonable prices. I’m not trying to be promotional here, but $1 boneless wings from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Friday should trigger some sort of flight response in a college student's brain.
Right on Third Street, Lucky Express is yet another Asian cuisine stop for any hungry college student. It’s the only one on this list I haven’t tried yet, but I can tell you after jealously looking at others who have: the large food portions are worth it. Dishes like Kung Pao chicken and pork with garlic sauce are calling my name, and could be calling yours for the well-ratioed price of $14.
I implore every hungry IU student to try at least one of these places the next time they are thinking about eating out. These spots could save hungry students from empty stomachs and empty wallets.
This story was originally published in the Indiana Daily Student's Housing and Living Guide print publication Feb. 21, 2025.
