Sometimes, it is worth it to smoke just to get hungry and scarf down a good meal afterward. If you want to level up the experience even more, you need to have a go-to spot to fulfill the munchies. Classic spots like the local deli open late, McDonald's, Chipotle, or a chicken-focused place like Popeyes are usually the go-to options in such a scenario. However, Cornell lacks any of these easy options. This shocking predicament is what has led me to analyze the state of affairs of munchies at Cornell, and what needs to be done about it.
Sub-Par Options
- RPCC: Honestly, a great place to eat when you’re high. It’s open late, the chicken fingers are great and it has good sandwiches and snacks. But for most of us who aren’t freshmen, it's annoying to get to, especially without a ride. And of course, you can’t order it online or for delivery.
- Jansen’s: Doesn’t sell any real food. At least for me, Pop-Tarts aren’t going to cut it when I’m craving something of higher quality, or even just savory. Not to say pop tarts aren’t a miracle of modern science, but if I’m high and hungry I want more than a snack.
- 7-Eleven: Obviously, when at all sober, 7-Eleven food is just never ideal. But, I personally think that 7-Eleven is a drunk food spot, not a high one. It’s perfect after the bars or a frat party, but with the munchies you’re starving for something good and probably have higher expectations to get something that is truly mind-blowing in the moment. The first time eating 7-Eleven food is a moment of surprise at how not bad it is. But, every time after is a simple disappointment as you look down at partly soggy chicken nuggets.
- CTB: Closes way too early if you are smoking at night. Even in the day, the bagels and sandwiches aren’t good enough, especially if you're from a place like New York or New Jersey.
- Chipotle: I’ve never actually been inside the Ithaca Chipotle, but one could only assume it is hell on earth. I haven’t known a single person to order from there who did not get either: the wrong order, missing food, or cold and terribly tasting food. It is an embarrassment to all Chipotles, and is depriving us of a crucial service.
Places that are great (or can be)
- Ithaca Ghost Kitchen: I didn’t know this place existed until a couple of weeks ago, but it is a perfect munchies spot. They’re open until 1 a.m. every day, and I think they literally have every kind of food you might crave when high there. Lasagna, burritos, sandwiches, burgers, cheesecake and probably whatever else you could think of. To be honest, the food is pretty average. But, they definitely have whatever you’re craving, and when you’re high it's more than good enough. Overall, the spot is kind of random and in a weird place, but it's just that kind of place you get excited about when you are high and someone mentions it.
- DP Dough: I don't usually go for calzones over pizza, but this place just puts the right stuff in it. I had it once in a late night car ride going home, and it hit the spot perfectly. If you’ve tried it (high), this is enough said. Although this place is by no means authentic Italian food, or even elite in the middle of the day (I would assume, I’ve never had it at a normal hour), it tastes pretty good and it's almost always less crowded than a place like Wings Over Ithaca.
What we need
I was walking around in Collegetown recently, and came across a sign that mentioned a Halal Munchies would be opening. This spot is exactly what Cornell needs to become the best Ivy.
This place is a chain (I think) mostly located in New York, and it's amazing. Munchies is literally in the name. Their mixed over rice is insane, and their fries are truly magnificent. One of my all-time favorite memories was walking out of a smoke spot and seeing one of these two doors down.
It’s great food, open late and you can convince yourself it’s healthy since it has protein and vegetables. It checks all the necessary boxes in my book.
Another absolutely necessary spot is a late night deli. A local place that makes superb sandwiches and fries would be absolutely electric. We need a spot that always comes clutch when no one knows where to eat. Seeing random people you know drive up and just hang out around the place is a peak 3 a.m experience.
Before I end this article, I want to mention that I may need some “greenery” and a good late night munchies meal immediately, because I’m learning how to type the proper way right now (I used to use two pointer fingers), and typing this was an extremely excruciating process.
