As the Coronavirus continues to spread and the seasons shift to colder, rainier weather, opportunities to eat at restaurants with outdoor seating are diminishing. Though the Paladin Promise encourages students to stay on campus and rely on the various dining options here, it is inevitable that students will occasionally resort to going out to eat. However, as the months get colder and more people flock to indoor eating options, going out to eat may not be the most accessible or safe option for students. 

Takeout can serve as a remedy to this dilemma. I challenged students to find local restaurants near Furman’s campus that offer takeout besides some of the popular spots like Sully’s Steamers, the Swamp Rabbit Cafe, and Sidewall. Although Greenville and Travelers’ Rest have numerous restaurants, many serve food that is not suitable for takeout. After taking to Instagram polls and talking to my peers, I found that there are many known and unknown restaurants that are great places for students to try over these colder months. Here are the most popular options:

According to an Instagram poll, one popular but lesser-known restaurant is Pita House, located in Greenville on Pleasantburg Drive. This Lebanese restaurant is a great takeout option as you can call ahead and pick it up with a short wait time. Junior Asha Marie loves Pita House for their “falafel and zaatar bread,” and also because, “it’s pretty affordable…about $10 per meal.” Junior Kristin Nauman’s go to order is the Middle East Plate with Beef Shawarma, “and their baklava for desert is a must.” Everything is served in large portions, so you get the most for your money. However, the one inconvenience is that they only accept payment in cash.

A great Sidewall alternative is the Neapolitan style wood-fired pizza restaurant Coastal Crust, located in Greenville’s West Village. According to senior Lily Mayfield, “Coastal Crust has more unique flavors like the Fig & Prosciutto pizza, and it’s the same price as Sidewall.” Though many Furman students have their Sidewall favorites, “there are always huge groups of people overflowing out of the building and there is a long wait.” On Friday and Saturday nights, it takes about as much time to order your pizza for pickup online, and if you order after 6, the preparation can take anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. Coastal Crust might be less of a Furman staple, but it has arguably more diverse options with a shorter wait— so why not give it a try? 

Upcountry Provisions is another great option for quick and easy takeout. The restaurant is a popular weekend brunch and lunch spot and is known for its diverse sandwich menu and ingredients sourced from local farms. Senior Morgan Goldsberry chooses to take out from Upcountry Provisions because they have “lots of fresh, affordable vegetarian options.” If you get a sandwich to go, it’s packed with a bag of chips and a pickle, so it’s perfect for a picnic or for a quick lunch in between classes. Not to mention that they offer a wide array of pastries and baguettes, which are great to stock up on during the week. 

There are many great Chinese takeout options around Furman, but one of the most popular among students is TR Oriental. TR Oriental is on the edge of Travelers Rest, making it one of the closest takeout options for Furman students. Junior Skyler Fox’s typical order is “rice with chicken and cashews. I usually get the pint size, and it’s only around $5.” TR Oritental has a wide-ranging menu with options that can meet anyone’s needs, no matter their dietary restrictions. There is rarely a wait, making it a quick and easy takeout option for a long night of studying or an escape if you have reached your limit with the on campus food options. 

These are only a handful of Furman student’s favorite restaurants recommended through an Instagram poll and interviews. Some honorable but worthwhile mentions are Menkoi Ramen, Yellow Ginger, Great Wall, Lemongrass Thai, and Kuka Juice. The next time you feel stuck in a rut of Furman food, perhaps you can use these places as a starting point to explore Greenville’s culinary scene in the comfort and safety of your own dorm.