Most students fall into one of three categories: The kid that books it to the cafeteria the second they hear the bell; the student who simply tolerates school food; or the student who would choose starvation over any school meal. Everyone has a different opinion on whether school food could be considered restaurant-tier, an average 5/10 meal, or a last resort just to avoid starving. That raises the question: Which lunch lines are respectable choices, and which should students avoid at all costs?
#1 The Snack Bar
The snack bar is a selection of pre-packaged foods like chips, cookies, frozen treats, drinks, and smaller meals like yogurt and salad. Although most students visit the snack bar after obtaining their hot lunch, it’s even enjoyed by students who can’t stand the school lunches. While most items are healthier versions of their originals, the difference is hardly noticeable. Some products though, specifically the frozen treats, are the unaltered, original versions. Overall, the snack bar is a perfect choice because it appeals to picky eaters avoiding the grill’s “mystery meat” and also satisfies students who just want a simple snack.
#2 Nachos
The nacho line offers something the other options don’t: consistency. Unlike The Grill or the pizza line, where the quality is a hit-or-miss, the nachos are reliably delicious every time. The chips are perfectly crisped and salted, and the lunch staff always drizzles the right amount of cheese. Without the chips to accompany them, however, the nacho cheese is questionably artificial-looking and rubbery. Looking past that though, they’re surprisingly delicious. Ignoring the texture of the cheese, nachos are truly the ideal option for a solid, dependable meal rather than a 50/50 gamble.
#3 The Grill
The Grill specializes in burgers and chicken sandwiches, typically served with a side of tater tots or french fries depending on the day. It stands at #3 because the burgers taste good—but only without thinking too hard about what the meat is made of. The tater tots and fries are excellent, almost passing for fast food rather than school knock-off. The Grill also provides a buffet of toppings, allowing students to tailor the meal to their liking. It’s a top-notch choice for anyone in the mood for a classic burger-and-fry combo.
#4 Pizza
Although pizza is usually the cafeteria’s longest line, its inconsistency is a major dealbreaker. School pizza is truly a blind gamble; occasionally it could almost be considered restaurant-tier, some days it’s alright, other days it’s nearly inedible. Even at its best though, it’s only a 7/10 meal. The cheese, crust, and sauce taste artificial, which pair an unpleasant aftertaste. Despite these issues, the pizza line remains a respectable choice in a moment of desperation.
#5 The Experimental Kitchen
The Experimental Kitchen is the least popular lunch, with typically only five to six kids in line at a time. Although it’s avoided by most students, it’s difficult to form a solid opinion on the experimental kitchen because its menu is so diverse; its rating varies from day-to-day. However, the typical rotation cycles through items such as sandwiches, popcorn chicken, dumplings, and chicken nuggets. While these dishes occasionally succeed, most of the “experiments” fail. The unpredictability of the food drives students away to safer, more reliable options.
