10 Places to Eat in Rockland for $10 or less

As a college student in today’s economy I am always looking for ways to save money. As an educated (well, sort of) consumer I want to get as much “bang for my buck” as possible. However, this brings me and my friends to a bit of a predicament. We LOVE to eat out and eating out costs money. I have lived in Nyack, New York since I was three months old and I can think of nothing better than going into my beautiful river town, walking around and getting a bite to eat at one of many great restaurants.

So what to do? Go broke eating out? Or stay in and make Mac & Cheese? Well, no offense to Mac & Cheese, but in my town, I don’t have to choose. Voila! Below is a list of college-approved great places to eat for under $10 a person.

1) Temptations Café- This quaint eatery is a staple for Nyack diners of all ages. Any local of the area is sure to run into at least five people they know in this Rockland hot spot. Serving up fun-foods such as mozzarella sticks and Peanut Butter & Jelly to sophisticated and eclectic cuisine such as fried plantains and a different pasta special every day. Their sandwich and desert menus are sure to perk-up the pickiest eaters and their prices impress penny-pinching students all over Rockland.

2) Strawberry Place- This family owned and operated restaurant has been on my list of favorites since before I could pronounce Strawberry. A Nyack hotspot, the Strawberry Place is usually jam-packed on weekend mornings with customers waiting to sample one of the many creative breakfasts. With seasonal omelets and waffles anyone can look forward to a Snowman Waffle two days before Christmas or a Spring Omelet on Mother’s Day. The service and quality is impeccable to anyone looking for a great meal at a low price.

3) Turiellos- I was raised on Turiellos pizza, as I’m sure many others were. This jewel of Rockland is located in Nyack’s hotspot on the corner of Main Street and Broadway and has been owned by the same family since my mother went there as a child. I have been lucky enough to visit many places in my life, including Florence and Rome and have never tasted better pizza. The service and reliability of my favorite pizza place is a reminder of home every time I set foot inside. For those who aren’t pizza lovers (I’m sure there are one or two out there) Turiellos offers a lengthy menu of pasta, meat and seafood dishes that are all equally delicious.

4) Art Café- A fantastic off-beat place that captures Nyack’s eclectic personality with its warm atmosphere and rich food. As a student I am surrounded by peers and encompassed in art as soon as I walk in. The prices are unbeatable and the food is perfect for someone looking for a warm flat bagel with goat cheese and a pine-nut salad (my personal favorite). However, it’s safe to say there is something for everyone at the Art Café.

5) Runcible Spoon Bakery- Forget big chain drive-thru establishments and stop into the Runcible Spoon for an experience that only Rockland can provide. With mouth-watering cookies, cakes, pies, and my favorite cupcakes the Runcible spoon is any sweet-tooth’s dream. However, the Runcible Spoon is perfect for anyone passing through, be it for a coffee on your way to work (they have flavors to die for) or a fun soup and sandwich lunch with friends. Stop in anytime to order from their seemingly endless menu of great food.

6) The Sidewalk Café- Straying away from Nyack (what can I say? I’m biased) I cannot say enough good things about the Spanish-themed Sidewalk café located just a down-river in the artsy Piermont. This café boasts outdoor eating in its name but is so much more than a wonderful atmosphere. With exceptional quality in food and great prices it is the perfect treat for any summer night with family.

7) Lulu’s Café- A gem of a restaurant that boasts an affiliation with my favorite Temptations Café and an unassuming location in a small strip of stores on West Nyack Road off of Route 59. Similar to Temptations it’s cozy, light atmosphere and creative selection of lunches and deserters makes dining at Lulu’s a delight.

8) Hogan’s Diner- This Diner used to be the history-rich Traverson’s Wooden Indian restaurant where I spent many a childhood afternoon ordering milkshakes and hamburgers. After a series of short-lived owners the old family of Traverson’s has come back with force and transformed Hogan’s into a vibrant diner with a fun atmosphere, great food and a touch of the past. I now relish is going back to Hogan’s located off of Route 59 in Orangeburg and ordering my favorite Chicken Cordon Blue (with extra honey mustard sauce!).

9) Best Western- Located right off of Route 59 I am not the hotel (which, I’m sure is very nice) but the diner located in its lobby. This great little dinner is great for a quick bite between finals or a cozy, late-night, cup of coffee with friends. The prices are unbeatable and the location great for travelers going to or from work.

10) Tarantella Pizzeria and Restaurant- You really get a touch of Italy when you step into Tarantella’s. The courteous staff and fabulous food make this a great place to grab a quick bite before going out on the town.