Yesterday, I ate the worst sandwich of my life. I bought it in the ridiculous UCD Arts Cafe (formerly known as Finnegan’s Break and, before that, as Hilper’s). The absurd cost for this limp, cold slice of lettuce, manky cheese, and flavourless pickle between two slices of gruesome bread was €4.05. I know – I’m an idiot to have paid this much but I was very hungry and in a rush so it seemed like a good idea at the time.
Then I noticed that Nine One One – that inferior sandwich place in the UCD Library Building and at Esso service stations – are promoting a “special offer” for UCD: €4.99 for a sandwich or baguette and any hot or cold drink. Given that they shouldn’t be charging any more than €3 for a sandwich or baguette and €2 for a coffee anyway, this is pretty insulting. Especially as their sandwiches are only marginally better than what’s on offer in the Arts Cafe.
The Elements Restaurant in the Science building seems to be the best value bet if you’re eating in UCD, although it’s always absolutely over-run at lunchtime so it can be a long wait.
I only teach the occasional class at UCD so I don’t need to be in there more than once a week. But when I did study there I, like everybody else, was stuck with either the on-campus eating option or a packed lunch. Where do you go for lunch in UCD and do you have any recommendations or warnings?