It’s Friday afternoon and you’re done with classes. The afternoon is all yours. With plenty of time to kill, you decide to venture off campus for some lunch and light shopping. The only problem is you’re not sure where to go. Some of your friends rave about Marshall Street, while others swear by Westcott Street, near the end of Euclid Avenue. Both have their merits, sure, but which street is worthy of your hard-earned money and leisure time? It’s not a black-and-white issue, either: Each off-campus hub appeals to different types of students. To find out which street you are, take Pulp’s quiz and put the debate to rest. Add up the points at the end of each answer and see how you scored.

 

1. Your idea of art is

a. In a gallery

b. Something you can wear

 

2. A good study environment includes

a. Dim lights and good food    

b. A comfortable chair and caffeine

 

3. The ideal live music scene would look like

a. An intimate coffee shop-style setting

b. Big names, large venue

 

4. When shopping for clothes, you like

a. The newest styles

b. Putting together your own clothing creations using previously worn gems

 

5. An ideal meal is

a. Whatever smells the best on the block

b. Anything new and exciting

 

6. When away from campus, you like to interact with

a. Other SU students

b. Locals and students from other schools

 

7. The perfect bar would have

a. Familiar faces, music and drink deals

b. Theme nights, new people and sushi

 

8. Your favorite drink is

a. Bubble tea

b. Coffee

 

If you scored:

Mostly A’s: You belong on Marshall

Mostly B’s: Westcott is your jam

 

Marshall

You love having a good time and keeping up with trends. Between J. Michael Shoes, Some Girls, the Ellie Mia Boutique and Starbucks on the corner, M-Street has all the basics in one city block. The nightlife is always alive with four bars (Chuck’s Cafe, Faegan’s Café & Pub, Harry’s Bar and Lucy’s Retired Surfers Bar) — all with their own character and daily drink specials. For students not yet of age, local bands play at Funk ‘n’ Waffles, a nice side dish to delectable waffles. From sandwich shops to Middle Eastern cuisine, Marshall Street food hits every end of the dining spectrum. Kaitlin Maloney, an undeclared sophomore, likes Marshall Street for its culinary variety. ‘I really like Jimmy John’s and bubble tea,’ Maloney said. Only a few minutes away from the Quad, Marshall Street also has the home-court advantage for anyone on Main Campus. ‘I occasionally go to Westcott, but it’s a lot further,’ said Lindsay Czuba, a junior biology major. ‘I only really go there for Alto Cinco.’  

Downside: Some of the clothing shops on Marshall Street tend to get a little expensive. ‘I only window shop on Marshall,’ Maloney said. ‘J. Michaels is kind of expensive.’

 

Westcott

Peace, quiet and originality define you. Wearing your emotions, and creations, on your sleeve is an everyday routine, and you’re not afraid to stand out. Consignment stores, coffee shops, good food and low-key bars comprise the small area near the end of Euclid Avenue. Westcott also boasts a diverse crowd. Students from neighboring schools such as LeMoyne College, the State University of New York Upstate Medical University and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, as well as local residents, roam these parts.

‘It’s a very diverse place. Students, older people, younger people — we get all kinds of people down here,’ said Mai Nguyen, a sales representative at Boom Babies, a clothing boutique on Westcott.

If you’re a casual drinker, stop by the Metro Lounge and Sushi Bar. The bar provides drinks, sushi and theme nights like salsa night. If you find yourself looking around for a nice study place, Second Story Bookstore and Recess Coffee House & Roastery are two coffee shops with comfortable seating and caffeine. The neighborhood also isn’t lacking in food variety. Mainstream delivery places like Domino’s and Papa John’s are around, as well as Indian and Mexican food. ‘There’s even a diner across the street,’ Nguyen said, referring to Mom’s Diner on the corner of Westcott Street and Harvard Place. ‘They make the meanest eggs I’ve ever had.’

Downsides: Some shops only accept cash. And students living on the west side of campus, in Brewster, Brockway and Boland halls, have a bit of a hike ahead of them.

 

kaoutram@syr.edu

Published on October 6, 2010 at 12:00 pm