Brunch Buddies

Nestled in the middle of South Craig Street, Eatunique is a cute cafe that offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, and salads. It’s my go-to place when I’m near Craig Street, and it’s quite convenient for students who live in the Oakland area off Fifth Avenue. It’s extremely consistent and reliable for a fresh and filling lunch in the middle of a busy day.

The location: Craig Street is home to several food places, including Union Grill, Ali Baba, Little Asia, Lulu’s Noodles, and Sushi Fuku. Eatunique satisfies a Panera-sized hole for a fast and fresh American-style lunch made from real ingredients. It’s close to campus, close to several off-campus housing options, and is a short walk from several bus stops along the 61 and 71 bus routes.

The vibe: Casual. Eatunique is a simple cafe. It’s nothing fancy - don’t expect a hipster setting or a cute rustic layout. But what it doesn’t have in aesthetic, it makes up in ample seating. There are several different areas with tables, and it’s a great place to meet up with friends or find your own table.

The food: The real star here is the sandwiches. Eatunique offers several options off the grill, like the Great Rinaldi, an interesting combination of meat loaf, fried egg, and barbeque sauce, or the Spicy Grilled Cheese and Bacon, which is made with multiple cheeses that is complemented by the sourness of banana peppers. They have several vegetarian options, like the Malibu Avocado Burger or Southwest Sizzler, and deli options as well.

Lit or Nah: I wouldn’t necessarily characterize Eatunique as “lit,” but it’s a great option if you’re looking for something near campus when you’re sick of the on-campus options. But the real kicker here, beyond the convenience and food, is that they take DineX. Yes, they take DineX! That makes this lit times a thousand.