The unassuming brick building at the southwest corner of Dryden Road and College Avenue was once a Bank of America branch, then just an ATM, then—for years—simply vacant. So, as a Daily Sun columnist recently noted, it was a relief when Green Café opened in March, both removing a Collegetown eyesore and offering new dining options. From the outside, this “grab and go” establishment is hardly different from Collegetown’s many other eateries. But once you walk through its glass doors, you’re transported to a hipper, more urban environment—not surprisingly, since its other location is on Park Avenue South in New York City.
Your eyes land on the registers, which offer colorful gums, granola bars, and other snack items. Then they dart around the restaurant, from the blood-red smoothie bar to the vibrant yellow ceiling to the leather chairs and wooden tabletops. There’s a bustling feel to the place—people are always moving around, eating quickly and darting off to their next appointment. Phones are constantly ringing, and flat-screen televisions can be seen from any angle. One can hear the chopping and sizzling as chefs continuously prepare food for the buffet (starting at $6.99 a pound), which features favorites like macaroni and cheese and more gourmet fare like chicken marsala. You can also choose sandwiches, salads, sushi, soups, and more.
I opted for chicken parmesan on flatbread, which was recommended by one of the workers, who heated it in the oven for me. After stripping off the wrapping, I was caught off guard by the sheer mass of my meal, whose ingredients were pouring out from the sides. For a student-friendly cost of $7.50, I had lunch (and what would eventually become my dinner) as I watched Collegetown go by from my window-side table.