Zahra Virani

The day-to-day life here at Yale is busy. Whether it’s spent solving confusing problem sets or pretending to work while actually scrolling on TikTok, we find ourselves encapsulated in Yalie culture. Sometimes we gotta venture out of the ordinary. Who doesn’t want a place to eat where you can get a takeout box and use as many napkins as your heart desires — even though we are using disposable plates in Stiles since the dishwasher is broken (or is it?). While we’ve all had the thought of searching for the perfect spot to visit, it may be a little more time-consuming than just walking to your dorm and making some ramen. So I’ve compiled the ULTIMATE list of places to explore all that New Haven has to offer.

Cafes: To concentrate or to yap

MOTW Cafe: If you really feel moved to be productive but still want to get out, MOTW is perfect. Enjoy delicious baklava or any pastry of your liking with a specialty latte. Study sesh yapping is not contained to the library. Why not support local business at the same time? 

Fussy Coffee: Calling the adventurous!! I bet you haven’t had drinks like this. Fussy Coffee offers incredibly unique sips, like a coconut curry latte and jasmine grapefruit coffee soda. Some may find it weird, others might love it. The menu is constantly changing so find a time to explore the diverse flavors offered. 

Willoughby’s: If you actually manage to make it here (pay attention to York vs. Corner Grove), you will feel as if you are in a family-owned country coffee shop. It has the perfect homey vibe and makes staple drinks. There are not many out-of-the-world flavors — but hey, simple can be better. 

Tous Le Jours: Craving a sweet treat, Tous Le Jours is the place. Home to the infamous cloud cake, this Asian French bakery has the fluffiest and creamiest pastries, especially if you love fruity desserts. Take a break from dining hall ice cream (it does do the trick sometimes) and stop by. 

Random Side Quests: to plan or not to plan

Escape New Haven: Escape… literally. Do you consider yourself smart? Grab a group of friends and put that to the test by trying to make it out of the various puzzling rooms at Escape New Haven. Have fun laughing (or yelling) at your friends to look for all the possible clues to win for your team and beat the game. 

Soulful Threads: Fall is right around the corner and it is the perfect time to buy some new fits for the season. Search and stumble upon one-of-a-kind pieces at Soulful Threads. Imagine the dream of strolling into the store, iced matcha in hand, and coming out with a unique haul. Your roommates will be begging to borrow (and hopefully not just stealing them).

East Rock Park: Find a friend (or friends) to drag up a mountain with you and take a look at this gorgeous 425-acre park and reserve. With spectacular views of the Long Island Sound and chirping birds, you’ll stop crying about the midterm you have in the next few days. And if you’re reminiscing on being a child again, just go play on one of the many playgrounds. During the winter, this is the perfect place to go sledding, if you’re not trying to sled down the Cross Campus ramp.

Going out: No, not to a frat

Olea: Do you have a friend who constantly complains about the dining hall’s menu? Stop listening and make a reservation at Olea. This Spanish Mediterranean fusion restaurant has something for those who want a taste of the finer things in life. This is as fancy as it gets; the last time I visited, their version of a strawberry shortcake had balsamic air. I wonder how that works. Get the friend group together, dress up and take cute pics. 

XL Center: Sabrina Carpenter, Nicki Minaj, Bad Bunny. Need I say more? Scream your favorite songs to the various music artists that perform on this stage. This one requires a little more planning but I’m sure we can all handle some coordination. 

Go out and live a little, the paper can wait. Or can it? That’s up to you.