Campus Eats: Western University

The 2013 Maclean’s University Rankings includes an examination of the dining on Canadian campuses. We found healthier options than ever, but also a new problem—high prices.

Maclean’s On Campus is continuing the conversation by having students review food on their campuses and showing what it costs to dine. If you’re a student, you can help. Send us a review of the food on your campus. Keep your receipts. If we publish it, we’ll reimburse you.

The Spoke & Rim Tavern at Western University
3.5 stars out of five
Total Price: $16.51

At $7.30, the CLT Combo (CLT stands for Chicken, Lettuce and Tomato) is a tasty option for starving students. The grilled chicken pieces are lightly seasoned, adding a nice touch of flavour. It’s not huge; though it might fill up a smaller person, I’d still be hungry without a side.

Spoke fries have gained a somewhat mythical status around Western—they’re perfectly crispy and not too salty. Other on-campus eateries, like Harvey’s, can’t even compare. I suspect there may be some kind of subliminal, addiction-inducing message hidden in the red-and-white checkered wax paper they’re served on. Add beef chili, tomatoes, onions, green peppers and a generous dollop of sour cream and I’ve got one delicious—though somewhat pricey—dish.

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At $5.75, a pint of Rickard’s Cardigan isn’t cheap. Props to the Spoke for offering a seasonal beer on tap, but they’d be better served with a microbrew instead. Although the Cardigan isn’t bad, it tastes kind of like someone just stirred some cinnamon and nutmeg into regular Rickard’s Red.

All in all, it’s a good meal that left me stuffed, but it’s not something I can afford to eat every day.

The bill:
CLT with side of nacho fries: $10.76
Rickard’s: $5.75
Total: $16.51