We know that partaking in a scavenger hunt can work up quite an appetite, so stop by NHTI’s snack bar, The Bistro, once you’ve completed your trek around the campus. The Bistro is located in Sweeney Hall and has a wide variety of goodies ranging from pastries and chips to more substantial items like pizza, subs and burgers. Not only are the prices affordable, but credit and debit cards are accepted, making it an accessible stop for both students and the public.
The Bistro is set up much like a traditional cafeteria – you place your order with the person behind the counter and then shuffle over to the register with your tray and pay. The majority of the food is made to order, so you can rest assured that your sweet potato fries will be hot and crispy.
When Katie and I visited, Katie ordered a grilled chicken sandwich ($3.99) with a side of sweet potato fries ($1.99), and I got one of the many daily specials – an Italian grilled cheese panini on focaccia bread filled with provolone, parmesan, mozzarella and basil with a side of marina sauce for dipping ($4.59). We were quite impressed with the beverage selection, which included both fountain and bottled drinks, Green Mountain coffee, slushies and more. I was especially happy to see Naked Juice, which isn’t always easy to find.
Other items piqued our interest, too, such as soups from Au Bon Pain ($2 small, $2.50 large), pre-portioned Lucky Charms ($1.99, includes an 8 oz. carton of milk) and lunch combos, including a burger, large fry and large drink (prices vary from $4.99 to $6.69).
After purchasing our meals, Katie and I had no problem finding seating and even got to snag a spot near a TV with CNN on so our brains and bellies could be satisfied simultaneously. Our food was hot, tasty and flavorful – a pleasant surprise considering the price and location. My grilled cheese was perfectly melted and complimented well by the basil and the marina sauce. Katie’s chicken sandwich had some sort of mustard on it (she prefers mayonnaise) but she enjoyed it nonetheless. Katie had zero complaints about the sweet potato fries, which were savory, sweet and crispy (but not too crispy). All in all, it was a pretty good lunch and we both agreed that we would eat there again.
The Bistro is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
