Choate’s commercial food service locations provide a convenient and casual way for students to spend some free time or crack down on homework.
Lanphier Cafe and the Tuck Shop serve as recreational and social hubs for Choate’s busy community members. Although both locations sell food and drinks, they are distinct establishments that serve varying needs.
LANPHIER CAFE
Lanphier Cafe, located in Lanphier Center, has a relaxed, work-conducive environment.
The room is open and spacious, filled with cozy couches, chairs, and tables. Large windows display the giant weeping willows and serene pond in front of the Carl C. Icahn Center for Science. Even on a dreary rainy day, Lanphier Cafe is an ideal spot to spend time outside of class.
Much to teachers’ frustrations, students frequent the cafe during the short passing period between blocks, often resulting in a late arrival to class.
According to Ms. Heather Rizza, a six-year employee with SAGE Dining Services who started working at Lanphier Cafe this past November, “It is the busiest in between your 10-minute little breaks. We get slammed for about 10 minutes at a time.”
Students and faculty order a variety of drinks, from teas to Oreo frappes to plain coffees.
Prim Tangkaravakoon ’24 said, “I always get a vanilla frappuccino at Lanphier Cafe because I really like vanilla frappes, and I really like the Lanphier one. It just powers me through the day when I need it.”
Pastries are also a hit at Lanphier, with cinnamon rolls and chocolate-filled croissants being the most popular.
Ms. Fadoua Janati, another Lanphier Cafe employee, spoke of the more dietary-inclusive additions to the menu.
“We will be offering gluten-free bagels and gluten-free muffins, and everything’s labeled so [customers] know what they can or cannot have,” Ms. Janati said.
TUCK SHOP
The Tuck Shop, located on the first floor of the Student Activities Center (SAC), harbors a louder recreational atmosphere, full of people playing games and catching up with friends.
With its central location, restaurant-style booths, and night-timey mood, the Tuck Shop is the ideal place to get together with friends and enjoy some free time before heading off to afternoon events.
Choate students order a variety of Tuck’s offerings, including burgers, Caesar salads, and curly fries.
According to Ms. Joselyn Bryant, a five-year SAGE worker, students often prefer to eat at the Tuck Shop instead of making the short walk upstairs to the dining hall because their style of food caters more to students’ taste.
“Here, you can get a burger, you could get fries, [or] you can get chicken,” Ms. Bryant said. “Quick and easy for kids who get what they’re used to eating and like eating.”
The Tuck Shop also provides a unique environment where students can both work and play.
Some of the busiest hours are during lunchtimes, after classes and sports in the afternoon, or on Mondays — when a part of the dining hall goes meatless.
“Sometimes the library is just a little too quiet for me,” said Alexa Scarlett ’24. “So I’ll come here just to feel the chill out. I love the location, and then you get to run into people and have conversations you wouldn’t have had otherwise.”
