Earlier this week, I found myself sitting at the 22 Utica Street Café drinking coffee and catching up on my homework. While enjoying the lively atmosphere, a few players of the Army volleyball team came in for a bite to eat before they were defeated on Cotterell Court later that afternoon. One player humorously mentioned to her teammate, “Wow this place reminds me of the cof­fee place in Friends!” I greatly appreciated this television reference, in addition to their long struggle in deciding what to order. Through conversations with friends, I found out that people generally as­sume that 22 Utica Street Cafe only offers coffee, notable smoothies and a medley of desserts. However, as the Army girls can attest, the cafe’s menu greatly surpasses these true but incomplete assumptions.

The 22 Utica Street Café provides an extensive list of signature paninis, sandwiches, wraps and clubs all for $5.25. Some standouts include the “California” and the “Mango Tan­go.” The “California” includes grilled chicken, avocado, bacon, romaine lettuce, tomatoes and onion on fresh baked ciabata bread, while the “Man­go Tango” is comprised of grilled tur­key, mangos, guacamole, mayo and balsamic vinaigrette. I personally had the pleasure of trying the “Annie Apple” panini that is made with grilled turkey, apples, garlic spread and roasted read peppers.

If you are not in the mood for a sandwich or panini, you should be sure to check out their salads, which also cost $5.95 or one of four daily soup specials. The owner reports that the “Colgater” is a favorite of her customers. This salad is made with grilled chicken, orange pieces, tomatoes, wal­nuts, feta cheese and a cranberry citrus dressing over mixed greens. And be sure to follow up this meal with one of the signature smoothies or a tempting baked good.These deli­cious treats range from cookies, tarts, canolis, pies and cakes to muffins and cupcakes.

Not to worry if sandwiches, salads and desserts just are not appealing: the breakfast options are equally impressive and tempting! You can feast on a quiche of the day, a va­riety of breakfast sandwiches, omelets or French toast any time of day. Be sure to try the Glorious Wrap that is made with scrambled eggs, avocado, cheese and tomatoes. Do not fret if you fail to make it down to the 22 Utica Street Café before your morning classes, as the breakfast options and the entire menu are available seven days a week until 9:30 p.m. On top of that, they also offer a delivery service!

After a long week of classes, meetings and homework, what better way to relax than enjoy a late night snack with friends. Sound tempting? Well you are just in luck! The 22 Utica Street Café hosts Late Night on Fridays and Sat­urdays until 3 a.m. Choose from any item off the breakfast menu in addition to crispy chicken wraps, tenders, smoothies and bake goods.

Continuing with the list of good news, 22 Utica Street Café will be undergoing some remodeling over Thanksgiving break. The back of the café will be transformed into a trotaria/ piano bar offering traditional and specialty Italian cuisine. One promis­ing looking appetizer is the Bucket of Balls that are ricotta, prosciutto, parmesan fried treats. The specialty pastas and traditional dishes will range in price from $7 to $19. The restaurant should be open around the New Year, just in time for the start of the spring semester.

22 Utica Street Café has a lot to offer. It can be a place to gather with friends for lunch, a location to drink coffee and do work in the afternoon or a dinner and late night hot spot. Better yet, 22 Utica Street Café can be a go to takeout or delivery sandwich shop. No matter the meal, the cafe is one of of the many fantastic food options Hamilton has to offer.