Finding a convenient, inexpensive place to eat in Charles Village can be surprisingly difficult for Hopkins diners seeking something a little more exciting than Rocky Run or Paper Moon. Sure, One World Caf8e and Donna's can satisfy your appetite without emptying your wallet, but after a long week of being on campus, it can be relaxing to get away from the University's neighborhood for a meal.
Fortunately, Hampden's main street offers the perfect alternative. The neighborhood has become known for its eclectic offerings mixed with an all-American style.
From Mexican to Korean, American to Italian, at least one of these affordable restaurants is sure to please your palette.
If you and your friends have trouble deciding which cuisine you crave, try Golden West Caf8e; its diverse menu of Southwestern, Asian and American dishes is a delicious solution to your dining dilemma.
With posters for local indie bands, knitting lessons and classical concerts plastering the large glass windows of the restaurant, it was not surprising to discover that Golden West's d8ecor is as eclectic as its menu.
Despite what its name might lead you to believe, the "caf8e" is surprisingly large and its tables are comfortably distributed across its two dining rooms.
The seating arrangements can accommodate a wide range of group sizes, from personal tables for two to booths for parties of twelve.
A mural of cowgirls and palm trees creates an artsy, southwestern ambiance. Green, blue and orange walls are adorned with wacky paintings and dated prints, but it is the tables themselves that are the most bizarre pieces of artwork.
Each table is unique and has an individually designed top decorated with maps, photographs, or old advertisements. The menus, enclosed in old album covers, are equally imaginative.
Together, yard sale accessories and thrift store furnishings unexpectedly form a retro-American and Southwestern influenced setting that is also reflected in the food.
Southwestern dishes such as the chorizo burrito and the breakfast quesadilla are just a few tempting options to gratify your taste for Mexican-American cooking.
The combination of fried eggs atop yellow corn cakes covered in beans, feta and salsa with a side of fried bananas makes the heuvos montulonos incredibly filling but irresistible.
If generous portions of refried beans and melted cheese are not what you are interested in, check out Golden West's broad array of Asian and Mid-Atlantic flavors such as Mental Oriental sesame noodles and Frito pie. Their great selection of vegetarian and vegan items are also appealing picks.
Best of all, breakfast items such as pumpkin pecan pancakes, overstuffed French toast and Denver omelettes are served all day.
If you love fried dough, you can't miss the blueberry bismark. Its flakey pastry shell and sugary blueberry filling make for an addictive breakfast treat. This is certainly not the place to go to for healthy eating.
The salad entrees are boring and do not compare to the restaurant's savory Southwestern and classic American fare.
Golden West Caf8e's unusual but delicious breakfast menu make it a weekend hot spot that's nearly impossible to get into early on Saturday and Sunday.
Even though Golden West does not regularly take reservations, it is also a very popular destination for evening diners. I would recommend politely requesting a reservation if you have a group over six people.
I have heard from many customers that the service is slow and disappointing, but if you enjoy your company and your meal -- which you undoubtedly will -- I assure you that the service glitches are manageable. Reasonable prices, wide selection, and funky d8ecor add up to a very enjoyable dining experience at Golden West Caf8e, one of several ecletic options in Hampden.
