Goodbye Campus Chemist's expired beauty products, hello Commons … la carte. Triangle Diner is your average diner, Aramark style. Wedged between Beijing and Saladworks, Triangle has been attracting students in droves since its opening two weeks ago.
Triangle's post-contemporary decorations are reminiscent of what could happen if Pod went diner -- blue translucent lights hang over the classic swivel stools, while star-shaped ornaments dangle from the ceiling above the tables.
Surprisingly, if you're thinking of hitting up the diner for a late-night fix, consider satiating those cravings early, because after-hours dining isn't on the menu at Triangle. The eatery is open from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Mondays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sundays.
Don't expect the stereotypical jaded waitress who accidentally spills coffee on your shirt or snaps her gum impatiently while waiting for your order -- there are no waitresses here. You wait in line -- fast food-style -- with everyone else at Triangle. However, the relatively short wait for your food compensates for the lack of personal attention.
The menu boasts a simple curriculum-themed approach to dining, with appetizers titled "pre-requisites" and desserts called "finals." Some of the popular items include a generous serving of tasty crispy chicken tenders and the proverbial Philly cheesesteak, appropriately titled "You're in PHILLY!" which seems smaller than your typical cheesesteak but is enticing nonetheless. If nothing on the menu suits your mood, the Blue Plate Special -- with daily offerings -- is another option. There are drinks and desserts galore: tasty milk shakes, creamy cheesecakes and even a shoutout to our founder in a particularly decadent concoction. The Big Ben Franklin Sundae includes three velvety scoops of ice cream and three toppings.
The hectic dinnertime atmosphere seems more like a morning breakfast rush at a caf‚ full of coffee-addicted professionals than an eatery for undergraduate students who are looking to swipe their PennCards for a meal on daddy. Still, nothing could be worse than Commons at 6 p.m. -- except maybe Commons at 6:30 p.m.
