By Samra Khawaja
Students often complain how they want Panera Bread, located within Virginia Commonwealth University’s vicinity, to participate in the meal exchange 
program. Few know of the café on campus that is a perfect fit for the typical small wallet of a college student.
Inspired by the culture of lower Manhattan, Bleecker’s Street Café sends small hints of a city café through the dimmed lights and carefully decorated pastries.
Bleecker’s Street Café is located around the quiescent study lounge inside the 
school of business building, across the bustling West Main Street intersection. One can eat, study, and glance up at the television screen once in a while.
Students can conveniently grab a bite to go or enjoy one of the specialties off the menu. The café, which accepts dining dollars as well as swipes, offers a variety of baked goods, sandwiches, salads, and Panini’s, which are all priced from $5.50 to $6.60.
The daily soup, served in a cup or bowl, is offered with the Bleecker St. combo or it can be served on it’s own with freshly baked bread. Not only does the café master in serving urban style dishes, but also they offer sweet delicates including cakes and pastries.
Listed under the signature sandwich section on the menu, one of popular choices amongst students is the grilled chicken and pesto on ciabatta bread. The hot pepper cheese, which adds the surprising zest of flavor, accompanies
the pesto mayo that marinates on the ciabatta bread that immediately melts into the mouth. Likewise, sandwiches can be personalized.
Orders are made by completing small forms located on the counter, filled out with any specifications as requested. As a part of the meal exchange, all café, signature sandwiches, and hot Panini’s include a 16 oz drink with one side such as kettle-cooked chips or an apple.
Finding an opportunity to dine in at the café will be worthwhile if one goes before it’s swamped with students. According to the staff, coming in just as lunch is beginning to be served around 11am is the best time to beat the rush on weekdays.
From Mondays to Thursday the café’s hours are from 7 am to 10 pm, whereas on Friday’s, the place closes early at 3 pm. It’s located at 301 W. Main. 
Street. As much as students would like to eat from Bleecker’s on weekends, the café does not operate on Saturday’s or Sunday’s.
Meal exchange hours begin at 11 until the end of the day. With all the preparation put into making the meals, it will be very hard to be left disappointed.
