Hidden next to off campus living at The Nest and inside the apartment complex, The Power House, lies the PowerHouse food hall that opened this past June with a variety of local restaurants including Ms. Lilian’s kitchen, Flip Out Burger, The Local Scoop and more.
With students coming back to campus last week, this food hall is the perfect place within walking distance to eat.
Senior psychology major Destiny Middleton was first introduced to the food hall from her roommate and said the food hall reminded her of the one in Charlotte, Optimist hall.
“I first heard about Power House through my roommate and other promotions,” Middleton said. “I heard it was like Optimist hall, the food hall in Charlotte. Plus it is super close in walking distance from where I live over at CampusWalk.”
Middleton had first gone with her friend, but only she had decided to order something. Since she hadn’t been there before and neither had her friend, Middleton relied on help from the servers for recommendations.
“The first time I walked over with my friend, I didn’t know what to get, and the staff were really friendly in helping me order.”
Middleton had decided to try the mexican restaurant called Chilangos. She estimated that her meal cost her about $15 after tax.
“I went to Chilangos and had a steak quesadilla that comes with pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole along with chips and queso on the side,” Middleton said. “I actually really liked the quesadilla for the price it was. When I go there it’s the only thing I eat. I do wish the queso had a little more spice though.”
The only complaint Middleton had was the lack of parking, but says that for her and fellow college students it’s more convenient to walk.
“It was really chill there. They have couches in there where I feel like I can just hang out with friends, get some food and listen to some good music. The parking could be a lot better, but I usually walk there anyway.”
Middleton has also brought her boyfriend along to the food hall and they both had expressed interest in going back to the food hall again.
“The second time I went, I went with my boyfriend; he got a burrito at the same place. He absolutely loved it and wanted to go back that night,” Middleton said. “I’d give it an eight out of ten, the atmosphere is great but I wish there was more sunlight to make it seem more welcoming. I would love to go there again and plan to go back!”
Senior business administration major, Peter Guardino, had heard about The Powerhouse from advertising, said he also had a wonderful experience there.
“I heard about the food hall from an article online before the grand opening,” Guardino said. “I was very interested in trying it due to the small businesses that are currently occupying the space. I went with a few friends, and then again with family at a later date.”
Guardino also found the distance from his living space to the food hall very convenient and had a great experience with the service staff.
“The atmosphere was very nice! The service was great and speedy,” Guardino said. “I live at The Nest so I pay for a reserved spot in the garage next to the Power House.”
Guardino enjoyed his food that he ordered from Ms. Lillian’s kitchen which is known for their fried chicken.
“I ordered from Ms. Lillian’s Kitchen and got chicken tenders, collard greens and mac and cheese. It cost me around $19-20 including a drink.”
Guardino also mentions his pleasant experience overall and sees himself returning to the food hall in the future.
“The food was really good and I would definitely recommend it to anyone who asked! As of now, I don’t have any complaints,” Guardino said. “Overall, my experience was a nine out of ten, and I’d definitely go again.”
