Lewisburg has some stellar food spots, and I’ll be the first to admit that I have my go-to favorites. All Star Bagels? Solid breakfast. Amami? Best grilled cheese ever. Vennari’s Pizza? Easily one of the best places to grab a slice, and the prices are so reasonable. There’s comfort in knowing that some local spots always deliver. But for someone like me who has been searching for something spicy, something that really hits the soul? That’s a different story.

Bucknell Dining has recently made some changes and improvements, and I’ll give credit where it’s due. Bringing back the BYO pasta bowls was such a good choice—I’m so glad they listened to that one. But even with these changes, I still find myself craving something bolder. For example, what if they added a Cajun sauce? Or at least some better spicy protein options? Right now, the choices are pretty limited. Even if there are “spicy” options, they don’t really have any kick to them. I do understand that food has to cater to a wide range of palettes, so it’s definitely easier to keep things at a neutral spice level. But that doesn’t mean there’s no room for a little more variety.

This isn’t really about Bucknell Dining though—let’s talk about Downtown Lewisburg’s food scene. For all the solid, awesome options we have, there’s a serious lack of spicy, diverse comfort food. If I want a good chicken over rice platter, a mouthwatering lamb gyro or some actual fried chicken, I have to ask someone to drive 45 minutes. That’s not exactly convenient when you’re just trying to get a meal that doesn’t taste like the same thing you’ve been eating all week.

And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way. Bucknell has students from all over the country—and the world—who grew up eating food with real heat and depth. But when they come here, those options basically disappear. It’s frustrating because adding just a few new dishes could make a huge difference. Even something as simple as a weekly spicy special at a local restaurant would switch things up.

Lewisburg businesses, I promise you—there’s a market for this. Students would love to have more variety when they go out to eat. We’re not asking for a complete overhaul of menus, just a few new additions that actually bring the heat. Imagine a Nashville Hot Chicken sandwich, or a spicy pasta dish with real depth, not just a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Or imagine being able to get a really good mouthwatering Jerk Chicken Mac and Cheese right here in Lewisburg, or maybe another bold fusion dish that introduces new flavors to town. These aren’t big, dramatic changes, but they’re the kind of small tweaks that could bring in new customers and keep things exciting.

And let’s be real—word travels fast at Bucknell. If a restaurant added a truly spicy dish that actually delivered on flavor, students would talk about it, post about it and show up for it. I know I’d be the first one to get the word out and tell all my friends.

To be clear, this isn’t about hating on Lewisburg restaurants. They do what they do pretty well, and I get why they stick to what works. But a little experimentation wouldn’t hurt. I know plenty of students who would love to have a real, go-to spicy comfort food spot in town. Something flavorful, something with depth, something that actually leaves you reaching for your drink in the best way possible.

I’m not saying every place needs to change its entire menu. But adding a few options for people who actually like spice, seasoning and more flavor? That’s a choice that would get a lot of support. And trust me, I’d be at the front of the line.