By Emily Windram
Staff Writer

First-year students living in the Netherlands have the convenience of walking to the Core for a meal or a light snack, but the newest freshman class is even luckier. The Netherlands Café now provides students with the chance for some classic Coney Island cuisine: Nathan’s Famous restaurant. Brand new to campus, the restaurant is located right next to Subway in the Netherlands Core, and it is already popular among students from all classes.

The restaurant is open every day from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and although it boasts “The World’s BEST Philly Cheesesteak,” it has plenty of other options. It offers Nathan’s signature hot dogs, burgers (either steak or beef) and crisp-cut fries. All of these can be covered in extra toppings such as chili, cheese and bacon.  Student favorites so far include the bacon cheese fries and, as sophomore Matthew LeCorte says, the “absolutely delish” cheesesteak.

If you’re not a big fan of burgers and fries, Nathan’s can still satisfy your cravings. It also offers crispy chicken tenders, grilled wraps and more. Health-conscious customers will be glad to know that the calorie contents of each meal (in both regular and large sizes) are posted on the menu. After either limiting themselves or throwing calories to the wind in indulgent, customers can then wash it all down with a sweet beverage like old-fashioned lemonade or orangeade.

While Nathan’s is already open for business, the official grand opening celebration is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 27th, from 1-3 p.m. Highlights of the celebration include free Nathan’s beach balls for the first 100 customers, free samples, raffle prizes and in typical Coney Island tradition, a hot dog eating contest. Luckily, students absent from the celebration have the daily opportunity to try what is sure to become a campus favorite.