SELAH GRIFFIN, Staff Writer—
The wait for East Quad’s beloved hang out spot and late night food option is over as students flooded Denison’s student-run diner, The Bandersnatch, this past week.
The Bandersnatch reopened for the 2022-23 school year on Wednesday, October 5th. The event featured student performances by a-cappella groups; DUwop, Ladies Night Out, and The Hilltoppers and dance group, IDM.
“Our performance at the Bandersnatch is pretty laid back,” said Rachel Block ‘23, president of co-ed a-cappella group DUwop.
DUwop’s Greek life themed dress code received cheers and laughs from the crowd. Their set list included familiar tracks from Drake and a Britney Spears mashup.
“It’s just a fun place to hang out at,” said Block.
The Bandersnatch is popular among students because of its late night hours, affordable menu items, and funky aesthetic.
The Bandersnatch might be easy to miss from a first glance. The diner is tucked into the corner of East quad, located under Huffman Hall. But, inside, the floor to ceiling graffiti, artwork, and checkered tile creates an eccentric environment that students love.
“There’s no other spot on campus quite like it,” said Claire Anderson ‘24 who has been working at The Bandersnatch for two years.
The diner is known around campus for their variety of bagel-based snacks and milkshakes. The Bandersnatch has also expanded its selection of options adding new bagels and drinks this semester such as root beer floats and slushies.
The Bandersnatch’s menu items are all listed under five dollars. The diner doesn’t accept declining dollars from student meal plans. They take cash, card, Venmo, Apple Pay, and Denison dollars.
The opening for the diner and social space drew a substantial crowd. Hungry students waited in line for over thirty minutes, and some for almost an hour for The Bandersnatch’s signature menu.
Anderson advises students that they will have to wait in line for their order. “Be prepared to just take in The Bandersnatch for all that it is,” she said.
In the meantime, students are encouraged to hang out with their friends, do their homework, or doodle and write their names on the walls of the diner.
The space is also often utilized after hours by student bands as a practice space. The diner is planning on having weekly performances throughout the semester.
“I love seeing how people use the space differently, they all just make it their own,” said Anderson.
The Bandersnatch is open from 9 p.m. until 2 a.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Sunday nights.