Quintessential Dining Experiences in Sackville!

Author: Maggie Pickard
Posted on January 19, 2021

Coming to university comes with so much change, so much excitement, and so many new and exciting experiences! Coming to Mount Allison and living in Sackville means that there is never going to be a shortage of things to do and cool experiences that make your time at Mount Allison what it is. However, if there’s one thing that stands out to make your time here what it is, it’s the food you eat along the way, and the dining experiences that come along with it. As a food lover, and a Sackville lover, I have compiled a non exhaustive list of quintessential and unique dining experiences that are a must-do during your team at Mount Allison. Keep in mind, this is also a great way to work on stimulating the local economy in Sackville, as long as you are being safe and adhering to all public health and restaurant specific guidelines while doing so!

1. Aida’s Café ‘Everything’ sandwich

Aida’s Café is a relatively new addition to the Sackville dining scene, but has quickly become a Sackville classic! Owned by a local family, all of the food is fresh and homemade, with a wide variety of sandwiches, sweet treats, and lots of delicious drinks! I believe you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, the Everything sandwich on homemade bread is a can’t miss! This mouth-watering sandwich is a perfect go-to breakfast, complete with scrambled eggs, and topped with ham, avocado, cheese and drizzled with a house-made barbecue sauce! Pair it with a coffee or refreshing tea of choice, add on a macaroon and you are set from a trip to Aida’s!

2. The Cranewood sandwich

Second item on the list and already the second sandwich – I have to say I am a little biased! One thing about Sackville is that there is no shortage of great cafes, and these cafes know how to serve a proper sandwich! Cranewood on Main is a Sackville staple, housed in what was once the President’s house. The Cranewood sandwich comes served on either fresh made daily bread, or fresh made bagels. Topped with bacon or ham, fried eggs, lettuce and fresh tomatoes, this sandwich is an amazing experience. After you’re finished, add on one of their fresh baked goods and pair the sandwich with a latte or a classic lighthouse lemonade!

3. The Cackling Goose Exam Special

Another classic café in Sackville, this one is a go-to for any gluten-free eaters or those looking for vegan and vegetarian offerings! Located closest to campus of all the restaurants on this list, the Cackling Goose is perfect for a mid-day lunch when you only have a quick break to grab some fuel. The real special deal at Cackling Goose comes in December and April, when they roll out the exam special – a grilled cheese and a bag of chips, for only $5! The perfect fuel to keep you going as you study hard!

4. Goya’s Honey Garlic Fingers

Moving on from sandwiches and cafes, it is time to move on to another essential Sackville favourite – pizza and late-night food! The most unique way to enjoy this is by visiting Goya’s pizza for their honey garlic fingers. A twist on the maritime favourite, these are garlic fingers drizzled over with honey. The sweet and the salty come together for a perfect combination to enjoy with friends or for a late-night study treat, and for those of you from outside of Atlantic Canada, a great introduction to an Atlantic fave!

5. Jack’s Pizza Big Slice

Pizza debates are a VERY heavy topic at Mount Allison, talking Goya’s vs Jack’s. However, I am of the opinion that there is no reason not to enjoy both! Personally, I believe that when what you’re craving is one big slice of heavenly pizza, then Jack’s is the place to go! Try it out for a lunch time special where you can get the slice of pizza and any drink for just $5, and enjoy a perfect mid-day break with a classic Sackville meal.

6. Napule Pizza

The pizza category in Sackville is far from over! If you are looking for something a little different on the pizza scale, look no further than Napule, housed on Bridge street next door to Ducky’s bar. At Napule, you can enjoy gourmet pizzas with a whole host of toppings, from a classic Margherita to my personal favourite, the Cotto E Funghi, these pizzas are mouth watering and not to be missed! For the full experience, order the pizza and go have a seat in Ducky’s bar, where you can enjoy a drink from their new cocktail menu to compliment your meal!

7. All-you-can-eat Joey’s Pizza & Pasta

The last of the pizza places on this list, but certainly not the least! Joey’s is a classic favourite bar and restaurant, where they serve a mix of Italian dining and pub fare foods. You can’t go wrong at Joey’s on any day of the week, but the real dining draw comes on Tuesday evenings, where you can do all-you-can eat Pizza, Garlic Fingers and Salad for $8.99! A great way to take a mid-week break and fill up on good food!

8. Japchae at Song’s

Another great spot for Asian cuisine in Sackville is at Song’s chopsticks, home-made Korean food! They serve sushi, as well as some incredible dishes. Some popular ones include their Japchae stirfry (my personal fav!), Beef Bulgogi, and the spicy pork! They do some great deals, including lunchtime specials that are incredibly popular among Mount A students! Don’t miss this one as you are making your way through the dining experiences of Downtown Sackville!

9. Milkshakes at Mel’s

To wrap up this list, I have to go for a dining experience that has been an integral part of Sackville for generations. Mel’s Tearoom originated as an ice cream parlour on Bridge Street in 1919, and has stood in its current location since 1945. Mel’s is known for its iconic neon sign, funky retro booths, the still-working jukebox, and of course, their classic milkshakes. Serving classic diner food such as sandwiches, burgers and fries and the Canadian favourite, poutine, Mel’s remains as popular and as quintessential in Sackville today as it was when it originated. To me, no Sackville experience would be complete without trying out one of Mel’s iconic milkshakes, or at least checking out the classic décor! And with that, I hope that as you finish reading this you are running off to make plans to get out and grab a meal at one of Sackville’s finest spots. Get out there, support local, and make sure to do so safely! 😊