As the final bell rings, the flood of backpacks, shoes, and bicycles spills into The Old School House plaza. Located in and around the historic Claremont High School original campus, this plaza is complete with poke, smoothies, and even a Trader Joe’s. While off-campus pass holders or pre-practice munchers may opt for the affordable and satisfying Trader Joe’s snacks, fresh salmon and tuna poke bowls at Oh Poke, and cold smoothies at the Spot Cafe are equally satisfying. If you look a little closer, the options are almost endless as you dive into all the best spots in The Old School Plaza. Located on the corner of Indian Hill and Foothill Blvd, this plaza boasts the original campus grounds of Claremont High School and a sprawling Mediterranean-style oasis that is home to many storefronts such as One Gen Gym, Buca di Beppo, and Trader Joe’s. 

Tucked into the Old School House, Oh Poke offers a taste of the sea 40 miles away. Stand in line and make your way down the options of a base, protein, toppings, seasonings, and sauces. A hardy bowl of rice can be balanced out with the spring mix, while the spicy tuna, crab salad, and salmon work together to create a perfectly fishy flavor experience. Crispy garlic chips and chewy seaweed salad create a higher level of texture and flavor. Vegetables are plentiful, as cucumbers, edamame, and corn are all available to balance out your meal. You can choose from several sauces, such as spicy mayo or the Oh House Sauce. A regular build-your-own bowl is $15.50, while a large is $17.50. In the small heater by the front of the line, there are spam musubis and rice balls reminiscent of those in Hawaii or Japan, hoping to be taken by a hungry passerby. Whether you are a fish fanatic or simply looking for a new cuisine to try, Oh Poke is a great place to serve anybody’s and everybody’s cravings.

At least once a day, a friend or classmate will whisper, “Let’s go to Trader Joe’s today for lunch.” Just a quick 10-minute walk from campus, those with an off-campus pass are offered an affordable and seemingly infinite number of choices in just one grocery store for lunch. Trader Joe’s Takis, prepackaged salads and sushi, and even a smorgasbord of candy, ice cream, and chips will provide teenagers with a satisfying meal. Sophomore Mia Lam’s favorite things from Trader Joe’s are the Strawberry Sour Belts, Freeze Dried Berry Mix, and the Cookies and Cream Sheet Cake. “They have a lot of options that are premade that you don’t have to heat, and you can just grab,” Lam said. “The pricing is affordable, too.” Tables where you can spread out your backpacks and goods are plentiful. The combined affordability, prime location, and friendly staff of Trader Joe’s all lend themselves to being a popular option among hungry students.

On the South Side of the Trader Joe’s Building is The Spot Cafe, a popular option for quick and fruity smoothies and other healthy options such as bowls or wraps. Popular smoothies include the Amazon Acai Smoothie, Pitaya Power Smoothie, and the Mango Smoothie. A refreshing sip of the mango smoothie hits you like a cold, sweet, and fruity tropical wave, while hardier options include the oven-roasted turkey, which rests on top of a bed of sweet potatoes and brown rice. A perfect partner to the oncoming summer season, these smoothies are a tasty treat for any hot day. 

So next time you ask your friend, “What’s for lunch?” keep in mind these three close and affordable spots that have options to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Fresh salmon, tuna, or crab combined with steamed white rice, flavorful sauces, and delectable toppings from Oh Poke fill the craving for a seaside meal. Trader Joe’s Sour Strawberry Belts and Grab-and-go salad kits easily fill up your stomach while not draining your wallet. And a fresh, sweet sip of a Mango smoothie from The Spot Cafe refreshingly eases the pain of the blistering heat. As you make your way back to school, practice, or home, this Old School Plaza will leave you with a satisfied appetite and a smile on your face.