Arcadia England

By Sarah Bessing

Living in London as an American student can be difficult, but if you look in the right places you can find a way to feel a little more at home.

Best All-American Restaurant: The Diner

Sometimes you just need your fix of a good ole American Diner. Living in London is one of the most unique and exciting experiences. You get to see new places, meet new people, and, of course, try new foods. However, if it’s an American Diner experience you’re looking for, The Diner provides that. The atmosphere paired with the food provides an experience almost exactly like the one you have back at home. The restaurant is equipped with plump red leather booths and classic black and white checkered floors, as well as the timeless florescent light-up signs. The extensive menu perfectly mimics that of an American diner, complete with burgers, hot dogs, and all day breakfast. It also includes appetizers and sides that you aren’t likely to find anywhere else in London, such as queso, frito pies, and cheese fries. The regular hot dog is exactly what you’re hoping it would be: a plain hot dog with mustard and ketchup. The fist bite makes you feel like you’re sitting at a cook-out in your back yard or at a baseball game, and it is sure to help cure your need for an all-American meal. The Diner also serves special meals for occasions such as the Fourth of July and Thanksgiving, making travelers feel less left out from their American traditions. With locations in Shoreditch, Soho, Covent Garden, and more, this small chain is London’s best all around American food gem.

The Diner (goodlifediner.com) Hot Dogs from £7

Best American Grocery Store: American Food Store 

If you already crave American chips, cookies, and cereal, just wait until you arrive in London. It won’t take much time as an expat to realize that you recognize less that a third of brands you see in London grocery stores. Even though you’ll soon find out what brands are the best for biscuits and crisps, every American needs their fix of Oreo cookies and Goldfish. Tucked away on a side street in Notting Hill is a quaint shop full of American goods. From Cheez-It’s to Reeses Puff’s, the American Food Store provides American brands that you’ll find yourself craving throughout your time in London. Being a college student you won’t be surprised that the top seller is Top Ramen (which I myself bought four of). Converted from an old Post Office, the American Food Store isn’t massive; however, it is useful. American flags line the ceiling and the register, making any American feel at home. So, when you’re homesick and just need to see some brands you recognize, head over to The American Food Store in Notting Hill.

American Food Store (usafoodstore.co.uk, 0207 221 4563) Top Ramen from £0.75

Best American Hamburger: Meat Mission

Biting into a perfectly cooked beef patty with a coating of melted cheese sandwiched between two warm, soft buns is practically an American past-time. No matter where in the United States’ you’re from, a cheeseburger from your favorite burger joint never fails to hit the spot. After extensive, and delicious, research, I have discovered that MeatMission in Hoxton has cheeseburgers that transport you back to the states. Perfectly greasy, cheesy, and topped with French’s mustard and Heinz ketchup, these juicy burgers are sure to satisfy your craving. From the classic cheeseburger to the burger slathered with spicy green chili, you’re sure to leave MeatMission with a happy mind and tummy. The dim lit room has red tinted lights and a colorful mural covering the ceiling. The trendy restaurant serves up one of the best burgers in London, and it is definitely the place to go if you’re looking for a delicious cheeseburger and to find your new favorite burger joint.

MeatMission (meatmission.com, 0207 739 8212) Burgers from £8

Best American Breakfast: The Breakfast Club

“Being in The Breakfast Club made me feel like I was sitting at a breakfast place in Texas.” Erica beamed when she sat down at The Breakfast Club. The first item on the menu is, of course, fried chicken and waffles: an American classic. However, if you’re really looking for a homesickness cure, order the All American. With pancakes, eggs, sausage, home-style potatoes, bacon, and maple syrup, there’s not much else you can ask for for an American-style breakfast. The pancakes are fluffy and delicious, and the crispy bacon is cooked to perfection. Calling themselves “locally world famous,” The Breakfast Club, with several locations around town, is any local or travelers favorite breakfast spot. Tucked away on a charming street in Angel, the vibrant, eye-catching yellow front door is sure to draw in customers. The inside is both charming and quirky, with every table having different color and style chairs and table cloths. With its friendly staff and vibrant breakfast-goers, it feels like a mini party during breakfast.

The Breakfast Club (thebreakfastclubcafes.com) All American at £11.20

Best American Barbeque: Bodean’s 

Giant longhorn skulls adorn the walls, horseshoes to hang your coats, and a florescent pink light up sign of a pig saying “Bodean’s BBQ Smoke House.” If you want to feel like you stepped into a barbeque joint in Texas, then take the trip to Bodean’s. The restaurant prides themselves on the American barbeque culture that they so well imitate, and of course the actual barbeque they serve up daily. Racks of ribs bigger than the tray they arrive on and cooked for multiple hours, these chewy masterpieces hit the spot. Cooked for multiple hours, these chewy masterpieces hit the spot. The home-made rub on all meats is mouth-watering. The perfect combination of sweet and spice, the rub paired with their BBQ sauce creates a match made in heaven. Being from the home of barbecue, Austin, Texas, I can tell you that Bodean’s is the place to go if you want your fix of American barbeque. Plus, you can count on Bodean’s to be playing American sports live on their television screens. Bodean’s BBQ Smoke House has grown to be the ultimate American barbecue spot in London.

Bodean’s (bodeansbbq.com) Ribs from £9.95