Quinnipiac University Recognizes 2023 Student Choice Award Winners

North Haven’s Athena II Diner was one of the local businesses to receive a Quinnipiac University 2023 Student Choice Award. Pictured, from left, are Boomer the Bobcat, diner owner Christos Stefanis, Bethany Zemba, the university’s vice president for strategy and community relations and chief of staff.

Quinnipiac University recognizes 2023 Student Choice Award Winners

HAMDEN - Quinnipiac University has announced its 2023 Student Choice Award winners.

“Our students serve as important regional economic drivers by shopping and eating at local establishments,” said Bethany Zemba, the university’s vice president for strategy and community relations and chief of staff. “Through the 2023 Student Choice Awards, our students and community recognize and celebrate our area’s most outstanding local businesses. On behalf of QU, I offer my sincere congratulations to all the recipients of this year’s awards.”

Hundreds of Quinnipiac students, including Reinett Chefu, a senior in the 3+1 film program, voted for their favorite establishments in nine categories.

“It was fun and exciting for students to be able to voice their opinions and engage with the university and the community through voting,” Chefu said. “It was a bonding experience. Students were encouraging each other to vote, so in that way, it was very fun.

“Because of the memories we made and the kindness we got from the people who work at these establishments, we also wanted to make sure they got their flowers,” Chefu added.

The top three establishments in each category are recognized as winners. They are:

Favorite Local Pizza Restaurant

Eli’s Brick Oven Pizza
Tonino’s Pizzeria
Cheshire Pizza & Ale

Favorite New Haven Pizza Restaurant

Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana
BAR New Haven
Sally’s Apizza

Favorite Late-Night Food Spot

Eli’s On Whitney
Domino’s Hamden
Acropolis Diner

Favorite Restaurant To Go With Friends

Ixtapa Grille
Te Amo Tequila
Aunt Chilada’s

Favorite Restaurant To Go With Family

Wood-N-Tap Hamden
Mikro Depot
Viron Rondo Osteria

Favorite Breakfast Spot

Funcle’s Café
Athena Diner II
The Breakfast Nook

Favorite Lunch Spot

Fresh Greens and Proteins
The Corner Deli
Ray & Mike’s Deli

Favorite Coffee Shop/Cafe

Cheshire Coffee
Common Grounds Hamden
Whitney Donut and Sandwich Shop

Favorite Ice Cream Spot

Wentworth Homemade Ice Cream
Ashley’s Ice Cream Hamden
Kelly’s Cone Connection