Every year the senior class looks forward to privileges such as sleep in, early sign-out, and their favorite–long lunch.  The Gazebo’s seniors put together a list of their  top 10 favorite long lunch spots based on distance, price, and quality. Don’t like our rankings? Read to the bottom and then vote on your favorite.

Firehouse Subs, 4123 Forsyth Rd.  Firehouse is a quick and delicious stop for long lunch.  Most people order off Firehouse’s posted menu, where favorites include the Hook and Ladder (“Smoked turkey breast, Virginia honey ham, and melted Monterrey Jack,” according to the restaurant’s website) and Turkey Bacon Ranch.  You are still free to design your own sandwich, although the choices are more limited than at Subway.  My favorite is a turkey sandwich on wheat.  Firehouse heats the sandwich, and has a vast array of drinks and chips to go with each meal — the high tech drink machine includes 100+ different choices and flavors of soda. — Mary Kathryn Hightower

Chick-fil-A, 5920 Zebulon Rd.  The Chick-fil-A on Zebulon Rd. closed recently for reconstruction, but is scheduled to reopen this month.  In the meantime, life as they know it has ended for many upper schoolers. Chick-fil-A traditionally draws large amounts of students for both breakfast and lunch.  The quality of food and genuine hospitality is a major determining factor in my choosing to go to Chick-Fil-A over other fast food restaurants.  The cashiers are always smiling and politely ask me what I would like.  The food remains cheap enough where I feel comfortable ordering whatever I want from the menu rather than looking for the cheapest choice. The chicken also tends to taste and look better than chicken from other fast food options.  Chick-fil-A also has the best sweet tea and lemonade I’ve ever tasted from a fast food spot.  — Mary Kathryn Hightower

S&S Cafeteria, 2124 Riverside Dr.  Great rewards often require great journeys.  S&S is a Macon institution, but is also is the longest drive of the recommendations. The restaurant features both to-go as well as sit-down options, and offers a friendly environment with quick service and food that has that home-cooked feel. I recommend two chopped steaks, green beans, macaroni and cheese, and of course their delicious bread rolls.  Wash it all down with sweet tea that is to die for. — Chandler Banks

El Sombrero, 4646 Forsyth Rd.  Stratford students can be spotted at El Som at almost any time of day or night.  Just an eight-minute drive from Stratford, El Som is a perfect place for long lunch.  The restaurant not only offers great food for a great price, but also quick service.  I recommend that you try their cheese dip, burritos, chicken soup, and chimichanga, all of which will fill you up. — Chandler Banks

Moe’s Southwest Grill, 6255 Zebulon Rd., #260.  Moe’s is a closer Mexican food option than El Som, so what you save on gas you can spend on Moe’s premium menu options.  In addition to their superb queso, Moe’s feaures what every senior craves: complete control over their burrito ingredients. — Brighten Donner

Jeneane’s at Pinebrook, 4436 Forsyth Rd. Jeneane’s is the place to go if you want a classic home-style meat and three.  Their food is just like grandma’s, and so is their dessert — from the chocolate pie to the banana pudding. — Brighten Donner

Fountain of Juice, 3045 Vineville Ave.  Commonly referred to FOJ by it’s hip lovers, is Macon-owned and operated. FOJ puts a unique and healthy spin on sandwiches, soup, salads, and smoothies.  Their green tea is almost famous and totally delicious. Although it is located near to Ingleside — FOJ is worth the drive. My personal favorite is the Stansfield Special with a green tea.  Other hits include the California Club, Superman Panini, and pasta salad. — Lucy Bobbitt

Zaxby’s, 6375 Zebulon Rd. Zaxby’s is a cut above its fast-food competition.  Zaxby’s food is always prepared with care and also offers good value.  Meals cost around $7, and you get an ample amount of food for your money. Some favorite meals at Zaxby’s include the Kickin’ Chicken Sandwich meal, the Nibblerz meal, Wings n Things, and the famous Zaxby’s Zalad. Each meal includes the main entree, crinkle fries (sprinkled with seasoning), buttered bread, a Zax-Sauce, and a drink. — Lucy Bobbitt

Buffalo’s Cafe, 5990 Zebulon Rd. Often a top pick for seniors for long lunch, Buffalos never leaves students hungry. Located about five minutes from school, Buffalo’s offers both take-out and sit-down options.  Students should be ready for a bit of a wait if they choose to get a table, not to mention a steep tab relative to other long lunch hangouts.  But students never leave hungry, and with a variety of comfort-food options — including wings, burgers, salads, wraps, and chicken fingers — Buffalos has something for everyone to eat. — Spencer Williams

McAlister’s Deli, 6255 Zebulon Rd., #370.  McAlister’s offers a solid sandwich option just a six-minute hop from school off Zebulon Rd. Students enjoy going to McAlister’s because of its quick service, good food, and outdoor seating. Students also enjoy the location of McAlister’s.  Although McAlister’s prices make it prohibitive as an everyday option, students do enjoy a quick stop by McAlister’s for a nice sandwich every now and then. Top orders from McAlister’s include: The McAlister’s Club, the stuffed potato, and the cheese and broccoli soup. — Spencer Williams