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Happy Friday Niner Nation!

Hungry? Look no further! University City has a wide variety of restaurants all within minutes of campus. No matter what type of food your student is in the mood for, there is sure to be a restaurant nearby that will crush their craving.

• Boardwalk Billy’s: Just across the street from campus, this restaurant offers a variety of menu items ranging from burgers and wraps to seafood and ribs! If the weather is nice, you can even take the opportunity to sit on the patio overlooking the paddle boat filled pond. Bonus points for taking a paddle boat for a spin yourself after a meal.
• Que Onda: Boasting a menu filled with street tacos and comfort food, this Mexican restaurant is a student favorite! Located off of North Tryon Street, Que Onda is a short five minute drive away from the center of campus. Your student can check out their mouth watering lunch specials every Tuesday-Friday!
• Binki Cafe: Known for their Boba tea, this restaurant has an extensive menu with Japanese, Filipino, and Asian Fusion dishes all included as well as Vegan options. Just across the street from the engineering side of campus, this award winning restaurant is worth the visit!
• Piada Italian Street Food: This newly opened Italian street food restaurant has a student discount all day on Wednesdays, making it a perfect midweek meal for your student! With a build your own pasta style setup, it is sure to be a flavor combination your student will love.
• Famous Toastery: A popular brunch destination around University City is Famous Toastery. Open from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. daily, you can get either lunch or breakfast anytime at this award winning establishment. Just a seven minute drive from the center of campus, Famous Toastery quickly became one of my favorites!
• Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen: If you or your student is looking for Southern comfort food, this is the place to find it! There is also a gluten sensitive menu available in addition to sandwiches, Southern sides, seafood, steak, chicken, and ribs. Only seven minutes from the center of campus this is a great off-campus dining option!
• Blaze: If you are in the mood for pizza, Blaze is a student favorite! You can either order off the menu or create your own pizza. This restaurant also hosts proceeds nights where a percentage of the profits from the night are given to specific campus organizations to help them raise money!
• Ninety’s Dessert Bar: Looking for a sweet treat? Ninety’s will be your student’s new favorite dessert spot with their array of specialty milkshakes, ice cream, and baked goods. If your student is in the mood for caffeine, they even have dessert coffees that will get you through the day while also satisfying your sweet tooth!

One of my favorite memories from my first few weeks on campus is eating dinner with my family after I moved into my residence hall. Whether you are sharing a meal with your student after move-in, or they are sharing a meal with their new roommates, these are some restaurants worth checking out in the area!

- Megan Talluto, Family Programs Graduate Assistant, Transition & Success Initiatives

Photo Credit: University City Partners