By: Regina Deveary

 We have all hit the point in school when Subway, Wendy’s, and Einstein’s are just unappetizing.  While there are many options available on campus to eat, it may become tiresome or annoying choosing the same places over and over again. This is when we choose to venture off campus and find other options available to us.  Just a short walk from campus reveals a myriad of new food options,

 One great restaurant within walking distance from campus is Mt. Fuji.  Mt. Fuji is a Japanese cuisine restaurant located under Cardinal Towne Apartments.  They serve sushi, vegetable and chicken hibachi, and salads.  The prices are perfect for a college budget, too.  Usually all meals remain under ten dollars. They also have a variety of bubble teas to choose from, including, but not limited to, banana, peach, thai, and mango. Mt Fuji also provides many vegetarian options.  Before the business changed their name to Mt. Fuji they were known as Green Leaf. Green Leaf was strictly vegetarian options.  They have now evolved into Mt. Fuji, where their menu now includes everything from vegan options to steak.
If you’re in the mood for Chinese instead, there is the China Inn. China Inn is located across the street from Mt. Fuji at Cardinal Center.  China Inn’s menu includes many options such as soups, chicken, pork, beef, and vegetable dishes.  They also offer a selection of Thai cuisine, such as pad thai, pad se iew, pad ke mao, etc.  Like Mt. Fuji, China Inn offers a variety of meat and vegetarian options. Some examples are tofu dishes, veggie dishes, and spring rolls.
If Asian food isn’t your taste, there are other food options available around campus. Mexican food is another option just next door to China Inn. Bazo’s is a Mexican restaurant located in the Cardinal Center. They offer Mexican cuisine such as quesadillas, burritos, salads, nachos, etc. At Bazo’s, they pride themselves in “having fresh authentic Mexican cuisine made-to-order”.  As well as vegetarian options, Bazo’s also offers gluten free choices. Some options are quesadillas, nachos, taquitos, and Mexican pizza.
 If Bazo’s hasn’t sold you on fresh Mexican cuisine, you can always try Senor Iguanas.  Senor Iguanas is located next to Cardinal Stadium in the Cardinal station shopping center.  They offer several options with bold, south of the border, taste and authentic quality. This location also offers a bar for everyone 21 and over.  You can come in and order your meal along with a beer or margarita to drink off those post-test sorrows. Senor Iguanas also offers vegetarian options as well, such as burritos, chimichangas, and fajitas.
 Just across the street from Senor Iguanas is Quiznos. Quiznos is a sub shop located in Cardinal station shopping center.  Quiznos offers many menu items for all the tastes you can imagine. Subs ranging from Peppercorn Prime Rib to Guacamole Veggie; there is one you are bound to like.  If subs aren’t your thing, they also have soups and salads available on their menu.
Another off-campus place to eat is Home Run Burgers. Home Run Burgers has been named the best burger in Louisville from 2009-2012.  Their burgers are one hundred percent Black Angus beef, are never frozen, and have no fillers.  So, if you are looking for a good burger near campus, I would say walk over to Cardinal Towne and try one today. For all the non-meat eaters, they offer a veggie burger available with all the toppings you can imagine. Each burger comes with the option of a variety of cheeses and a selection of over 26 free toppings.  Besides burgers, Home Run also has a fish sandwich, all beef hot dogs, chicken strips, chicken salads, and a BLT.  Along with your burger you can choose from a variety of side items.  Items such as, fries, available  as either regular or Cajun, chili cheese fries, bacon cheese fries, cheese fries, onion rings, cole slaw, or a side salad. With so many choices it will be hard to pick a favorite.
 If specialty burgers don’t make your mouth water, what about fast fresh made sandwiches from Jimmy John’s? Jimmy John’s is one of the fastest sandwich shops around.  They create your sandwich within minutes on fresh homemade bread daily, and offer fresh ingredients to satisfy your hunger.  Jimmy John’s also is known for fair pricing. The average sandwich is around five through six dollars.  The idea is simple and satisfying.  Make a gourmet sandwich without the gourmet price. Jimmy John’s delivers, too. This is one of the greatest options available for college students. Even though Jimmy John’s is conveniently located under Cardinal Towne, you can simply call, place your order, and receive your food anywhere around campus in a matter of ten to fifteen minutes, tops.
Where can you find good Cajun food near campus? J Gumbos is the place you are looking for.  Gumbo and Jumbalaya are a specialty at J Gumbos. Whether you are looking for something spicy or hot, the menu has you covered. As J Gumbo’s says, “We put our soul in the bowl.” Needless to say the food is delicious and has many options to choose from.  Whether you want hot or spicy, mild, vegetarian, or gluten free, J Gumbos has it all.  J Gumbos is located in Cardinal Center next to Gray’s Bookstore.  J Gumbos also has a bar available for students 21 and up.
If you are looking for a family owned café, Ermin’s is the place for you. Located on 1st and Oak in Old Louisville. It is only about a ten minute walk from campus. They serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they don’t believe in preservatives or processed products. They prepare meals fresh every day to guarantee a great experience. Their menu consists of many different options, such as salads, wraps, sandwiches, lasagna, burritos, etc. With so many options, you are sure to find something to your liking. Ermin’s is also known for their handcrafted cakes.
Prince Hookah is another off campus option.  Prince Hookah is located on 4th and Hill, just a short five-minute walk from campus.  The food ranges from options such as, chicken strips and burgers, to gyros and falafel, as well as a variety of drinks from soda to smoothies to make your night special.  Along with dinner you can order a hookah, which is flavored tobacco, from many flavors. Some examples are apple martini, caramel Frappuccino, bubble gum, guava breeze, and many more.  Prince hookah is a great place to come with friends for a fun night. Live music and Dj’s usually take the stage to set the mood for the entertainment.
So, next time you want to eat something different from the everyday campus menu, take a short walk to one of these great restaurants.