Local freshman dining options

By Carrie Howard

Local freshman dining options

By Carrie Howard

Managing Editor

If you are new to the area, or just new to the whole U of L scene, you might have some trouble finding a place to get food when hunger pangs strike. This guide is designed to help you become more knowledgeable about your food options on and around U of L’s campus.

Bearno’s (1923 S. Fourth St., 634-5155) The Bearno’s at U of L is just one of Bearno’s Pizza’s many Louisville locations. Bearno’s is known throughout the city for its unique tasting pizza and subs. Although the food is not expensive, you will pay a little more money for your pizza here than what you will pay the average pizza delivery boy. Bearno’s is conveniently located next to Gray’s College Bookstore.

Bristol Café (Inside the Speed Art Museum, 12035 S. Third St., 634-2723) The Bristol Café offers lunch fare Tuesday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Bristol’s is a little more pricey, a little more lighter fare, but a nice change of pace.

Chick-Fil-A (located in the Swain Student Activities Center) Chick-Fil-A is an old affordable favorite. Chick-Fil-A offers chicken salads, chicken sandwiches, and waffle fries. You can also use meal cards here. This is a great thing if you are a freshman living in housing, since a $700 meal card is required.

China Inn (1925 S. Fourth St., 636-2020) China Inn offers Asian cuisine close to campus. Located next to Bearno’s Pizza, the reasonably priced cuisine is a great treat. Be prepared for large portions and very chunky veggies!

City Café (1907 S. Fourth St., 635-0220) City Café also has several locations throughout the Louisville area. Your closest bet is next to Gray’s College Bookstore. City café offers an eclectic mix of foods. They also have specials each day. Try one of their many sodas, coffees, or an iced cappuccino!

Denny’s (434 Eastern Parkway, 636-2538) Denny’s is not too far up the road from the J.B. Speed School. It is located at the intersection of Eastern Parkway and Crittenden Drive. Denny’s offers traditional American fare at low prices. Denny’s is also open 24 hours for all late night studiers (or partiers.)

Mastersons (1830 S. Third St., 635-5167) Masterson’s is known for its catering, but it also has some upper class dining options as well. Check them out if you and your honey are going out on a date for their popular menu items. The restaurant itself has a Greek heritage, but offers a wide variety of fine dining menu options. Hey, call them to cater your wedding reception when you and your honey decide to tie the knot!

McDonald’s (301 Warnock St., 636-1988) This restaurant needs no explanation of what it has to offer. However, this McDonald’s is no ordinary McDonald’s. It is the closest one to campus, and uniquely decorated in a “Cardinal” motif. Located in U of L’s Cardinal Park, a U of L student must not miss out on this dining experience.

Mitzi’s (Located in the Miller Information Technology Building on campus) Mitzi’s is a great alternative to SAC dining. Mitzi’s is usually less crowded, and a much more relaxed atmosphere. Mitzi’s offers sandwiches and wraps made by Charles, the friendly chef. Mitzi’s also has ice cream, pasta dishes, salads, and more. The restaurant is also open for breakfast. Meal cards are also welcome here.

Papa John’s (2236 S. Floyd St., 636-1112 and at the Stop Gap convenience store in the bottom level of the SAC) By the time you graduate, you will have learned one thing for certain… Papa John owns U of L. Not really, but he sure is around a whole lot! Not only do we have Papa John’s Cardinal Stadium, but we have plenty of Papa John’s pizza joints ready to serve U of L students. The Papa John’s in the SAC even accepts your meal cards. Papa John’s is great pizza, but as a freshman, one gets almost nauseous at the amount of PJ’s pizza you will consume! My suggestion: eat it only every once in a while and use your meal card in other venues. You will appreciate the Papa John’s recipe even more.

Pizza Hut/Taco Bell (1817 S. Brook St., 635-5167) Craving a personal size pizza? A Gordita? Cinnamon Twirls? Be sure to visit the fast food haven that has talking trash cans and jumbo-sized drinks… your very own Taco Bell/Pizza Hut. This restaurant is great for college students craving grease on a tight budget.

Pizza Magia (423 Warnock St., 635-0055) Pizza Magia always delivers hot, fresh pizza, at a reasonable price. Be sure to check out their yummy breadsticks and cinnamon bread as well. This is a dorm delivery favorite!

Subway (425 Warnock St., 636-4321 and in the SAC, 635-6855) Neither location accepts the meal card, but they do have some great tasting subs! Subway offers a healthy alternative to an unhealthy college eating habit. If you don’t want to gain the “freshman fifteen,” frequent Subway.

Uncle Chen’s (Located on the bottom level of the SAC) Uncle Chen’s doesn’t accept the meal card, but one can certainly get some great tasting Asian cuisine for just a small amount of cash. Want a great dessert? Try their fried cinnamon donut!

Wyndows (Located inside the SAC) Wyndows accepts the food card, and is open selected hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Wyndows offers U of L students buffet meals ALMOST like Mom’s home cooking. Wyndows is also a great alternative to fast food. U of L food services prints the Wyndows menu every week to be hung up in the dorms. Be sure to check it out. Also, don’t miss out on making your own waffles for weekend brunches!

If you have any questions about on-campus dining, feel free to call dining services at 852-6715.