Introduction
The hum of Pius XII Memorial Library is a familiar sound to any Saint Louis University student. Hours spent poring over textbooks, writing essays, and prepping for exams can build up quite an appetite. But let’s be honest, sometimes the cafeteria just doesn’t cut it. When those cravings kick in, and you’re yearning for something beyond the usual campus fare, where do you turn? Fortunately, being situated in the heart of Saint Louis means SLU students and visitors have access to a diverse and delicious culinary landscape just steps away from campus. From quick bites to satisfy those between-class hunger pangs, to budget-friendly feasts, to memorable dining experiences, the food scene surrounding Saint Louis University truly offers something for every palate and every occasion. This guide is your passport to discovering the best food near SLU, ensuring you’re always fueled and ready to conquer your academic pursuits and explore the vibrant city around you.
Quick and Convenient Bites For the Busy Student
Time is a precious commodity for any college student. Balancing classes, extracurricular activities, and social life often leaves little room for elaborate meals. That’s where quick and convenient food options come in handy. Fortunately, SLU’s central location means there’s no shortage of places where you can grab a bite without sacrificing valuable study time.
Fast Food
Let’s start with the classics. Familiar fast-food chains like McDonalds, Wendy’s, and Subway are all within easy walking distance or a short drive. These options are reliable for a quick and affordable meal when you’re really pressed for time. Keep an eye out for student discounts or special deals these establishments sometimes offer. A little bit of savings can go a long way on a student budget.
Coffee Shops and Cafes
For a caffeine fix and a quick snack, the area is dotted with coffee shops and cafes. Starbucks is a reliable staple, but consider exploring local gems like Kaldi’s Coffee, known for its exceptional coffee and cozy atmosphere. Rise Coffee House is another local favorite, offering a curated selection of coffee and a menu of breakfast and lunch items perfect for a mid-morning study break. Many of these cafes offer sandwiches, pastries, and other light bites, making them ideal for a quick and satisfying meal on the go. Plus, many offer free Wi-Fi, providing a convenient place to catch up on emails or do some light reading.
Grab and Go Options
If you’re looking for something a bit healthier or want to stock up on snacks, consider checking out the nearby grocery stores and delis. Straub’s is a local favorite, known for its high-quality prepared foods and gourmet groceries. Fields Foods offers a wide selection of organic and locally sourced products, along with a deli counter and a variety of ready-to-eat meals. Schnucks is a more traditional grocery store with a wide selection of everything you might need, including grab-and-go sandwiches, salads, and snacks. These places are perfect for grabbing a quick and healthy lunch or stocking up on snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
Budget Friendly Eats For the Student on a Budget
Being a college student often means operating on a limited budget. Fortunately, delicious food doesn’t have to break the bank. The area surrounding SLU offers a variety of restaurants and eateries that cater to students on a budget.
Cheap Eats Restaurants
For classic cheap eats, Steve’s Hot Dogs is a Saint Louis institution, serving up delicious and affordable hot dogs, burgers, and other comfort food favorites. Pitas in the Park is another great option, offering flavorful and filling pitas at reasonable prices. The Fountain on Locust is a unique dining experience offering soups, salads, and sandwiches in a charming art deco setting. Be sure to check out their ice cream concoctions too! Many of these places offer lunch specials or student discounts, making them even more affordable.
Food Trucks
Food trucks are another fantastic option for budget-friendly eats. They often offer a wide variety of cuisines, from tacos and burritos to gyros and barbecue, all at reasonable prices. Keep an eye out for food trucks that frequent the SLU area. You can usually find their locations by checking social media or websites that track food truck schedules.
Happy Hour Deals
Don’t forget about happy hour! Many restaurants in the area offer attractive happy hour deals on food and drinks. The Gramophone is a popular spot known for its live music and delicious sandwiches, and their happy hour deals are hard to beat. Baileys’ Range is a burger joint with a focus on local ingredients, and their happy hour offers discounted burgers and drinks. Urban Chestnut is a local brewery with a great selection of beers and a menu of German-inspired dishes. Their happy hour offers discounted beers and appetizers. Taking advantage of happy hour deals is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal and drinks without breaking the bank.
Local Favorites and Unique Dining Experiences
While convenience and affordability are important, sometimes you want a dining experience that’s a bit more special. Saint Louis is known for its unique culinary scene, and there are plenty of local favorites near SLU that offer memorable dining experiences.
Iconic Saint Louis Restaurants
No visit to Saint Louis is complete without trying some of the city’s iconic dishes. Ted Drewes Frozen Custard is a must-try, known for its creamy frozen custard and unique “concrete” creations. Imo’s Pizza is another Saint Louis institution, famous for its thin-crust pizza and Provel cheese. Pappy’s Smokehouse is a barbecue joint that consistently ranks among the best in the country. Be prepared for a wait, but the mouthwatering barbecue is well worth it.
International Cuisine
If you’re craving international flavors, the area offers a diverse range of cuisines. Gore Chophouse Ethiopian Restaurant offers authentic Ethiopian cuisine in a warm and inviting atmosphere. Vine Cafe is a Mediterranean restaurant serving up flavorful kebabs, hummus, and other Middle Eastern favorites. King and I is a Thai restaurant known for its authentic dishes and spicy flavors. Exploring the international cuisine scene is a great way to expand your culinary horizons.
Upscale Dining
For special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself, there are several upscale dining options near SLU. Balkan Treat Box is a local favorite known for its delicious Bosnian street food. Retreat Gastropub offers a creative and seasonal menu with a focus on local ingredients. Southern is a restaurant serving modern Southern cuisine in a stylish and sophisticated setting. These options offer a more refined dining experience, perfect for celebrating a special occasion or enjoying a luxurious meal.
Late Night Bites
Sometimes hunger strikes late at night, especially during those intense study sessions. Fortunately, there are several options for satisfying your cravings after dark.
Restaurants Open Late
A few restaurants in the area stay open late to cater to students studying or socializing. The Fortune Teller Bar offers a unique atmosphere with cocktails and a small bites menu. The Royale is a neighborhood bar with a cozy atmosphere and a menu of comfort food classics. City Diner is a classic diner that’s open late, serving up breakfast, burgers, and other diner staples. These places are perfect for grabbing a late-night snack or enjoying a drink with friends.
Delivery Services
If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your dorm room or apartment, there are always delivery services. Uber Eats, Grubhub, and DoorDash are all popular food delivery services that operate in the SLU area. Many restaurants offer their own delivery service as well. Check online to see which restaurants deliver to your location and satisfy those late night cravings.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Whether you’re a dedicated vegetarian or vegan, or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants near SLU.
Vegetarian Friendly Restaurants
Frida’s is a vegetarian restaurant that offers a creative and flavorful menu of plant-based dishes. Tree House is a vegan restaurant known for its delicious and innovative vegan cuisine. Lulu’s Local Eatery focuses on local and sustainable ingredients, with a variety of vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. These restaurants cater specifically to vegetarians and vegans, ensuring that you’ll find plenty of delicious and satisfying options.
Vegan Friendly Restaurants
If you’re looking for vegan options at more mainstream restaurants, Pizza Head is a popular pizza place that offers a variety of vegan pizzas. Sweet Art is a bakery and cafe with a wide selection of vegan treats. Terror Taco is a food truck that specializes in vegan tacos. The availability of plant-based options is increasing all the time.
Tips for Finding Food Near SLU
Finding the perfect food spot near SLU is an adventure. Here are some tips to help you navigate the culinary landscape and discover your own personal favorites.
Utilize online resources such as Yelp, Google Maps, and TripAdvisor. These platforms are invaluable for finding restaurants, reading reviews, seeing menus, and getting directions. Take advantage of the wealth of information available online to make informed decisions about where to eat.
Ask for recommendations from classmates, professors, or other students. Word-of-mouth is often the best way to discover hidden gems. Don’t be afraid to ask around and get insider tips on the best places to eat.
Most importantly, explore the area! Walk around the surrounding neighborhoods, try different restaurants, and discover your own favorite spots. The culinary scene near SLU is diverse and exciting, and there’s always something new to discover.
Conclusion
The area surrounding Saint Louis University is a culinary playground, offering a wealth of options for students, faculty, staff, and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between classes, a budget-friendly meal, a unique dining experience, or a late-night snack, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. Don’t be afraid to venture out, explore the neighborhood, and try new things. The culinary adventure around SLU awaits! And who knows, maybe you’ll discover your next favorite restaurant just around the corner. Enjoy!
