Localeur’s Guide to College Towns
There’s just something about a college town: Routinely overlooked by just about everybody except the students themselves – and the alumni that graduated but never left – these small- and mid-sized cities have perfected the art of gently preparing junior adults for the real world with their signature blends of culture, commerce, and unabashed quaintness. So whether you’re currently enrolled or simply want to bask in the nostalgic glow of a good college ball game, these local spots are all part of what makes a college town great. (After all, you can only eat so many meals at the student union.)
If you’re looking for more inspiration on where to go next – maybe it’s time for a group vacation, or perhaps you’re searching for a new city to call home after graduation – a subscription to Localeur’s a great thing to have in your back pocket. Become a member and we’ll whip up custom-made itineraries to suit your adventures in 200 destinations around the world.
Mikey’s Late Night Slice
Columbus, Ohio
Let us save you some time trying 30 pizza joints just to inevitably end up falling head over heels for the punk-rock-inspired greatness that is Mikey’s Late Night Slice. Why do we love it? It’s the type of pizza so delicious – and innovative; see photo – that it’s the sort of thing you’ll eat after midnight and wake up craving the next day. Locations about around town so you’re never far from your next fix, and collaborations with other restaurants in town like Hot Chicken Takeover mean you can support multiple local businesses at once when you dine here. Open as late as 4 a.m. on weekends, Mikey’s is also famous for booze in addition to pizza – but FYI, the location closest to OSU doesn’t serve alcohol.
Nasher Musuem of Art
Durham, North Carolina
The Nasher is an excellent destination for college kids, families, and plain-old grown ups for its inimitable collection of contemporary art – but also for its frequent lecture series, nerdy (we mean that as a compliment) events, and excellent onsite cafe, which shines during brunch hours. We especially love the Nasher for its Reflections program, which aims to support individuals and relatives of those living with autism; it’s a unique, inspiring initiative that includes live performances and hands-on experiences. If you’re keen on grabbing a bite while you’re here, go for the rich salmon Benedict or bacon-avocado sandwich, or a simple cheese plate to tide you over before your museum stroll. (If you’re keen on grabbing a bite and also happen to be a somewhat hungover millennial, it’s best to come here in the summertime when the students are away.)
Ogie’s Trailer Park
Providence, Rhode Island
Ever have a meal where the highbrow ambience actually gets in the way of your experience? This sort of pitfall is something college kids are practically allergic to. Sometimes lowbrow is better, a concept embraced by Ogie’s Trailer Park. The so-tacky-it’s-awesome Ogie’s is, somehow, a trailer-park-inspired tiki bar serving pirogues and burgers till late. Try a Lion’s Tail for a tiki drink that’s light(er) on the sweetness, or go all out with a Scorpion Bowl, which is garnished with actual flames. The only thing you really need to know before you go is that Ogie’s is always a good time – which is why we recommend popping in soon (and often).
Spider House
Austin, Texas
Austin, if you didn’t know, is exploding with growth and change – which makes it surprising that the one section of town that’s more or less holding steady is the UT campus and its surrounds. Spider House Ballroom has been a stalwart for campus culture for longer than the university’s current students have been alive, consistently great for its lineup of events – think live music, comedy shows, themed trivia nights, and more. Years from now, when you’re well past your college days, there will be plenty to look back on and cringe – but you’ll never regret time spent at Spider House.
Frita Batidos
Ann Arbor, Michigan
You’d be forgiven for assuming this brightly lit, casual-chic cafe is a health-food haven for pressed juices and raw meals, but we have good news: It isn’t. Frita Betidos churns out hearty yet fresh, Cuban-inspired meals from midday ’til late, and it’s the type of place students love (but kids and older adults do, too). There’s nothing quite like a seat at their picnic tables on a sunny day, while the interior will brighten even the dreariest of winter doldrums. With tons of menu items to accommodate dietary restrictions and a commitment to serving local ingredients, there’s something delicious – and affordable – for just about everybody. When you order, make it “loco” for an amazingly messy burger you’ll dream of for days.
Tumerico
Tucson, Arizona
This restaurant has special place in the hearts of Tucson’s locals thanks to the flavors, the atmosphere, and the extremely welcoming staff. Owner and Chef Wendy Garcia can often be heard shouting warm welcomes to diners as they walk through the doors of Tumerico, and the menu is full of made-from-scratch, feel-good Mexican comfort food. Every bite has mad flavor, so it's surprising for many to realize everything on the menu is vegan or vegetarian (we dare you to take a meat-loving friend and wait until after they devour the tacos al pastor to announce that it was made with jackfruit in lieu of pork). Be sure to also become a regular at Tumerico’s sister restaurant, La Chaiteria, for the sole reason that Kamala Harris is a fan of it.
Down at Lulu’s
Berkeley, California
Unlike other thrift stores, you'll need to book an appointment in order to sell anything to Down at Lulu's. But that's not the only thing that makes Lulu's different: After you shop or sell some amazing vintage gear, stick around to get your hair cut or colored! (New threads + new hair = the best instant gratification in the world.) Lulu's has a great selection of items for sale, from vintage band tees to fun dresses from decades past, plus a decent selection of vinyl. It also doesn't hurt that Down at Lulu's is in a super-cool area on the border separating Berkeley from Oakland, so be sure and check out some of the great food and coffee options nearby.
Royals Hot Chicken
Louisville, Kentucky
Nashville hot chicken has made it to Kentucky, y'all! Royals, with its two locations in town, serves up excellent hot chicken – which, if you care to make bougie, can be paired with a glass of champagne. With its casual atmosphere and beautifully renovated space, Royals is one of the coolest (and hottest) places to eat in the city, whether you opt for a spiceless meal or go all in and order yours Gonzo-style. And, while in an ideal world you’d have saved room for dessert to enjoy one of Royals’s decadent shakes, it’s impossible to save room – so just order the shake anyway and plan on feeling extremely full for the next hour or so.
Farmers & Foragers
Burlington, Vermont
Vermont is a veritable wonderland all year long, but one of the best times is the beginning of fall: The leaves are changing colors, the sky is still a bright azure, and seasonally open eateries like Farmers & Foragers have yet to shutter their doors for a long winter’s nap. If you’ve gone out on an adventure and are in the mood for a casual meal where no one minds if you’ve gotten some dirt under your fingernails, make sure you stop at the locally sourced food truck on the Burlington Harbor Marina serving everything from tacos to hearty chicken wings and scallops po’boys – plus brunch on the weekends.
Al’s Barber Shop
Boulder, Colorado
Not your grandfather’s barber shop, Al’s blends classic and modern techniques with impeccably trained and barbers to offer everything from favorite buzz cuts to a trendy, on-point look. A spacious, contemporary waiting area with great music makes it a place you’d want to hang out (pandemic protocols allowing, of course), and its prime location on The Hill makes it a cinch to visit regularly for college kids. Pop in for a neck clean-up (which includes a full trim, hot lather neck shave, and hot towel treatment) or a classic straight razor shave. Ladies services, too!
Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage
Boston, Massachusetts
Mr. Bartley’s Burger Cottage is an icon in Harvard Square. It’s a casual spot where they seat you at large, family-style tables wherever there’s room – and while that means you might be elbow-to-elbow with strangers as you indulge in the elaborately decadent shakes and pub fare, you’ll hardly notice, because you’ll be wholly focused on the food in front of you. Burgers here are named for celebrities and politicians – the Tom Brady Triumphant, the Beyonce Hot with hot sauce and jalapeño, et al – but treats like fried pickles and the hot turkey sandwich with mashed potatoes and cranberry sauce are standouts in their own right. You’ll have to visit multiple times to get a full read on the menu, but it’s time well spent to familiarize yourself with these earthly delights.
More of Our College Town Favorites
The Common Interest
Austin, Texas
Kardinal Hall
Charlottesville, Virginia
Mountaineers Club
Seattle, Washington
Clyde Coffee
Missoula, Montana
Ackland Art Museum
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Foxy Loxy Cafe
Savannah, Georgia
Alpine Modern
Boulder, Colorado
Ramen Nagi
Palo Alto, California
Woodford F&B
Portland, Maine
Kung Fu Bistro
Eugene, Oregon
The Exchange
Fort Collins, Colorado
Bearden Beer Market
Knoxville, Tennessee
A subscription to Localeur is about more than just travel. It’s also the key to exploring the city where you live (or even for planning the perfect staycation). Whatever your travel sights are set on, we can help get you experience local.
