1. Cook Out
Cook Out was founded in 1989 in Greensboro, North Carolina. They have five locations in Greensboro, and one in High Point—less than 10 minutes away from campus. Even though Cook Out is a fast food eatery, they stand out with their homemade hushpuppies, char-grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, and chicken sandwiches, chopped pork BBQ, chicken strips, and so much more. My favorite thing about Cook Out is their unbelievable milkshakes. The restaurant has 46 different flavors, ranging from your typical flavors of chocolate and vanilla to a more exotic taste of banana or peach cobbler. The establishment is also coined on their Cheerwine Floats.
2. Barberitos
Chipotle doesn’t hold a candle to this southwestern grille and cantina. With one of their locations just five minutes down the road, their menu is very diverse, offering not only steak or chicken, but also tofu and fish. Burritos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, nachos, you name it, they can hook you up. During the summer, the restaurant offers a delicious mango salsa, and year-round, they win the crowd with their homemade guacamole. They offer four different kinds of salsa, which is free with your purchase. They pride themselves on their “Farm Fresh Made In House” ingredients, where most of their produce is local. On Monday’s, the restaurant has recently started doing a college night, where an entree and a drink is $5 for college students. Most importantly, Barberitos offers hot, melty queso, in case you weren’t sold already. Even though it’s extra, it’s worth the cheesy goodness.
3. Taste of Asia
At a change of pace, Asian food is always an amazing option. This Japanese location offers traditional hibachi-style food, and succulent sushi options. Located a little further up the road, the restaurant offers a dine-in option, a carry-out option, and they also deliver to campus. Known for their friendly staff, they offer quality Japanese cuisine that doesn’t break the bank. Besides, they take dining dollars and general from an HPU Passport!
4. Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
Freddy’s is a perfect location to choose without breaking bank. Located at the Palladium just 15 minutes up the road, their gourmet burgers and scrumptious frozen custard is the perfect way to kick off a weekend, or to reward yourself after acing that exam. They offer hot dogs, chili bowls, cheese fries, onion rings, steakburgers, and grilled chicken sandwiches. Their Chicago Dog is a hit, complete with a poppyseed bun, diced onions, relish, sport peppers, yellow mustard, a dash of celery salt, and a kosher dill pickle spear. It’s always a good day to choose Freddy’s.
5. Penny Path Cafe & Crepe Shop
Crepes are one of my favorite breakfast foods, especially on the weekends coming out of a stressful week of classes, tests, papers, and projects. Penny Path offers a vast selection of crepes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Located on M.L.K Jr Drive, their small, coffee shop-esque setting is perfect if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy your food. They offer sidewalk seating, as well as indoor seating. Their sweet and savory options will have you crepe-ing (craving?) more.
So go out and enjoy some amazing food on a college budget!