If you’ve been on campus for awhile chances are you’ve noticed the everchanging restaurants and shops on Guadalupe Street. Often, it’s the place to be for students. Whether you’re on a lunch break, out with friends or just on your way to your apartment in West Campus, stopping by somewhere on the drag can be a nice way to wind down in the heat of Texas and a grueling semester. But what’s even there anymore?
Thankfully, some of the best places to check out have managed to stick around, even through COVID, so here’s a comprehensive list of the best places to hit up on Guad.
CAVA
This place is amazing for casual lunches and dinners with friends, family or your Tinder date. Cava is a Mediterranean restaurant in a lunch-line style so you get to build your bowl or wrap as you’re walking through the line. The food is delicious and also health-conscious. There’s lots of options here which makes it vegan-friendly, too.
Kerbey Lane Cafe
Kerbey is a must-visit if you go to UT. This 24-hour cafe is famous for its pancakes, and probably also for feeding students at the end of an all-night study session. It caters to all diets and even has vegan queso, which is my top recommendation no matter what time you choose to dine.
Thai Kitchen
This place is on the northern side of Guad, but definitely worth the walk or drive. It’s got a large menu packed with flavor and all kinds of Thai dishes. Whether it’s your first time trying Thai, or your thousandth, this is the restaurant to go to.
Via 313
Known for its detroit-style pizza, Via 313 is definitely the place to satisfy all your deep-dish needs. It has a cozy atmosphere, great pizza and tasty cocktails if you’re 21 (or have a fake, I don’t judge). If it’s your first time, they even offer you free ice cream for dessert. Sure, you hear a lot about Pizza Press, but Via is definitely better.
Lucky Lab
Lucky Lab is one of several coffee places on Guad, and it’s small in comparison to places like Medici, but the outdoor seating is beautiful and the coffee is great. The intimate seating indoors allows for a comfy study spot while sipping on that iced latte, and they give student discounts.
So whether you’re strolling down Guad with a friend or heading back home to your shoebox in West Campus, be sure to check out some of these must-see places on The Drag before your time at the 40 acres is up.
Featured image by Lauren Breach