If you’re new to Illinois State University, or you haven’t explored much of the eating options around campus yet, you’re in luck.

We’ve picked 10 of our favorites and want to share them with you!

1. Anju Above

Anju Above is a fast-casual establishment that offers sushi, pizza, and more. Located in a historic 18th-century fire station, the farm-to-table restaurant has an urban vibe.  

Anju serves lunch and dinner and is open seven days a week.

2. DP Dough

If you love calzones, you’ll love DP Dough.

In addition to its classic offerings, DP Dough also features vegan options, as well as desserts.

Want to build your own zone? Go for it!

DP Dough is open for lunch through late night every day.

3. The Coffee House & Deli

Premium coffee from around the world, healthy food, and Wi-Fi. What more do you need?

Located just off campus, The Coffee House & Deli is a mom-and-pop shop that’s served the area for more than 20 years. It features a variety of seating— use a communal table to host a meeting or study group, or find a smaller table to get to know your date better.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available. Breakfast is served all day.  

4. Emack & Bolio’s

Who says dinner can’t be ice cream?

Emack & Bolio’s features delicious ice cream and yogurt, homemade fudge and chocolate, microbrewed soda, smoothies, and novelty desserts.

Fun fact: a music lawyer founded the brand in Boston in 1975 so that musicians could satisfy their munchies after their gigs.

5. Epiphany Farms

Under the same umbrella enterprise as Anju Above (and located just downstairs from it), Epiphany Farms is a farm-to-fork restaurant that integrates sustainable, environmentally friendly techniques into its operation.

Epiphany Farms offers dinner Tuesday through Sunday, and offers a weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday.

6. Lucca Grill

Two brothers, sons of Italian immigrants, started Lucca Grill during the Great Depression more than 80 years ago.

Authentic pizza, sandwiches, and pasta make up the menu here.

This is a great place for first dates, birthdays, anniversaries, and more.

7. Maggie Miley’s

Grab a pint and watch the game at one of the best Irish pubs in America!

Maggie Miley’s offers an authentic Irish atmosphere complete with Guinness beef stew, shepherds pie, and bangers and mash.

8. Medici

Medici offers an elegant eatery with an artistic atmosphere. Come for lunch, dinner, brunch, or take a look at their catering options.

Banquet options are available, as well, from private dining rooms to cocktail parties to a full rooftop patio.

9. Sugar Mama Bakery

Got a sweet tooth?

So do we!

Sugar Mama features homemade cupcakes and other bakery items such as cakes, cookies, and pies. Custom orders are available, as well.

10. Uncle Tom’s Pancake House

If you want an old-school diner, this is it. Eat breakfast and lunch at Uncle Tom’s Pancake House!

Eggs, pancakes, sausage, ham, waffles, French toast… Uncle Tom’s has it all.

We hope you enjoy some of our top picks near ISU.

(Hint: If you’re a First Site resident, you get special discounts at some of these locations, too!)