Best College Towns to Visit for the Food

With college football season in full swing and homecoming festivities aplenty, there are many reasons to visit your alma mater or your little sibling at their campus of choice. However, just because you’re visiting a college, doesn’t mean you have to eat like a student. Here are some of the best college towns to visit just for the food.

Chapel Hill, N.C.

Chapel Hill is a great college town for many reasons — the beautiful scenery, the friendly locals, the impassioned college community — but don’t forget all the great area eats. You’ll find a little bit for every taste, but don’t forget to check out the Southern fare, like that found at Neal’s Deli, or the barbecue. Plus, there are still spots to dine if you’re looking for something a little more upscale.

New Haven, Conn.

The students at Yale are eating well, with places like Louis’ Lunch and Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana. But beyond the cute little historic establishments and pizza joints, you’ll find parent-worthy eateries and cafés to satisfy any mood or appetite.

Oxford, Miss.

Ole Miss is well known for serving up some of the best Southern-style tailgates in the region, along with all the tradition and fanfare that comes with college football in the South. However, venture beyond the tailgates for even more great eats, such as barbecue at Handy Andy or fine dining at City Grocery.

Madison, Wis.

Beer and cheese are easy to be had in this college town. Lots of breweries offer a non-college feel if you’d rather not rub elbows with rowdy students, and James Beard-winning chefs appear on Madison’s fine-dining scene. Plus, farm-to-table restaurants serve up local cheeses in all possible forms.