Eat like a student in University City

The restaurant game in University City is changing fast – especially with the influx of Center City favorites like Sabor. But when it comes to that college town vibe, you have to turn to the students to find their authentic picks. Here are 10 student go-tos.

Cava

Location: The Shoppes at University Place
Hours: 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Student pick: University City is home to the first Cava location in the area (there’s also one in Huntersville and it’s coming soon to Park Road and Atherton Mill), and it’s been a student hit since it opened in February 2018. Don’t miss out on trying it all in your bowl or wrap – you can put multiple greens, grains and proteins by ask for “half and half.”

Farley’s Pizzeria

Location: 2025 East Arbors Drive
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Student pick: If you’re stepping up your pizza game (aka not cheap delivery), go all in. The New Yorker delivers, with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushroom, green pepper and red onion on their legit, hand-tossed crust. Or try the Garlic White with fresh tomato, garlic, feta, parmesan and mozzarella.

Ciro’s Italian Restaurant

Location: 8929 JM Keynes Drive in The Shoppes at University Place
Hours: Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays; closed Sundays
Student pick: Grilled Salmon and Shrimp, for its generous portion. Ciro’s is a fan favorite among students for its authentic Italian flavors and its speedy service. Gotta get back to those books.

House of Leng

Location: 8933 JM Keynes Drive at Lakefront Shoppes at University Place
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. weekdays; noon-10 pm Saturdays and Sundays
Student pick: The lunch combo, perfect for big appetites on a student budget. You get your choice of rice and a spring or egg roll, along with your choice of entree (like Pepper Steak or Sesame Tofu), starting at just $6.25. 

Bánh Mì Brothers

Location: 230 WT Harris Blvd A-7, Charlotte, NC 28262, Grande Promenade Shopping Center
Hours: 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; noon-7p.m. Sundays; closed Mondays
Student pick: You can’t go wrong with the traditional Bánh Mì when the toppings are this fresh. 

Angry Ale’s University

Location: In the Terraces at University Place, 9605 N. Tryon St.
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily
Student pick: Beyond just hanging at Angry Ale’s for its college bar ambience (tons of 49ers gear), try the daily specials like half-price burgers on Mondays and music trivia Tuesdays. And definitely start with the classic fried pickles.

Lazeez Mediterranean Grill

Location: 9311 JW Clay Blvd.
Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Student pick: Keep it fast and casual with the Chicken Shawarma, with hummus and pickles. 

Insomnia Cookies

Location: 9211 N. Tryon St.
Hours: Retail and delivery open till 3 a.m. (opening hours vary by day)
Student pick: Cookie craving, satisfied. When you need that late night break and a warm, gooey cookie delivered right to your door, go for the Deluxe Bigwich.

Tin Tin Cafe

Location: 3020 Driwood Court B
Hours: Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m.
Student pick: The dine-in specials at Tin Tin are SO GOOD. When you need a sushi fix, resist the urge for takeout and bring your crew to dine in – it’s buy one, get one sushi rolls and they have insane hibachi dinner deals, too. Start with the seaweed-salad topped Green Roll.

Picasso’s Sports Cafe

Location: McCullough Commons, on the corner of W.T. Harris and N. Tryon Street
Hours: 11 a.m.-2 a.m. daily
Student pick: Picasso’s owns that student sports bar vibe and is known for its selection of wings, served up 13 different ways. True spice fans should head straight for “Lucifer’s Own” style. 

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This paid content was created in partnership with UNC Charlotte and University City Partners.