By Sawyer Serdula ‘23
Only about a 4-minute drive from campus, this is one of the best cheap eats here in AVL. Make sure to go on Saturdays for their lunch special, when you can get two rolls and either miso soup or ginger salad for around $12. It’s the perfect amount to satisfy your sushi cravings, and if you’re still hungry, splurge a little to get some boba (and the student discount) at the alumni-owned The Pop downstairs!
Located in the heart of downtown, parking is more likely to break the bank than this restaurant. Shanghai serves up a mash up of different cuisines, but if you’re looking to try authentic soup dumplings, this is the place. Along with the other tapas-style items, I recommend the scallion pancakes and the pan fried pork buns to get the most bang out of your buck. But you really can’t go wrong here, so, get whatever you want!
A student favorite for a definite reason. Right after the tunnel of Tunnel Road, Papa’s and Beer is quintessential Mexican that will leave you stuffed and happy after dinner here. They offer a large menu with about everything you can think of, and my go to is the taco and enchilada combo. With 20 options to choose from, it can be hard to make a decision, so go with your gut on this menu, since the combination meals only reach to $12 a plate (and that plate is FULL of food). Don’t miss out on this tradition, and make sure to come hungry.
On the more expensive side of this list comes Asheville Pizza and Brewing, but for good reason: dinner and a show! If you’ve been looking for a low stakes activity to get off of campus for, look no further than this restaurant/movie theater right on Merrimon Ave. With two to three movies playing each week, it’s easy to catch a showing and enjoy one of their specialty pizzas in the theater. Of course, you don’t have to watch a movie to eat there, but where’s the fun in that?!
Coincidentally sharing a name with our very own bulldog, Rocky’s is legendary in chicken mastery, and you will either leave having cleaned your plate or with lunch for tomorrow, depending on how hungry you are. Rocky’s has different spice levels, and for the less prepared, always go with Honey Mild (it’s the best!). While their sandwiches and salads are great, the unofficial student classic is the three tenders, your choice of two sides, and a cheerwine slushie. If you haven’t been won over by Asheville food yet, this place will do it for you.
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