Honestly, when you pick your college, there are some important things you really should consider: Where is the best cheap sushi? Is there a Starbucks close by? Is walking to the local Jamba Juice is a deal breaker? How long is the usual line at In-n-Out? Where is the best burger in town?
If you're a University of the Pacific student, let me give you the low-down on the best selections in Stockton, and why you have to eat there.
First and foremost, every college student needs to know the best coffee shop or café in town, and I'm telling you that Empresso has me hooked. I believe I'm a valued and dedicated customer because I have a stamp card. When you gaze at the menu board, you might want to order something new to get a feel for the place, and trust me, anything they make will be high-quality. I always think I want something new, but I never order anything else except for their chunky money, which is filled with chocolate and banana goodness. However, this blended drink reaches its best potential by adding peanut butter. Once you try this amazing creation, you will have lived an almost full life.
Next, you're probably wondering where you can get the best sushi in town, and let me tell you that, living in Stockton, you might be surprised to find good sushi at all. However, this city never surprises me with great food. If you love sushi, you need to put Kyodai on your list. This restaurant has high quality sushi that falls onto the pricey side, but what worthwhile sushi place isn't pricey? Good news, though, they have single rolls that cost no more than 10 dollars. One down side is that they don't have an "all you can eat" buffet option, but they do offer complimentary peas as an appetizer.
Thirdly, we all need to know the best burger joint in town. I have had professors ask students where they think the best burger is in Stockton, and I would agree with the majority that voted for Flip's. It's a small place in the northwest side of Stockton. I was lucky to try their burgers for the first time awhile ago before the lunch rush hit. My word of advice, if you are eating at a restaurant that gets a big lunch rush with a line that reaches out the door, it's probably a great restaurant. Flip's offers a couple added bonuses: they make amazingly crisp fries, and they also just might blend the best milkshake in Stockton, too. Put this place on your bucket list before you graduate.
Don't forget about dessert! You need to pop in at the best dessert spot after taking on that giant burger. Just last year, Stockton was blessed with an East Coast chain called Rita's, an Italian ice and frozen custard delight. It recently opened this past summer, and rumor has it that on their first few nights open, people were lined up out the door and down the walkway. I had to try it for myself and discovered the countless combinations of frozen custard or Italian ice that you can mix to please your sweet desires. I know it is a little cold this time of year, but when that first warm spring day hits the forecast, be sure to put Rita's on your radar.
Lastly, finding a cool late night hang out is ideal in a college town. We have been blessed once again by a late night restaurant called Late Night at Bernie's. This hot spot features great burgers that definitely compete with Flip's, great milkshakes, late night donuts, and snacks. This restaurant creates a welcoming culture with board games and a closing time of 3 a.m.
The list is endless of quality restaurants in town. If you haven't heard before, you'll hear it from me: Stockton has great food waiting for you!
