Every college student falls prey to the same issue at some point during their college career: No matter how "fabulous" the university claims their dining hall food is, you will get sick and tired of it. While there are many options, spending four years eating at the same place can be boring. That is why I am going to do you a huge service and introduce you to the seven restaurants off-campus that will save your life.
7. Benny's Tacos & Chicken Rotisserie
Lovingly referred to as Benny's, and formerly known as Tacos2 or 2 Tacos (still not sure which one it really was; R.I.P. Tacos2 / 2 Tacos).
This is the closest restaurant to campus (literally, just walk out the back gates and down Loyola Blvd. and it is on your right-hand side. But here are the directions, just in case you're still nervous about getting lost). This restaurant was formerly the much-loved, typical greasy, cheap Mexican food option that was deliciously horrible for you (but hey, we're in college, we'll bounce back). Then in the fall of 2013, Tacos2 / 2 Tacos changed to Benny's, and thank goodness for that! At first, I was heartbroken, but once you taste the California burrito with the rotisserie chicken, you will change your tune.
6. Chipotle
It's Chipotle—it needs no convincing or explanation.
(See directions here.)
5. C&O's
Unlimited. Garlic. Knots. These are the three words you will become very familiar with once you enroll at LMU. These are the greatest breadstick options you are likely to eat at an Italian restaurant. The food is great as well, but ask anyone at LMU about C&O's, and they will immediately begin to share their love for garlic knots.
**Note: There is C&O Cucina on Washington Blvd., and there is C&O Tarattoria by the Venice Pier.
4. Lemonade
Now, before you click on the directions here, let me just ask you to take a deep breath. It looks far when you look on Google Maps, but it is only 7.6 miles from campus. If you don't have a car, borrow a friend's. Or better yet, convince that friend to go with you—that way you get amazing food and socialization for the day. And if you really have no options, just rent a Zipcar from campus. Trust me, it's worth it! I recommend the white truffle mac 'n' cheese and the almond chai cookie, as well as the blueberry mint lemonade. You can thank me later.
**Note: there is also a location in Venice
3. Uncle Bill's Pancake House
If you are looking for a nice breakfast place to take your parents when they come to visit for Family Weekend and you want to show them how adult you are and how mature you have become, take them here. Again, it is in Manhattan Beach technically, but it's only 7.8 miles from campus, so it's not that far. There is a disclaimer, though: You will have to get up early to get a table. It can get quite busy, and you will end up waiting over an hour for a table if you don't get there early enough. However, with ocean views and awesome breakfast food, how could you go wrong? And better yet, you and your furry friend can sit outside on the patio. They are pet friendly!
2. The Kettle
Again, this is Manhattan Beach and is actually a two-minute walk from the #4 restaurant, Lemonade (see directions here). The Kettle is open 24 hours, which makes it the perfect off-campus place to study. They have huge booths and the most amazing muffins you will ever have. My personal favorite is the carrot walnut, but I have it on good authority that the honey bran is bomb as well. Their French onion soup is pretty killer, too.
And the #1 recommended restaurant near LMU is...
1. Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market
