In a city known for its great food, students at the College of Charleston struggle with deciding where to allocate their limited college funds. On the occasion that my friends and I have a few bucks to spare, with so many food options around the city, deciding where to go ends up taking longer than the lunch itself. Partially to help myself, I’ve compiled a list of the best lunch spots for other college students that can appreciate an Instagram-able sandwich or two that taste as good as they look.

1. Persimmon Cafe

Referred to around campus simply as Persimmon’s, Persimmon Cafe is a unique gem settled in a laundromat on Calhoun Street. It houses a menu full of filling, perfect-for-a-rainy-day sandwiches, including my personal favorite, a zucchini fontina melt.

2. Carolina Ale House

Carolina Ale House, near the corner of Calhoun and King street, is a hit among college students for the beautiful view from the third-story rooftop seating. The view may be great, but it doesn’t top the juicy burgers and tacos on this popular chain’s menu. My personal recommendation: cheese fries for the table, and an order JV sliders for yourself; you won’t regret it!

3. Fire

In the mood for tasty Asian street food, but don’t have enough for a plane ticket? Fire Street Food on King street is the place to go. You can order a warm bowl of noodles, a sushi roll, or teriyaki chicken; it’s safe to say Fire is a place of delicious variety.

4. Circe’s Grotto

Circe’s Grotto is a small building tucked away at 85 Wentworth that may seem small at first, but packs a big punch with its warm sandwiches. It’s a great place to grab a bite with a new friend and fill your tummies with their mouthwatering cheesy paninis.

5. Tricera Coffee

Tricera Coffee is a favorite study spot among college students, not only for its calm environment and interesting decor (there’s a triceratops head on the wall, for goodness’ sake!), but for its coffee, tasty bagels, and waffles. Try a bacon, egg, and cheese bagel; you’ll want to bite right into it the second you pull the two halves apart and get a good whiff of the most popular bagel that’s served there.

6. Beech

Had a large breakfast, and not hungry enough for a full meal? Go grab an acai bowl or a poke bowl at Beech on King street. Colorful fruits and healthy tuna poke are staples of this well-loved spot.

7. Queen Street Grocery

There are stickers from the Queen Street Grocery on at least one student’s laptop in every classroom, and after your first bite, you’ll understand why. It may be a little farther from campus, but the sandwiches and wraps here are beyond compare.

If you weren’t hungry before scrolling through this list, I don’t imagine that you aren’t now. The next time you are aching to go out for lunch, grab a friend, your wallet, and an empty stomach and hit one of these local spots!