Moving to a small college town, my friends and I knew we would find some amazing hole-in-the-wall restaurants, but never imagined them to be this addicting. Although there are plenty of good places to eat in Manhattan, here are the top 5 of the best restaurants, and they will not disappoint you.
1. Taco Lucha
Buffalo street tacos
Saige Masonhall
Taco Lucha is the best place to eat in Manhattan. It is a small hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant that is known for their raspberry black bean dip. It doesn't sound very appetizing, but it is one of the best dips I have ever had. A lot of people like their street tacos, but they also have burritos, quesadillas, salsa, and cheese dip. Since it is such a small place, you can sit outside during the winter and they have heaters and blankets for their guests who chose to do so. They also are known for many of their alcoholic beverages. Some of these drinks include margaritas, red beer, and other unique beer concoctions.
No matter what you order from Taco Lucha, from appetizers to cocktails, you won't be disappointed. My favorite thing to order from there is buffalo chicken street tacos, these tacos come with buffalo sauce, avocado cabbage, and bacon. If you ever come to Manhattan, Taco Lucha is a must, and definitely worth the wait.
2. Varsity Truck
The Varsity Truck is not actually a restaurant, but it is definitely worthy of being the second best place to eat in the Little Apple. The Varsity Truck is only open Thursday-Saturday 9 p.m. – 3 a.m. and is located in Aggieville. The truck actually came from the donut shop, Varsity Donuts and is open daily, but you can only get doughnuts and not the food that the truck is famous for. The Varsity Truck is known for their amazing grilled cheese mac-n-cheese but they also have other creative foods such as the "Bacon Bomb," "Party Balls" and foot-long hot dogs.
No matter what time you go to the truck, the food is always hot and fresh and always hits the spot. They also have a projector out by the truck where they always have a movie playing, so you can enjoy your food and watch a movie. If you are out in the Ville late on the weekend, stopping by the Varsity Truck is a necessity.
3. Mr. K's
Chocolate chip cookie bake
Saige Masonhall
Mr. K's is a sports bar that isn't known for their food, but their amazing cookie bakes! Don't get me wrong, they have really good food, but the reason I put them as the third best place to eat in Manhattan is that of the dessert. They have amazing mac-n-cheese and even have the option of putting pulled pork on it. They have many different types of items on their menu ranging from sandwiches and soups to pizza. A cookie bake is a really hot doughy cookie with cold ice cream on top.
My favorite is the peanut butter cookie, but they also have chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles and a seasonal one. They have cookie bakes at other restaurants, but they do not compare to Mr. K's.
4. So Long Saloon
Raspberry black bean dip
Saige Masonhall
So Long Saloon is located in Aggiveille and connected to Taco Lucha's kitchen so you can order the raspberry black bean dip there as well. My favorite thing to order at So Long is there "grown-up grilled cheese." On this grilled cheese there are three different types of cheese, bacon, roasted peppers and onions, and jalapeno pesto on texas toast. It usually comes with french fries, but I always substitute for onion rings. So Long has a very unique menu with many of the items, you would never expect to taste good together. Going to this restaurant really made me step out of my comfort zone with food, and I love it.
5. Tanner's
Me and a couple of my friends having a Sunday family dinner
Saige Masonhall
Tanner's is actually a chain restaurant, but it is good and worthy of being on the top five places to eat in the Little Apple. Tanner's is a sports bar in Aggieville and is always constantly packed on the weekends and game days. They have many TV's so even on Sunday's you are able to watch your favorite team. They have a pretty big menu for a sports bar and it is all good. They have deals every day of the week for college students and even deals on their alcoholic drinks. My favorite things to get there are the fried pickles, buffalo dip, and barbeque boneless wings. The buffalo dip was so good but is no longer on the menu. The buffalo dip had chicken on it and crumbly blue cheese on top. Tanner's also has the best buttermilk ranch I have ever had and dipping the fried pickles, wings and fries just make them that much better. Since Tanner's has so many TV's, game slots and big tables for you to meet with friends and hang out for hours!
