Most college students want to find reasonably priced places to eat and study or take a break. After a few years, it gets hard to find new places close to campus, which is why I’ve compiled a list of some overlooked classics that are sure to become an instant favorite:

1. Tea Bar and Bites: Bakery and Cafe

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Atmosphere: Tea Bar has a quirky hipster vibe to it. The restaurant actually looks like a home and there are three or four separate rooms where you can be seated. Each room is filled with little tapestries and paintings. There is outdoor seating when the weather is nice and they serve large parties.

Types of food: Every kind of tea under the sun (complete with a list of health benefits for each type of tea), sandwiches, salads and soups. They also serve breakfast pastries, muffins, cookies and brownies all day long! The food is very light, so you feel full without feeling gorged.

Menu Link:http://teabarandbites.com/menu.html

Address:

621 S. Pickwick, Springfield, MO 65802

Hours:

Monday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Saturday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed on Sunday

2. Nonna’s Italian Café

image courtesy of The Standard

Atmosphere: Nonna’s is a dimly lit and quiet café. It has a charming old-time feel and there's usually '80s music playing, which is always a bonus!

Types of food: Classic Italian dishes including spaghetti, fettucine and lasagna. They also have more unusual Italian dishes, if you’re craving something out of the ordinary. Everything is homemade with fresh ingredients.

• http://nonnascafe.com/SouthSide.html#dinner

Address:

Downtown Location: 306 South Ave., Springfield, MO 65606

South Location: 3512 South National, Springfield, MO 65807

Hours:

Sunday and Monday: 11 a.m. -9 p.m.

Tuesday - Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

3. Grad School

Atmosphere: Grad School has a cozy classic diner/dive bar feel. Its clientele is mostly college students and is perfect for after a game or for a quick sit-down restaurant.

Types of food: Burgers, fries, wings, ribs: classic ‘Merican food.

Menu Link: https://www.menuism.com/restaurants/grad-school-springfield-688395/online-menu

Address:

434 S. Jefferson Ave, Springfield, MO 65806-2316

Hours:

Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Saturday: 12 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Closed on Sunday

4. Izumi Hatake Sushi Bar & Grill

Atmosphere: Izumi has pretty simple, classic Japanese décor and it’s quiet. It’s not usually very busy and is easily one of Springfield’s most overlooked restaurants. The sushi is about half as cheap as any other sushi place in Springfield (It’s also located near a killer record shop).

Types of food: Sushi, fish, rice, chicken, soup, calamari, etc.

Menu Link: https://www.menuism.com/restaurants/izumi-hatake-sushi-bar-and-grill-springfield-659118/online-menu

Address:

302 East Walnut Street, Springfield, MO 65806

Hours:

Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Sunday - Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

5. Big Momma's Coffee & Espresso Bar

Atmosphere: Quirky new coffee shop with an old time vibe: wood floors, brick walls, mismatched furniture and couches. Big Momma’s also usually has live music or performances on their stage in the back of the shop on most nights. A casual place to hang out after class and study or have a late-night coffee date.

Types of food: Sandwiches, coffee, tea, soups, salads… homemade food with fresh ingredients.

Menu Link: http://www.bigmommascoffee.com/menu.html

Address:

217 E Commercial Street, Springfield, MO 65803 (Located in historic district)

Hours:

Monday – Friday: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Saturday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.