College cities are major hubs for cute little restaurants and swanky snack places. They range all the way from showing up in your gym shorts and t-shirts to slipping into your fancy duds and sandals. As a self proclaimed foodie, I hit as many places as I can. Unable to pick a favorite place, I choose to pick a favorite food at each place. Here are a few of my recommendations for the next time you find yourself craving a bite to eat when you're in Raleigh.
D. P. Dough
You name the ingredients and the staff at D.P. Doughs will stuff a calzone with them. I've never been disappointed with the contents of one of these boxes. Big enough for two people, these calzones will leave you extremely satisfied and planning your order for the next one.
Hibachi Sushi NCSU
This Japanese hole-in-the-wall spot serves up huge portions for made to order hibachi. You pick through the long list of different style hibachi dishes and eagerly wait for your number to be called. With a never ending supply of white sauce to dress your dish in, it is hard to turn away from the opportunity to swing by.
Insomnia Cookies
Much like the name suggests, this quickly growing cookie chain hits the spot on a sleepless night at the library. Toasty warm cookies are just a phone call away from campus, and they even bring milk upon your request! If you're feeling really adventurous I recommend the cookiewich--a slab of ice cream sandwiched between two cookies of your choice.
Gonza Tacos y Tequila
With the best guacamole and salsa around, Gonza's hits high on my list. Not only does it offer tasty tacos and nachos, its "Day of the Dead" themed decor makes it hard to pass up the chance to dine in. Paper stars hang from the high ceilings making it feel like you're in another world. The decorative lucha libre masks scattered about the restaurant make eating there an extraordinary experience.
Sugarland
Tucked away behind some clothing boutiques in Cameron Village is a cute little sweet shop that is a must stop. Brilliantly decorated cakes line the store making it visually appealing. Cakes and pies sit contently behind a glass counter just waiting to be picked, but the true treasure is the gelato. Flavor upon flavor fill the cooler making this shop a must stop on a hot day.
Players Retreat
Without a doubt the Players Retreat is home to the best burgers in all of the universe. A hearty patty of meat meshed with the perfect bun make lunch at the PR loads of fun. A crop of french fries is all it takes for the meal to be pushed well over the top of any flavor rollercoaster. The sports bar atmosphere makes you feel like one of the team as you chow down. There is a special place in my heart for the PR and there will be one in yours as soon as you step inside.
