One of the great things about being in college is the buffet in the cafeteria. Lots of options, unlimited eating, and being able to eat all the ice cream you want without anyone judging you. However, after about a week the caf' gets pretty old. It loses the wonderful appeal that it had on that first day of school and you need some options.
Students at Peru State College always seem to say something along the lines of "There is nothing to eat here!" As a freshman, I would have agreed with this statement, but after exploring the towns around Peru, I have found that there are actually a lot of great options! This is a list of local restaurants that all Peru State College students should try:
1. El Portal Mexican Restaurant - Nebraska City and Auburn
El Portal is definitely a Peru favorite. It has great, affordable Mexican food and is great for a night out with friends. I have tried a variety of items on the menu and none have disappointed. If you don't like Mexican food, it still has options for you!
Things to keep in mind: Tuesdays are Taco Tuesdays where you can get all you can eat tacos for only $5.99. On Wednesdays, margaritas are only $1.99.
2. Zach's Bar and Grill - Peru
A Peru classic, Zach's credits itself with being the only restaurant in Peru (aside from Casey's). It serves classic bar and grill favorites and is always a hot spot after home games.
Things to keep in mind: Service can be a little slow even when there is no rush at all, so as long as you aren't in a rush it's great. Thursday night is Wing Night with 10 wings for $6.00.
3. Cafe Metro - Auburn
Calling all breakfast people! You are in luck! Cafe Metro in Auburn serves great breakfast food. If you aren't a fan of breakfast, they also have a good lunch menu. You can also get specialty coffee here, as well. Service is great and is extremely fast. It is a great place for brunch.
Things to keep in mind: Hours are Mon-Wed 5AM-2PM, Thu-Sat 5AM-8PM, Sun 7AM-2PM
4. Parker's Smokehouse - Nebraska City
Parker's Smokehouse is a great place to go if you are craving some BBQ. (It is probably my favorite BBQ place in the area). The food will not disappoint.
Things to keep in mind: Try Emily's Peanut Butter Pie for dessert. It is a customer favorite and is SO GOOD.
5. Dairy Sweet - Auburn
Dairy Sweet is another Peru favorite. It serves great soft-served ice cream, classic American diner cuisine, and occasionally some frozen yogurt. It will really cure your sweet tooth craving.
Things to keep in mind: It closes at 9pm every day which can sometimes catch people off guard. If you are a fan of saving a buck or two, stop in and grab a punch card. Everyone loves a good punch card.
6. Great China Buffet - Auburn, Hong Kong Buffet - Nebraska City
Top: Hong Kong Buffet - Nebraska City, Bottom: Great China Buffet - Auburn
Things to keep in mind: Both are very similar, but Hong Kong Buffet is bigger and has more options.
7. Hickory Road BBQ and Catering - Auburn
Another BBQ restaurant closer to Peru. It has fewer options than Nebraska City but is great when you don't want to drive the extra distance. It has some good BBQ, and 3 homemade BBQ sauces!
8. Ladybug BBQ - Nebraska City
Ladybug BBQ has a classic small town feel in the middle of Nebraska City. It has a small, but classic selection of items. Service is very fast and friendly.
Things to keep in mind: It is a very tiny dining area, so keep that in mind before bringing your entire crew with you.
9. Huckleberry's Bar and Grill - Johnson
Johnson is one of the cutest towns in the area. The service is very friendly and makes you feel at home. Food is great and the menu is mostly homestyle classics.
Things to keep in mind: It is closed on Sundays and Mondays. Google says it is open on Mondays, but that is not true. For those of you that are 21 and older, the bar holds a bunch of events with prizes, including beer pong! Just make sure you have a DD before going out.
10. Arbor Manor Steakhouse and Motel - Auburn
If you are in the mood for a steak, this is the place to go. Arbor Manor Steakhouse is definitely something of its own. It is perfect if you are looking for something different.
Things to keep in mind: When you go, make sure you call in for reservations. Also, the prices are on the more expensive side, especially for their specialty meat.
11. Lied Lodge - Nebraska City
This is at the higher end of a college student's budget, but it is worth it for a nice night out. Guys, this is a great place to take a girl out on a date. This is also a great place to go and celebrate a great sports season, a birthday, or a successful semester. The Lied Lodge is a part of Arbor Day Farm and is beautiful.
Things to keep in mind: The Lied Lodge holds a lot of weddings and business events, so call ahead to reserve a table. Also, if you have a friend blessed with the gift of photography, bring them along and have an awesome photo shoot.
12. Chocolate Dreams and Sweet Things - Nebraska City
This may not be a full meal restaurant, but it is an awesome find. If you are craving some yummy pastries, this is the place to go and beat that sweet tooth.
13. Central Apple Market - Nebraska City
Another cool pastry shop that you should check out. It is adorable and is the definition of a classic country store.
Things to keep in mind: Almost all of the products in this store are from the Union Orchard.
14. Arbor Day Farm/Kimmel Orchard - Nebraska City, Union Orchard - Union
Top: Arbor Day Farm Middle: Kimmel Orchards Bottom: Union Orchard
Nebraska City is known for being the origin of Arbor Day. Southeastern Nebraska is proud of its trees and shows it off with orchards. As a Peru student, you must take advantage of the opportunity to go to these orchards, especially when all the apples are ripe in the fall. You can go pick apples to make your own desserts or you can stop by the shops at the orchards which have a lot of yummy goodies.
Things to keep in mind: Don't miss the Applejack Festival!!
With this list of options, Peru students have no excuse for complaining about the lack of food options. Get out of the campus and explore what Southeastern Nebraska has to offer. You will fall in love with this place we call home.
