Where to eat near the 25 colleges with the best off-campus dining

Location: Ithaca, New York

Niche value: 4.1

Louie's Lunch - The Louie's Lunch food truck is parked on the Northern part of Cornell's campus. It's a super convenient place to grab a bite, especially since the truck stays open until 3 a.m. Its footlong subs run close to $8 and munchies like fries and mozzarella sticks are all under $5.

Just A Taste - Just A Taste is good for Cornell students looking for a place to bring parents when they visit. The Spanish tapas prices range between $3.50 and $12, but you'll have to order a few since they're meant to be shared.

Collegetown Bagels - Collegetown Bagels has a few locations around Ithaca, but there's one right on the edge of Cornell's central campus. Students can grab a breakfast sandwich for about $5 and eat it on the outdoor patio.

Location: Northampton, Massachusetts

Niche value: 4.3

Jake's - Students claim this is the best place for breakfast in Northampton, but Yelp reviewers caution that if diners plan to go on the weekend, they might get hit with an hour wait. Some highlights on the menu include BLT french toast and the El Paso Ranchero.

Local Burger - The family-owned restaurant opened with the intention of supporting the community through use of local products and services. Though it has a number of specialty burger options, some standout menu items are Capt'n Crunch chicken tenders and Buffalo Blue fries. It's also open until 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.

Amanouz Cafe - Niche says that Amanouz was voted by students as the best place to take a date. The Moroccan and Mediterranean cafe is located on Northampton's Main St and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. everyday.

Location: Seattle, Washington

Niche value: 4.2

Ballet Vietnamese Restaurant - According to Niche, this spot is a local favorite for SU students. It's around the corner from the university's campus and its prices are super cheap — for less than $9, you can get stir fry with a side of rice.

HoneyHole - SU students can travel about half-a-mile to grab one of the HoneyHole's sandwiches. The place gives off a cool vibe with funky decorations, red walls and sandwiches with names like "Emilio Pestovez" and "The Dude."

Pagliacci Pizza - Pagliacci opened in Seattle's University District in 1979 and has since received recognition as one of Seattle's best pizza places. Large brick oven-baked specialty pizzas are about 17 inches and run between $11.99 and $29.99.

Location: Berkeley, California

Niche value: 4.1

Gypsy's Trattoria Italiano - Yelp reviewers swear this is the best place to get the most bang for your buck. The menu is filled with Italian favorites like chicken parmigiana and fettuccine alfredo. College students strapped for cash can get an entree, salad, and soda for $9.99.

Gordo Taqueria - Berkeley students face no shortage of options when it comes to Mexican restaurants located near campus. Gordo Taqueria was named a favorite by students according to Niche. It's said to have some of the cheapest burrito prices in the area, with prices ranging from $4.85 to $7.45.

Top Dog - Top Dog is around the corner from Berkeley's campus. It serves a variety of hot dogs and sausages, which cost anywhere between $3 and $8. Students craving a late-night snack can find Top Dog open until 2 a.m.

Location: Boulder, Colorado

Niche value: 4.2

Half Fast Subs - In less than five minutes, CU students can have what one Yelp reviewer says are the, "cheapest and best subs in town." The menu seems endless — Half Fast Subs has everything from hot and cold sandwiches to cheesesteaks to triple thick shakes.

Cosmo's Pizza - CU students don't need to walk far if they're craving pizza. Cosmo's slices and pies are huge, with a 24-inch pie running close to $35. Yelp users also note that the spicy ranch is so good, Cosmo's sells it by the jar.

Lucile's - According to student surveys on Niche, Lucile's Creole Cafe serves the best breakfast in towns. With prices running between $5 and $10, CU students can enjoy New Orleans classics like pain perdu or beignets without leaving Boulder.

Location: Charlottesville, Virginia

Niche value: 4.2

Bodo's Bagels - Bodo's, according to Yelp reviewers, is a local favorite making bagels that rival the ones made in NYC. Its all-natural bagels are made sans preservatives and are boiled then baked to perfection. For about $5, students can get a breakfast sandwich that doesn't break the bank.

Bellair Market - This hidden gem is actually located at a gas station but Yelp reviewers and students swear that Bellair Market has the best sandwiches in Charlottesville. The market has a ton of gourmet sandwich options all for under $10.

The Local - The Local is about a 10-minute drive from UVA's campus, but a good excuse for students to check out what the rest of Charlottesville has to offer. Prices are a bit steep, some dishes like Steak Frites are about $20, but it's a good place to bring visitors since The Local also features live music and art exhibits featuring local artists.

Location: Fort Collins, Colorado

Niche value: 4.1

Rainbow Restaurant and Catering - North of the Colorado State campus, Rainbow Restaurant is a Fort Collins favorite for breakfast and lunch. Colorado State students can grab a coffee and breakfast burrito combo for $4 and enjoy it on the restaurant's garden patio.

Wild Boar Cafe - Wild Boar Cafe's comfy sofas and outdoor seating attracts students looking for a place to grab a bite and study. The coffeehouse stays open until 10 p.m. and invites students to stay as long as they want, offering a menu filled with breakfast options and sandwiches.

Waffle Lab - The Waffle Lab take the regular Belgian waffle up a notch by offering concoctions like waffle grilled cheese or PB&J-topped waffles. The truck is usually located not too far from campus, but it plans to open a restaurant this year.

Location: New Haven, Connecticut

Niche value: 4.3

Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana - Frank Pepe's has been open for over 90 years and has multiple locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. It's credited for creating New Haven-style thin crust pizza and its signature pie is the "White Clam Pizza."

Louis' Lunch - Louis' claim to fame is that it's the birthplace of the hamburger. Its simple menu features "The Original Burger," a few sides, homemade pie, and drinks.

BAR - The multi-room pizza place originally opened as a bar and club but in 1996 they added a brü room where New Haven-style thin crust pizzas are served. It's pies cost at least $15 for a large and the mashed potato and bacon pizza is a favorite of Yelp reviewers.

Location: Washington, D.C.

Niche value: 4.2

Jetties - Jetties has a number of locations in the Washington, D.C., area, but its first location on Foxhall Road is a short drive from Georgetown's campus. All of Jetties' sandwiches are made with local produce and are named after Nantucket beaches.

The Tombs - The Tombs is one of three restaurants located in a old townhouse dating back to the 1800s. It's a favorite of GU students looking for late-night bites or to hangout and watch a Hoya game.

Sweetgreen - Sweetgreen might be a franchise now, but its first location opened in 2007 in Washington, D.C., by two Georgetown University grads. Health-conscious students can grab signature salads like the Rad Thai or create their own for under $15.

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Niche value: 4.2

Devil Dawgs - Students who crave Chicago-style hot dogs can get their fix at Devil Dawgs. It's a short walk from DePaul and with $5 you can get one of the quarter-pound devil dawgs or a steak burger.

Branko's Sandwich Shop - The old school sandwich shop has been open for about 40 years and has tons of sandwiches to choose from, all under $10. Yelp reviewers say the owners treat their customers like family, making it the perfect home away from home for DePaul students.

Pequod's Pizza - It's impossible to live in Chicago and not have deep dish pizza. Pequod's weekday special includes a 7-inch deep dish pizza and soda for $4.95. Many Yelp reviewers claim this is where the real Chicagoans go.

Location: Madison, Wisconsin

Niche value: 4.2

Mickies Dairy Bar - This 1950s-inspired diner is right by UW's campus. Yelp reviewers talk wildly about The Scrambler — it costs $7.50 and the portions are so big there might be leftovers.

Ian's Pizza - Ian's is not your average pizza place. While it sells slices with typical toppings like pepperoni, it's the specialty slices that really stand out. For $4 a slice, students can try huge slices of Mac n' Cheese pizza.

The Old Fashioned - The Old Fashioned is the perfect place for students from out of state to experience Wisconsin classics like cheese curds and bratwursts, all made with ingredients from local producers and markets.

Location: Los Angeles, California

Niche value: 4.4

Auntie Em's Kitchen - Auntie Em's sits right outside the Occidental College campus and it's great for students to get home cooking away from home. A number of Yelp reviewers insist the biscuit breakfast sandwich is the best thing on the menu.

Spitz - Doner kebab, meat cooked on a spit, is a specialty at this Mediterranean spot opened by two former Occidental students. Less than 10 minutes from Occidental's campus, students can get wraps or sandwiches filled with lamb, chicken, or beef for under $10. Vegetarian options are also available.

Leo's Tacos - The taco truck parked not too far from campus is, as one Yelp reviewer claims, always packed with Occidental students on Friday and Saturday nights. Leo's stays open late, serving $1 tacos and $3 burritos until 3 a.m. on the weekends.

Location: Bloomington, Indiana

Niche value: 4.2

Mother Bear's Pizza - Yelp reviewers warn that this pizza joint can get packed, especially during the weekends when the wait time can run over an hour. It's a college student's dream, offering deals almost every night like 20% off all regular prices on Mondays.

Dagwood's Deli - For those who don't know, a dagwood is a sandwich layered to monster proportions. This IU favorite lives up to its name. Its sandwiches are so big, it offers half-subs for around $6 — while a whole sandwich costs around $10.

Nick's English Hut - Nick's has been around for almost 90 years, with locals and students stopping in for strombolis, pizza, and other late-night eats. One Yelp reviewer even lamented, "I barely ever went to Nick's when I attended IU and I am forever ashamed of myself to admit that."

Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Niche value: 4.2

Zingerman's Delicatessen - You know a sandwich place is good when it has Oprah's seal of approval. Zingerman's opened in Ann Arbor in 1982 and has since become a local favorite. Yelp reviewers assure the sandwiches are worth the $13 to $19 price range.

Mani Osteria & Bar - University of Michigan students can head over to this Italian eatery for wood fired pizza or chicken parm sandwiches. It's even a favorite of celebrities like Bobby Flay and Amy Adams, who have both visited the restaurant during visits to Ann Arbor.

Frita Batidos - The Cuban-inspired restaurant serves "fritas," a hamburger typically made of chorizo topped with shoestring fries and an egg. Fritas Batidos takes it a little further by offering fish, chicken, and black bean options — $8 for a single or $11 for a double.

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Niche value: 4.3

Bon Bahn Mi - Bon Bahn Mi's menu consists of three items: bahn mis, tacos, and salads. Customers pick an item and then choose from fillings like five spice pork or lemongrass chicken, which makes for a quick and filling lunch for under $10.

Dave's Carry Out - About a half-mile from the college's campus, Dave's specializes in seafood and soul food. Yelp reviwers won't stop talking about the low prices and huge portions of fried chicken wings, fish, and pork chops.

Persimmon Cafe - Don't be deceived, but Persimmon Cafe is actually located at the front of a laundromat. Persimmon serves frozen custard flavors like Nutella & Toasted Marshmallow and Root Beer Float along with a vairety of soups and sandwiches.

Location: Saratoga Springs, New York

Niche value: 4.3

Country Corner Cafe - Decorated with antiques and country-style furniture, the Country Corner Cafe's owner opened the restaurant to welcome locals, tourists, and Skidmore students. Yelper users can't stop talking about its breakfast and brunch options, saying the huevos rancheros is a must-have.

Esperanto - Esperanto's owners were so inspired by the various types of street foods they encountered during their travels, they brought them to Saratoga Springs and added a health-conscious twist. The restaurant has a number of "grab & go" items like chimichangas and burritos for less than $4.

Uncommon Grounds - Opened in 1992, the coffee and bagel shop claims its freshly-made bagels are just as good as those in NYC. According to Yelp reviewers, tons of students frequent the shop and spend hours studying while enjoying the different brews and bites.

Location: Austin, Texas

Niche value: 4.2

Hopfields - The French-style bistro takes bar food and adds a bit of sophistication. Some dishes include fries made with fresh herbs and aioli sauce or french onion dip.

Milto's - Located in the center of the University of Texas' west campus, Milto's specializes in mediterranean cuisine … and it's pretty cheap too. Its gyros are around $6 each and its pasta dishes are less than $10.

Food Heads - FoodHeads has been serving breakfast, tacos, and sandwiches for over 20 years in Austin. Open at 7 a.m., students can grab something under $10 before heading to class.

Location: Asheville, North Carolina

Niche value: 4.5

Tupelo Honey Cafe - UNC-Asheville students told Niche some of the best restaurants in Asheville are downtown. It's a bit far from campus, but students can take the bus for free to visit restaurants like the Tupelo Honey Cafe to try quintessential Southern cooking.

HomeGrown - HomeGrown is a little over a mile from UNC's campus and partners with farms in Asheville to cook dishes made from fresh, local ingredients so the menu is always changing based on what is available. HomeGrown boasts that the fried chicken biscuits will be the best you've ever tasted.

Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company - This local pub has three locations around Asheville and offers students a 15% discount on a select number of menu items. Their location on Merrimon Ave has a dine-in movie theater and game room.

Location: Athens, Georgia

Niche value: 4.2

The Grit - The Grit only serves vegetarian food, but that doesn't mean University of Georgia students can't find a hearty meal here. It's open daily for from morning until night. Some favorite dishes are the veggie burger, the Mid-E platter, and loaded nachos.

Clocked - Less than a mile away from the University of Georgia campus, this classic diner uses organic and local ingredients free of additives and hormones. With 13 different burgers on the menu, from classic to peanut butter bacon, it's no wonder why some Yelp reviewers said Clocked serves the best burger in Athens.

Big City Bread Cafe - Part bakery and part gourmet dining, Big City Bread has a little bit of everything for everyone. Students can stop in for a quick latte and pastry or they can stay a bit longer and have dinner in the courtyard dining area.

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

Niche value: 4.3

HK NOLA - The neighborhood cafe creates dishes using locally-sourced and organic ingredients, so it serves as a great place to pick up healthy meal options. HK NOLA even has "Grab 'N' Go" items available for students.

The Camellia Grill - Yelp reviewers speak enthusiastically about the grill's large portion sizes and "fifties and sixties" vibe. The pecan pie seems to be the must-eat this NOLA favorite.

Dat Dog - The colorful outdoor eatery has four locations in Louisiana, but the one on Freret Street is less than a mile from campus. There, students can nosh on hot dogs decked out with toppings like bacon, jalapeños, or crawfish étouffée.

Location: San Francisco, California

Niche value: 4.3

Papalote - This San Francisco favorite is even loved by celebrity chef Bobby Flay. It's a quick walk from the USF campus and its menu features typical Mexican fare for under $10. Plus, Papalote's salsa is so good, it's available for purchase.

Velo Rouge Cafe - Students agreed that Velo Rouge served some of the best coffee near SFU's campus. The French cafe is open from 6:30 a.m. until 10 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday. Live music on the weekends is a good excuse to break away from the books and checkout the local music scene.

Royal Ground Coffee - The chain of coffee shops can be found all around California, but the closest one to USF's campus is on Geary Blvd. Everything on the menu is under $8 and they have a huge variety of coffee drinks, sandwiches, breakfast, and smoothies.

Location: St Louis, Missouri

Niche value: 4.3

Pastaria - Pastaria is the more casual of the restaurants belonging to St. Louis' Niche Food Group. Its freshly-made pasta and pizza dishes are all under $20 and is the perfect place to bring family when they come to town.

Kayak's Coffee Shop - According to Yelp users, Washington University students basically live in this coffee shop located just northeast of campus. Aside from a wide selection of coffee drinks and teas, it has a huge menu featuring breakfast, sandwiches, salads, and flatbread pizza.

Pi Pizzeria - Pi is one of the many restaurants located in the Delmar Loop not too far from WashU's campus. It specializes in deep dish and thin cornmeal crust pizza with a ton of traditional and gourmet topping options. After visiting Pi in 2008, President Obama said it was the best pizza he ever had.

Location: Houston, Texas

Niche value: 4.4

OhMyGogi! Food Truck - Located in Rice Village, an area of shops and restaurants located a half-a-mile from Rice University's campus, the OhMyGogi! food truck serves up a fusion of Korean and Mexican dishes such as kimchi and chicken quesadillas or Korean beef tacos.

Local Foods - Also located in Rice Village, Local Foods specializes in gourmet sandwiches and salads all made with ingredients from local farms. Yelp reviewers rave about the Crunchy Chicken Sandwich, which is made with pretzels and crushed potato chips.

Torchy's Tacos - The taco chain has locations throughout Texas, Colorado, and Oklahoma. Rice University students can venture to one of the eight locations in the Houston area to check out Torchy's "Taco of the Month."

Location: New York, New York

Niche value: 4.4

Pomme Frites - This NYC staple served Belgian-style fries for 18 years before a gas explosion forced it to shutdown for 14 months. The shop reopened in May and offers almost 30 different kinds of dipping sauces.

Mamoun's - Mamoun's has six locations in the Tri-State area, but it's shop located on MacDougal Street is in walking distance from the NYU campus. It offers everything from falafel to shwarma to shish kebabs for as low as $3.50. The highest priced platter is $12.50.

Kopi Ramen - Named after the Indonesian word for coffee, Kopi Ramen is hidden in the back of the Kopi Kopi coffee bar across the street from NYU's library. Aside from six different ramen dishes, the small, speakeasy-style restaurant offers Indonesian plates like Murtabak Telor — a stuffed pancake or pan-fried bread.