Slice: Campus Eats

Strip Club Lake Country Fish and Chips. Photo by Hubert Bonnet

That’s right ladies and gentlemen; school is back in session. To help beat the back to school blues, we’re bringing you some of the best bites you’ll find around our area colleges. Whether you’re looking for a place to impress the parents when they’re dropping by for a visit, or to incite smooches from that fine looking lad or lass that sits across the way from you in class, these are the kinds of places that are exactly what the professor ordered; or something like that.

Kafe 421:

A Mediterranean inspired bistro, Kafe 421 offers up a variety of dishes with European flair, like their lamb burger or vegetarian Moussaka. Kafe 421 has a variety of both domestic and imported beers along with wines by the bottle and the glass. If you’re looking for the cute little dinner spot, with killer happy hour/cheap date night options, Kafe 421 is calling out your name.

Campus: University of Minnesota – Dinkytown
421 14th Avenue SE
Minneapolis
(612) 623-4900

Butcher & the Boar:

This newly opened meat and bourbon centric bar and restaurant is located just on the fringe of downtown and is perfect for an evening filled with carnal delights. Enjoy delicious bourbon based cocktails on the fabulous outdoor patio, or hunker down over a giant piece of meat, like the $9 foot-long hot dog. The nice thing about B&B is that most of the plates are designed to share. Who doesn’t want to sit down and pass around a giant sausage platter with a few friends? Plates average $18-$40.

Campus: Minneapolis Community & Technical College – Downtown
1121 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis
(612) 238-8888

The Strip Club:

Sounds hot right? Whereas this is another place that appears to be focused on meat, I assure you, they’ve got a lot more. In addition to the classic meat and fish options, The Strip Club proudly displays a large selection of clever, yet sophisticated, small plates. Sit down and order a spread for you and your posse. Also, be sure to order a drink or two from the cocktail wizards behind the counter. You’ll be sad if you don’t. Small plates range from $3.50 – $10.50 and entrees run from $22 – $39.

Campus: Metropolitan State University – St. Paul
378 Maria Avenue
St. Paul
(651) 793-6247

Joan’s in the Park:

There’s nothing like the taste of modern American cuisine to help wind down after a long week’s worth of paper writing and keg stands. If you’re in the Macalester or St. Kate’s part of town, you might want to consider dropping by Joan’s in the Park for wine and classic steakhouse fare; this one’s for all you sophisticated folks out there.  Entrees run $18-$31, yet there are a variety of appetizers and pizzas for less dough.

Campus: Macalester/St. Catherine – St. Paul
631 Snelling Ave S.
St. Paul
(651) 690-3297

128 Café:

Right across from St. Thomas is food fantastic favorite, 128 Café.  If you’re looking for a top quality meal, you’d be remiss to not hit up the 128. Known for their legendary baby back ribs, they also feature a wide variety of other seasonal gems. Entrees range from $15-$30, and a little birdy told us that you can you use your St. Thomas eXpress card there.

Campus: St. Thomas University – St. Paul
128 Cleveland Ave North
St. Paul
(651) 645-4128