Students making their way back to school return to several new options for dining in and carrying out.
Since its opening in March, record-breaking heat waves have caused many summer students
to flock to the highly-anticipated Tropical Smoothie Cafe, with its innovative array of healthy and energy-boosting smoothies.
Breakfast, wraps, sandwiches, flatbreads and salads are also available.
"The hummus veggie wrap I ordered was a bit spicy, but it was good," said Caitlyn Komara, senior in social work.
A popular dining and hang-out spot with rave reviews is Bloodhound, or, as locals call it, the Hound.
It is located downtown on Tichenor Avenue, next to the public parking deck.
The rugged, yet homey, atmosphere and meaty, home-cooked menu options offer an old-timey Alabama feel to this college town.
Bloodhound has drawn attention with intriguing food and drink options and specials such as the "Double Dog Dare Ya," offering two-for-one hotdogs on Tuesdays and half-price signature drinks on Fridays for "Early Bird Happy Hour."
The American classic restaurant's hearty eating choices are available for brunch, lunch and dinner.
"Bloodhound's brunch menu is 'scrumdiddlyumcious,'" said Ben Manzano, sophomore in English. "I had the best biscuits and gravy of my life there. They have one dollar mimosas, too."
It also offers many drinking choices, with more than 30 beers on tap, including the famous Andygator and the noteworthy Truck Stop Honey Brown. Select craft beers are available for $4 on Pint Nights Tuesday through Thursday.
Bloodhound is also known for its extensive whiskey and bourbon list, offering 37 options that are mostly top shelf.
Along with the large main dining room are two private dining areas, a separate music venue-- with two bars, a stage with a custom barnwood and bullet bar and a local art display--as well as a large outdoor patio.
Other than American classics, Auburn has a wide variety of international dining options that have become a defining feature of the multicultural community.
"Auburn is a place of great diversity, which is exemplified by its cuisine choices such as the fresh and interesting concept of Auburn Caribbean Cuisine on South College," said Jimmy Palmer, senior in marketing.
Plaintains, curries, meats cooked with jerk spice and different types of roti are just some of Auburn Caribbean Cuisine's selections.
The ethnic menu options, hand-painted map of the Caribbean islands and bright colors are what give the restaurant a tropical feel.
Palmer said he was highly impressed by the tenderness of Caribbean Cuisine's pork and its large platter portions.
Seoul BBQ on South College Street also offers a splash of culture with its Korean-style menu.
Since its opening in mid-June, students have visited its downtown location for a rare spin on American barbecue.
For those wary of trying new foods, the new eatery UpTown on Opelika Road serves American and Southern soul favorites such as baked chicken, burgers and those famous Southern side dishes.
UpTown also hosts live music events on the terrace adjoining the restaurant from the backside.
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