Food

Tori Schultz smiles and expresses emotion after trying a sample of ice cream from, locally owned, Spoonlight Ice Cream during National Ice Cream for Breakfast day in Staks Pancake Kitchen, Feb. 7, 2026 in Auburn, Ala.

Spoonlight Ice Cream celebrates National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day at Staks

By Layla Hyatt | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | February 7

On Feb. 7, Staks Pancake Kitchen collaborated with Spoonlight Ice Cream to celebrate National Ice Cream for Breakfast Day. Customers were able to try specialty menu items, sample unique flavors and purchase a pint of ice cream for any flavors they enjoyed.

A table is set for a Christmas party with candles, orange slices and a meal.

How to 'deck the halls' for a Christmas dinner party

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | December 19

For students hoping to bring friends together at home, a Christmas dinner party provides the perfect opportunity to reunite. From the invitation to the table setting, follow the guide below to properly “deck the halls” of your home.

Hattie B's Hot Chicken to open in Auburn summer 2026

By Gracie Goodman | News Writer | November 24

A flavorful new arrival will soon make its way to Auburn. Nashville-based Hattie B’s Hot Chicken is officially set to join the lineup of downtown Auburn shops and restaurants in summer 2026. The location will open at 121 N. College St. and will bring a fresh and renewed purpose to the former historic Tiger Theatre.

A brick storefront with a sign reading "Cookie Fix," featuring striped awnings, a glass door, and a wooden bench outside.

Cookie Fix brings a sweet new flavor to Downtown Auburn

By Betsy Nearn | Lifestyle Writer | November 21

Downtown Auburn got a little sweeter with the opening of Cookie Fix on Nov.5. This is the company's 10th location and marks a new chapter for the brand that started nearly a decade ago.

GrubHub sign captured in the Chick-fil-A in the Auburn Student Center.

Auburn Campus Dining adapts to students' wants

By Amelia Gatzke | Lifestyle Writer | November 17

When it comes to the college student experience, it is safe to say that food is a huge part of it. Auburn University has a variety of options, from dining halls like The Edge to on-campus chain restaurants like Chick-fil-A and Panda Express. However, despite the positives, students and staff alike feel like Auburn's dining options have room for improvement.

A stylish interior features a dark tiled wall, illuminated sign reading "Olivine," lush green plants, and plush seating.

Exclusive look at Olivine, downtown Auburn's new rooftop restaurant

By Katelyn Smith | Lifestyle Editor | November 14

The new rooftop bar and restaurant Olivine hosted an exclusive first look on the evening of Nov. 13. Auburn’s newest rooftop experience offers a menu inspired by Italian cuisine mixed with Southern charm. Although opening officially on Nov. 19, Olivine invited a select few to an exclusive fine dining experience.

Fall food finds in Auburn

By Layla Hyatt | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | October 22

A great way to celebrate fall is by tasting the specialty autumn flavors that Auburn offers. From sweet pumpkin desserts at coffee shops to hearty dinners at local restaurants, Auburn has no shortage of foods to celebrate the season.

Graphic of fall dorm meals, including overnight oats, apple chips and apple cake.

Fall dorm recipes for and by Auburn students

By Margaret Griffin | Lifestyle Writer | October 18

When the temperature drops to a crisp breeze and the season starts to change, so does one’s palette. Hot lattes and warm drinks are now the most ordered off the coffee shops' menus, and iced drinks are drifting back into popularity for August and September. With more time inside during the colder seasons, novelties and new recipes tend to become a trend in the dorms.

Hors d’oeuvres of history: A cultural cookbook from the Auburn History Club

By Lorelei Young | Lifestyle Writer | October 5

Many customs, especially culinary ones, are valued within cultures because food often unites people together. Most people don’t think about the history behind their food, but the History Club at Auburn University, along with the Lee County Historical Society, is working to change that. The organizations are creating a cookbook with southern recipes, with information about their true origins, to bring awareness to the underrepresented groups that formed southern culinary culture.

PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best coffee: Thrive Here @Auburn

By Railey McCord | News Writer | July 7

Near Samford Lawn, Auburn students and local coffee lovers line up to visit Thrive Here @Auburn. The small local coffee shop is beloved for its diverse menu, friendly student staff and ability to accept Tiger Card dining dollars as payment. House favorite menu items include a vanilla cardamom latte, matcha and pour over.

PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best food

By Sam Vise and Piper Bosart | July 1

Auburn is filled with many different restaurants, ranging from local gems to chain restaurants that are universally loved. The following restaurants are the top picks for The Auburn Plainsman’s food categories.

Say cheese to Roni's Mac Bar, downtown Auburn's newest addition

By Landi Rutledge | News Editor | June 14

For its grand opening on June 14, Roni's Mac Bar - a mac and cheese bar with customizable toppings and grilled cheese - officially opened its Auburn location to the public. On North College Street, Roni's Mac Bar is the newest food spot in downtown Auburn.

Cicis Pizza is serving up fresh slices under new leadership in Auburn

By Jennifer Santiago | Newsletter Editor | June 4

Cicis Pizza is bringing back a revitalized and affordable guest experience to the area with improved leadership and a return to high-quality standards. Jason Bench, the new owner of Cicis Pizza in Auburn, runs the store with an energized, servant-leadership style, which is bolstered by his more than two decades of experience with the company.

Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation hosts 11th annual Burger Wars

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant Content Editor | May 31

On Saturday, May 31, the 11th annual Burger Wars was hosted in downtown Opelika, with 22 grillers competing for cash prizes, trophies and bragging rights. Hosted by the Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation, the goal was not only to create a competitive culinary environment but also to fundraise for local charities.

Most Effective Way To Get Food As A Student Graphic

Fueling the Plains: On-campus food options for Auburn students

By Clara Herrero | Culture Writer | April 10

Busy students often rely on the convenience of on-campus dining due to their packed schedules, which offer various options and price points. While some prioritize healthier, self-prepared meals, the university provides many accessible and social dining spaces.

A brew-tiful guide to coffee on campus

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | April 9

Fueled by the pressure of final exams, the demand for coffee around Auburn's campus spikes as students brace for late-night study sessions. Discover six coffee places on campus, from well-beloved classics to unfamiliar names, where students can satisfy their need for caffeine.

Auburn chefs blend cultures in "Fusion Flavors" showcase

By Celina Aleman | Culture Writer | February 18

On Feb. 17, the Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management hosted a four-course, wine-paired dinner titled “Fusion Flavors: Thai-Italian Auburn Chef Showcase.” Held at the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, the showcase featured Executive Chef Eric Rivera and Auburn University hospitality alumna Natasha Whitt.

This one's for the girls: Galentine's cookie decorating class

By Camille Ligon | Culture Writer | February 10

The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center is hosting its first community cookie decorating class on Feb. 13 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Local baker Rebecca Pilgreen of Sugar Bakings will lead the class, teaching participants of all ages how to decorate sugar cookies with royal icing.

The Auburn community hops over to newly established sweetFrog

By Sam Bainter | Assistant Lifestyle Editor | February 6

sweetFrog, a new frozen yogurt shop in Auburn, opened its doors on Jan. 1. Built on passion, pride and a sense of community, sweetFrog offers many combinations to appeal to one's sweet tooth.

Sip and savor: Auburn's local fall flavors

By Sam Vise | Assistant Culture Editor and Abby Culbreth | Culture Writer | October 28

As fall arrives in Auburn, local coffee shops are offering a variety of seasonal treats and drinks to warm up the community. From pumpkin spice lattes to apple cider teas, these cafes cater to a range of fall cravings. Whether one prefers a cozy drink or delectable pastry, Auburn's coffee scene has something to satisfy everyone.