Plainsman's Choice

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 places to unwind in Auburn

By Amanda Machamer | Assistant News Editor and Jennifer Santiago | Lifestyle Editor | July 7

The Auburn community provides its students with many choices when it comes to where they spend their free time. These leisurely activities include attending local events, working out, or going on a first date. However, some locations and businesses are uniquely special due to their above and beyond services and welcoming environments. Plainsman’s Choice: Leisure will showcase the winners of these student-voted categories.

PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best student organization: The Jungle

By Ashley Massey | News Writer | July 4

Due to the electric atmosphere and highly organized efforts, “The Jungle” was awarded Plainsman’s Choice best student organization in 2025.

PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best of campus

By Ally Northridge | Content Editor | July 3

In 2025, the Plainsman staff voted for three winners in the campus section in the annual Plainsman's Choice awards. Categories include: Best tradition, best on-campus dining and best student event.

PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best of athletics

July 2

Auburn sports reach a long way. Plainsman's choice 2025 best of sports highlights everything dealing with Auburn Athletics, from best home game to best female athlete.

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.

PLAINSMAN'S CHOICE | Best Shopping

By Ella Walton | Newsletter Editor and Emily May | June 30

Plainsman's Choice 2025 highlights the best shopping in Auburn. From best new store to best downtown shopping, here is a list of The Plainsman's favorite spots for students to shop.

What is Plainsman's Choice?

June 30

Each year, the Plainsman’s Choice awards highlight the best places, events and activities in Auburn. Candidates are nominated by the editorial board and voted on by the entire staff. The hope is to connect with our audience of readers by sharing some personal opinions while also shining a light of favor on special entities within the Auburn-Opelika community.

Plainsman's Choice 2023 Best Food Truck: Amsterdam

By Ethan Flynn | Campus News Editor | April 14

The ‘Dam Food Truck took its place as the top on-campus food truck in the 2023 Plainsman’s Choice for the sixth consecutive year.

Plainsman's Choice 2023 Best of Auburns Campus

By Plainsman Staff | April 14

The best of on campus is here!

Plainsman's Choice 2023 Best Student Event: Hey Day

By Tucker Massey | Content Editor | April 14

Hey Day was voted as the Best Student Event for Plainsman's Choice 2023. While it only comes around once a year, its impact is felt year-round.

Plainsman's Choice 2023 Best On Campus Dining: Hey Day Market

By Sami Grace Donnelly | Editor-in-Chief | April 14

Ever since its grand opening on Aug. 16, 2022, Hey Day Market has been captivating the Auburn Family. There’s no wonder it stole the show for Plainsman’s Choice Award for "Best On-Campus Dining."

Plainsman's Choice 2023 Best Student Organization: Auburn Circle

By Kacie Barrett | Podcast Writer | April 14

Poetic verses are followed by illustrations and art of graphic design with each turn of a page within The Auburn Circle tri-annual magazine. With the minds behind this work and the adoration that accompanies it, The Circle was named Plainsman’s Choice best student organization.