7 Legendary College Town Restaurants Everyone Should Try At Least Once

If you've ever set foot in a Southern college town , you'll know what we're talking about when we say these are places steeped in nostalgia, history, and tradition. Whether you're visiting Oxford, Mississippi —home of the "Holy Grail" of college football tailgating —or walking down the cobblestone streets and brick pathways that weave through Georgetown University, there's an unmistakable sense of community and camaraderie, even if you're not a student or an alum. 

While you can usually find this exact blend of school spirit all across campus, few corners exemplify the college town experience more than a local restaurant , preferably one that's been around for decades. Part gathering place, part fuel station, these are places that have fed generations of students (and visitors) while simultaneously becoming woven into the fabric of the school. 

From old-school barbecue joints to drive-ins, coffee shops, and the best bagels in Virginia, here are seven of the most legendary Southern college town restaurants.

01 of 07

City Grocery: Oxford, Mississippi

University of Mississippi 

There are a few places that make strong cases as "legendary" restaurants in Oxford, but City Grocery comes with a stacked resume. It's been a staple for decades—it first opened in 1992—it's helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef John Currence, and it's housed in a Reconstruction-era livery stable on the Courthouse Square. And that's without even mentioning the menu. You'll want to arrive hungry to City Grocery, where the kitchen serves up grilled Gulf fish, shrimp and grits, crabcakes, and Muffuletta sandwiches . 

citygroceryonline.com ; 152 Courthouse Square, Oxford, MS 38655

02 of 07

The Chimes Restaurant & Tap Room: Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Louisiana State University 

The Chimes has been a Louisiana State University tradition for decades. The original location is just a 15-minute walk from Tiger Stadium, making the dining room and rooftop patio game-day favorites. Established in 1983, The Chimes has a stronger reputation as a college bar (versus a classic restaurant), but you can still come here for your fix of hushpuppies, boudin balls, and po'boys. And then wash it all down with one of the 80 beers on draft . 

thechimes.com , 3357 Highland Rd, Baton Rouge, LA 70802

03 of 07

The Tombs: Washington, D.C.

Georgetown University

There are plenty of historic restaurants and bars to check out when you're in Georgetown , but if you want that authentic collegiate experience, The Tombs should be the first spot on your list. Located in a Federal-style townhouse that dates back to the mid-1800s and founded by an alum in 1962, The Tombs is your typical neighborhood restaurant during the day—BLTs, chicken tenders, quesadillas, and Cobb salads. At night, however, it becomes a gathering place for students; there's even a "99 Days Club" tradition, where Georgetown seniors make it their mission to pay a visit to The Tombs every day for the 99 days leading up to graduation.

tombs.com ; 1226 36th St NW, Washington, DC 20007

04 of 07

Bodo's Bagels: Charlottesville, Virginia

The University of Virginia

Bodo's Bagels is as synonymous with Charlottesville as the Rotunda, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, and the blue and orange colors of the 'Hoos. Bringing authentic New York bagels to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bodo's first opened in Charlottesville in the 1980s—and it's been a staple ever since. The bagels are made in-house every day, and you can order them with everything from lox spread and blueberry cream cheese to eggs and bacon and turkey and lettuce and tomato. 

bodosbagels.com ; multiple locations

05 of 07

Carolina Coffee Shop: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Described as the "living room of Chapel Hill," Carolina Coffee Shop, one of North Carolina's oldest restaurants, sits proudly on Franklin Street. Originally a UNC student post office (and then reportedly a soda shop ), the restaurant opened as Carolina Coffee Shop in 1922, so it's been frequented by students, alumni, and visitors for more than 100 years. While you can certainly come in for a latte or cup of black coffee, you'll need to have brunch to get the full experience. Oatmeal banana pancakes topped with honey and blueberries. Biscuits and sausage gravy. Homemade fried chicken on a bun. 

carolinacoffeeshop.com ; 138 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

06 of 07

Beacon Drive-in: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Wofford College

Spartanburg might not have the same college town name recognition as Oxford, Athens , or Knoxville, but it does have Beacon Drive-in. Opened in 1946, this iconic restaurant has spent 80 years serving sweet tea, chili cheeseburgers, French fries, and slices of pie to Wofford College students and visitors. The aforementioned chili cheeseburger, known as the Chili-Cheese A-Plenty, is certainly a standout, and you can even order it via curb service. The sweet tea, however, is the menu item with true "legendary" status. Beacon Drive-in lays claim to the title of the "largest single seller of iced tea in the U.S." Sweet with a splash of lemon, the tea is served in a cup full of shaved ice. 

beacondrivein.com ; 255 John B White Sr Blvd #6047, Spartanburg, SC 29306

07 of 07

Dreamland Bar-B-Que: Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The University of Alabama

You can usually barbecue in Southern college towns—or, let's be honest, in most places across the South. If you're in Tuscaloosa, though, you'll have to go to Dreamland Bar-B-Que at least once (if not multiple times). With roots dating back to 1958, the first Dreamland Bar-B-Que location was opened by the late John "Big Daddy" Bishop, and it remains in its original location today. The ribs continue to be the most well-known menu item— people drive hours just to have them —but you may also want to order the pulled pork , the baked beans, mac and cheese, and the banana pudding.

dreamlandbbq.com ; 5535 15th Ave E, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

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