Go to Mai Lee. Right now. Seriously, go. I honestly would not be offended if you stopped reading my review to go eat there. I’ve recently been trying to figure out which eateries in the local area are best for college students. In my mind, there are several criteria to consider: quality, variety and affordability are the most important. Mai Lee fits all of these and more.

Upon arriving at Fountain on Locust, I thought I was standing outside a classic French chocolaterie. From the architecture and inviting sign advertising to their ice cream and classic cocktails, everything maintained a distinct French flair.

In the middle of The Loop, an area of St. Louis best described as eclectic, is a restaurant known as Saleem’s, “Where Garlic is King.” If you have never experienced Lebanese cuisine, or even if have you have a passion for it, I suggest stopping by.

Very few restaurants can claim to have a staff that is truly like a family. Duff’s Restaurant in the Central West End, however, certainly can.

Are you one of those many people who goes to Starbucks or St. Louis Bread Company—also known as Panera—and orders the same thing every time? “I’ll have a decaf latté with 1/8 a cup of skim milk, pure vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, shaken, not stirred? Oh, and a brownie.” Well, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds.” Not a fan of hobgoblins? Café Ventana is the solution.