Let’s face it, eating on campus can suck sometimes. A lot of on-campus places close early, and there just aren’t that many options in BD. Because campus food can feel lackluster after a while, getting dinner can start to feel like a chore. Eating off campus is always an option, but it can be expensive and time consuming. Never fear! Here are ten great options within 15 minutes of campus (via walking or public transport) where you can get a meal for $15 or less.

1. Hi-Pointe Drive-In

This classic St. Louis burger joint has a lively atmosphere and a great selection of signature burgers and shakes. The burgers are flavorful, filling, and easily modifiable. If you’re on a tight budget, a burger and fries will keep you under $15. Adding a shake will put you over budget though, so choose wisely. Regardless, Hi-Pointe’s vintage aesthetic and quirky decor will ensure a fun experience. Its location near the Hi-Pointe Theater adds to its appeal, too. You might as well see a movie while you’re out! 

2. Seoul Taco

A Korean-Mexican fusion restaurant is definitely not something you’ll find on campus. Located on the Delmar Loop, its fast-casual environment makes it an ideal spot for college students to grab a quick bite for a reasonable price, with most menu items being around $10 to $12. While the ambience of the restaurant itself is nothing to write home about, the food speaks for itself. The menu consists of a variety of unique dishes, including kimchi fried rice burritos and Gogi bowls — the restaurant’s spin on the classic Korean rice bowl, bibimbap. With four different protein options, including tofu, there’s something delicious on the menu for everyone. The bulgogi steak is a personal favorite, but if that’s not up your alley, there are plenty of other combinations to try. Whether you trek to the Loop or stumble upon a Seoul Taco truck on the South 40’s food truck Thursdays, it’s definitely worth a visit.

3. Fitz’s

Fitz’s is another classic, must-visit location on the Loop. While the restaurant is famous for its sodas, floats, and malts, it has a huge food menu with plenty of options for everyone. The restaurant is lively, colorful, and a little bit loud, making it a great place to hang out (but not-so-great for doing work). Fitz’s uses a 1940s bottling line to bottle their sodas, which you can see from anywhere on the main floor, adding character to the space. The food is good, but if you go, make sure to get a float. At around $10, they’re a little bit pricey, but are just simply delightful (and also almost as massive as the menu). 

4. Blueberry Hill

Blueberry Hill opened on the Loop in the 1970s as a place for people to share a beer and bond over music and pop culture. It began hosting live music events in 1985, and has remained a prominent part of the St. Louis music scene ever since. It has an eclectic and vibrant atmosphere, decorated with hundreds of vintage pop culture and music artifacts. While the experience itself is reason enough to go, Blueberry Hill also serves a surprisingly good burger. If that’s not your thing, they have a ton of affordable soup, sandwich, and salad options as well. They also serve toasted ravioli — a St. Louis staple. The pricing can vary, but most things on the menu are generally $10 to $15. Whether you try out the menu, catch a live show, or just play darts with your friends, a trip to Blueberry Hill is an absolute must.

5. Nudo House

Located on the east end of the Loop, Nudo is a great fast-casual option for fans of Asian cuisine. It offers a variety of dishes with Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Filipino influences, including ramen, pho, banh mi, and more. The ramen and pho are on the spendier side, ranging from $15 to $19, but you definitely get what you pay for in terms of both quality and quantity. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options, and menu items can be modified to be vegetarian if they aren’t already. The warm soups Nudo offers are a great escape from the frigid winds of February. 

6. Taco Buddha

Not far from campus, this fast-casual taco restaurant has a laid-back atmosphere and a menu that’s friendly to dietary restrictions. Everything is gluten free except for the flour tortillas (which can be swapped for corn tortillas). There are vegetarian options, and many of the tacos can be made vegan. Each taco is sold individually, and while the  prices are high for a single taco, you can get two and a side for $15 or less. I found this to be a sufficient amount of food, but adding a third taco won’t break the bank. The individual tacos allow you to mix and match, so you can get a taste of everything. The restaurant is only a 5-minute walk from the West Campus shuttle’s Forsyth and Jackson stop.

7. K-Bop

K-Bop specializes in Korean rice bowls and noodle dishes with a variety of different protein options. The majority of these dishes fall within the $12 to $14 range. The food is both delicious and served quickly, but a huge plus for this restaurant is its location. On the east end of the Loop, it is right next to The Pageant — one of St. Louis’ premier concert venues. It’s definitely worth a stop before your next concert. 

8. Meshuggah Bagel Cafe

This cozy cafe on the Loop is a great spot for breakfast, lunch, or a weekend study session. If you get tired of studying, they have a plethora of board games available to their patrons. As expected, the menu is very bagel-heavy, but if you don’t like bagels, fear not! Meshuggah also features a variety of toasts, pastries, non-bagel sandwiches, and salads. The comfortable upstairs seating area makes this a lovely spot to dine in, or to just hang out and play a board game. 

9. Motor Town Pizza

Located in Brentwood, Motor Town Pizza is a little bit harder to get to, but is accessible using the Metro. The restaurant itself is only a 5-minute walk from the Brentwood Metro stop. They specialize in Detroit-style pizzas, but they also offer salads, sandwiches, and various appetizers and sides. Some of the pizzas are over $15, but many of them are within range. That being said, most of their menu items are pretty reasonably priced, as you’re paying for quality as well as quantity. Even with a 10” pizza, there’s a good chance you’ll have leftovers, which makes the couple extra dollars worth it.

10. Berry Box Superfood Bar

Tired of the endless queues and long waits at Collins Farms? Looking for something with a little bit more variety? Take the West Campus shuttle to Berry Box Superfood Bar! Located right in between the West Campus parking lot and Forsyth and Jackson shuttle stop, this is a quick and easy option that requires minimal walking. Their smoothies, açai bowls, toast, and various beverages make Berry Box a good spot for breakfast or lunch. While the prices are a bit high for the portion sizes, you’ll still get something delicious and healthy-ish for under $15, so I’d consider that a win.