Campus Cravings: 8 Must-Try Bites and Beverages
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While UC San Diego is recognized for its groundbreaking research and cutting-edge academic programs, it also offers a vibrant and diverse culinary scene with something to satisfy every craving. Whether you're a student grabbing a bite between classes or a visitor touring the campus for the first time, the university showcases a wide array of dining options to suit food lovers of all types. From the newest campus eateries to TikTok trending spots with oceanfront views, here are 8 unique bites and beverages to try at UC San Diego.
Pan Dulce at Su Pan Bakery
Now open at Price Center, this new family-owned panadería offers a variety of authentic Mexican treats and convenient, on-the-go options for busy students, faculty and staff. In addition to baked goods like flan custards, cookies and fruit tarts, those with a sweet tooth will also appreciate the large variety of pan dulce. Simply grab some tongs from the counter and load up a tray with your favorite pan dulce, with classic options available like conchas, orejas and puerquitos.
Chicken Wings at Dirty Birds
Ranked among the top 10 best wings in America, Dirty Birds is a local favorite, dishing out wings in over 37 flavors—from classic Buffalo and Lemon Pepper to inventive options like Mango Habanero and BangKawk BBQ. Swing by on weekdays for half-priced wings, perfect for a post-class snack, happy hour with friends or any excuse to indulge alongside your fellow Tritons.
Smoked Salmon Toast and Lavender Latte at Pinpoint Cafe
Nestled behind Hubbs Hall at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Pinpoint Cafe was founded by two sisters who turned their dream of working in the coffee industry into a reality. This spot serves a variety of hot and iced coffees, specialty drinks, pastries, smoothies plus grab-and-go food options perfect for busy students. Be sure to try their smoked salmon toast— an elevated bite for those looking for something savory and satisfying. It features sourdough toast topped with cream cheese, smoked salmon, everything bagel seasoning and capers. Pair it with their lavender latte for a perfect afternoon treat.
The Lazy Blue Bowl at Blue Bowl
Located in the North Torrey Pines Living and Learning Neighborhood, Blue Bowl brings its popular customizable smoothie bowls with superfood toppings to UC San Diego, where two of the company’s founders were once undergraduates. The menu features fresh and vibrant options, including bowls, chia pudding parfaits, kombucha and nitro cold brew on tap. A standout favorite is their signature bowl, ‘The Lazy Blue,’ which combines acai, pitaya and blue chia pudding, topped with pumpkin flax granola, strawberries, blueberries, bananas, almond butter, organic almonds, toasted coconut and more.
Naughty Naan from Curry Up Now
Curry Up Now, located in the Price Center, serves Indo-Californian cuisine with dishes ranging from deconstructed samosa plates to tikka masala burritos. Originally a single food truck in the Bay Area since 2009, the brand has now expanded to seven brick-and-mortar locations and three food trucks. Don’t miss the Naughty Naan, an inventive twist on traditional pizza featuring caramelized onions, jalapeño, mozzarella and cotija cheese, topped with a choice of tandoori chicken, paneer or pav bhaji.
Carne Asada Fries from Taco Villa
Located in the Student Center, Taco Villa offers a relaxed patio dining experience, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends. This eatery combines traditional and inventive takes on Mexican cuisine, with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. One of the highlights of Taco Villa is their homemade tortillas, made to order for every taco, featuring options like carne asada, al pastor and shrimp. A campus favorite is the Carne Asada Fries, a hearty dish topped with guacamole, crema, cheddar and cotija cheese.
Chicken Brussel Caesar Wrap at Ridgewalk Social
Ridgewalk Social, with its outdoor seating overlooking the UC San Diego softball field, is the perfect spot for fast-casual dining with a view. The menu features crowd-pleasers like wings, burgers and sandwiches, making it an ideal place to relax, watch a game or reconnect with fellow Tritons over a meal. A standout choice is the chicken brussel caesar wrap, which offers a twist on the classic salad with grilled chicken, baby kale, pickled red onion and tomato, all wrapped in a flour tortilla.
Pan-Roasted Salmon Salad at Caroline’s Seaside Cafe
Located along the coastline by Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Caroline’s Seaside Cafe is an ideal spot to enjoy classic breakfast and lunch dishes like homemade buttermilk pancakes and a roasted turkey club sandwich. After a day at the beach, the Pan-Roasted Salmon Salad makes for a refreshing lunch, featuring organic greens, avocado, pineapple salsa and toasted sesame seeds, all brought together with a fresh citrus dressing.
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