5 Palatable Options In and Around USC

By Tiffany Sy on October 25, 2016

Let’s face it — the dining options around USC aren’t the best. It’s limited, expensive and constrained. But recently, there is some hope for everyone. The newly opened Fertitta Hall on campus houses a brand new dining option that is Asian-oriented. They even have a special partnership with Phoenix Bakery to sell some of their items on campus.

I also heard that Popovich Hall next door will soon have a revamped dining option that features Mediterranean food and will be selling PORTO’S?! I seriously question why this option wasn’t available when I went to school.

pexels.com

Anyway, we’re not here to talk about my grievances over cheese rolls. We’re here to talk about the best dining options in and around USC. I have eaten at almost every place within walkable distance from campus and have come back with the best dining options that aren’t cafeteria food. One of them is a newly opened one which I haven’t tried before but have eaten at a different location and is worth blogging about and I will kick off the post with it.

1. Sprinkles

You heard that right. Sprinkles! But it’s not a shop; rather, it’s an ATM. Works just like one of those machines you find at the bank but instead, it dispenses cupcakes. I know that these ATMs exist here and there and love the new addition to campus. There are not many places on campus that feature out-of-this-world desserts or sweet options so this is groundbreaking for the school.

If you haven’t heard of Sprinkles (but I’m sure you have because aesthetics), it’s a cupcake parlor based in LA and has quickly expanded and established itself as the go-to spot for cupcakes. They’re famous for their red velvet cupcakes and other delectable flavors. If  you haven’t had a Sprinkles cupcake (or ice cream because that’s also super delicious), find your nearest location and get some cupcake goodness.

2. Cream

Rolling over from the previous selection, Cream is an ice cream shop that specializes in make-your-own ice cream sandwiches. Think of it like Diddy Riese’s but a little more creative and a little more expensive. Cream is based in the Bay Area and opened up their first Southern California location last year.

Fun fact: I was hired to work here but had to decline because the schedule wasn’t working with my school schedule since I had a lot going on. Cream has a lot of different and unique ice cream flavors but their cookies are quite the stunner. They’re baked fresh in house and also have a ton of flavors to choose from. Also, you can coat your ice cream in different toppings, which makes it extra fun for those Instagram foodies.

3. Viztango 

This place is really a hidden gem. The Yelp reviews don’t do this place justice. This Italian joint is your local, hole-in-the-wall restaurant where you order at the counter and they bring your food to you. I first discovered this place when I was going to an event and they had food (free, of course) and the ad said it was Italian so I had to jump at the opportunity since I love Italian food.

When I tried the food, my roommate asked where this was from and the lady said Viztango and I knew that this would be a place I will be eating at in the near future. Then, I had the bread, some sort of pasta, and lasagna. They all blew my mind. If you love big portions and Italian food, head on over here one day. They also have daily specials so keep an eye out for those!

4. Jimmy John’s 

Out of all the mainstream submarine sandwich shops, Jimmy John’s is hands down my favorite. Why? Two words — the bread. I am in love with their bread. It’s flawless. Departing from the bread, their sandwiches are just really good. All the sandwiches I have had from Jimmy John’s don’t disappoint. I don’t know if it’s the mayo spread or the yummy bread, but you can’t go wrong with any sandwich from Jimmy John’s.

If you haven’t heard of JJ’s, the shop comes from Illinois and has quickly established itself as a unique sandwich shop from the logo to the interior decor. The one thing that I noticed about Jimmy John’s is that they don’t do hot sandwiches, which is fine with me since I much prefer cold subs over hot subs.

5. Five Guys

We all know what Five Guys is. A family started this business and it has quickly risen as a top destination for solid burgers and fries. The first time I heard about Five Guys was from an online article I read comparing this to In-n-Out and I went out and tried it myself. The concept is pretty simple: classic food with no fuss packaging and decor.

What’s neat about Five Guys is that they have a section in the restaurant where you can grab some peanuts to eat while you’re waiting for your meal. I love how at Five Guys you can add different toppings in your burger. Their fries are also really great. It’s a bit of a walk off campus but it’s worth it if you want something new.

There are other great options around USC like Pizza Studio, but these five made my list. If these don’t suffice, you can always get Postmates and DoorDash but the delivery fees can skyrocket your meal way up more than you intended to pay.

Have you tried any of these restaurants? Let me know in the comments. I would love to hear your favorite restaurants as well.

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