‘Dive’ back into LSU’s dining scene

Oh, to be young again! Many of us count LSU as our alma mater, and remember fondly its hallowed halls, leafy pathways, and evenings in the student section of the stadium. Sometimes, too, our fondest memories happened off-campus, in the hole-in-the-wall restaurants and dive eateries that catered especially to students. But you don’t have to be a student to relive your college days—why not check out these tasty LSU-area restaurants for a taste-bud trip back in time?

Pita Pit, 3260 Highland Road, Ste. 4: Open until 4 a.m. on the weekends (3 a.m. Monday to Thursday), this new plaza restaurant serves PBR and, in the spring, Abita Strawberry brew. For those of you who aren’t night owls or grabbing a beer while waiting for the line at Louie’s (across the street) to dwindle, it’s a great place to just have lunch … or dinner. There are several tasty pita options from traditional gyro to light and veggie to a cheesy Philly steak.

Louie’s Café, 206 West State St.: Part of the LSU community since 1941, this diner has been slinging hash from its West State Street location since 1986. Open 24 hours a day, it welcomes a myriad of characters daily, from State Street personalities to sports fans to students. The delightfully greasy food hits the spot at 3 a.m. after a night at the Varsity, and the River Road coffee cures your hangover at noon. Some of the parts about Louie’s: hashbrowns, the Phyllis, and the peeling mural of a beach scene—perfectly normal, until you notice the guy riding dolphins.

The Chimes, 3357 Highland Road: The Chimes has been providing opportunities to students and families for decades. Upperclassmen can see the world: After drinking 60 beers from 20 countries in a six-month time frame (don’t worry, they cut you off at five each visit), you receive a Round the World t-shirt and your name immortalized on a small wall-plaque. It’s a nostalgic place, a late night hangout (the kitchen doesn’t close until midnight) and game day staple. You may have memories of your dad taking you here before the big game either last year for a beer or when you were too small for your toes to touch the floor.

Pluckers Wing Bar, 4225 Nicholson Drive Ste. 101: Tangy wings and cheese fries are must-haves at this LSU favorite. Serving Tigers until 2 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. Thursday to Saturday, this is the perfect place to have a beer and hangout. There are also TV’s for sports fans to enjoy the game. For those just grabbing a bite, be sure to stop a couple doors down for dessert at Bosco’s Frozen Yogurt — another piece in the LSU food pyramid.

Walk-Ons Bistreaux and Bar, 3838 Burbank Drive: This LSU icon is a great place to have dinner with the family or drink with friends before, during or after the game. There is a patio to enjoy fall football and spring baseball weather. The several TV’s tuned into sports and LSU paraphernalia scream Tiger spirit.

Mellow Mushroom, 4250 Burbank Drive Ste. 101: Praised for its mouthwatering pizza and infamous for its Shroom Tea (freshmen it will hit you like a sack of bricks), this funky establishment is frequented by families and students alike. Acting as a restaurant, bar and venue, Mellow Mushroom houses club nights, trivia games and live music. Advice for freshmen: It delivers to the LSU dorms and is a fun place to bring new friends. Advice to seniors: Relax and enjoy your last year with a fancy pizza, draft beer, old friends and great conversation.