Inspired by the western-coastal and southern cuisines of Mexico, Lone Star Taco Bar has created an easy-to-love menu where most everything is gluten-free. At the Allston location near BU as well as at a Cambridge outpost, the Tex-Mex haunt is always open late and known for tacos ranging from Beef Barbacoa to Veracruz Fish and the fan-favorite Birria. The Allston spot also boasts an umbrella-shaded backyard deck, perfect for slugging down a margarita or two.

In the student-friendly heart of the Fenway neighborhood lives the lively, musically-centric, modern-day izakaya Hojoko. Opened by Tim and Nancy Cushman of O Ya, Hojoko nails the genre’s Japanese pub grub, from Spicy Salmon Rolls and Ramen to a burger that’s the perfect blend of classy and trashy. And the ultra juicy bites of Karaage Fried Chicken dusted in togarashi—oooh, baby. Absolutely worth the short jaunt from campus.

A self-proclaimed “urban oasis” with locations throughout Boston and Cambridge including right at BU, Life Alive encourages us all to add a few more veggies to our lives. Organic, vegan, and flavorful grain bowls, salads, and soups are not just nourishing but absolutely scrumptious. (One of our all-time favorites will forever be the Thai Peanut Sutra.) Life Alive is also a juice bar with vibrant smoothies and acai bowls. The colorful cafe on Comm. Ave. is a comfortable spot to reset and refuel.

The original spot for acclaimed restaurateur Tiffani Faison, Sweet Cheeks Q is always a go-to for killer barbecue in the city. An ode to Southern hospitality, the Fenway smokehouse dishes trays of Texas-style barbecue and sides like Mac ’n Cheese and gigantic buckets of highly sought-after biscuits. Along with the smoky bites, we love the Buttermilk Fried Chicken, both on its own and on a sammie. And be sure to leave room for a sweet treat like the Giant Nutter Butter Cookies. On the same block as Faison’s other cool spots, check out Fool’s Errand for a nightcap (or Tenderoni’s, if you’re somehow still hungry for a massive pizza pie). 

This bustling bakery tucked into a residential nook of Brookline is within stumbling distance from BU. As the name implies, Clear Flour Bread is always brimming gorgeous homemade bread made with traditional European methods. From fluffy, fragrant focaccia and crackly Batards to daily specials like Soft German Pretzels, the only downside is trying to make a decision. As if 26 varieties of bread is not enough, Clear Flour also bakes off tremendous sweets and tea cakes plus breakfast staples such as flaky croissants, seasonal scones, and Black Currant Doughnuts. 

Started as one of Boston’s original food trucks, Roxy’s Grilled Cheese added a brick-and-mortar in the greater-BU area with its namesake sandwiches on center stage. (Roxy’s also has a shop in Central Square.) The grilled cheeses run the gamut from a Classic Three Cheese (fontina, muenster and Vermont cheddar) to Hot Honey Bacon and The Allston, a vegetarian favorite with herbed goat cheese, fig jam, caramelized onions, and arugula. At the Allston location, Roxy’s even offers a fully vegan-friendly grilled cheese menu with plant-based butter and cheeses.