Tack’s Taste: Dinner on a Dime

On your hardest days, the last thing you want is to walk into the cafeteria and be disappointed by the options, or go home and microwave an equally disappointing TV dinner. Knowing the best places to eat around town is the best thing for you when all you want to do is rot in bed and forget about the day. Finding the best spot for a satisfying meal that will not break the bank is important for college students. 

Sometimes driving a far distance is not in the cards, or you are tired of eating fast food. As a broke college student, you do not want to spend $25 on a meal, especially if you do not get paid until next week. Price, taste, and distance all affect what you decide to eat. Some of the best places to eat in Decatur are small, unknown restaurants that are on an if you know you know basis. Based on price, proximity to the school, and overall taste, I compiled a collection of what I know are the best spots to eat. 

The Winery 

5/5 price | 5/5 location | 5/5 taste 

For price, proximity, and flavor, this place should be at the top of any student’s list. A good smash burger and BBQ chips for $5 is the ultimate meal. 

La Perlita 

5/5 price | 5/5 location | 3.9/5 taste

This spot, located right next to The Woods, is a campus favorite. The food truck is conveniently parked at the University corner store. Two locations, both steps from campus, serving equally tasty food. This being one of the better Mexican restaurants in town makes it a prime spot for a meal.

Tokyo Hibachi 

3.9/5 price | 1.7/5 location | 5/5 taste 

Now this is one of the farthest options, but it makes up for it with their portion sizes. Hibachi is usually expensive, but Tokyo Hibachi is reasonably priced for its serving size. A chicken hibachi plate for less than $20 can last you two meals. A treat but very much worth it. 

PT’s BBQ 

4.2/5 price | 3.7/5 location | 3.8/5 taste

Located on Decatur St., PT’s BBQ offers some of the best smoked and grilled meats in Decatur. Their lunch plates, along with their student discount, make it a worthy meal. The only downfall of this establishment is that their sides are not of equal quality and taste to their meats. 

Headwest Subs 

3.4/5 price | 5/5 location | 3.9/5 taste 

New to the block, Headwest is holding its own. A quick stop on the way back to The Woods or for lunch, their sandwich variety appeals to all. A stop that is more of a treat because the price is a little higher, but worth it.

Diamond’s Family Restaurant 

4.0/5 price | 3.7/5 location | 3.8/5 taste 

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Diamond’s serves it all. Their breakfast is the standard diner breakfast, but the showstopper is their rib dinner. It is as good as the chain steakhouse near the mall, but more affordable. That meal alone makes the visit worth it.

Frank’s Chicago Grill 

3.4/5 price | 4/5 location | 3.9/5 taste 

A reminder of home for a lot of Chicagoans and a tasty spot for others. Frank’s is close enough to campus that on a lovely day, you can go for a walk and enjoy a satisfying meal.

China House 

3.6/5 price | 2.2/5 location | 4.3/5 taste 

Not the closest Chinese restaurant to campus, but the best one around. Their portion size is more than enough for one person, and they offer great dinner specials.

Tandoori Express 

3.4/5 price | 3.2/5 location | 3.9/5 taste 

A tasty, local Indian spot not too far from campus. It can really bring variety to one's palate, especially if you have never tried any Indian dishes before.

Carter’s Fish 

3.8/5 price | 4/5 location | 4.2/5 taste 

A new spot in town, perfectly walkable from campus, with a great fish meal waiting for you. The drive-through line is consistently wrapped around the building, which tells us everything we need to know.