Being located in Fort Worth gives us TCU students a huge advantage when it comes to food. We have a vast variety of restaurants surrounding campus with anything from brisket to burritos. There are so many great places to try that it can be hard to decide where to hit up first—especially if you are a first year student.
Each place on or around campus has their own individual atmosphere and dishes to satisfy your different needs. This food guide will help you figure out which places have the best eating and drinking scenes around TCU.
I tried to use the places closest to campus, since I know a lot of first years may not have cars. Even if you have a car, most of these places won’t make you lose your prime parking spot—we all know how precious that is.
1. When you’re craving munchies at 2 am: Whataburger
Photo courtesy of sacurrent.com
This fast food chain is open 24 hours, so you are always welcome to grab a bite any time of day. However, the tastiness of this greasy food is exemplified during the post-midnight hours.
What to order: There is no better food to eat late at night other than a good old Honey Butter Chicken Biscuit—ask anyone around.
TCU Frog Bucks: Accepted
2. When you’re sick of coffee from Union Grounds: Avoca
Photo by Haley Ribero
Avoca is the perfect place to go if you are looking for some quality coffee. This quaint shop is located right along Magnolia Street, fitting seamlessly with its other trendy restaurant neighbors. Not to mention their latte art is Instagram perfect.
What to order: Avoca’s menu isn’t too extravagant, but go for a cappuccino if you’re looking for a drink with the perfect consistency.
TCU Frog Bucks: Denied
3. When you need to grab lunch for under $10 between classes: McAlister’s
Photo by Ashley Peek
Warning, this place will get packed during the lunch rush around noon. However, if you’re looking for a quality meal that’s under $10, this is your place. It’s pretty fast, but doesn’t seem like you’re eating fast food. The perfect part is that it is located right along University Drive, so it is only a minute walk from classes.
What to order: If you’re craving a salad, I would recommend the Savannah Chopped Salad. It consists of chicken, dried cranberries, Gorgonzola cheese, almonds, tomatoes, and cucumbers. If you’re not feeling that, their Spicy Southwest Chicken Griller is a great handheld as an on-the-go sandwich.
TCU Frog Bucks: Accepted
4. When you’re trying to be healthy: Salata
Photo courtesy of salata.com
There are so many healthy options at Salata that you will never feel like it’s a chore to eat healthy. Choose your greens, toppings, and protein to create a one-of-a-kind salad. Salata is also a convenient place if you live in GrandMarc since it is located right underneath the apartment complex along Berry Street.
What to order: The variety at Salata is too much for me to tell you one single thing to get. Almost any combination is a good one and you can always switch it up next time you come in.
TCU Frog Bucks: Denied
5. When you’re craving Mexican: Chuy’s
Photo courtesy of ultimateorlando.com
Not only does it have great food, but the colorful atmosphere of Chuy’s makes for a fun lunch or dinner outing. After eating more queso than your stomach can probably handle and a plentiful entree, you sure won’t leave Chuy’s hungry.
What to order: The Deluxe Quesadilla is pretty bomb, same goes for the fajitas. Either way, you have to order chips and queso. It’s not Chuy’s without it. Go during happy hour and enjoy an unlimited amount of chips and queso at their nacho bar.
TCU Frog Bucks: Accepted
6. When you’re craving something sweet: Sweet Frog
Photo by David Whinery
I mean, the name pretty much says it all. Located right on campus, Sweet Frog is the perfect place to grab some fro-yo on the way back from class or as a treat with friends. The FrogSaver app also has some coupons to use if you’re trying to save money #brokecollegestudent.
What to order: It’s pretty much a fact that fro-yo is better than ice cream, so go crazy and make whatever the heck you want.
TCU Frog Bucks: Accepted
7. When you’re trying to watch the game: Buffalo Bros
Photo by Haley Ribeiro
This should be your first stop if you’re trying to watch an away game with friends and enjoy some food while you’re at it. Even though it’s not in the stadium, you will feel the Horned Frog pride as you cheer on the team with every single person in the restaurant.
What to order: The boneless wings are a must. Although games are usually on the weekends, go to Buff Bros on a Wednesday to score 10 wings for only $5.
TCU Frog Bucks: Accepted
8. When you’re craving a slice: Pizza Snob
Courtesy of Jaime Kenston
The Snob is such a TCU classic. It should be the first place you try when you step on TCU’s campus. The crust is not too heavy and the toppings are unlike any other pizza shop toppings. If you’re not craving a whole pizza, they will do half and half as well.
What to order: Go crazy customizing your pizza however you’d like. However, if you want something good, but your creativity is blocked, try their specialty pizza for the day. One time I got their peach cobbler pizza and I have entrusted them ever since.
TCU Frog Bucks: Denied (unfortunately)
9. When you’re parents are visiting and footing the bill: Blue Mesa
Courtesy of Hayden Hane
Blue Mesa’s colorful and artsy dining experience makes it a favorite to Fort Worth residents and TCU students alike. It’s price point is moderate, but enough for college students to save it for occasions. Thus, it’s a perfect time to go when parents come to town.
It is a known fact that if your parents are visiting, you go to Blue Mesa. However, you can find other great options here.
What to order: The Spa Chicken Enchilada and Street Tacos are both great options for lunch or dinner. However, if you have the time to make it to Sunday brunch you must do so. The buffet style dining has an array of foods such as enchiladas, migas, Belgian waffles, and much more.
TCU Frog Bucks: Denied
10. When you’re cramming for exams and the library is full: Brewed
Photo by Courtney Heier
The serene and casual feel of this coffee shop makes it the perfect place to study. If you don’t mind the slight background noise of coffee brewing and the side chatter of friends catching up, then Brewed is a must. Make sure to tip the waiter well if you plan to stay awhile, doing so decreases their turnover and tips.
What to order: Stick with the appetizers and sides so that you can munch your way through your study sesh. Their duck fat fries and pretzel sticks are always good. Don’t forget the coffee as well, you’ll probably need it.
TCU Frog Bucks: Denied
11. When you’re trying to be fancy: Silver Fox
Photo courtesy of @silverfoxsteak on Instagram
Silver Fox is infamous on campus for being the upscale dining nearest to TCU. Their tender steak and fresh seafood will make you forget that you’re a college student. If you have the cash—I mean a lot of it—then this is the perfect date place.
Shockingly, they accept Frog Bucks; however, sliding the server your school ID on the first date may not be too impressive. For more date ideas around TCU, check out this article.
What to order: Everything on the menu is going to taste 5-star compared to even the best dishes at the BLUU. I’ve only been once and I cannot complain about the Filet Mignon I had.
TCU Frog Bucks: Accepted
12. When you or your friends don’t eat meat: Spiral Diner
Photo courtesy of @spiraldiner on Instagram
Spiral Diner is one of the only—that I know of—vegan restaurants in the Fort Worth area. Say all you want about it, but in my mind it is one of the best places to eat. Creating an all vegan menu is not easy, but Spiral Diner gives you many options from wraps, burgers, sandwiches, and desserts.
What to order: I swear that you would never guess that their nachos are vegan. There is so much flavor to them that you forget you are actually eating meatless and dairy-less nachos. Pair it with a milkshake to create an epic vegan meal.
TCU Frog Bucks: Denied
13. When you’re going on a Tinder date: Mellow Mushroom
Photo by Ashley Peek
This pizza parlor is far enough from campus where you don’t feel like you see it all the time, but close enough where you can escape if the vibes aren’t feeling right. Plus, the exotic nature of the restaurant and pizzas makes a fun date. You can really tell a person by their odd pizza decisions.
What to order: I always love the Kosmic Karma, a pesto based pizza.
TCU Frog Bucks: Denied.
14. When you turn 21: Mash’d
Photo by Haley Ribero
Mash’d is famous for their Moonshine drinks. Each one is a little different, but all are equality satisfying. It is not going to be the crazy bar you visit for the night, but it is great if you are looking for a casual night out with friends. If money is an issue, consider making drinks at home, you’d be surprise at how much you’d save.
What to order: Now that you are 21, the first thing you have to try is their Berry Good Lemonade. It’s strong, but you cannot taste a thing. Finish with the Chocolate Pot de Crème, a dark cocoa based custard. These two things have made me fall in love with Mash’d.
TCU Frog Bucks: Denied
These are just a couple of the places that work their way into the food culture at TCU. There are so many more that you need to keep on your radar. But that’s the best part of TCU, there’s always something new to try.