Students from USF, Eckerd and UT go here for grub.
by CL InternsHungry for learning? CL's college interns cite the off-campus eateries and watering holes students frequent most.
USF Tampa
Sure, for most college kids, the place to head for a night of fun is probably Ybor City. However, some Tampa USF Bulls prefer to stay closer to home. On Thursday nights, look no further than New Tampa’s Peabody’s, home to the weekly beer pong tournament. Entry is $10, which includes all-you-can-drink beer. The money goes toward a cash prize for the evening’s champion. Great drink specials. 15333 Amberly Drive, Tampa, 813-972-1725, peabodysbilliards.com. —Carly Hobbs
Taco Bus USF has no trouble attracting the hungry college crowd. How can a restaurant with tasty Mexican food for under $10 and daily specials not attract college students? Plus, the hours of operation and take-out options are perfect for late-night snacks. 2320 E. Fletcher Ave., Tampa, 813-977-6808, taco-bus.com. —Rebecca Bailey
USF St. Petersburg
The Tavern at Bayboro has charmed USF St. Pete student and faculty taste buds for more than 30 years. The grouper sandwich is the most popular menu item. Even business professionals working nearby make their way to the campus mainstay for lunch breaks. The inside of the “Tav,” as frequenters call it, is cozy, as are the picnic tables occupying its covered patio. With seven vegetarian options, a rotating Beer of the Week, and live music, the Tavern remains one of downtown St. Petersburg’s better-kept secrets. 120 Sixth Ave. S, St. Petersburg, —Meaghan Habuda
The allure of Five Bucks Drinkery manifests itself in many forms — whether it’s the $5 burger and beer combo, the 32-ounce Long Island ice teas, or the drunk chick singing Alanis Morrisette karaoke. The sports bar hang creates a welcoming, easygoing vibe that attracts eaters and drinkers of all age-appropriate varieties. The Mac N Cheese Melt, a grilled cheese sandwich loaded with BBQ pork and mac’n’cheese, holds rank as Five Bucks’ most famous concoction. With different specials every day of the week, team trivia on Mondays, karaoke on Wednesdays and college night on Thursdays, the Drinkery’s wooden barstools rarely stay unoccupied. 247 Central Ave., St Petersburg, 727-896-5118, fivebucks727.com. —Tyler Killette
Eckerd College
The smell of wings, the sports on TV, the flavorful burgers — it is for reasons like these that Eckerd students enjoy coming here to relax while watching a big game. Other culinary hotspots for Eckerd students are Burrito Boarder, Chipotle, Taco Bus, Hiro’s, and the Sloppy Pelican. Ferg’s Sports Bar, 1320 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, 727-822-4562, fergssportsbar.com. —Davis Johnson
University of Tampa
My friends and I like Kaleisia Tea Lounge near 15th and Fletcher. It’s definitely Bulls country, but the Spartans will be taking over soon. Kaleisia has numerous teas you can try and also a nice selection for vegans as well as meat eaters like myself. Other UT haunts include AJA, The Kennedy, Hyde Park Café, and MacDinton’s Irish Pub. 1441 E. Fletcher Ave. #101, Tampa, 813-977-8266, thetealounge.com. —Amina Jackson