From Berkeley to Missoula, America’s western college towns dish up far more than late-night pizza slices. Over the years, Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives has spotlighted dozens of spots that keep students, professors, and visiting parents happily fed between lectures and football games. The restaurants below earned Guy Fieri’s seal of approval and continue to capture the laid-back, budget-friendly spirit that defines a great campus food scene.
1. The Sink — Boulder, CO
Open since 1923, just steps from the University of Colorado campus, The Sink is equal parts neighborhood pub, alumni time capsule, and casual hangout for the current Buffs crowd. Graffiti-covered walls and a low-key bar vibe frame a menu of scratch-made comfort staples that pair nicely with Colorado craft beer. Its longevity and community ties made it a natural fit for Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, which highlighted the kitchen’s knack for turning simple pub fare into crowd-pleasing classics.
2. 900 Grayson — Berkeley, CA
Berkeley’s eclectic food scene reflects the free-thinking vibe of UC Berkeley, and 900 Grayson channels that spirit through inventive brunch and lunch plates that blend Southern comfort with Northern California produce. The airy Victorian house, friendly service, and refined approach to diner staples grabbed the attention of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, giving Cal students yet another reason to roll out of bed for a late-morning bite.
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3. Choice City — Fort Collins, CO
Set in walkable Old Town near Colorado State University, Choice City doubles as a full-service butcher shop and relaxed sandwich counter. House-cured meats, award-winning sausages, and an impressive craft-beer lineup anchor the experience. Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives showcased the spot’s commitment to quality—from hand-cut bacon to locally sourced beef—highlighting why it has become a CSU rite of passage.
4. Westside Drive-In — Boise, ID
Boise State University students flock to this retro drive-in for nostalgia by the paper-wrapped basketful. Chef-owner Paul Shoemaker pairs Idaho potatoes with all-American staples in a 1950s-era space that still sports neon and checkerboard flooring. After its Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives appearance, the Westside cemented its status as both a family favorite and the ideal post-game pit stop along the Boise River Greenbelt.
5. Rocco’s Little Chicago — Tucson, AZ
Just a short ride from the University of Arizona, Rocco’s brings a Windy City mood to the Sonoran Desert with hearty pies and a good-natured sense of humor. The cozy, no-frills dining room keeps the focus on thick, buttery crusts and robust tomato sauce—attributes that caught the eye of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Hungry Wildcats and faculty alike drop in for generous portions that fuel study sessions and spirited debates.
6. Diablo Burger — Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff’s cool mountain climate and Northern Arizona University’s 20-something energy converge at Diablo Burger, a downtown joint showcasing grass-fed, pasture-raised beef from nearby ranches. The crew from Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives praised the restaurant’s “local first” ethos and signature char marks. Patio seating is popular in warm months, but the convivial indoor space keeps the college-town vibe humming year-round.
7. Cornish Pasty Co. — Tempe, AZ
Founded in Tempe just blocks from Arizona State University, Cornish Pasty Co. turns the humble miner’s hand pie into a global flavor tour—think classic steak-and-potato one visit, tikka-inspired fillings the next. Its hearty, portable format suits late-night study breaks, which likely factored into its appearance on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Dark wood, U.K. soccer scarves, and a solid craft-beer list round out the hangout appeal.
8. B.K. Carne Asada & Hot Dogs — Tucson, AZ
Late-night cravings hit hard around the University of Arizona, and B.K. Carne Asada & Hot Dogs answers the call with Sonoran-style hot dogs and mesquite-grilled meats. The fast-moving line, open kitchen, and unmistakable sizzle drew Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives to this neighborhood favorite. It’s quick, affordable, and unabashedly flavorful—everything a college crowd could want after midnight study sessions or post-game celebrations.