The Freshman Fifteen. Those few words can bring terror to every college student across America. No one wants to be among the ones who live up to those expectations at college, no one wants to overindulge themselves with the easy access to the food that comes with the newfound freedom.
But, sometimes it is nearly impossible not to be gluttonous and indulge at some of Columbia’s greasiest, most delicious restaurants.
**Grab a slice**
Pizza is an ever-popular choice among all age groups, especially college students. When learning about MU, chances are, an incoming student learns about arguably the best pizza he will ever eat: Shakespeare’s. With its recent success of winning Good Morning America’s Best College Hangout in the Nation award, Shakespeare’s could easily be considered the most popular restaurant in Columbia, both for residents and visitors.
Most of the time though, when a student is craving pizza, chances are he will not be able to afford Shakespeare’s. That’s where Gumby’s Pizza and Wise Guys Pizza come in. Open until at least 2 a.m. every day, these pizza places make a popular choice for late night meals, if the craving hits.
**Go Mexican**
Of course, pizza is not the only choice for late night meals in Columbia. An ever-popular choice is El Rancho, a restaurant that is more crowded at 1 a.m. than 1 p.m. And if your taste buds lead you to El Rancho, the steak nachos will make your trek all the way to Broadway worth it.
A better midday choice is El Maguey, one of the few authentic Mexican restaurants in Columbia, and also one of the fastest. The amazing appetizer cheese dip can also be smothered in burritos and enchiladas, making an ever-delicious, ever-greasy meal.
**Traditional indulgence**
When you are craving more of a traditional American style meal, one bite into a Booches hamburger and you will never want to eat anywhere else ever again. Founded in 1884, right after the founding of the university, Booches was named one of the top 10 burgers in America by USA Today in 2000. In addition to the burger, a hot dog there is also a must. Grilled and then chopped up to fit in their slider-sized hamburger buns, they are a perfect complement to the burger. But warning: don’t expect to have only one burger at Booches. It is impossible.
**Just desserts**
Of course, the perfect sinful meal is not complete without dessert, and that craving will be satisfied at Hot Box Cookies. Priding itself as “the only late night cookie delivery company in Columbia,” Hot Box was established by three MU students in 2008 who realized Columbia was lacking the late night cookie bakery that so many other college towns have. Flavors include the traditional chocolate chip, Reese’s Pieces, s’mores and cookies and cream, among others.
Although healthy eating is very possible in Columbia, what’s the point? We’re only in college once, and with that amazing rec center, why not indulge in the greasiest, most delicious food, and then work off the calories later? Problem solved. Indulge.