6 Davis Restaurants That Will Cure Your Late Night Munchies

Whether it is study munchies or post-barhopping drunk munchies (popularly known as drunchies), UC Davis students frequently share the dilemma of where to get cheap and tasty food.  I have composed a list of my top six go-to places when I suffer a case of the munchies. Some of the places listed below will satisfy your study munchie craving, while others will be an easy place to stumble towards after a long night of dancing and bad decisions made at Tres.

*These appear in no particular order, but are all well worth a visit at some point within the next quarter!

1. El Burrito: This place is the newest on my list and has become a sensation with the Davis bar-hopping crew.  It is located in the shopping plaza on F Street, in between 2^nd and 3^rd street.  Baskin Robbins is on its left and the building is the former location of the Great Wall of China Restaurant (for my older Davis crowd).  When I conducted my research and visited this place last weekend—may or may not have been after a visit to Tres—I ordered two carne asada tacos ($4). Although they were small, they filled me up and left me wanting more! (Another Perk: Free chips and salsa)

2. Burgers and Brew: Of course my favorite restaurant in Davis made it on this list.  B&B is located on the corner of 3^rd and C Street.  It is a further walk from the Davis bars (by about 5 minutes), but their Avocado Cheese Burger with a side of curly fries is always worth the trek.  They are a bit pricier (around $12 for a burger and fries) but they have a late night special of seasoned fries for $7—perfect for a group of friends who aren’t super hungry, but also not ready to head home after barhopping.

3. Taco Bell: Taco Bell is located on 425 G Street and is another popular place to stumble to after the bars.  I never understood why until my recent run in with former UC Davis student, Adam Cuadra.  Apparently I hadn’t been ordering the right thing; Cuadra tells me the Cheesy Gordita Crunch is the way to go.  Cuadra described TB as “inexpensive and delicious,” when I asked him what was so special about the Cheesy Gordita Crunch, he said “Do you know what I like about the Cheesy Gordita Crunch? I like that it is multi-layered. First you bite into the soft taco which consists of a smooth layering and ultimately you hit a cheesy gooey center, then as you bite down you have this amazing crunch which is the taco shell.”  Now I know what to order during my next visit!

4. Red 88: Shrimp Dumplings Appetizer ($6)—I can never resist these when visiting this place.  If you like spicy food, the house hot sauce they serve them with is phenomenal.  Red88 is located on 223 G Street, directly across from G St. Wunderbar and they stay opened until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays. Whether you are up late studying or suffering a case of the drunchies, this a great place to get energy to power through the night.

5. Late Night at the DC: All-you-can-eat pizza, pasta, burgers, chicken, salad, cereal, coffee, waffles, yogurt, et cetera—not to mention everyone’s favorite: freshly baked chocolate chip cookies! The dining commons can bring back memories of freshmen year like nowhere else can.  They are only opened until midnight though, so I recommend going before a long night of studying (unlimited coffee) or on a lazy night when you plan to stay in.  Also, if you can, get a freshman to swipe you in–otherwise it costs around $12.

6. In N Out: California’s favorite burger always cures a case of the munchies.  They are only opened until 1:30AM though–another place you must visit before “Last Call” at the bars! They are located past downtown towards South Davis on 1020 Olive Drive.  My personal recommendation: A cheeseburger with grilled onions, animal style fries and a chocolate shake ($4.09–$4.99 if you want a Double Double).