Madison Shumway

Life Editor

If you’re in the need for a quick bite before class, on-campus options like Einstein and Mandalay Express will do the trick. But if you have an hour to kill and a hankering for great local food, check out these restaurants, all located within a six-minute drive from campus.

Elmer’s

The charming diner, located across the street from campus, offers hearty breakfast and lunch dishes. For a tasty early-morning treat, try the Belgian waffle with fruit topping or a massive German pancake smothered in butter and lemon. For lunch, go for one of the Mountain High sandwiches or a burger, which come with thick-cut fries on the side.  In the mood for something sweet? Order a hot chocolate, which comes heaped with whipped cream and whimsically topped with rainbow sprinkles.

Goody’s

Just across the street from the pharmacy building, Goody’s serves up Italian-inspired sandwiches and pizza. On the deli side, order a sub like the Parmesan or the Italian Supreme—regular size sandwiches cost around $5, and giant sandwiches cost around $10. If you want to wait a little longer, treat yourself to a pizza or pizza bomb. On the pub side, order a beer and some garlic bread with cheese. For only $3, the giant slabs of carbs and melted cheese will make your day.

5th Street Bagelry

Snag the best bagel in town at 5th Street, just down the street from lower campus. Try its most popular sandwich, the Adobo Club, which features turkey, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, tomato and chipotle mayo on your choice of bagel, or opt for my personal favorite, the Eggs Florentine. Each day features a new set of specialty bagels, along with the everyday selection, which you can pair with a variety of cream cheeses. Grab a schmear and a latte for an inexpensive and delicious lunch.

Oliver’s

You’ll find perhaps the most diverse meal offerings on this throwback diner’s menu. Whether it’s pasta, meatloaf, seafood, steak or breakfast you prefer, you’re sure to find something that hits the spot. Oliver’s features a vegetarian section on its menu, including vegetarian chili, garden burgers and veggie lasagna. Lean back at a pleather booth, ask your server about the soup of the day and enjoy a heaping plate of filling food.

Buddy’s

This classic Italian joint next door enjoys its status as a Pocatello historical icon. Established in 1961, Buddy’s has served its famous Italian-dressed salad and pasta dishes for 57 years. For a lighter lunch, try a salad or soup. Upgrade to a sandwich for a more substantial meal, whether sub-style or open-faced. Pizza and pasta rounds out the dinner menu. With a side of garlic bread and tiramisu for dessert, a Buddy’s dish makes for a delicious late-afternoon lunch only two minutes from campus.

Sumisu

This hip sushi joint is only a four-minute drive from campus and boasts the most colorful lunch in the area. Start out with edamame or a spring roll and move on to one of the restaurant’s signature sushi rolls. The Chief Pocatello honors the town namesake with cucumber, avocado, spicy tuna and tempura salmon nuggets, and the Portneuf roll pays homage to the river running through town with sriracha and cooked crab.