
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: TUESDAY, August 24, 1993                   TAG: 9308240663
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-6   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: New River Valley bureau
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

EATERIES FOR THE COLLEGE CROWD ARE PLENTIFUL AND VARIED

College students tend to eat - lots - and that means most college towns have an abundance of small and diverse eateries that cater to a wide variety of students' tastes.

In downtown Blacksburg, hungry students can be found crowding the outdoor patio at Arnolds and chowing down on its subs or eating next door at Sharkey's where they can choose from a pagelong list of spicy "wings."

On top of the hill near The Mall is a string of restaurants whose basic fare and proximity to campus have made them student favorites. Mike's Grill has drawn a loyal clientele with its hamburgers for years as has the nearby Hokie House.

A relative newcomer to the hilltop is PK's, which capitalizes on the "Margaritaville" atmosphere to draw students to its restaurant and bar.

Downtown along College Avenue, small restaurants abound near the campus, ranging from Souvlaki with its Greek gyros to Pedro's with its Mexican menu.

A longtime student haunt is Gillie's with its vegetarian fare and homemade cookies and desserts.

South Main Cafe farther up Main Street is also known for its vegetarian and seafood entrees, but draws most of its student crowds late at night when local bands begin their gigs.

A favorite nightspot that has opened an equally popular downtown restaurant is The Cellar, renown for its homemade pizzas.

Farther north on Main Street, Bogen's has long been a popular draw both with students and parents for its sandwiches and entrees that flaunt the names of local campus attractions.

Another relative newcomer to downtown popular with both students and townfolks is Mill Mountain Coffee and Tea, always a good stop for gourmet coffee and dessert.

Backstreet's Pizza has been a long-standing downtown favorite for pizza. Another familiar name downtown is Greeks', which serves pizza as well as Greek entrees. Champs Sports Bar also serves dinner specials as well as sandwiches.

In Radford, a new name along Norwood Street is Hot Chilies, a stop for music and food in the downtown area.

In addition to BT's, another restaurant popular for its deli sandwiches and eclectic atmosphere is Macado's on Norwood Street.

The Taco Inn on Norwood Street is known not only as a good spot for Mexican fast food, but also as longtime Radford sports supporters.

Downtown is Bailey's, another popular eatery.

Radford also boasts several good Chinese restaurants such as the Canton Restaurant on Norwood.

by CNB