And for the Hungry Grad ...

Bowling Green does have a variety of restaurants that are not only decent, they're good enough to become a new favorite. Generally, restaurants are either located downtown, or on Cambell Lane and Scottsville Road.

The options below vary greatly in how "high-end" the options are, what they cost, and what the atmosphere it. The top three I dubbed as favorites are good for any night of the week, while I'd consider the others to be more of a weekend spot.

My Favorites:

1. Taj Palace 2800 Scottsville Rd Ste 8 Bowling Green, KY 42104 (270) 843-2233

Whether you've never tried Indian food or you're a long-time devotee to the magic of pakoras and paneer, you'll find some awesome digs at this local South Indian restaurant. They offer a lunch buffet to die for, and off-the-menu ordering for dinner.

• Super vegetarian friendly
• Price range: $3-4 appetizers; $8-12 entrees; average beer selection and prices w/limited wine options (in other words, go for the food)
• Immediate seating always available
• Great service, more ambient than other local digs
• Dishes to try: Vegetable pakoras for appetizers; Malai Kofta, Saag Paneer, Vegetable Korma, and Tikka Masala for entrees; Mango Laasi for nonalcoholic but delicious drink

Getting There: Taj is located in a strip mall behind Starbucks. From campus, take Nashville Rd to Cambell Ln, then turn Right on Scottsville. Pass the mall. You'll come to a stoplight that has a Fazoli's, Starbucks, and Chuck's Wine & Spirits. Turn Left and look for the small strip mall (not the one w/the bowling

2. Garcias 1689 Campbell Ln Bowling Green, KY (270) 842-6100

While BG has many Mexian restaurants, Garcias is the best (though I'm gonna give El Mazatlan, located way up 31-W, a very honored second place). While other places have greasy refried beans and less than exceptional offerings, Garcias much smaller menu offers amazing options from the grill. Dishes come with seasoned black beans in place of the killer refried alternative, and food is always infused with that grill flavor.

• Spectacular, most-amazing-in-the world salsa -- you'll eat two bowls, at least.
• $2 margaritas on Tuesdays.
• Nice atmosphere.
• Immediate seating, awesome service.
  
• Price range: Varies widely depending on your choice; entrees are $5.95 - 14.95. Libation situation es bueno.
• To try: Fish tacos, crab cakes, any fajita of your choice (they're great), vegetable quesadilla
  

How to get there: Very easy. From campus, take Nashville Rd. to Cambell Ln. Drive past Target, then turn Right into the small strip mall in front of Walmart, directly across from TJ Maxx and Barnes and Noble. You'll see a Kinkos and a Hollywood Video, plus Garcias.

3. Samurai 2718 Scottsville Rd Bowling Green, KY (270) 782-5004

Among BG's many Japanese offerings, I rate Samurai the best. For one, it's a mix of Japanese and Korean, which means that it has about twice as many options. When you enter, they'll ask if you want the hibachi or sushi side. Hibachi side is, as you might have guessed, seating around a hibachi grill. Sushi side is regular tables, many of which are in view of the sushi bar.

• Wide-ranging menu with both sushi and sashimi, as well as tons of hot options.
• Immediate seating.
• Price range: Sushi prices are standard, $3-6 p/roll. Entrees vary from $7 - 16, depending on what you order.
• To try: Crunchy shrimp roll, sukiyaki donburi for the beef eaters (don't be afraid to try the Korean hot sauce that comes with it), and Unagi Donburi for those more adventurous -- this dish comes with eel, shrimp, plus tons of other vegetables and meats, all arranged impressively.
  

How to get there: The same as Taj, however Samurai is located in the BIG strip mall with the bowling alley.

Other Great Places Worthy of Endorsement:

Brickyard Cafe: Mediterranean/New American Eclectic. Great options, more refined and ambient, and lacking in large student groups. Located in the downtown area, near campus. Try the Goat Cheese appetizer, or the Calamari. Best for date night. Reservations recommended on Friday & Saturday nights. Entree price: $12 - 16.

Mariah's: A B.G. staple also located downtown, plus amazing wheat rolls. Also locate downtown. A variety of menu options, though most are general American classic. This place is popular among all, so you can expect a wait on Friday and Saturday nights. Check out their website. Entree price: $8-16.

You & Me: The local favorite for high-quality pizza. This isn't Dominos -- the menu offers twenty-something pizza options, ranging from $12 -16, depending on size. Go for anchovies, or stick to classic options like margarite and four-cheese. Gorgeous restaurant with great decor.


Mandolin: Yet another downtown place, though this one has awesome Italian offerings. The restaurant is a renovation of an old house, and the interior is beautiful. With higher-end pricing, this place is best saved for date night rather than gathering with buds after night class.

Royal Thai: For Thai-food fanatics, this will tide you over. Coconut curry options are a local favorite. Beware: When they ask how spicy you want it, don't choose "native Thai" unless you know what you're bargaining for.