While Dat Dog, Liberty Cheesesteaks and The Company Burger get a lot of the attention on Freret Street as the quintessential restaurants for the Tulane student body, there are many more spots for any meal of the day that boast as much creativity and live up to the same caliber as their more-often recognized competitors, and some that don’t.

Sarita’s Grill

Despite Tulane’s obsession with Chipotle, New Orleans is a city with many great restaurants that specialize in both authentic Latin American cuisine and Tex-Mex-style treats.

One of these options is Sarita’s Grill on Freret Street near Zeus’ Place and The Company Burger. The unassuming look of the exterior masks an atmosphere filled with art and Latin music.

First and foremost, there’s complimentary queso and chips. These are great selling points in attracting friends to a lesser-known restaurant. The actual entrees are all fresh and delicious, but not particularly exceptional. Aside from the empanadas appetizer, which, when combined with the sour cream side is amazing, the food is on equal standing with other popular joints with similar items, like Rum House. The tacos are good while the bowl, which could be turned into burritos, isn’t anything impressive. The desserts are also good, but not great.

Price-wise, Sarita’s is perfect for students. The tacos are a good size and the general menu is very affordable for a college budget.

One highlight is the cocktails, for of-age companions. The sangria is fresh and fruity and the strawberry margarita combines sweet and savory well with its salted rim.

For its proximity to campus, Sarita’s Grill is worth a visit and deserves more attention than it receives. The atmosphere, service and location are highlights. While the food has the quality that doesn’t disappoint, it doesn’t particularly stand out either. Among the myriad of incredible restaurants within the New Orleans food-scape, Sarita’s is optimal for its proximity to campus, but don’t let it be your only experience in Latin American cuisine.

Ancora

When searching for an affordable pizza joint and Dominos won’t quite cut it, venture over to Ancora Pizzeria on 4508 Freret St. Inside, Ancora’s modern layout is striking in both its spaciousness and inclusion of a gorgeous, ceramic pizza oven. The atmosphere gives the sensation of being in the midst of the action: any table provides a front row seat to watch the preparation of both drinks and dinner.   

Ancora uses this imported, wood-burning oven to produce a wide array of perfectly cooked pizzas, ranging from a classic marinara (tomato, shaved garlic, oregano) to its not-so-classic “Enzo Diavola” (double Salami and Chili). The Diavola pizza features Napolitan salami, fior di latte (an imported mozzarella), chili and tomato sauce. The dish’s salt level is a bit high, but the spice level is certainly on point.  

Like its pizza brethren, when it comes to eating Ancora pizza in a chilled state, this pizza definitely delivers.

Ancora also boasts an impressive selection of local, quality ingredients, showcased in its pizzas, bruschettas and house-cured meets.  

Such care and artistry is evident in Ancora’s drink list, as well: one of its multiple chalkboards above the bar lists cocktails such as the Ancora Sazerac and its nightly featured seasonal offering.

Ancora is open seven days a week and features a nightly happy hour appropriate for the college budget (9-10 p.m.). While the menu might appear a bit lacking in typical pizza fan favorites, Ancora’s sophistication and laid-back environment makes for a great upscale Italian option that won’t break the bank.

Wayfare

The vintage style decor and emblematic Wayfare logo beckon in any Freret passerby. Upon entrance, chalkboards list Wayfare’s offerings colorfully and skillfully. This casual eatery possesses an ambiance of simple sophistication. The food is fittingly both qualitative and unpretentious. One can sense the creativity and love incorporated in every dish. Wayfare regularly features new specials on its menu, but alongside these seasonal treats is always a killer lineup of sandwiches, salads, sides and desserts.

Wayfare does casual, contemporary American food and it does it so well: the BLT, an item highly recommended by The Arcade, includes fried green tomatoes and sweet potato habanero hot sauce (made in-house). Innovation is also evident in its Chicken Waldorf salad that features a pepper jelly vinaigrette. The fun-sized Mac & Cheese is always a crowd pleaser, incorporating Kurobuta pork. The cheese plate won’t disappoint fromage enthusiasts: Wayfare offers a wide selection of textures imported from several origins. When it comes to cheese, the servers are knowledgeable in their presentations and willing to help tailor the chef’s selection to the customer’s needs. Additionally, the charcuterie is a worthwhile investment, as Wayfare’s meats are cured in-house.

Along with the delicious, handcrafted food, Wayfare offers a standout cocktail selection. And for those looking for a satisfying deal, a trip to Wayfare any day of the week between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. means access to happy hour specials on beers, cocktails and other drinks. With its proximity, quality, and affordability, The Arcade wholeheartedly recommends this restaurant.