Purdue Eats (Guest Post)
College towns have some of the best restaurants, and my alma mater, Purdue University, is no exception!
Any other proud Boilermakers out there?!
If you are looking for a fun day trip, just visit a local college town and pop in a few of its well-known eateries. There are many great dining options in West Lafayette, Indiana, so I was excited when my friend Pam offered to share some of her favorite Purdue eats with Traveling Tanya’s followers.
At Be Healthy Be Happy Wellness Pam showcases everyday adventures, many of which take place right in my home state of Indiana. I hope you enjoy Pam’s food journey through Boilermaker Country!
Guest Post, by Pam Howard
When you travel, do you stick with chain restaurants or do you search out the local spots? Even if we are visiting someplace for just a day, we always look for the hidden gems in the city.
Years ago, we discovered that asking the locals where THEY like to eat is a great way to discover someplace amazing and off the beaten path. Sure, every once in a while, we’d have someone tell us to go to the nearest chain restaurant, but more often we’d find those places that only the locals go.
Although West Lafayette has it’s share of chain restaurants, as a city with a large college campus (Purdue), it also has some wonderful local spots. Even though it’s been many years since I called West Lafayette home, on a recent visit I was pleased to discover that these favorites are still just as delicious as when I was a kid!
So, consider me your local connection to the best restaurants near Purdue University.
Triple XXX
If you visit Purdue, you must visit Triple XXX. Everyone will tell you to do it, and it’s worth it for the kitsch alone.
Triple XXX has been in West Lafayette (on the hill, but on the level) since 1929 and been serving the area’s best root beer since the beginning. Take time to sit on a round stool at the counter that winds around the entire restaurant and soak in the atmosphere while enjoying a frosty mug.
Breakfast is great (and served all day long), but my favorite order is a mug of root beer, fries, and a Barney Burger.
Triple XXX is well known for some of the more unique burger combinations named after famous locals such as the Duane Purvis (with peanut butter, this is also Traveling Tanya’s favorite!!) and the Drew Brees.
Guy Fieri has also visited, so if you are a fan, check out episode 44, Knockout Burger Joints.
Triple XXX: 2 N. Salisbury, West Lafayette, IN; (765) 743-5373
Parthenon
I think we visited the Parthenon once a month for most of my childhood. Four generations of family members have been using their families’ Greek recipes to ensure that the food is always delicious. The service is terrific too – it’s obvious from the friendly greeting at the start to the offer to bring the food right out that this is family run and they love what they do.
The restaurant did move out of Chauncey Village (near campus) recently, but it’s just a short drive away and well worth the extra time to get there.
When at the Parthenon I always order hummus and the feta plate along with some extra grilled, warm pitas. Yum! The souvlaki and gyros are other winners with all food being made in-house and fresh – no additives or preservatives to be found.
Love rich Greek coffee? It’s available sweet, semi-sweet or nonsweet.
You can tell from the picture, we couldn’t wait to dig in!
Parthenon: 2060 US Highway 52 W Suite M, West Lafayette, Indiana; (765) 743-6778
Bruno’s Swiss Inn
Bruno’s has also been around since before I was born, and the restaurant is a treat to explore. With walls full of Purdue and local memorabilia, pictures of anyone who is anyone who dined there and a funky Swiss inn theme, the atmosphere alone is a kick.
The pizza’s pretty good too! When Bruno’s first opened in 1955, pizza was all that was served. Now you’ll find a mix of Swiss, German and Italian recipes along with the original pizza.
On a recent trip, we loaded our pizza with spinach, mushrooms and banana peppers. There were so many toppings, we had to eat it with a fork. The breadsticks were fluffy and perfect dipped into garlic butter and Bruno’s “shakie’s” (a special house blend of spices). Add a glass of wine, and I am one happy eater.
Note that the restaurant doesn’t open until 4, so don’t plan on visiting for lunch.
Bruno’s Swiss Inn: 212 Brown Street West Lafayette Indiana, (765) 743-1668
Greyhouse Coffee & Supply
Plentiful seating, local art, piping hot coffee, and homemade crepes lend the perfect atmosphere for starting your morning chatting with friends or settling in for a marathon work session.
I also eyed the homemade donuts (they were muffin sized!), so maybe next time.
What’s super cool about this coffee shop is that they run as a non-profit organization. Their goal is to create community and support worthy organizations locally and globally.
Greyhous Coffee & Supply: Northwestern & State St. West Lafayette, Indiana; (765) 743-5316
McCord Candies
Technically McCord Candies is across the river in downtown Lafayette, but as that’s only a 5-minute drive, I’m including it in this roundup.
Although McCord Candies does serve a small lunch menu and has an original soda fountain, candy is their sweet spot. Cases full of homemade chocolates and rows of fun gummies, hard candy, and other goodies will tempt you to stock up.
McCord Candies has been a local favorite since 1912. They are also one of only a few candy shops left in the US that make their candy canes by hand. Even better, in December you can take a $4 tour on the weekends (weather permitting) to learn how to do it AND make your own candy cane. Expect an upcoming post at Be Healthy Be Happy Wellness on that fun experience!
McCord Candies: 536 Main Street, Lafayette, Indiana; (765) 742-4441
Do you have a favorite local restaurant in your hometown? I’d love to hear about it and where to find it in the comments. I will tuck that info away for when we are traveling as I’d ALWAYS rather enjoy a local favorite than a boring chain restaurant!
Go Boilers!!
Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya
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