Have you ever been so tired of Powerhouse food that you were willing to risk a trip into the great unknown (City of Beloit)? I present to you my list of Beloit restaurants that are worth letting a meal swipe go to waste. I have chosen not to rank this list because I feel that it is wrong to pit two bad bitches against each other.
China House Buffet
In a strip mall just off Prairie Ave, China House is a Chinese and Japanese fusion restaurant that boasts a wide array of food options. The buffet is around $12 per person, with individually priced options available for takeout or delivery. There’s something there for everyone, my personal favorites being the teriyaki chicken, crab rangoons, and egg drop soup. The employees are always incredibly friendly and the buffet area kept clean. Buffets get a lot of slander these days, but at least this one has a higher Yelp rating than Pizza Hut.
Jerry’s Cafe
Mexican-American owned, this restaurant has a fantastic blend of both styles of food. Their Swedish pancakes are fantastic and they never short you on chorizo in their jalapeño skillet. This is a popular spot amongst Beloit locals, and just when you think the seating area is full: Boom! Second dining room! I have never seen the employees here be anything but nice, and the only issue you’re likely to run into is being seated next to two elderly men, one of whom speaks only the truth and the other only lies.
Tacos Neno
Tacos Neno is a Beloit student favorite for good reason, this place has the best tacos ever made, and is within walking distance of the college. Their chicken is always perfectly cooked and their horchata is like being kissed gently by a cinnamon-coated Latina. One of my favorite things about this restaurant are the murals that cover every wall, which lend to the restaurant’s vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. An average meal comes to around $20-30, but what would you rather spend your hard earned money on, some banger tacos or those silly “student loans”?
Bagels and More
Bagels and More is a well-known staple of downtown Beloit, with a lot more than just bagels on the menu. They have a wide array of pastry items that change with every visit, many of which cater toward those with gluten allergies. I’ve found the prices to be pretty high for a college student budget, but the quality of the food is comparable to the cost. It’s always a joy to try new things there, and with so many meal, snack, and drink options, it’s hard to run out. I’ve heard their avocado toast is so good that you instantly grow a beard, flannel, and an affinity for psychedelic folk rock the second you taste it.
Neli’s family restaurant
Just a 23-minute walk from campus (four minutes if you’re cool and have a car) in South Beloit is Neli’s Family Restaurant, where you can get the full diner experience you haven’t had since you were 9 and your parents finalized the divorce. This diner has a great selection of classic breakfast and lunch options, like pancakes, club sandwiches, and your choice of one of the two soups of the day. Their prices generally range from $5-20 depending on the menu item, and the restaurant’s position next to two antique stores makes it a great place to start a day of shopping with friends.
Leave a Reply