As evidenced by their names and locations, University Center and Campus Plaza are student magnets. The attractions are many and go beyond the merchants and restaurants to the robust common-area seating where students congregate. Now that summer has arrived, it’s a great time for locals to learn what students already know
Eureka!
University Center
The best way to commemorate the end of the school year and the start of summer vacation? A truly memorable burger. The Eureka American and Double Smash cheeseburgers have universal appeal; graduating gourmets might opt for the Fresno Fig with melted goat cheese, bacon, arugula, fig marmalade and spicy Porter mustard. As for sides, big kids are all over the fried pickles and the mac ’n’ cheese balls with Fresno chiles. College students of age check the chalkboard for what’s new on the rotating taps. Their parents might toast the end of tuition with one of three dozen whiskeys.
Northern Café
University Center
History lesson: The steamed pork dumplings known as xiao long bao, or XLB, date to China’s Qing Dynasty. Two centuries later, the treat is treasured far beyond Asia for its 18 delicate folds and savory broth. Student magnet Northern Café has served its XLB at University Center for more than 20 years and recently opened a second spot at Westpark Plaza. Steamed and pan-fried dumpling styles are offered, as well as dozens of cold appetizers, pancakes, stir-fries, noodles, fried noodles and noodle soups. Spice lovers come for dishes such as the numbing 16-ingredient Szechuan Mala pot.
Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store
Campus Plaza
All you need is love … and pizza. That’s the philosophy at Sgt. Pepperoni’s Pizza Store. Though the local chain soon will mark its 50th anniversary, the vibe is forever young: It’s inspired by a 1967 Beatles album. Co-owner Stan Frazier was drummer for 1990s band Sugar Ray. Frazier also won the BBC reality show “Chef Race.” Students clamor for his classic roni-cups pepperoni pizza. Didn’t get straight As? Consider the Super Bee with crème fraiche, crispy bacon, Frank’s RedHot sauce and clover honey drizzle. There’s a small bar at the back; the large, heated patio and Monday night trivia are year-round draws.
I Heart Pancakes
Campus Plaza
This spot is ideal for the mornings after celebrations. Whimsical cartoon decor, such as movie posters for Pancake Bride and The Egg-Father, is a wake-up call. There are also gumball and claw machines. Expansive breakfast options start with I Heart Cheesecake pancakes and popular huevos rancheros, then proceed to farther-flung fare, including a lox potato pancake Benedict. There are lunch and dinner options, too. Don’t want to wait for daylight? The eatery is open until 2 a.m., and a whole menu section is devoted to the wee hours. The Late-Night Breakfast Burrito includes a choice of bacon, sausage or chorizo … and two pancakes.
Saffron & Rose Ice Cream
Campus Plaza
Worldly students aren’t going to settle for a vanilla experience: When it comes to frozen confections, they opt for flavors such as white rose or saffron with pistachio. The founder of Saffron & Rose mastered the art of Persian-style ice cream as a youth in Tehran. He opened his first Saffron & Rose more than 50 years ago near UCLA, where foodie legend Anthony Bourdain wrote about it. It’s still family-owned and operated. The textures are as transporting as the flavors: Ribbons of Persian cucumber run through the refreshing cucumber; heavenly chunks of frozen cream dot the white rose.
