Thursday, 28 August 2025
Written by Jakki Padilla, Communications Student Assistant
Maybe you’re new to The Beach, or you’re a returning student wondering what to eat now that the University Student Union (USU) is undergoing a major glow up?
Have no fear! Associated Students Inc. (ASI) is here to guide you and give the latest details on all things food! Whether through social media, newsletters or articles such as this one, we are here to help ease your stress and enrich your stomach for academic success.
The first thing you should know? Our friendly neighborhood Weekly Farmers Market has expanded to four days a week, Monday through Thursday, and we have made sure that all your favorite local food vendors are coming back to campus. You can count on tacos, pupusas, hummus, ube horchata and all your favorites to satiate your taste buds and satisfy those between-classes cravings.
Here are some of our food favorites rollin’ onto campus this week!
5. Higher Taste, Plant-Based
Need a sweet treat after your morning class? Stop by Higher Taste, Plant-Based by the Liberal Arts 4 (LA4) building to satisfy that sweet tooth! Their acai bowls range from $8.95 to $10.95 before taxes which is below the market price for the average acai bowl connoisseur.
Their most popular bowl is their Tropical Sunrise that consists of pitaya and blue spirulina (pina colada). As well as a mango base topped with chia pudding, homemade granola, banana, strawberry, pumpkin seeds, hemp hearts and a delicious agave drizzle.
4. Fooda (A rotating food vendor)
Fooda is not just another pop-up vendor on campus, serving the same items week after week. No! Fooda is a food distribution company that partners with local LA and OC restaurants to bring a rotation of delicious food options to you, from miles away, without you ever having to leave campus. They have hosted authentic Oaxacan Mexican food vendors, Kenyan cuisine, gourmet pizza, Chicago styled-hot dogs and so much more.
To get a sneak peek of the schedule of food vendors each week, be sure to download Fooda from the App Store or Google Play. You do not want to miss out!
3. Outpost Grill
Craving a burger or pizza, but you don’t want to travel halfway across the world to upper campus? Check out the Outpost Grill, conveniently located on the lower campus right next to the Vivian Engineering Center (VEC)! The Outpost is a suitable place to chill, catch up on homework, chat with friends, or carbo-load after your monster gym sesh at the Student Recreation & Wellness Center (SRWC).
This classic eatery has been one of Long Beach State University’s (LBSU) signature places to grab a bite after a long day of classes or athletic training. And bonus, it offers GrubHub ordering, so you can take it to go on your way to your next class.
2. The Habit Burger & Grill Food Truck
Yes, you heard right! The Habit Burger & Grill will now be part of The Beach family and will have a truck full of mouthwatering burgers and fresh fries or onion rings. The average cost for a burger, fries and a drink will be around $15 before taxes. Purchases must be made in person. Mobile pick-up is not available.
And the good news is, The Habit will have a permanent place to stay once USU renovations are complete. Hooray!
1. The Nugget Grill & Pub
The Nugget Grill & Pub is an absolute campus classic. With its cozy brick-wall vibes and laid-back atmosphere, it’s the go-to spot for burgers, fries and hangouts that feel like a tradition. Alumni even come back just for nostalgia (and the affordable food).
This is the place to pull up with friends, to swap memes, argue over last night’s game, or debate the latest pop culture drama, all while demolishing a tuna melt, a fresh salad or a pile of crispy fries.
Pro tip: enjoy the Nugget in its current form while you can! It is set to transition into a kitchen trailer at the end of the fall semester and will make its big comeback in the brand-new USU in fall 2028. Want to stay in the loop? Track the Future U Project for the latest updates.
Hungry for more? Scope out the Food Relocation page on the Future U website to discover new vendors and hidden gems.
