Three favorites with local college students for great food, a fun atmosphere and affordable pricing are Juarez, Taste of India Express and Ruan Thai.
Located at the far end of East Broughton Street, Juarez Mexican restaurant serves up authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex food at very affordable prices. The restaurant is divided into two sections, smoking and non-smoking, with a separate entrance for each.
Upbeat music and painted murals of tradition bull fighting decorate the walls. Red, white and yellow checked cloths cover the tables. The efficient staff quickly brings chips and salsa to the table before taking entrée orders.
The menu offers a wide variety of tacos, burritos, enchiladas and fajitas. Most items come with a Mexican salad of lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole.
Juarez serves lunch specials from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily ranging in price from $6-8 for burritos, fajitas and enchiladas all served with Mexican salads.
For dinner, patrons have to option to order full or half entrées. The most popular items are the shrimp, beef and chicken fajitas served on a black cast iron skillet, black bean and beef burritos as well as the cheese enchiladas.
Also popular is the Taco Supreme, corn chips topped with sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole with chicken or beef.
Of course, like every good Mexican restaurant, Juarez serves up huge margaritas in fish bowl glasses. The best out of all of the flavors including peach and mango is the traditional citrus margarita.
For dessert, Juarez serves an array of traditional sweets including fried ice cream with chocolate and strawberry ice cream topped with whipped cream. Also offered are churros and bunuelos, both made from fried sweet cake batter be sure to add ice cream for an even better taste experience.
Whether a fun night out with friends or a quick to-go order, Juarez serves downtown Savannah’s need for great tasting Mexican and Tex-Mex food.
Juarez Mexican Restaurant
420 E Broughton St
Savannah, GA 31401
(912) 236-0530
Great Indian food no longer requires a trek across town to Oglethorpe Mall. Located at 18 E. State St., Taste of India Express provides downtown residents with authentic Indian meals at college friendly prices. Taste of India Express opens daily serving a variety of meat and vegetarian dishes.
Closed on Sundays, the restaurant offers a daily lunch special for $6.99 and includes a meat or vegetable entrée with rice and lentils. Formerly Fat Pat’s Pizza, Taste of India Express continues to offer pizza and submarine sandwiches on their menu.
The interior features hand painted murals of ornately decorated elephants, palaces and regional scenes. Rich burgundy and gold fabrics cover the walls. The chairs, designed for a palace, are made from mahogany wood with wooden tassels decorating the backs. Bollywood music and dim lighting set a casual and relaxing atmosphere.
House favorites include the chicken tikka, tender pieces of chicken cooked in a tikka seasoned sauce, lamb shish kabob, and vegetable aloo. All entrees come with a choice of rice or regular naan. Popular appetizers include the chicken or vegetable samosas.
Try a traditional mango lassi with lunch or dinner or choose from a wide variety of Coke products including Mr. Pibb, and Fanta.
The friendly wait staff is always eager to help make suggestions and explain menu items.
On Monday to Wednesday the restaurant closes at 9 p.m. From Thursday to Saturday, patrons have the option of authentic Indian food until 3 a.m.
Taste of India Express offers a no frills dining experience in a beautifully decorated environment with college budget friendly prices.
Taste of India Express and Fat Pat’s Pizza
13 E. State Street
Savannah, GA 31401
912-341-0200
Ruan Thai restaurant serves traditional Thai cuisine with a modern and affordable twist. Located on Broughton Street between Bull and Whitaker streets, Ruan invites patrons to dine in an elegant atmosphere while enjoying tasty meals from the Orient.
The red and black interior welcomes customers as photographs of Thailand’s famous political and entertainment icons line the walls. Customers can chose one of the two window seating areas facing Broughton or a comfortable booth underneath a wooden planked faux roof.
The friendly staff are always ready to help explain menu items and assist with any vegan, vegetarian or allergy requests. The menus prices range from $7.99 to $15 for entrees.
Open for lunch on Monday to Friday 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. and Saturday from 12 – 3 p.m., Ruan offers customers a lunch menu featuring several items from the dinner menu in smaller portions with the addition of a spring roll or green salad. Prices for lunch range from $5.99-$8.99.
Starting with appetizers, the spring rolls never disappoint. Crispy rice paper roll stuffed with cabbage, carrots and other vegetables come with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. Or try the chicken satay, skewered chicken roasted and served with a peanut sauce.
The tom ka soup with tofu, chicken, or beef in a sweet and mellow coconut milk broth stars a meal off great. If coconut milk is not your thing, try the spicy tom yum soup with mushrooms and carrots in a tomato based broth.
Try the pad thai with chicken, tofu, beef or shrimp or the kao pad noodles with also with the choice of tofu, chicken, beef, or shrimp.
Ruan also serves nightly specials including their popular Holy Basil Red Snapper with fresh fried basil in a butter sauce with rice and sautéed vegetables.
Dessert offers customers the traditional green tea ice cream as well as the always delicious fried bananas garnished with strawberry or chocolate syrups and a scoop of green tea ice cream.
Ruan is great for dinner or take out and it won’t break the budget.
Ruan Thai
17 W. Brought Street
Savannah, GA 31401
912-231-6667
