Photo by Allison Hubbard
Attention freshmen: Fine dining in Malibu can be done on a college budget
$5 or less:
Duke’s Taco Tuesday
While Duke’s features daily deals between 4 and 6 p.m., Taco Tuesday is a staple in Malibu that every Pepperdine student should enjoy. Taco Tuesday starts at 4 p.m. and tacos cost $3 each until the Barefoot Bar closes at 9:30 p.m. Not only do these tacos come with a reasonable price tag, the tomatillo sauce will make your taste buds beg for more. Beware of the rush around 7:30 p.m. and stop by earlier in the day.
Lily’s
Located near Zuma Beach, the locally-owned bakery is a Pepperdine student favorite. Indulge in the classic Lily’s Burrito — which is filled with the basic breakfast burrito essentials of eggs, cheese, beans and can be stuffed with a number of additional items. However, old-timers are well-stocked on Lily’s doughnuts. It is a bakery after all, so grab a doughnut for less than a dollar and love life. Remember to bring cash and call early for burritos, because the joint is always busy and they only accept cash for orders under $15.
$10 or less:
Malibu Country Kitchen
Malibu — especially Pepperdine students — loves burritos. In honor of this, another burrito venue is worth a mention. Across the street from Duke’s and placed directly under a large “Liquor” sign, this locality epitomizes the hole-in-the-wall dining experience. If being local is what you’re after, you must try this place. For $7, you can get a burrito exploding with flavor with added bacon, avocado, potatoes and more.
The Vitamin Barn
In the smoothie game, the Vitamin Barn’s Smoothie Bar is the best in Malibu. With more than 20 options of healthy concoctions, each smoothie will provide natural energy boosters as well as a sweet tooth quencher. The Smoothie Barn also grabs local attention for its vitamin shots. Everyone should try their ginger-loaded wellness shot to fight off germs while also giving the employees a good laugh when seeing each person’s reaction.
$20 or less:
Bui Sushi
If raw is more your style, try Bui Sushi located near Ralph’s. Ranging from $10 to $15 per roll, the ingredients are ocean-fresh and can satisfy any stomach.
Giovanni’s
Giovanni’s provides an Italian sit-down experience without Malibu pricing. In particular, the four-cheese gnocchi is a savory blast of parmigiano, mozzarella and gorgonzola and goat cheeses for a solid $14.
Paradise Cove
While topping the list in price, Paradise Cove is among the select few venues offering breakfast and dinner on the beach. Largely isolated from the general public, customers can plunge their feet in the sand while listening to the sounds of the ocean. While rather pricy and crowded in the evening, breakfasts offer a unique dining experience without the $35 price tag. Light options start around $10 and extend to the $17.50 Salmon Eggs Benedict — a dish well worth the splurge and a missed class or two. Parking costs $6 with validation.
__________
Follow Nate Barton on Twitter: @TheNateBarton
Follow Ashlie Benson on Twitter: @trashlie_bee
