In our Meal Steals post, we’re highlighting restaurants with big Louisiana flavors and Southern tastes. These Ruston hotspots give us students the opportunity to enjoy a night out with friends and family, without breaking the bank.
We highly encourage you to check out these local establishments. You won’t be disappointed!
DawgHouse
Dawg House is a sports bar and grill that offers a diverse menu that’s sure to please! They provide students with two different meal deals. On Mondays, Dawg House offers all-you-can-eat boneless wings for just $15. On Tuesdays, all entrées are buy-one, get-one half-off. With so many delicious choices available, the Dawg House Sports Grill makes supporting our Ruston locals easy, affordable, and enjoyable!
Portico
Two-for-one burgers are a Wednesday tradition for students in Ruston! The Portico Bar and Grill offers the Portico Burger, an Angus burger with fresh tomato, lettuce, red onion, pickle, mustard, and mayo atop a brioche bun – a local favorite. Customers are required to dine in and bring a burger buddy for this deal to apply, so grab a friend and bring them along on your next night out at the Portico Bar and Grill!
Scott’s
On Tuesdays, we go to Scott’s! With their casual atmosphere and friendly staff, Scott’s Catfish of Ruston provides customers with a deal that can’t be beat – two burgers with any side for only $10. Their offer begins at 2 p.m. and goes until closing, allowing students to enjoy this meal for a late lunch, dinner, or any time in between.
La Bamba Mexican Restaurant
La Bamba Mexican Restaurant provides its’ customers with a savory selection of menu items, and meal deals for college students that are too good to miss out on! Thursday night starting at 7PM is Karaoke night and a fan favorite amongst the college crowd. To pair with Karaoke night, college students can get 10% off their entrees every day of the week with their student ID!
On Wednesdays, Rotolo's is the place to be! The $5.99 calzone offer lasts all day Wednesday. Enjoy your calzone with friends or take it to go! Preparing only homemade sauces and freshly prepared vegetables, Rotolo's is always sure to serve a delicious meal.
Ponchatoulas
Ponchatoulas is a Ruston staple that offers patrons budget-friendly choices through their weekly happy hour specials, a spread found on the late-night menu. With different deals every weeknight, the happy hour specials begin at 9 p.m. and end at 1:30 a.m. Whether you’re enjoying a $3 hand-battered pickle basket or the 2-for-1 cheese fries, you’re sure to enjoy these snacks that are as delicious as they are affordable.
Utility Brewing
Utility Brewing offers a variety of delicious menu items from craft beers to specialty pizzas that are made with fresh, locally produced ingredients. For college students, Tuesday night meal deals are all the rage! Come out to enjoy a $6 brick oven pepperoni or cheese pizza! All you have to do is present your student ID!
Tech Express/Tiger1 Card
Last, but certainly not least, don’t forget to use your Tech Express or Tiger1 Card to enjoy all that Ruston has to offer! For a detailed list of restaurants accepting student cards, check here for Louisiana Tech University and here for Grambling State University.
Let us know how you enjoy these local hotspots! Make sure to snap a picture and post it on social media with the hashtag #RustonEats.
Amanda is originally from Franklin Parish but has called Ruston home for several years. She has a passion for travel and tourism, event planning, and showcasing Ruston & Lincoln Parish. As the President & CEO, Amanda leads the CVB's sales and marketing efforts to promote the area and oversees all administrative functions of the CVB.