DeKALB — Surrounded by a diverse roster of restaurants, the smell of something delicious is constantly wafting through the air on campus. Italian, Chinese, Mexican and classic American cuisine are all represented within walking distance of NIU. WIth so many options, it can be difficult to decide which establishment to turn to in times of post-lecture hunger.

Here are three popular eateries within close proximity to campus.

Tom & Jerry’s

Located at 215 W. Lincoln Highway, Tom & Jerry’s is a bit farther away than some other options, topping out at a 15 minute walk, according to Google Maps, but the distance doesn’t stop customers. Those willing to make the trek to the “King of the Gyros” swear by the decades old diner.

“I love Tom & Jerry’s, that’s my spot,” senior family childhood studies major Michael Anderson said. “They’re known for the gyros, and Italian beef [and] they [have] the gyro basket for $9.”

Being so close to DeKalb’s nightlife has been one of the keys to Tom & Jerry’s success, Patrick Schlapp, senior English major and manager at Tom & Jerry’s said. Another key to success is their ability to prepare their gyros, beef and hot dogs ridiculously quick and Schlapp recommended students keep their eyes out for their timed specials, which rotate monthly.

“I don’t think we’ve got a cook who hasn’t been here at least over a year,” Schlapp said. “All the cooks are very good at what they do. We’ve just got [it down] to a science.”

Tom & Jerry’s is open until 2 a.m. Thursday through Sunday and is frequented by many who succumb to the smell of late night burgers after a night at the bars. They are also open from 10:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Wednesday to help with student’s late night cravings.

Panda House

The family-owned Panda House offers spicy chicken, Mongolian beef and chop suey, as well more as more authentic Chinese dishes such as Egg Foo Young. Students said they find the prices and quality mouthwatering, making Panda House a hotspot near campus.

There is a friendly, inviting atmosphere inside Panda House with a non-intrusive staff, allowing students to do some homework in a relaxed environment while they chow down on some classic Chinese meals.

“If you can catch their lunch special, all of their food is really good,” senior biology major Ronny Hacker said. “They make it right there.”

Their lunch special features a list of 44 items ranging from different variations of shrimp to chickem all for $5.75, a steal compared to prices at other eatieries.

Panda House is conveniently located only a five minute walk away from the center of campus and is underneath the Village Commons Bookstore at 901 Lucinda Ave. They also accepts Huskie Bucks for ease of student purchases, making Panda House a simple stop for lunch.

Pita Pete’s

One of the most popular diners in the eyes of students is the vegetarian-friendly Pita Pete’s. Known for their wide array of meats, sides and sauces, Pita Pete’s, 901 Lucinda Ave., is widely mentioned as a campus favorite and is just a five minute walk from the Holmes Student Center.

“Pita Pete’s is great,” English major Paul Grosskopf said. “I get the Caesar Chicken Wrap, just because it’s all of the fun of Caesar chicken salad, but in a pita delivery system,”

Not only is Pita Pete’s a campus favorite for the food, but they also deliver throughout DeKalb and will bring students their wraps as they crack down in the books. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m Monday through Saturday, Pita Pete’s is the healthy Huskie stop for a midday snack.

“Everybody in DeKalb, as far as restaurants go, has good people,” Anderson said.

Regardless of where student’s stop for their guilty pleasure meals, many said the service is a large part of why they return with eateries in DeKalb providing a family atmosphere and smiling faces.