Where To Eat On and Near Campus

Tour days at USC are exciting, busy, and usually filled with lots of walking in the LA sun. Finding a good place to eat nearby quickly becomes a part of the experience. As admission counselors who spend our days on and around campus, we’re often asked where visiting families and prospective students should grab coffee, enjoy a casual lunch or dine like a Trojan.

This guide highlights a mix of USC Village staples, alumni connected businesses, longtime community favorites, and a few short drive destinations that give visitors a broader sense of Los Angeles beyond campus. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite between tours or a celebratory dinner after a full day exploring, these are some of the spots our office recommends.

USC Village Favorites

3201 S Hoover St, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Located directly adjacent to campus, USC Village offers some of the most convenient dining options for visiting families. Of course, we also have Trader Joe’s, Cava, and Sweetgreen, the college student trifecta, offering quick and easy meals. These spots are easy to walk to after tours and reflect the entrepreneurial spirit and strong alumni presence that make USC’s surrounding community unique.

Softies

Softies has become a go-to USC Village burger stop thanks to its hand-smashed Oklahoma-style patties served on house-baked buns with crispy blackened onions and classic American cheese. What began as a small pop-up experiment between friends Josh Kim and Sam Hong quickly gained a loyal following across Los Angeles before landing a permanent home in USC Village. The space carries a casual, community-driven energy that fits perfectly with the surrounding student life. In addition to smash burgers, visitors can expect fried chicken sandwiches, chopped cheese melts, and a popular “Limonada” that regulars insist on ordering every time.

Cafe Dulce

Founded by USC alum James Choi, Cafe Dulce blends specialty coffee culture with a neighborhood bakery feel. The cafe is known for signature drinks like Vietnamese-style iced coffee, blueberry matcha lattes, and the well-loved DULCE latte, alongside house-made pastries, roti buns, bacon donuts, sandwiches, and fresh salads… oh my! Originally started as a family-driven project, the cafe has grown into a familiar meeting spot for students, families touring campus, and alumni returning to visit. Its Trojan connection and welcoming atmosphere make it one of the most recognizable stops inside the USC Village.

Yoboseyo! Superette

Owned by the same family behind Cafe Dulce, Yoboseyo Superette combines a boba cafe with a thoughtfully curated marketplace focused on small businesses and local makers. The shop highlights grab-and-go drinks, specialty pantry goods, and unique lifestyle products, while maintaining a strong community-centered mission. Created with the goal of supporting emerging brands impacted during the pandemic, the space reflects USC Village’s entrepreneurial spirit. It’s an easy stop for visitors looking for boba, a snack or fun souvenir during their campus tour.

Coffee Stops

If your schedule includes information sessions, walking tours, or museum visits nearby, these casual cafes and quick-service spots make it easy to recharge without straying far from campus.

Dutch Bros Coffee

3726 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007

After 33 years of operation, Dutch Bros opened its first Los Angeles location near USC in late 2025, quickly becoming a popular stop for students and visiting families needing a caffeine boost... lucky Trojans! Known for energetic service and a wide drink menu, visitors can choose from coffee classics, teas, lemonades and the brand’s signature Rebel energy drinks. Its proximity to campus and extended hours makes it an easy addition to any USC visit itinerary.

South LA Cafe

900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Located just across from campus near Exposition Park’s museums, South LA Cafe is deeply rooted in the surrounding community. Founded by long-time local residents Joe and Celia Ward-Wallace, the cafe was created to bring fresh, healthy food options to the area. Today it serves as both a coffee shop and a cultural gathering space focused on neighborhood pride and connection. For visiting families exploring nearby attractions like the California Science Center or Natural History Museum, it’s a meaningful stop that reflects the broader South L.A. community beyond campus.

Meals & Special Spots

For families planning a longer visit or celebrating an admission milestone, these nearby restaurants offer memorable meals while keeping you close to USC.

Holbox

3655 S Grand Ave C9, Los Angeles, CA 90007 (inside Mercado La Paloma)

Holbox is a nationally recognized Mexican seafood restaurant located inside Mercado La Paloma, just minutes (even walking distance) from USC. Led by Chef Gilbert Cetina, the restaurant focuses on fresh coastal Mexican flavors influenced by Baja California and Southern California ingredients. What began as an extension of a family-run market stall has grown into one of Los Angeles’ most celebrated dining experiences, earning Michelin recognition and multiple industry awards. Despite the acclaim, the setting remains casual and approachable, a great option for families who want an elevated but relaxed meal near campus.

Pine & Crane DTLA

1120 S Grand Ave Unit 101, Los Angeles, CA 90015

Located in Downtown Los Angeles’ South Park neighborhood, Pine & Crane offers a modern take on Taiwanese cuisine. The restaurant emphasizes fresh ingredients and simple preparation, with a menu featuring dumplings, noodles, rice dishes, small plates, and an extensive tea selection. The casual yet stylish atmosphere makes it a strong choice for visitors looking to explore DTLA during their USC trip. Pine & Crane has also caught the attention of Selena Gomez, who’s named it a favorite LA breakfast spot. So, while you’re enjoying your meal, you might (optimistically) keep an eye out for Selener.

Javier’s - Downtown LA

1200 S Figueroa St Unit C, Los Angeles, CA 90015

A Southern California dining favorite since 1995, Javier’s offers an upscale Mexican dining experience near LA Live and Crypto.com Arena. Known for high-quality ingredients, premium cuts of beef, fresh seafood, and traditional recipes inspired by family culinary roots, the restaurant is a popular choice for celebratory meals. With an elegant interior and polished service, a trip to Javier’s is not complete without taking a few (dozen) pictures inside.

Jacks N Joe

2498 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Jacks N Joe has become a staple breakfast spot for USC students and families looking for a comforting, homestyle meal near campus. Founded by Vianney and Mark Bednorz, the diner was created as a tribute to family and community, offering a welcoming “home away from home” environment. The menu leans into classic American breakfast favorites, from fluffy buttermilk pancakes to hearty omelets like the Maui Wowie, making it a reliable and approachable start to a full day of campus touring. Or feel free to have breakfast-for-lunch at Jacks N Joe.

Bacari W. Adams

2308 S Union Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90007

Bacari W. Adams is a Venetian-inspired small plates restaurant known for Mediterranean-influenced dishes and a lively, upscale atmosphere close to USC. Co-owned by USC alumni Danny and Bobby Kronfli alongside Chef Lior Hillel, the restaurant reflects strong Trojan roots and an entrepreneurial spirit. The delicious tapas-style menu encourages sharing, making it ideal for families, while the stylish ambiance offers a more celebratory dining experience. Reservations are recommended, especially during busy admitted student weekends.

Written by: Allegra Gutierrez, Assistant Director – USC Office of Undergraduate Admission