Chichen Itza chef Gilberto Cetina has turned to his seafood roots with the newish Holbox, also located inside the Mercada La Paloma. Fans are fawning over the fresh catch, with its emphasis on Baja flavors and Yucatanean preparations.

From the front porch of an unassuming Victorian house in University Park, passersby can catch a glimpse of a gleaming gold espresso machine. That's Cacique, an upstart pop-up doing daytime espresso drinks for the neighborhood, new students, and USC game attendees alike.

Located off MLK Boulevard, the original version of Bill's Taco House still stands as a testament to a bygone time. Founded decades ago as the home of the original cheeseburger taco in Los Angeles, Bill's remains a must for anyone in the area looking to eat well for cheap.

Tire Shop Taqueria is still going strong, grilling that carne asada over charcoal and topping everything with guac to the hungry throngs. Only open in the evenings.

Famous for expertly prepared cochinita pibil and tikin xic, this Yucatanean specialist is tucked away in the Mercado La Paloma. Chichen Itza might have the word-of-mouth reputation of a hidden gem, but the crowds on the weekends will certainly suggest otherwise. Weak stomachs beware: the habanero sauce is not to be trifled with.

Savvier diners near SC know to make Himalayan House a go-to for Indian and Nepalese food, but those feeling adventurous will want to try the yak chilli, a dish of yak meat sauteed with onions, peppers and Himalayan spices. Not feeling the yak? The chicken momos (potstickers), chicken tikka, and lamb curry are popular with current Trojans and alumni alike.

Figueroa Philly slings cheesesteaks to all manner of USC fans, serving steak that's sliced up thin with grilled onions and packed into genuine-issue Amoroso rolls. Whether one likes it slathered wit’ Whiz or topped with provolone, it’s a juicy mouthful of a sandwich worth a stop.

King's fries up some of the best catfish and red snapper in the city at this humble corner seafood shack. The interior could use a little TLC, but the gently battered catfish is the genuine article and nearly just as good when you take it to go.

Ebaes bills itself as Asian fusion tapas, but it’s really just some pretty solid Asian pub food that’s been quietly gaining traction with the USC community, thanks to its incredibly affordable happy hour deals and addictive Korean-style garlic-soy chicken wings. Fans of Americanized sushi rolls (read: this is no Kazunori) will appreciate Ebaes’ selection, and the more adventurous folks will notice the slightly spicy, coconut-milk adulterated Ebaes “ramen.”

Though many will forever rue the loss of Budacki’s Chicago-style dogs south of Exposition, hot dog eaters everywhere can still appreciate Dirt Dog’s decidedly local take. A Nathan’s frank is prepared USC game-day style (wrapped in bacon) and then served up with a variety of spreads and toppings, ranging from onions and peppers cooked in teriyaki sauce to guacamole spread and red pepper flakes. Don’t skip the fries: the thick, 3/8” cut numbers are cooked in beef tallow and tossed in a chile-limon seasoning.

Bacaro LA is a local favorite tapas bar that serves well-executed food to go along with a respectable list of wines and beers. For $20, enjoy 90 minutes of all-you-can-(responsibly)-drink beer and wine, which one can certainly use to wash down orders of their tasty pizzas and caramelized pork belly skewers.

Nature’s Brew is a hidden gem of a café, tucked away off Hoover and Union. The place puts together an excellent brisket sandwich (balanced nicely with a minty pesto and pickled red onions) and a surprisingly decent smoked salmon omelette in addition to smoothies and a full espresso bar.

La Taquiza isn’t open 24 hours, but it does serve up Korean-style tacos and pretty solid pork mulitas that are a hit with the USC crowd and visitors alike. The saucy burritos are a perfect hunger killer too.