Spring into Downtown

Spring is here! The nice weather and all the beautiful blooms has us spending more time enjoying the outdoors. We like to call this patio season. Many of our local restaurants have patios to enjoy outdoor dining on.. It is also fun to grab a cocktail and sit on the rooftop of The Collegiate Hotel or if you are looking for a family outing, check out the lawn games at Hey Day Market. This weather also has a us ready to put up the sweaters and spring for a new wardrobe! Our downtown retailers are filled with all the colors and floral patterns. Some spring trends that we are loving right now include two-piece sets, scallop details, bows, colorful sneakers, colored crop jeans and mid-length dresses. Be sure to visit our events page to see what events are going on this spring.

Dining in Downtown Auburn

Looking to dine in Downtown Auburn, you’re in luck there are so many great options!

Downtown Auburn has options from locally sourced fine dining to New York style pizza. With so many options it might be hard to decide on where to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner. 

Here is your guide to dining in Downtown Auburn:

Breakfast Guide:

Staks: Known for their specialty pancakes and fluffy biscuits, Staks is open from 6:30am to 2:00 pm for breakfast, brunch and lunch. Staks is also open from 5-9pm on Fridays before Auburn Football home games. 

Frutta Bowls: Looking for something refreshing? Frutta bowls offer fruit smoothie bowls, smoothies, and different kinds of loaded toast. This is for great when you are looking for a quick healthy breakfast. 

Bitty and Beus: More than just a cafe, Bitty and Beus not only serves all different kinds of drinks, ranging from hot coffee to fresh fruit smoothies, but they have pastries and an amazing atmosphere. 

Now that breakfast is over, you have done some downtown shopping, got a lemonade from Toomer’s Drugs and all that walking and fun you have been having, you have worked up an appetite. 

Lunch and Dinner Guide: 

Fast Dining: 

Wattabuger: Looking for a quick all-american bite, Wattaburger offers regular burgers, patty melts and classic chicken tenders. They also serve breakfast from 11pm to 11am. 

Barberitos: Although not on the main strip, Barbaritos is a great option when looking for a quick tex-mex style meal.

Eddie’s Calzones: Looking for a quick Italian option? Head over to Eddie’s for fresh made to order calzones, made just the way you like it, or pick from all the unique options they have.

Hey Day Market: Your group cannot decide on what kind of food they want, HeyDay Market has you covered. Located right next to The AU Hotel, Hey Day market has 9 different vendors selling all different kinds of food, ranging from fresh pizza to juicy burgers to poke bowls. 

Gutheries: Craving chicken tenders, no shortage of chicken at Guthries! Perfect for a quick meal and even better to bring to a tailgate. 

Casual Dining:

Draft House: Looking for a sit down all-american food classic restaurant, Draft house has you covered with their pizza, burgers and beers. And don't forget their special brunch menu on Sunday mornings from 11am-3pm. 

Little Italy: Looking for New York inspired pizza, you can buy it by the slice or purchase a whole pie to share with your family and friends.

Jake Browns: Who doesn't love burgers and beer, try one of Downtown Auburn's newest burger joints located where Chee burger Cheebuger used to be. Come and join them and try their unique burger combinations in a lively atmosphere.  

The Plains Taproom: Come and pour your own drink off of one of the 40 taps ranging from craft beer to wine seltzers, and don't forget to pair that with their elevated pub food and awesome desserts. They have events all throughout the week to have a casual drink and some fun. 

Halftime: Looking for somewhere to watch the game? Halftime sports bar has you covered showing the most important games on the big flat screens while enjoying american classics. 

Taco Mama: An Auburn favorite, unlike your traditional Mexican restaurant, Taco Mama offers you the opportunity to completely customize your own meal or you can order one of the curated menu items. And you cannot forget to get one of their specialty margaritas.

Tavern on the Tracks: Also a new addition to Downtown Auburn, Tavern on the Tracks offers a unique experience serving American food, weekly specials, game flights and more. And if you're lucky enough to be dining while the train passes, there might just be something special in store. 

Tekila: A Mexican Restaurant located across from campus, has a fun vibe and offers great Mexican food and even better margaritas. Challenge your friends to share a margarita tower with you at this fun Mexican spot.

Mellow Mushroom: A classic no matter where you go, Mellow Mushroom offers amazing pizza and a great atmosphere, and is perfectly located right in the heart of downtown. 

Moe’s Barbecue: Craving Barbecue? Moe’s is the perfect place offering all the barbecue classics. Get there for dinner and stay for drinks because later in the night Moe’s turns into a fun bar with live music and a great place to drink with friends. 

Fine Dining: 

The Depot: Craving seafood? The depot serves creative dishes inspired by gulf-coast cuisine. Stop in for a nice dining experience, great food and they even offer valet. A reservation is definitely encouraged, especially on home game weekends.

Acre: With locally sourced produce, the acre is always changing the menu to offer fun and fresh cuisine. A great place for an upscale dinner. Here for a game, a reservation is recommended. Couldn’t make it for dinner, head on over for Sunday Brunch. 

The Hound: Looking for a moody atmosphere for a nice dinner, go and try the unique options served at the Hound. They offer over the top american classics, known for the top shelf Bourbon, and 28 craft beers on tap. There is something for everyone to love. They even offer brunch on Sunday’s. Reservations for both are highly recommended for busy weekends. 

Esposito's Italian Bistro: Who doesn't love their comfort of a nice Italian dinner. With locally sourced ingredients, Espositos invited you to have your Italian favorites in a cozy environment. Reservations can be made online. 

Hamilton’s on Magnolia: Offering an intimate neighborhood environment, serving contemporary American classics of the forest quality. Hamiltons does not accept reservations so make sure to get there early. 

Craving dessert after dinner don’t forget about Mochi Donuts or more in the mood for ice cream, The Yard Milkshake Bar has you covered.

We hope to see you soon dining in Downtown Auburn!

Recruitment Ready in Auburn

Welcome back to Auburn!
As the summer season ends and the influx of students returns, Auburn becomes, once again, the loveliest, and busiest, village on the plains. School is right around the corner, but what must come first? Sorority Recruitment. 

Girls are stocking their tote bags, prepping their fans, and ultimately, shopping for clothes, readying for recruitment. We encourage you to take advantage of the boutiques in your lovely village, and here are some recommendations for what can be worn during those crazy two weeks. 

August 6: Ice Water Teas 

In Ice Water Teas, you will meet with your Pi Chi group to watch introductory videos of all 18 sororities on Auburn’s campus, and in return, they will be watching the videos each of you submitted. This will allow you to develop a sense of what you like and what you don’t, giving a good base to begin with! For the videos you submit, we suggest a cute dress or top, like a dress from Behind The Glass or a top from Ellie. The focus of your attire during the virtual watch party, however, is purely comfort. Try some workout shorts from The Pants Store or a classic, Auburn t-shirt from J & M. A cute tennis skirt and baseball hat from The Pants Store would also be a perfect outfit! Looking for shoes? Find the perfect pair of tennis shoes to complete your fit at High Country Outfitters, with Hokas, On Clouds, and Nikes galore. 

August 7-9: Philanthropy Round 

This is the first opportunity for potential new members to visit each sorority, meet the sisters, and gain an initial feel for the 18 sororities on campus. In such a hectic yet thrilling time, you’ll want to make sure you feel comfortable in your choice of attire. The Philanthropy Round of Recruitment is the most casual of all the rounds, as you will be wearing your Panhellenic Recruitment t-shirt provided for you. We recommend comfortable bottoms and shoes that showcase your personal style! Charming Oaks and Elisabet Boutique have got your back, with plenty of options for denim, tailored, or relaxed shorts. Want to dress it up? Reach for a midi skirt or flowy shorts instead! There are a multitude of choices for you in Downtown Auburn. Go for your comfortable but well-kept shoes, but if you are thinking of new ones, there are plenty of options at Charming Oaks such as Steve Madden boots, cute sandals, and adorable fashion sneakers. Regardless of your choices, remember to wear what you are most confident and comfortable in, as well as focus on connection and familiarity this first in-person round! 

August 10-12: Sisterhood Round 

During Sisterhood Round, women tend to get more dressed up. A dress suitable for church or a nice dinner is recommended. These options can be found in any sort of style at Fab’rik, with their wide variety of dresses suitable for any personality. If you want to spice it up with some beautiful jewelry, Therapy Boutique will be your best friend! This round, the shoes most common will be comfortable heels or adorable sandals, ensuring your comfort while showcasing your style! We recommend bringing comfortable shoes to wear between parties. 

August 13: Preference Round 

This is the day! The last round of recruitment, and you will have made it through. This is the dressiest round of all. A dress you would wear to a formal church or wedding reception will be perfect! Dresses can be found at Elisabet, Ellie, or even Behind the Glass - the options are limitless! You will spend the majority of the time sitting so you could wear heels if you wanted. Black dresses are NOT required for Preference, so make sure to have some fun with colors and patterns. Accessories are a great way to enhance your style, and using pieces from Downtown Auburn boutiques would be a convenient talking point. ;) Wrapsody has some beautiful pieces waiting to be your arm candy. Be confident in who you are and, don’t worry, we know you’ll look fantastic. 

August 14: Bid Day 

Excitement is through the roof! Recruitment is over, and you are about to run home to your sisters. It’ll be hot, in August in Jordan-Hare, so dress practically. A cute tennis skirt and an athletic top would do the trick, available at The Pants Store. An Auburn t-shirt would also be a classic choice, from either Stamp or J&M Bookstore. Once you “run home” to your girls, you will receive a sorority jersey with your letters on it - your first piece of Panhellenic memorabilia! Each and every girl is different, but finding the girls who make your Auburn experience all the more amazing is what recruitment is for. We are so excited for you today. 

Some things to remember: 

Here are just a couple of warnings before you head into recruitment. Remember that the goal is to showcase your personality! Lean away from tight dresses, short skirts, or low cut tops, instead going for something flattering and chic. This will also help you to be more focused on the parties and not have to readjust your outfit every minute. Be aware of the hot temperatures and plan accordingly, so sweatpants or leggings might not be your best bet. Shoes are crucial to having a comfortable experience, as high heels or unsupportive sandals may hurt more than help you. We don’t want blisters all week! You are going to have the best time settling into the Auburn community, and we just want to make that transition as easy as possible. If you got here and are worried about not being fully prepared, come try some options at any of our fabulous boutiques. We are sure you will find something amazing and just right for you!

Written for Downtown Auburn by Grace Steele