College towns are often full of celebrated institutions devoted to eating and drinking, and Auburn is no exception. But Auburn-Opelika’s restaurants can also please the palates of epicureans of any age, student or not.

Generations of students have found a taste of home at Momma Goldberg’s Deli, Momma G’s for short. You can try a Big Momma, Momma’s Soups or Momma’s Nachos, but the must-have item here is a Momma’s Love “all the way”, a roast beef, ham, smoked turkey, and muenster cheese sandwich drenched in Momma’s special dressing.

You can get your picture on the Wall of Fame at Cheeburger Cheeburger downtown, whose motto is “Bigger is Better.” All you have to do is eat the Pounder, a burger weighing in at a mere 20 ounces. If you’re not up to this Herculean task, you can try smaller sandwiches such as the Delirious, the Serious or the Semi-Serious.

And of course no visit to Auburn is complete without a stop by Toomer’s Drugs for one of their famous Toomer’s Special Formula Lemonade. Among other honors, the drink topped Esquire magazine’s list of 162 Reasons It’s Good To Be an American Man (though women quench their thirst with the legendary lemonade, too).

On the list of “100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die,” published by the Alabama Tourism Department, recommends the crab and corn bisque at Warehouse Bistro and the barbeque pork sandwich at Chucks in Opelika. In Auburn, try the crab cake and avocado sandwich at Amsterdam Café and the fried green tomato and shrimp appetizer at Hamilton’s.

Rustic Italian cuisine is on the menu at Ariccia Italian Tratorria & Bar, one of the most romantic spots in town for a special evening out. Events throughout the week include a Sunday jazz brunch, a Saturday chocolate bar and Aperitivo Ariccia – an Italian cocktail hour – everyday.

On the bar scene, the War Eagle Supper Club on South College Street, featuring “cold beer and hot rock,” is a local landmark, being regularly named to Playboy magazine’s list of Top 100 College Bars. And Rooster’s Rhythm and Brews is as well known for original music as for its full service restaurant and bar. Sky Bar, Olde Auburn Ale House and Bodega are also popular downtown watering holes.