Caruso's
434 Fourth Ave.
624-5765
Open 4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday
Open 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, closed Monday.
Average Price Per EntrÚe: $8.50

Here's a great little hideaway on Fourth Avenue, only about a mile from campus. It's the perfect place to catch up with your family, bask in the charm of back patio fountains, plants and tinkling lights, and dine on delicious Italian cuisine under the stars. Caruso's Restaurant at 434 N. Fourth Ave. is a quick and easy getaway from the bustle of campus, and it's nestled right in the heart of Tucson's hippest campus strip. Enjoy dinner or just dessert - the atmosphere is perfect for sipping coffee while discussing your educational plans or noshing on eggplant parmesan while chatting the night away. The food is really good - and, since many students haven't had a decent meal in a few months, it's not a bad idea for parents to fatten them up a little this week. But it's really the atmosphere of Caruso's that draws the crowds. The back patio at night is a blissful wonderland of pretty lights, bubbling fountains and luscious flora. As my friend Amy said when she suggested Caruso's a while back, "Make sure to get a table under the stars." The restaurant's close proximity to campus is also a big plus. After you dine, there's plenty to see strolling up and down Fourth Avenue. Small shops, thrift stores and boutiques are just some of the mix on Fourth. Or, making the short hike back to campus could be just what the doctor ordered after an especially filling - and tasty - meal.

CafÚ Terra Cotta
3500 E. Sunrise Dr.
577-8100
Open 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. daily
Average Price Per EntrÚe: $14.95

Overlooking Tucson, CafÚ Terra Cotta is the perfect place to enjoy a sunset while sipping a Scottsdale Margarita. Locally owned for over 17 years, the same menu is offered for lunch and dinner and features innovative Southwestern cuisine. Salads are as lush as spring gardens, taking, for example, the Yucatan cobb salad with grilled chicken and chipotle buttermilk dressing. Now that the weather is cooling down, try the Jennifer Spicy Tortilla soup. A house favorite among entrÚes is the SautÚed Salmon Miso with a soy sesame glaze. Or introduce the fam to Sheila, the resident barfly who is half woman and half coyote.

Baggin's
Various locations around Tucson
327-1611
10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily
Average Price Per Meal: $5.00

After 5 p.m. is the best time to be here. With a quiet atmosphere, little nooks for private seating and an outdoor patio, this restaurant is quick and casual. The most popular warm sandwich is made by Bill the Chef. It's a Cheesesteak made with the freshest ingredients. Get a combo meal with soup or salad. Baggin's recently introduced a variety of salads, like the Southwest Barbeque Chicken salad. If you can't finish your meal, Baggin's will bag it up!

Old Chicago
2960 N. Campbell Ave.
327-6200
11 a.m.- midnight. daily
Average Price Per Pizza: $12.99 Per Appetizer: $7.99

Now this restaurant has school spirit! Old Chicago opens at 10 a.m. on the weekends for football games. On Saturday, they offer an unbeatable special that includes a medium thin crust two-topping pizza with a pitcher of soda or domestic beer for only $11.99. Notorious for their deep dish pizzas, ask for the Chicago Seven and see just how many mouth-watering toppings can fit on one pizza. You decide how spicy you want your buffalo wings. This favorite will have you asking for more napkins. Also, different drink specials are offered every day, so come in and let the family

bonding begin!