Feast on this: Good food, atmosphere

Charles C. Labenz Arizona Daily Wildcat Bison Witches server and UA student Nikki Cocco (center) serves a sandwich to anthropology senior Ed Workman as English/sociology senior Christina Eckenrod joins him.

For the Arizona Daily Wildcat's part, we have provided the following list of casual restaurants where you, the student, can bring the folks to impress them with your culinary tastes and chow down on a delectable meal (with the old ones footing the bill).

Bison Witches Bar and Deli

326 N. Fourth Ave.

740-1541

A hot spot for poor college students with a meager budget. The $5 deal for a huge sandwich, soup with edible bowl and potato chips is infamous. I've been there with three different sets of parents and all have raved, so I know it's parent friendly. While famous for its 'witches, the small (17 tables) cozy bar also has great chicken cheese nachos and margaritas (heavy on the te-kill-ya) for the whole family to indulge in. The down side is the half an hour wait during peak hours. While the kitchen is open till 10 p.m. and the bar is open till 1 a.m., a bartender suggested heading there before 5 p.m. to beat the crowds. If your schedule doesn't allow you to eat that early, the best advice is to place your name on the waiting list and busy yourself with a walking tour of Tucson's famous Fourth Avenue.

Zachary's Pizza

1019 E. Sixth St.

623-6323

Wholly pizza! Yes, if you want to treat your parents to a good pie while remaining in the campus area, Zachary's is the locale. Located walking distance from the dorms, it has a great college atmosphere while also catering to the locals. No college restaurant would be complete without a varied beer selection and Zachary's is not slacking, with about 25 beers on tap to chose from. So feast to your heart's desire on pizza that calls out to be eaten with utensils (the crust is almost a meal in itself) and swallow down your cheesy bite with a well-poured brew. Opens at noon on the weekends and seating guests until 11 p.m., this is the best pizza joint in the area (some may argue best in town) for lunch or dinner (or both).

Blue Willow Restaurant Bakery and Poster Gallery

2616 N. Campbell Ave.

795-8736

Some of the nicest waitresses in town can be found here, along with its excellent selection of light fare. You can't beat the relaxing ambiance of the outdoor seating (with heat lamps so your toes won't get cold) and the gift shop, which is amusing to peruse through while the 'rents are dealing with the check. The selection of omelets, salads, soup and sandwiches and nightly dinner specials will leave you full without the dreaded heavy feeling. They do take reservations, but usually there isn't much of a wait. Check this one out before 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 9 p.m. Sunday.

Mi Nidito Café

1813 S. Fourth Avenue

622-5081

This is one restaurant where a table is "worth waiting for," according to one of the waiters. The 45-year-old Sonoran style Mexican restaurant will tantalize your taste buds while offering the out-of-towner a necessary taste of the Southwest. Known for its Chile rellenos, the enchiladas and platters with shredded beef are also worth ordering. While there is a plethora of Mexican restaurants in the Tucson area, this one is a must-try, while also offering the dorm-stranded student a chance to head south of the college area. My friendly waiter also said, while the restaurant is open till 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday and 10:30 p.m. Sunday, the best time to avoid a wait on the weekend is around 4 p.m. !Buen Provecho!