Curious? Ask a senior

Often, incoming freshmen who are experiencing Chico for the first time end up confused. What is there to do in this tiny town? Where can I go if I’m not 21? What the hell is up with all these scary taco trucks?

Well, to answer these and other questions, there’s a wealth of information and experience right here on campus. Just talk to the seniors—they’ve been through it all, and they’re still here. And unlike the seniors you met at your high school who wanted to flush your head in a toilet and dump you in a trash can, these seniors are willing to help you out and get you pointed in the right direction. Yes, you still have options if you are under 21. Yes, there is a lot to do, and yes, all those taco trucks are your friends. Read on, Grasshopper, and see what these Chico State seniors learned in college.

Scott Wallace
Fourth-year senior Psychology

Where’s the best cheap food?

“I have to say the taco trucks—you get the most for your money.” His usual: “A big, fat burrito.”

What’s a good place for a date?

“Gina Marie’s. It’s close, it’s downtown, so you can go either before or after you go downtown. … It’s cheap, but it’s a classy restaurant—it’s got an authentic environment, nice waiters, good food.”

Under-21 fun?

“Chico’s outdoors—the flumes, Bidwell Park, or even just having fun on campus.”

Outdoor recreation?

“Floating down the Sacramento. … If you get a big group of people to go with you, it’s just total chill, you just float. It’s no effort at all.”

Best thing about Chico?

“The people. Everyone’s friendly and open.”

Melissa Daugherty
Fifth-year senior, Journalism

Where’s the best cheap food?

“First Street Deli. … It’s the best deli in Chico. They have a zillion sandwiches. They have every kind of topping, and I like variety. ”

What’s a good place for a date?

“The Red Tavern. The food is amazing, and they have a decent wine list.”

Under-21 fun?

“The Brick Works is pretty much the only option. Chico really needs more under-21 entertainment.”

Outdoor recreation?

“Hanging out at Bidwell Park. You can swim, you can play sports.”

Best thing about Chico?

“It’s a pretty town with a good school. … It’s a quaint little town. I just love the trees.”

Song Yang
Fifth-year senior Journalism

Where’s the best cheap food?

“La Comida—you can get anything for under two bucks there. … It’s just cheap, it’s affordable.”

What’s a good date?

She recommends the Panama Bar and Cafà, both as a bar and as a restaurant. “It’s the only place you can find a jukebox with good music, and the food is really good.”

Under-21 fun?

“Cal-Skate [roller rink]. It’s good exercise, good music, the DJs are great.” She continues, “And there’s a miniature golf course that just makes everything better.” Not that she works there.

Outdoor recreation?

She cops out. “Oh, jeez, I’m so anti-nature. … I consider nature as opening up my front window.” But she eventually capitulates, recommending “a stroll along Big Chico Creek.”

Best thing about Chico?

“If you go anywhere you run into someone you know.” Especially at the bars, she says. “You never drink alone; there’s always someone there you’ll bump into.”

Mike Williams
Fifth-year senior, Business

Where’s the best cheap food?

“Tacos Cortez if you like Mexican. If you like burgers and fries, I’d say The Bear. … I usually don’t eat out too much. I usually do my own cooking.”

What’s a good date?

“It depends on the occasion. If you’re going to eat out, the Black Crow, but it’s a little upscale.” Another idea: “You could go to the movies—Tinseltown.”

Under-21 fun?

“This town doesn’t have a lot of parties like it used to, but you can comb the streets and find something.”

Outdoor recreation?

He recommends Bear Hole. “Just for the atmosphere—you can go jumping off rocks.” Or another option: “You can go golfing at Bidwell.”

Best thing about Chico?

“It’s such a small town, where everyone knows each other—it’s not a big town like New York, where everyone doesn’t know their own neighbors.”

Adam Arella
Fourth-year senior Journalism, philosophy

Where’s the best cheap food?

“Anywhere downtown—Nobby’s is good. That’s pretty much the best burger in town.”

What’s a good date?

“Tres Hombres for dinner, but Bidwell Park for a walk.” Continuing on Tres, “They have good food there and a good atmosphere. It’s intimate, you can have a good conversation, not a lot of distractions.”

Under-21 fun?

“I’d say the Brick Works. It’s the best if you’re 18 and have friends who are 21, that way you can both enjoy the same place.” Other options: “The BMU is good for concerts.”

Outdoor recreation?

“Frisbee golf in Upper Bidwell is really fun on a nice day if you go there with friends … or the swimming holes, they’re really nice.”

Best thing about Chico?

“The best thing about Chico has got to be the people. Just everyone in town is social and friendly enough to be up for whatever is fun, no matter what it is.”

Charles Grady
Fourth-year senior Mechanical engineering

Where’s the best cheap food?

“The burrito truck—I usually get a steak burrito or the quesadilla, either or.” His favorite truck: “The one on Nord—Tacos Tonaya. That’s the one I usually get.”

What’s a good date?

“Take her to your house. Cook for her. Just whatever she wants.” Good idea.

Under-21 fun?

“I’d say just house parties, or the Brick Works or something … There’s little shows and stuff that the school does, too.”

Outdoor recreation?

“Definitely mountain biking … and swimming, going to One-Mile, Bidwell, whatever.” He adds, “And definitely the bars.” We suppose that counts.

Best thing about Chico?

“The people are hella friendly. It’s really just a friendly atmosphere, open.”

Crystal Salmonson
Fourth-year senior, Biology

Where’s the best cheap food?

“Burger Hut’s pretty good, a lot of places downtown … Island Smoothies is good. I like the local places … The Chang Hing House is actually pretty good, too.”

What’s a good date?

“The park for sure. Upper Park, like in the summer—the bike trails, the walking trails and Bear Hole.” As far as dining out: “Tres Hombres and the Sierra Nevada Brewery are two of my favorites.”

Under-21 fun?

“There’s a lot of great [all-ages] shows, especially the ones at the BMU are good … Living Legends, that was a good show.”

Outdoor recreation?

“I 100-percent recommend Adventure Outings. … Nor-Cal is amazing; there’s so much stuff to do here. … Most freshmen don’t realize that. They wait until they’re juniors and seniors, and then they’re leaving.”

Best thing about Chico?

“The best thing about Chico is the people and the atmosphere and the natural beauty … I think the people make it [a good place] for sure.”

Natalie Metzger
Fifth-year senior International relations

Where’s the best cheap food?

“Aca Taco for sure, ‘cause you can get a burrito for $2.50.”

What’s a good date?

“Either Bidwell Park or the Albatross—they have excellent food for not being that expensive. It’s an upscale restaurant in Chico without expensive prices.”

Under-21 fun?

“Nothing, get out of town!” Uh, OK.

Outdoor recreation?

“Oh my God, where not to go! This is Chico; there’s lots of places to go…” She goes on to list far too many places to list here. Omigod!

Best thing about Chico?

“The people, the pizza and the Mexican food."