Good news, Mexican food lovers. Your nose has not been playing tricks on you these last few weeks. A fresh new alternative for affordable, restaurant-style food is now right under your noses.

That enticing scent coming from the west side of campus will lead you to Saint Louis University’s new getaway from the touch-and-go routine of campus dining. Fat Freddie’s, a local favorite for SLU bar hoppers, is now offering what could be the best authentic Mexican cuisine in the area.

“We are now offering people a quality meal that is quick and reasonably priced,” said Fat Freddie’s manager Craig Morris.

For more than a month now, Fat Freddie’s has patrons for fantastic meals, with their famous fried tacos and their giant half-pound burritos.

“These past few weeks, I have found myself craving a chicken fried taco from Fat Freddie’s,” explained Bob Menendez, a senior at SLU and a Freddie’s regular. “It’s is so close to school that is a perfect place to grab a great lunch at a low price.”

By no means is this your regular Mexican joint either. The idea came to co-managers Nate Pedigo and Ross Johnson when they saw a void in Mexican style restaurants in the area surrounding SLU. Inspired by the century-old recipes from a place called Maria’s in Springfield, Mo., they re-opened the kitchen and are now creating some of the best Mexican food in the area. Fat Freddie’s unique bar style gives the average diner a little extra to look forward to.

“We offer the atmosphere of a bar with restaurant-quality food,” said Pedigo. “There is plenty of entertainment to make one’s dining experience complete.”

Then again, the atmosphere is just icing on the…well, burrito I guess you could say. Speaking of burritos, Fat Freddie’s concocts one of the best in the business. The price may at first seem a little steep (a chicken burrito is $4, beef is $4.50 and the steak burrito is priced at $5), but your stomach will be soothed after absorbing that last bite.

The menu offers eight combo meals, priced a little under $5. A combo platter gives you a main item, rice and refried black beans. A few items are priced over $5, but they are strictly for those who take their eating to the next level.

Charlie Notheis, a junior SLU student, says his favorite item is the Mucho Grande meal. Priced at $12.50, this giant platter of two tacos, two enchiladas and a burrito is definitely a meal for two people, but for some it is just too good to pass up as an individual meal.

“I like having a variety of food in front of me. This platter is definitely something special, something you can’t find anywhere else. And if there is anything left over, I might be so kind to share it with some of my buddies,” Notheis said with a smile on his face and the mucho grande platter in front of him.

The favorite item on the menu among patrons is the fried taco. Priced at a measly $2, a Fat Freddie’s fried chicken taco is a smart investment. Loaded with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes, topped with a tasty, fresh salsa, this taco is most pleasing to the taste buds.

Joe Van Dyke, a senior SLU student and Fat Freddie’s regular, said, “I love coming for those fried tacos. They are the best I’ve ever had. Fat Freddie’s has given me that tasty alternative I’ve been looking for since freshman year. Not only does the place serve up some tasty drinks, their food is definitely something to write home about.”

Their tasty menu is definitely a step above your ordinary bar food. Their sauces are all homemade, and all items are made fresh to order.

“We want to get away from the bar-food stereotype. Students aren’t going to find food like this at any bar, or any restaurant for that matter, like this in the area,” said Ross Johnson, kitchen manager.

But the perks of bar food are definitely available. A la carte items are served until closed every night for those who need a late night pick-me-up.

“I’m not the biggest fan of eating late, but those tacos are just too good to pass up. They are perfect for munching on at the bar,” said senior Mary Feise.

The kitchen is open during the week from 11 a.m. until the bar closes at 1 a.m. On Saturday, the bar opens at 8 p.m. and serves food until close. It is closed on Sunday.

Located on Laclede Street on the west end of campus, Fat Freddie’s is home to six television screens loaded with every channel you can think of, a 2003 Golden Tee machine, two full-sized pool tables and–for you real go-getters–they sell beer to go. To many, Freddie’s offers the perfect oasis for the hard-working SLU student.

“There’s no better complement to a smooth rum and coke than a fried steak taco from Fat Freddie’s,” said Tom Potter, a senior at SLU. “It’s a great place to gather with my friends and enjoy a few drinks and a fantastic meal. We are definitely going to start going there more often.”