Three food options within walking distance of Los Angeles Valley College

With a cafeteria that closes at 1:00 P.M., campus becomes a food desert for students taking later classes.

By Katherine OBrien Field

Rigo's Tacos first opened in 1989 in Pacoima and has since expanded to five locations. (Andrew Gonzalez | Valley Star)

Valley’s cafeteria closes at 1 P.M., and once those doors close, students may be able to find a Subway sandwich in a cooler somewhere at the back of the bookstore. However, there are far more food options available than first appears. Monarchs can find breakfast, lunch, dinner and desserts within walking distance of campus.

USA Donuts is an excellent choice for breakfast food, donuts, and sandwiches. The bacon, egg and cheese croissant with coffee or tea is a great morning meal and more than plentiful. There are many more combinations, but the classic breakfast is tried and true. The lunch sandwiches like tuna, roast beef, and ham and cheese are very tasty, with generous portions, and will be sure to take care of your hunger. The donuts are wonderful and the maple bars and apple fritters are delicious too. All the favorites are in the case, with classic donuts and mouth-watering pastries on display. These are excellent old-time American breakfast treats. Very limited seating and to-go orders. Across the street from campus. 13316 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401. Hours: M – F: 5:00 am to 7:00 pm, Sat: 5:00 am to 6 pm, Sun: 6:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Rigo’s Taco has authentic Mexican Angeleno food and is a classic Mexican taqueria with American and Mexican drink favorites. Breakfast burritos are available all day. The classic menu of tacos, burritos, and combination plates are the main fare. The meat is well seasoned and well cooked with good quality ingredients. The plates have generous portions, with delicious rice and beans. The salsas are excellent, especially the salsa verde, from an all-you-can-eat salsa bar. Sit down or to-go. About three blocks from campus. Corner of Oxnard and Woodman. 13662 Oxnard St., Van Nuys, CA 91401. Call in food order at 818-487-0880. Hours: M – Sat: 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Sun: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.

Grandma’s Thai Kitchen has delicious Thai food, with appetizers like egg rolls, dumplings, salads, soups, noodles, curries, and fried rice.. For entrees, the orange chicken and cashew chicken are fan favorites. The Chef’s specialty also includes steamed fish and different teriyaki dishes. Grandma’s has side orders, desserts, and drinks, including an excellent classic hot jasmine tea. Vegetarians also have many options because tofu is offered as a protein. Lunch special served 9 am to 4 pm. Sit down or to-go. Directly across from campus. 13230 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91401. Call in food order at 818-785-9036. Hours: Mon – Sun, 9 am to 9 pm.