Let’s face it- cheap, delicious meals are hard to come by as college students, and even Taco Bell and the dollar menu at McDonald’s get old after a while.

However, I have found the solution: Montagu’s. Located at the corner of Pine Street and Chisholm Road, Montagu’s is the only sandwich shop in the Shoals that can boast a wide array of sandwiches, burgers and sides with nothing on the menu more than $5 (excluding specialty salads).

Don’t let the maximum seating space inside- which evens out to roughly 11 occupants- fool you. Montagu’s has a steady stream of customers, and you’ll know exactly why after biting into your first sandwich.

I have long been a patron of the restaurant, and I have tried several items on the menu. While choosing what to eat can be difficult for some (because it’s all good), I’ve compiled a list of my Montagu’s favorites:

The Philly cheesesteak sandwich – piled high with steak, grilled onions and peppers and provolone cheese – is definitely a must-try. And paired with a side of French fries or mozzarella cheese sticks, the Philly cheesesteak makes the perfect late afternoon meal.

Of course you can never go wrong with an American favorite – the cheeseburger. I would recommend getting it just how it’s made, “all the way,” with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato, mustard, ketchup, pickles and onion, as well as with or without bacon. Order a side of chili cheese fries, too, and you will most certainly be back as soon as possible.

My first experience with Montagu’s – and the vast majority of them since then – included their fried pickles. If anyone ever asks me what they should try, this side item is the first thing to come to mind. After breading what seems like an entire jar of sliced pickles, the pickles are fried to a perfect golden brown and served up with ranch dressing. And seriously, there are enough to share among two or three people, for about $3.

No matter what you choose- whether it’s the Reuben, a plate of chicken tenders, a hamburger, or even just a side of fried pickles- you really can’t go wrong with Montagu’s.

Montagu’s is open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m.-10 p .m., and offers free soft drinks to UNA students with a MANE card with the purchase of a sandwich.