In the past, any mention of a school dining hall might have conjured up images of leftover meat loaf and stale french fries. But these days, the University offers a plethora of tasty dining options available to students living both on and off campus.
The two main dining centers in Carson Hall and H.P. Barnhart remain mealtime staples, especially for campus dwellers. Both centers operate on an all-you-can-eat basis with an extensive selection of entrees, as well as salad and sandwich bars.
“(Carson) has a huge salad bar with vegetarian and vegan options,” said Tom Driscoll, University Dining Services food services director. “Barnhart particularly is known for a great Sunday brunch.” Both centers are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, and they offer brunch and dinner on weekends.
Pizanos Pizzeria, located on the north side of the Bean
Complex, is open for dinner. Driscoll said the pizzeria is making its own dough this year. “It’s a really good product,” he says. “Much
better than in the past.”
Hammy’s Diner in the Hamilton Complex offers its usual fare of hamburgers and other fast food for students on the go, including vegetarian choices. The 1950s style diner has hours extending to 10 p.m.
The new Fire ‘n Spice Grill, also in Hamilton, opened Thursday. Students can have their meals made to order, choosing everything from meats and vegetables to spices and sauces.
“We’ve found that students like to be able to have more control over the meal,” Driscoll said. “It will be fun.” He adds that these ingredients can be placed on tortillas, rolls or rice — the possibilities are almost endless. “It’s as far as your imagination will take you,” he said. The grill’s hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday.
Need a midnight snack? Common Grounds Cafe in Hamilton is open until 2 a.m. The café offers breakfast items, sandwiches, soups, beverages and snacks. “We have Internet connections all over the place,” Driscoll said. “It’s been very popular.”
Clancy Thurber’s Underground, located downstairs in the Collier House, has a mellow, bistro-type atmosphere — perfect for scribbling poetry or just relaxing with a cup of coffee. The pub is named after former University Club President and University faculty member Clancy Thurber, and it serves waffles, sandwiches and its popular soup in a bread bowl. Clancy Thurber’s also specializes in hot beverages,
including cappuccino and chai tea.
Grab ‘N Go in Hamilton is now Grab ‘N Go Marketplace. Students can purchase the same hot food items and packaged snacks available in past years, but now they can also purchase toiletry items such as shampoo and toothpaste. “It’s much more of a marketplace now,” says Driscoll.
Students can use their pre-purchased point-based meal plans, DeDuck Cash Cards or Campus Cash accounts or pay cash for any of the Dining Services venues.
Beyond Dining Services, Erb Memorial Union also has an eclectic selection of foods. In addition to the EMU’s own food vendors, Greatful Bread, The Buzz and Erb Essentials convenience store, EMU Food Service also contracts out spaces to several national franchises and local
vegetarian and vegan enterprises.
Food Service also added more variety to its Marketplace Foods this year. India House, Ritta’s Burritos, Pita Pit, Orient Express and Kim’s Bento will serve food here on different days of the week. “With the concept of the Marketplace, that might put us at a place where we have more variety (than other
universities),” Costello said.
“We’re also adding new foods at The Buzz,” he said. “We’re offering Belgian waffles and more
sandwiches than we did last year.”
Costello said the Cyber Cafe in McKenzie Hall is permanently shut down, but the Atrium Cafe in Willamette Hall, the AAA Cafe in Lawrence Hall, and the Daily Grind in the Knight Library are all open for business.
Students cannot use their meal points or DeDuck accounts at EMU Food Services venues, but they can use regular cash or Campus Cash accounts. Subway and Andrew Smash also accept credit cards.
With the combination of old favorites and exciting new additions, students can fill themselves with knowledge and good eats.
“There will be more of a selection,” Costello said. “It’s a more interesting fare.”