As a freshman with a meal plan, you’ve got tons of options — some are just down the hall. Still, the closest RPS food court only holds its allure for so long. So start off the year in an adventurous fashion. Break out of your neighborhood’s eateries and start wandering onto other turf. Here’s a sneak peek at all the goodies RPS dining halls have to offer.
NORTHWEST NEIGHBORHOOD
Gresham Food Court at Foster
Open 7:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends
By far the main attraction of dining in the northwest neighborhood, the Gresham Food Court has more than 10 food counters ready for dine-in or carryout. You’ll love Taco John’s Potato Oles and a smoothie from Cream and Crimson Creations.
Hoosier Den at Foster
Open 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily
A late-night bakery, pizza joint and sausage grill all rolled into one, The Hoosier Den is a smaller, relaxed atmosphere made to grab a slice and maybe even a game of pool.
Crimson Creamery at Foster
Open 1 to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday, 5 to 11 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Yet another late-night favorite where students can order a hot breakfast, burger or pizza, this is a great place to chill after a study group finishes its meeting or to take a mini-break of your own and chat with friends.
Hoosier Cafe & Store at McNutt
Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday
Like little mini-markets, these places have tons of non-perishable foods as well as bread, milk and ice cream. You’ll also find cough syrup, tissues or a stick of deodorant to replace the one you lost. There’s also a cafe that serves up hot subs or sandwiches, soup and salad —an excellent lunch spot. Or, breakfast is served with a bagel or muffin and cup of Starbucks coffee made just for you by the barista.
Edmondson Dining Room at Collins
Open for brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner 5 to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. There is also a Friday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and a Sunday brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
People say the Edmondson Dining Room looks like IU’s version of Hogwarts. And while we see some resemblance between Collins’ gnome mascot and Professor Dumbledore, you should probably just come see for yourself. Collins serves two buffet-style meals per day and is perfect for the days when all you want is something home-cooked. Vegetarians and vegans will also love eating here for its many dishes made without meat or animal products.
Deli at Collins
Open 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday
If you live in Collins, the deli is your one-stop breakfast joint. If you’re around for lunch, you’ll love the sandwiches made to order. But maybe the best secret of the Collins deli: the lunchtime grill. The kitchen staff will cook you up a burger, grilled cheese or fries on order.
CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOOD
Wright Food Court
Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekdays, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. weekends
As the biggest food court on campus, the Wright Food Court can get pretty busy, especially at peak meal times, so plan accordingly. You’ll love the Flamingo Grille’s spicy chicken sandwich or Pacific Rim’s stir fry, made to order.
Hoosier Cafe & Store at Wright
Open 10 a.m.-midnight weekdays ,noon - midnight weekends
Each RPS convenience store varies slightly, so if you can’t find something in one place, try another. Also, if they have them, eat a pizza pretzel. You won’t regret it.
Hoosier Cafe & Store at Eigenmann
Open 7 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday.
Cool Beans at Eigenmann
Open 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Let’s face it, college students rely on caffeine to make it through the week. This small coffee shop brews Starbucks coffee, and the barista there will make you whatever fancy espresso drink you choose.
SOUTHEAST NEIGHBORHOOD
Landes Dining Room at Read
Open for lunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, dinner 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday
The traditional dining room at Read is a lot like the home-cooked experience at Collins, but with a different menu. Read doesn’t emphasize vegetarian or vegan dishes quite as much, either. Carnivores, rejoice.
El Bistro at Read
Open 8:30 a.m. to midnight weekdays, 9 a.m. to midnight weekends
Where else could you get a waffle topped with ice cream and a freshly wrapped burrito during the same meal? The food is made to order and is definitely worth the wait - especially for the burritos. Eat your heart out, Chipotle.
Hoosier Cafe at Read
Open 7 a.m.-midnight weekdays, 11 a.m.-midnight weekends
It’s a perfect place to pop into for a meal, Read’s Hoosier Cafe has a little of everything. Grab a salad or soup, or have some Starbucks coffee. However, we will always recommend the popcorn chicken. Yum.
Hoosier Cafe & Store at Willkie
Open 11 a.m. to midnight weekdays , noon-midnight weekends
Probably the largest convenience store on campus, Willkie has just about anything you could possibly keep or make in a dorm room. It’s full of microwave-friendly frozen meals and has the best cereal selection around.
RPS KIOSKS
Kiosks vary, but you can almost always count on one to provide you with coffee and a small meal. Bagels and muffins are plentiful in the morning, while salads and sandwiches are the big sellers during lunch.
Jacobs School of Music
Open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays
Jordan Hall
Open 7:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays
SPEA
Open 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. weekdays
Wells Library Commons Café
Open 7 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-9 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday
SRSC
Open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday
School of Informatics and Computing
Open 8 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays
Ballantine Hall
Open 7:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. weekdays
Dorm Dining
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