Iowa State UniversityCampus Dining Summary

While it is nowhere near gourmet quality, Iowa State offers pretty decent food choices. Whether or not you like cafeteria food, Iowa State has a place to eat when the need arises. While most students find the cafeteria to be at least edible, there are a few who absolutely love it. But, one thing is indisputable: choice. Different foods are served at each dining hall, and the menus are always changing. Variety keeps food from being totally unbearable for those who miss mom's cooking.

Students need to find their niche in dining. If hot meals really don't appeal to you, make sure you eat when the deli sandwich line is available. The salad bar is always available during dining hours and offers various vegetables, yogurt, cottage cheese, and a form of Jell-O or other fruit salad. Soft-serve ice cream is also available in most dining halls. Sack meals are available for students who have class during dining hours or would just prefer to eat in another location. Dining plans and meal times are becoming more flexible, attempting to accommodate more students. The Hawthorne Market & Café offers food that is not mass-produced, and most people find that the food is quite good and reasonably priced. It also offers Starbucks coffee, soft-serve ice cream, and daily specials.