For a whole year, I’ve rigorously compiled data on every food establishment on campus. Therefore, unlike the regularly scheduled engineering-related article that I would have written, I choose to speak on food instead (because without it, where would any of us be?).

Hence, as we welcome the Class of 2028, let’s review some highlights of on-campus dining and rate them, shall we?

Sbisa & Commons Dining Halls

The flagship dining hall experiences that every tour guide never fails to mention; regardless of what part of campus you might be touring. Both offer pizza, salad bar, sandwiches and the ‘Mongolian Grill’. The grill is safe most days except in the case your chicken comes out pink, which, in that case, please seek solace in one of the other stations’ food instead. The Commons generally offers better food quality and variety, though the breakfast at Sbisa, especially the fresh omelets (especially if you arrive before 9 a.m. on a weekday), stands out. Overall, I’d rate them a 5/10 — befitting their food variety and accessibility.

Northside Dining

Strongly recommend Copperhead tacos here as it boasts a speedy and devious meal — all for one meal swipe. I find the CFA here to be alright, but its late timings make it perfect for a post-exam sweet treat. I recommend the Houston Street Subs here due to its welcoming staff and various side options (chips). Other than that, there’s a Starbucks and an Aggie Express a few minutes off at Hullabaloo, making Northside Dining a decent dining experience. 6/10.

Polo Rec (+ Azimuth)

Love the Panda Express and the Shake Smart here. Shake Smart’s Açaí bowls, in particular, are just so perfect after a long day or a workout, as well as their wraps (the one with harissa is my favorite). Although there’s a Salata and a Houston Street Subs here, I believe you can get more value out of other options here or Azimuth, the architecture department’s flagship cafe located a few minutes away from the Polo. I say this as I splurged nearly $30 on a salad at Salata that I never finished… a great lesson on self-control. I’ll give these options a 7/10.

MSC (+ Quadbucks)

MSC offers the best food on campus despite its long lines. Downstairs, Panda Express is quick here outside from its rush hours. Abu Omar is also great. The chicken shawarma wraps with any extra sauce being my personal recommendation.

On the first floor, Cabo offers delicious bowls comparable to Chipotle, CFA boasts speed and taste, Rev’s sauces and seasonal offerings make it a standout campus favorite and other food offerings here make the MSC hard to dislike.

Complete with a short walk to a cozy two-story Starbucks at the quad (fittingly titled Quadbucks), the MSC area doesn’t leave much to desire. 8/10.

Special: West Campus + Creekside Market

I’ve even broken my glasses trying to get a hold on the chicken wings available here. Although imperfect, a breath of fresh air. The locker system is pretty cool, and the walk is quite scenic (if you have the time for it). Befits a 7/10.

…and that’s my guide to eating on campus (unless things change this year). I hope this helped you understand a bit more about campus life. Just eat well, stay healthy and hydrated, alright?