‘Always something new to try’: Students discuss favorite on-campus dining options

As Pitt welcomes new students this fall, many are eager to discover the best food options on campus. To assist new students in navigating these options, The Pitt News spoke with several students about their favorite spots and tips for getting the most out of their meal swipes.

Kayla Onyango, a sophomore finance major, said she enjoys the options and convenience offered by her meal plan. 

“I love the variety that the meal plans offer,” Onyango said. “Whether I’m in the mood for a quick snack or a sit-down meal with friends, I always find something that fits my schedule and cravings.” 

Located in the Litchfield Towers, The Eatery is an all-you-care-to-eat dining hall where students can choose from a variety of cuisines, from classic American comfort food to international dishes. 

Kayla Parks, a sophomore business major, said she appreciates the Eatery’s central location.  

“The Eatery is perfect for when I want a little bit of everything,” Parks said “There’s always something new to try, and it’s in a nice spot. It’s a good place to meet up with friends and just relax.”

For students living on upper campus, The Perch at Sutherland offers a nearby dining option with a panoramic view of Oakland. 

“My favorite place to eat on campus is The Perch just because of the view,” Fatima Fall, a sophomore science major, said. “It’s a walk, but it’s definitely worth it.”

Fall added that she prefers the quieter environment of The Perch, making it an ideal spot for both meals and studying.

“I prefer The Perch over The Eatery because it’s less crowded, and the food quality is consistently good,” Fall said.

Another option for students is the Schenley Café, located in the William Pitt Union. This food court-style venue offers a variety of stations, including a deli, a pizza restaurant and a salad bar, which is something Parks appreciates.

“I love going to Schenley Café because there are so many different choices,” Parks said. “It’s a great place to grab lunch between classes, and the vibes in the seating area are really nice for studying.”

Pitt offers several grab-and-go options. The Market, located on the lower level of Litchfield Towers, allows students to use dining dollars for a quick and simple meal. It offers a variety of sandwiches, salads and snacks.

“The Market is so efficient. I can grab something healthy and delicious between classes without wasting any time,” Onyango said. “It’s also open 24/7, so that’s a plus.”

The Cathedral Cafe, located in the basement of the Cathedral of Learning, is another spot for a quick meal. 

“I love stopping by the Cathedral Cafe between classes,” Parks said. “It’s a great place to grab something quick, and the cozy atmosphere makes it perfect for a study session.”

The Petersen Events Center food court is another popular dining destination on campus. It features Chick-fil-A, Shake Smart, Steel City Kitchen and Burrito Bowl.

“I probably used so many meal swaps at Chick-fil-A,” Onyango said. “It’s really convenient for when I’m leaving the gym, and there’s always something that hits the spot.”

While meal swipes are great for on-campus dining, Dining Dollars provide flexibility to explore off-campus options. These funds can be used at various on-campus locations and select off-campus partners. One popular spot among students is Chikn, located on Forbes Avenue.

“Using Dining Dollars at Chikn is totally worth it. Their chicken tenders are the best,” Fall said. “I really like that I can use dining dollars at off-campus places because I’m able to try more new things.”  

The Porch at Schenley is another popular restaurant among students. Though not directly affiliated with Pitt, its farm-to-table menu and location in Schenley Plaza make it a popular choice for brunch or dinner.

“The Porch is one of my go-to spots,” Onyango said. “The food is always fresh and the atmosphere is so good for a relaxing meal with friends or family.”

For making the most of your meal plan, Parks suggests planning ahead by checking the dining hall menus online before heading out. 

“It helps to know what’s being served, so you can plan your meals better,” Parks said.

Onyango highlights the importance of taking advantage of theme nights at The Eatery, such as breakfast night and Black History Month events. 

“Theme nights at The Eatery are the best,” Onyango said. “They offer unique dishes you won’t get on a regular day.”

Lastly, Fall emphasizes the importance of the healthy options available on campus.

“Don’t overlook the salad bars and fresh fruit available at dining halls,” Fall said. “It’s easy to eat healthy with all the fresh options.”