Last updated on Nov. 9, 2025 at 06:43 p.m.
After being closed for two years for renovations, Ted’s Café brings a breath of fresh air to the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology with its specialty drinks and diverse menu.
Formerly known as Beckman’s Café, Ted’s Café was reimagined by the founding director of the Beckman Institute, Ted Brown, into a more creative environment for students and faculty. The café officially reopened in September with additional seating, a modern design and an on-demand coffee bar.
Tucked away on the outskirts of the Bardeen Quadrangle, Ted’s Café offers a convenient stop for students in The Grainger College of Engineering, providing a quick option for breakfast or lunch without leaving the area. Riley Green, junior in LAS, usually stops by for lunch on Fridays after conducting research in the building.
While the café serves specialty drinks, the main draw for many is the food, which is freshly prepared and offered in multiple portion sizes to meet the needs of busy students and staff.
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“It’s not so much a café, in my opinion,” Riley Green said. “I would think of it as more of a restaurant. I feel like what most people come here for is the food. I mean, they have other stuff here, but I found that I like the food better than the drinks.”
One of the defining features of Ted’s Café is its changing menu, which rotates daily to offer a unique selection of dishes and pastries. Dhatri Parakal, junior in Engineering, noted that this feature of the café makes it unique compared to others.
“Today I got a sandwich, pasta and fish,” Parakal said. “The last time I came here, I got rice, noodles, orange chicken and vegan tofu. It’s always changing, which is what I like about the café.”
Affordable prices are another key factor that sets Ted’s Café apart. Its budget-friendly offerings make it a popular choice for both students and faculty.
Parakal noted the café offers plates and bowls for $9.95, with a variety of portions and food options that compete with other campus dining spots.
Julia Green, freshman in LAS, appreciates that the café’s affordable prices extend beyond the food options and into its array of specialty drinks.
“I really like both the meals and the drinks here,” Julia Green said. “I do think there could be more drink choices, but out of the menu, I really like the iced chai. It’s one of the drinks I always order with a pastry without spending too much.”
While affordability and a diverse menu are important factors for any restaurant, the quality and flavor of the food are equally important in keeping customers satisfied and coming back for more.
“I heard about the café from some of my friends,” Julia Green said. “They told me to check it out because of how good the food is, and I’m so glad I did.”
