Taking advantage of dining hall specialty restaurants makes credits well-spent

By Megan Jones

It’s Friday? Yes, which means it’s time to go to Oodles.

These are just some of the thoughts you’ll have with a University meal plan. On designated days, dining halls offer specialty restaurants with themed foods.

Check the list to see what days you can satisfy what cravings.

Better Burger
Where: Ikenberry Dining Hall on Wednesdays; Pennsylvania Avenue Residence Halls Monday through Friday
When: Lunchtime from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
You’ll quickly realize there is a big difference between a regular dining hall burger and a “Better Burger.” From hand-made patties and hand-cut fries, this is the way to go if you’re looking for some comfort food after class. Toppings galore and drinks, such as root beer floats, really make the classic American meal.

Cracked Egg Cafe
Where: Florida Avenue Hall
When: Tuesdays from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m.
Breakfast for dinner? OK! This specialty restaurant features traditional breakfast foods with made-to-order omelets and different carved meats.

Get The Daily Illini in your inbox!

  • Catch the latest on University of Illinois news, sports, and more. Delivered every weekday.
  • Stay up to date on all things Illini sports. Delivered every Monday.
Thank you for subscribing!

La Cocina Mexicana
Where: Illinois Street Residence Hall
When: Mondays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
From pork flautas to steak fajitas, these Mexican dishes will not disappoint.

Field of Greens
Where: Lincoln Avenue Residence Hall
When: Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.
Vegetarian? This restaurant has you covered by serving no meat products or byproducts. The salad bar offers plenty of options, and don’t forget to try the dried fruit and nut bar.

Leafy
Where: Lincoln Avenue Residence Halls
When: Wednesdays from 4:45 to 6:30 p.m.
Similarly to Field of Greens, Leafy only serves vegetarian dishes, making Lincoln Avenue Residence Halls a great place to live for vegetarians.

Neo Soul Ingredient
Where: Ikenberry Dining Hall
When: Mondays from 4:30 to 8 p.m.
From jerk chicken to akara, this restaurant serves traditional African food and island cuisine.

Oodles
Where: Busey-Evans Residence Hall
When: Fridays from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
A personal favorite, Oodles is the best place to go when craving noodles and an experience even better than Olive Garden. Pasta is made-to-order with fresh veggies, and each week has tasty desserts, such as cheesecakes.

Soul Ingredient
Where: Florida Avenue Residence Halls
When: Thursdays from 4:45 to 7:30 p.m.
Eat southern-style comfort food while a live DJ plays music. From chicken and waffles to fun hand-scooped ice cream, this restaurant offers a “taste of home.”

Taste of Asia
Where: Illinois Street Residence Halls
When: Wednesdays from 4:45 to 7 p.m.
Asian-inspired dishes are served each week. Tweet: Take advantage of specialty restaurants in the dining hall and make your credits well-spent. Here’s when and where to go. | LINK

Megan is a junior in Media.
[email protected]