It is a well known fact that JMU dining is ranked nationally as one of the best college dining experiences. However, when it comes to ranking each of these mouth-watering food places, I struggled. They're all too good. So here's my attempt at ordering each place on campus where you can get a delicious meal.
11. Let's Go! Local
A small, hidden take out place behind D Hall, Let's Go! Local has little choice compared to other options on campus, and very few people use it as their 'go to' when seeking a satisfying meal. This location will be the least missed place once The Last Dash occurs at the end of this semester.
10. Corner Bistro
As much as Corner Bistro is a convenient place for food Geology and IDLS majors who spend endless hours in Memorial Hall, it fails to match the quality of those that reside back on campus. It only gets better.
9. Market One
A underrated and much appreciated dining option, Market One is the mini D Hall right next door. Not only does it encompass Burger Studio, a Starbucks and Sbarro, but it's also the place go to between classes on main campus for a quick drink and bite to eat. Not to mention, the ridiculously warm-hearted cashiers who work there - looking at you, Deena.
8. Mrs. Greens
The main pro when it comes to residing in Chandler Hall - easy access to Mrs Greens, especially when you are in desperate need for a quick meal, or maybe you've been snowed in for 5 days and strolling downstairs is easier than trekking to D Hall. And not to mention the incredible salad bar, just heavenly.
7. Top Dog
Sitting right above PC Dukes is Top Dog, the home of the essential Dunkin' Donuts, delectable Mongolian Grill and the tasty meals from Grille Works and Madison Bread. The only reason this dining hall option isn't further up the list is because of it's confusing hours - I will never understand why it's closed on a Saturday.
6. Dukes
This place is a classic for any student living on campus seeking greasy goodness - perhaps because it's one of the only places with logical and decent hours on the weekend. Ranging from pizza, Mexican, pasta, sandwiches and an entire array of snacks and drinks, PC Dukes has everything the average college student needs.
5. Madison Grill
Perhaps the cheapest date spot on campus, Madison Grill offers a restaurant experience while still giving you the option to use your punches. Whether it's the juicy Madison Burger or the colossal bowl of Mac and Cheese (with added bacon for extra dining), Madison Grill is the perfect place to go if you're still living on campus and need somewhere to celebrate.
4. D-Hall
I was so tempted to place this historic place further up the list, purely to honor it after it's soon to be destruction at the end of the semester. D-Hall is the first place people eat on campus. Whether it's for a tour with your parents or a field trip with your classmates, D-Hall offers a taste of what JMU dining is like, and it never fails to deliver. With one punch and an all you can eat selection of heavenly foods, this place will surely be missed greatly.
3. Bistro 1908 - SSC
It was a bold move to put this place ahead of D Hall, but it has only gotten better since the Student Success Center first opened it's doors in Fall 2014. Quinoa bowls are an obvious choice, with the line extending out the doors most days, but then there are the freshly baked pizzas, enticing grilled cheese and soup punch deals, as well as the sweet desserts calling your name right as you walk out of the door. Whatever you're craving, SSC has it in quality form...and there's a Dunkin' Donuts right downstairs. Who can complain?
2. Festival
There's something for everyone at JMU's Festival at the very end of East Campus. The salads offer an entire range of ingredients, with the Chinese place and Burger Studio being just as enjoyable. Then there are the grilled cheese sandwiches from Cheeze Please, a distinctive food option made by the gods. Crepes are also a favorite, with various fruit and savory options being able to be added whenever requested. In addition, Festival has snacks, just in case you have a little extra dining to spend.
1. E-Hall
How could E-Hall not be the number one delicious dining choice at JMU? With made-to-order omelets and pastas, freshly baked pizzas, homestyle entrees and a complete dessert section, there are so many things to love about E-Hall. People may stare at you for wandering the vast dining options, desperately seeking that perfect meal, but there's nothing stopping you from getting as many plates as you want. E-Hall is THE place to eat when visiting JMU.
Honorable Mentions:
Chick Fil A: For being the only place I'd spend so much dining at.
Einstein's: For giving us the best bagels we could have ever asked for.
Starbucks: For being there for us in Carrier and ECL when we need it most.
and Mister Chips: For being our mini Walmart when we are desperately willing to spend $10 on shampoo, and maybe buy a Quiznos while we're there.
Thank you JMU Dining, for being just another reason why this university is the happiest place on earth.
