The College of Charleston contains many wonderful places and resources for its students. Beautiful campus views, passionate faculty, and a state-of-the art library are just a few among them. But there's one major thing that all students on campus seem to love to hate; the dining halls. And while many may agree that this is not without reason, there are definitely some dining halls preferred more than others.
From buffet style to restaurant style to food court style, there are many different ways food is served here at CofC. Regardless of personal food preferences, each hall offers a variety of different menu options. While I certainly can't complain about the fact that there is food provided for us and that we are lucky to have it, there are certainly opinions about which places are more desirable to eat than others. So, without further ado, and after much discussion among my friends, classmates, and I, here are the College of Charleston dining halls ranked.
5. Liberty St. Fresh Food Company
Photo by Gabi Loue
College of Charleston's largest dining hall comes in at number 5. While boasting an arguably wider selection than most other locations, this hall ranks at the bottom of the list due to the student's many complaints about it's over/under cooked food and somewhat strange selection, especially on the weekends. However, the staff is nice and helpful when they greet you at the door, and if anyone tells you they don't like Liberty's cookies, they are lying. Plus it is the only place open for breakfast most days, which is a definite plus for earlier risers like myself.
Location: 30 St Philip St, Charleston, SC 29424
4. City Bistro
Photo by Gabi Loue
City Bistro is College of Charleston's most newly renovated dining hall, which puts it above Liberty. Also the location is a huge plus for those that live in some of the less central residence halls (i.e. Berry, McAlister, Kelly, Warren, etc).
Many of the complaints about City Bistro arise from the quality of food, as with the Liberty dining hall, and the disappearance of sushi off the menu (now seemingly being replaced by Poke Bowls and sitr-fry). There is definitely less selection than Liberty, but there are also some foods that Liberty doesn't offer that pleases City's consumers (most notably, banana chips and cottage cheese).
However, the staff are probably among the most friendly at the College of Charleston, so you're always greeted with smiling faces as you enter.
Location: 80 St Philip St, Charleston, SC 29424
3. Market 159
Photo by Gabi Loue
Ok, so this is not technically a dining hall per say, but I know many students often get their food from this location, rather than going out to eat. The College's own miniature grocery store, Market 159 has everything from cereal to hot pockets to almond milk to sushi. It now even has local Charleston products!
Of course, this means the food either requires some preparation or is just prepackaged snacks you can get anywhere else, so sometimes it's not as fulfilling as getting a meal prepared for you at a dining hall or restaurant. (First World Problem, I know)
Location: 159 Calhoun St, Charleston, SC 29424
For more information, click here!
2. Stern Center Food Court
Photo by Gabi Loue
Like a food court at a mall, the Stern Center Food Court offers a variety of different choices through a variety of different vendors. There's fresh sushi and bowls, Boar's Head Deli for the sandwich lovers, Jole Mole for those who can't get enough of nachos, Olilo for a healthier Mediterranean inspired option, Acai bowls if anyone wants to jump on that new craze, and numerous kinds of milkshakes, drinks, and snacks.
The only reason this location did not make it to the top of the list is the fact that, for those that rely on a CofC meal plan to eat, this dining option does not take meal swipes (instead Maroon Meals and Ding Dollars reign here). Plus it doesn't have as many choices as the other dining halls often do, so if you're really not in the mood for any of those vendors, you're out of luck.
Location: 71 George St, Charleston, SC 29401
For more information, click here!
1. Marty's Place
Photo by Gabi Loue
At number 1 is Marty's Place, the vegan friendly and kosher dining hall right on the edge of campus! Though the words "vegan/vegetarian" may throw some people off into thinking that the options there are really only for one type of palate, that's not necessarily true. With a made-to-order menu that contains everything from pasta to pizza to wraps to bowls, Marty's Place most likely has a meal for every preference. With special side offerings, tempura cauliflower (either Siracha or General Tso's, you choose) on Mondays, and cookies that could rival Liberty's, Marty's Place is most certainly the most widely loved dining hall here on campus.
Location: 96 Wentworth St, Charleston, SC 29424
Other places to consider on the College of Charleston's campus that provides for students using Dining Dollars includes Starbucks in Addlestone Library, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Chick-Fil-A, and the various Provisions On Demand (P.O.D.) locations in classroom buildings.
So if you can't decide where to go for your next meal, maybe consult this list to see what you're in the mood for. Bon Appétit!
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