Where you eat most often on campus seems to be a result of where you live freshman year. As a Jefferson native, Sadler and Marketplace were most convenient for me, which made the Caf seems like an option for special occasions. Everyone has a favorite place to eat on campus even though, let’s face it, the food is pretty much all the same. But there are other factors that play into the dining experience that can make or break a meal. I have broken down these factors and rated each dining hall on campus on a 10-point scale.
1. Variety
The Caf has the most variety of food on a day-to-day basis. While the food itself is very similar to Sadler (except the pizza is better), the options are always wide spread. Marketplace on the other hand, has a more limited selection that can get old if it is the only place you eat, but it does have Qdoba working in its favor.
Caf: 9
Sadler: 7
Marketplace: 5.
2. Quality
Marketplace, hands down, has the best quality food. Everything off the grill is delicious and the Caprese (regardless of how you pronounce it) is a lunchtime dream. The Caf and Sadler are often hit or miss, but to be fair -- something will always be edible. And, when all else fails, both main dining halls have cereal and a salad bar. The Caf gets an extra point for the Chancellor’s Bistro.
Caf: 7
Sadler: 6
Marketplace: 9
3. Access to utensils
It’s all over Yik Yak every evening. No one can ever find a fork at dinnertime (although there always seem to be enough knives). The Caf is the worst offender of this, with Sadler trailing close behind. Marketplace always has enough, and it upgraded to an electric dispenser this year, which is a huge plus.
Caf: 4
Sadler: 5
Marketplace: 9
4. Seating
Marketplace can get a little crowded at lunch, but nowhere near as close to the crowds that descend Sadler and the Caf. If you are planning on eating at noon or dinner at six, be prepared to take multiple laps around the room looking for an open seat. The tables for two with big orange chairs in Sadler are comfy, but hard to come by. Update: Marketplace has brand new comfy chairs this year.
Caf: 6
Sadler: 5
Marketplace: 8
5. Lighting
This may seem trivial, but it actually does matter. Sadler is split between the sunny side and the dark side. The sunny side is preferable, but the dark side is manageable when the crowds get rough on a sunny day. The Caf lighting is okay until the sun begins to set. At that point, half of the seats are unusable unless you enjoy being blinded by the sun during dinner. Marketplace is usually lit by natural light -- nothing too out of the ordinary.
Caf: 6
Sadler: 5
Marketplace: 9
6. To-go options
Marketplace is the clear winner here, seeing as all food is served to-go and they even offer you plastic bags to put your food in. After the plastic to-go box initiative, getting food to go at the Caf and Sadler is manageable, but takes a lot of extra planning. Tip: use the to-go coffee cups to put food in at the Caf and Sadler
Caf: 6
Sadler: 6
Marketplace: 10
7. Environmental sustainability
Sadler and the Caf have really stepped up their game with environmental sustainability this year. True, the napkins are all made from recycled materials, but now the to-go boxes and coffee mugs are reusable. Marketplace uses a lot of cardboard and plastic containers for food, but unfortunately that is the price to pay for convenience.
Caf: 6
Sadler: 6
Marketplace: 3
8. Service.
This one is hardly a question. Sodexo employees are the nicest people to walk the planet.
Caf: 10
Sadler: 10
Marketplace: 10
Final breakdown:
Caf: 6.75
Sadler: 6.25
Marketplace: 7.88
Though not a main dining hall, Marketplace wins for its quality and convenience around campus.
