When first arriving at the University of Iowa, you have a shiny new meal plan with hawk dollars, meal swipes, and flex meals to choose from to get your daily nutrition. However, as I've spent my first year here, it's been quite similar to the Food Network TV show "Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives" with some places getting critical acclaim and some places falling a little short. Here's a quick overview of where's where on the campus to eat with your meal plan.
Burge Marketplace
This is the east side dorms' dining hall and it leaves some to be desired. The make-your-own burrito/taco/bowl line is almost always a sure bet, chicken tacos with queso being a personal favorite. However, if you aren't in that kind of mood, you can hope for fresh greens at the salad bar and the off-chance that it's chicken tender day. However, on special days when the moon aligns just right, they have things like "make your own grilled cheese" or "make your own flatbread pizza." On these days, run for the line because you will stand in it forever. It will be worth it in the end.
Hillcrest Marketplace
This is the west side dorms' dining hall and somehow it was sprinkled with magical fairy dust because this establishment is incredible. Not only do they have make your own quesadillas and delectable soft serve, but they also have a made-to-order burger bar that is delicious. They also have fresh bright greens for salads and other deliciously cooked foods. "It's really a trip to Flavortown," to quote Guy Fieri.
Pat's Diner
This is located in the Papa John Business Building on the east side of campus and it's a definite go-to to spend some of those underrated flex meals. You can choose either of the top two hot options on the menu as your entree and get a drink and two sides from the diner as well. The highlights of the menu are walking taco days, hot dog days, and the ultimate pulled pork sandwich days. Pat's is definitely a place to stop when you need a good meal quick and easily.
The IMU
In the basement of the IMU, you can also redeem flex meals and get a quality meal in doing so. They have chicken tenders and fries that you can get, chicken sandwiches, or a mashed potato bowl. All are very good options and you can even put it in a trendy to-go container for easy eating. It's surely worth a stop if you're hungry and in the area.
Food for Thought Cafe
This is the cafe in the library and it also accepts flex meals. However, unless you're in the market for a pre-made sandwich, this may not be your best bet for entree selection. However, if you're in the library at 10:00 p.m. and starving, everything there starts to look pretty good.
The Burge C Store
The convenience store in Burge is a perfect place to stop for a made-to-order wrap or some late-night mozzarella sticks. They accept hawkeye dollars, so make sure not to spend them all on laundry!
There are a few other places to eat on campus like Black's Gold Grill or the Hillcrest C store, but I have never ventured to these places, so I am unable to give you the lowdown. However, if you're looking for a place to snack, I'm sure that you can find somewhere suitable in the places above.
