UF's diverse campus eateries sure to satisfy any hunger

March 28, 2007

Suppose you just got out of class. You’re starving and must eat before you head to your next class.

Where do you go?

Or, imagine you’re working and a colleague from across campus calls to suggest you get together for a quick lunch.

Where do you meet?

The answer to each of these questions depends on where you are and how much time you have.

The University of Florida offers so many diverse choices, there’s no need to look any further the next time you’re searching for something to eat.

If you’re close to the Reitz Student Union, you’re in luck. Gator Dining Services features many of the popular national fast-food restaurants like Wendy’s, Subway and Taco Bell on the second floor. You can grab a quick bite and head outside to a scenic area like the North Lawn or take a minute to relax in the open food court.

For more international fare, try Capeesh for traditional Italian or the Asian-inspired Noodle Bar.

When you’re tired of fast food but still want something quick, try the Orange & Brew. On the ground floor of the Reitz Student Union just steps away from the duck pond, you can enjoy a fresh panini sandwich or savory soup inside the cozy pub or take a cup of Starbucks coffee outside on the patio under an umbrella.

You’ll still have time to satisfy your sweet tooth. Freshens, also on the ground floor, offers ice cream with different toppings, parfaits, frozen yogurt and fruit smoothies.

If you care for a longer lunch and want a change of pace, take the elevator to the fourth floor. At the Arredondo Room, you get an all-you-can-eat buffet, salad, soup and a drink for $6.29. Take in sweeping views of the campus skyline on the balcony and enjoy selections like Salisbury steak and salmon pasta alfredo.

Closer to the east side of campus? Head over to The Fresh Food Company at Broward Dining Center. A good place to find healthier options, diners may select from a variety of entrees like tropical lime tilapia at the Latin Kitchen or oven-roasted turkey at the American Bistro.

Choices like the grilled Portobello burger and vegetable jambalaya at the Vegan Corner helped UF make the Peta2 list of the most vegetarian-friendly universities in the country. Breakfast is $5.43 and lunch or dinner is $7.43. Students with a meal plan simply slide their Gator1 cards. Faculty and staff now have a similar option with their own membership plan.

For a less expensive, outdoor vegetarian option, try the buffet served every weekday by the Hare Krishna Student Center on the lawn at the Plaza of the Americas. Enjoy homemade vegetarian choices, usually with curry, salad with almond dressing, and coconut cake for a suggested donation of $3.

You don’t have to make that long trek up the hill when you’re hungry and down by Shands Hospital. Eat at Einstein Bros. Bagels or Chick-fil-A on the recently renovated Sun Terrace. There is also another food court northeast of the atrium on the first floor, where you can choose from Pizza Inn, TCBY or Wendy’s.

If you’re going toward the park-and-ride lot near Southwest 34th Street and want something more upscale, try the Camellia Court Café at the Harn Museum of Art. Spinach-stuffed mushrooms or crab cakes may satisfy your hunger for under $10.

To view menus and hours, visit the Web at http://www.bsd.ufl.edu/dining.

By Panagiota Papakos