Purdue Pete's Favorite Bites: Coffee and Food Options on Campus

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Purdue University's campus offers a variety of food and coffee spots that fuel students for classes, social gatherings, study sessions, and more. If you want a quick coffee, hearty meal, or a grab-and-go, Purdue has something to offer for everyone. Here's a look at some of the best dining and coffee options on campus.

This blog will mostly discuss the variety of food options on campus, but here is a link to the Purdue Dining webpage to learn more about specific meal plans and offerings: https://dining.purdue.edu/ResidentialDining/mealplans/index.html

Dining Halls

Purdue's dining halls provide students with a diverse range of meal options, catering to different dietary needs and preferences. Students can use meal swipes to get into the dining halls and it is buffet style dining. Some of the most popular dining halls include:
  • Windsor Dining Court
  • Hillenbrand
  • Earhart
  • Ford Dining Court
  • Wiley

Earhart Dining Hall

My personal favorite spot to eat is the Ford Dining Court. It offers a lot of homestyle meals, and the spacious layout also makes it a great spot to sit and enjoy your meal. Plus, the view of campus is a nice bonus. And don't get me started on their dessert station, it's the perfect spot to grab a sweet treat! My personal favorite this year was the pumpkin bars which were offered during the fall.

Dining Dollars

Dining dollars are part of the meal plan students sign up for that can be used at various on-campus dining locations, including dining courts, retail restaurants, and coffee shops. They give students the chance to get food outside of the dining halls provided in their meal plans. The amount of dining dollars you get depends on the meal plan you sign up for.

Things to note with Dining Dollars:
  • Dining Dollars are linked to your Purdue ID card
  • Dining Dollars expire at the end of the academic year, but the amount you have fall semester will transfer to the spring semester
  • When choosing a meal plan, consider the amount of Dining Dollars you will want to have
  • You can monitor your Dining Dollars balance through Purdue eAccounts portal

Popular Coffee and Food Chains

For those who prefer well-known coffee and food spots, Purdue has several around campus:

Au Bon Pain- Located in the WALC building, this spot is perfect for fresh pastries, sandwiches, and a quick coffee break. It's also a popular study spot, and you can use dining dollars here.

Panera Bread- Located on the first floor of the Meredith South residence hall, Panera has fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches. It is my go-to spot after class or for breakfast. 

Chick-fil-A- Located on the first floor of the Frieda Parker dorm, Chick Fil A is a campus favorite. It is very convenient for students because of how close it is to campus. For anyone who likes crispy chicken sandwiches and waffle fries, it is the place to go to.

Saxbys- Located on the bottom floor of the Neil Armstrong building, Saxbys is a cozy coffee shop with a variety of espresso drinks, teas, cold brew, and even food options!

Qdoba- Also located under the Meredith South dorm, Qdoba offers burrito bowls and tacos, much like Chipotle.

Java House- Coffee spot in ABE or close to campus that offers a variety of espresso drinks, smoothies, and breakfast options. Whether you’re grabbing a latte or a pastry, it's a great place to relax or study.

Greyhouse - Locations next to the Campus House and Target, Greyhouse is known for its artisanal coffee and inviting atmosphere. It’s perfect for those who appreciate expertly brewed coffee, plus they offer a selection of baked goods.


Qdoba in Meredith South Residence Hall

Purdue Memorial Union

The Purdue Memorial Union is a hub for dining options on campus. The restaurants tend to rotate between Italian, Asian, Mediterranean, and American style cuisines. The PMU food court features a mix of familiar chains with new favorites, including:
  • Starbucks
  • Sushi Boss
  • Walk On’s Sports Bistreaux
  • Aatish
  • Zen
  • DSJ Asian Grill
  • Tenders, Love & Chicken

Student-run Food Options

At Purdue, many clubs and organizations raise funds or spread awareness by setting up food stations around campus. These student-run events are a great way to connect with others while supporting a good cause.

One of my favorites is the bagel break hosted every Friday morning by the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) in Dudley Hall. It’s a casual gathering where students can grab a free bagel, chat, and make new connections. It’s a fantastic way to meet fellow students and get involved in the Purdue community. There are many other student-run food events throughout the year, so keep an eye out for delicious treats and opportunities to get involved!

Be Mindful of Changes to Purdue Dining

Purdue continues to evolve, with new restaurants and coffee shops opening up regularly. With dining dollars offered with meal plans, students are able to use them for places like Chick-Fil- A, Jersey Mike’s, Starbucks, Panera, Qdoba, Java House, Saxbys, Au Bon Pain, and more. Keep on the lookout for new meal plan information and new dining locations each year!

Whether you're looking for a quick bite between classes or a place to relax with a coffee, Purdue’s campus offers a variety of dining and coffee options to suit every craving. Be sure to explore these spots and find your favorite Purdue Pete-approved bite!

Source for images: Google

Grace Fuller, FYE '28 

Recruitment Project Committee

 

Stay Connected With Purdue WiE Program! 

Facebook: Purdue Women in Engineering 

Instagram: @purdue.wie 

Blog: purduewiep.blogspot.com 

Email: welink@purdue.edu 

YouTube: Purdue Women in Engineering Program - YouTube 

 

 

Use the hashtag #PurdueWiE on Facebook and Instagram! 

Purdue Women in Engineering

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