College of Charleston (CofC) offers a diverse and delicious dining experience that caters to students’ every craving. From all-you-can-eat buffets to grab-and-go snacks, there’s something for everyone. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the legwork for you and compiled a comprehensive guide to the best dining halls on campus. Read on to discover our top picks, what makes them special, and tips for getting the most out of your dining experience.
CofC Dining Halls: Overview
CofC has three main dining halls:
- Market: Located in the heart of campus, this all-you-can-eat buffet-style dining hall is a crowd-pleaser. With a wide variety of cuisines to choose from, including American, Asian, Italian, and Mexican, there’s something for everyone.
- Towers: Situated in the historic Cistern Yard, this dining hall offers a more intimate dining experience. Towers serves a rotating menu of made-to-order dishes, as well as a salad bar and a grill.
- Starbucks: Located in the library, this coffee shop serves a variety of coffee drinks, pastries, and sandwiches. It’s the perfect place to grab a quick bite or coffee between classes.
The Best of the Best
After sampling all three dining halls, we’ve narrowed down our top picks:
- Best All-Around Dining Hall: Market
- Best Made-to-Order Dishes: Towers
- Best Coffee and Pastries: Starbucks
What Makes Each Dining Hall Unique?
Market
- Wide variety of cuisines: American, Asian, Italian, Mexican, and more
- All-you-can-eat buffet-style dining: Get your fill of your favorite dishes
- Open late: Open until midnight on weekdays and 11 pm on weekends
Towers
- Made-to-order dishes: Customize your meal with a variety of options
- Intimate dining atmosphere: Enjoy your meal in a historic setting
- Rotating menu: Offers something new every day
Starbucks
- Convenient location: Located in the heart of campus
- Coffee, pastries, and sandwiches: Perfect for a quick bite or caffeine fix
- Open 24/7: Always there when you need it
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Dining Experience
- Check the daily menu: Find out what’s being served at each dining hall before you go.
- Go during off-peak hours: Avoid the crowds by dining at less popular times.
- Take advantage of discounts: CofC offers discounts on dining plans for students who qualify for financial aid.
- Get involved: Join campus dining clubs or committees to meet new people and get involved in the dining experience.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don’t overspend: Create a budget for dining to avoid overspending.
- Don’t waste food: Take only what you can eat to avoid wasting food.
- Don’t eat the same thing every day: Mix up your meals to get a variety of nutrients.
Conclusion
CofC offers a diverse and delicious dining experience that caters to students’ every craving. By following our guide, you can discover the best dining halls on campus and get the most out of your dining experience. So what are you waiting for? Head to the dining halls and start exploring!
What are the operating hours of the dining halls?
The operating hours vary depending on the dining hall. Market is open from 7 am to midnight on weekdays and 11 pm on weekends. Towers is open from 11 am to 2 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm on weekdays. Starbucks is open 24/7.
Do the dining halls offer takeout?
Yes, all three dining halls offer takeout.
Can I use my dining plan at all three dining halls?
Yes, you can use your dining plan at any of the three dining halls.
Are there any discounts on dining plans?
Yes, CofC offers discounts on dining plans for students who qualify for financial aid.
What are the most popular dishes at each dining hall?
The most popular dishes at Market include the pizza, pasta, and sushi. The most popular dishes at Towers include the burgers, chicken tenders, and tacos. The most popular dishes at Starbucks include the coffee, pastries, and sandwiches.
