There are plenty of places to get food on campus, from the Dining Commons to the Otter Express to the OSU second-floor eateries. The important question: Which places are giving you the most bang for your buck when it comes to price, quality/consistency, and availability?
Photo courtesy of @otterkitchensmb on Instagram
Raft House Grill: Bowls
If you’re looking for a fair-priced option on campus that’s both filling and flavorful, the bowls at Raft House Grill in the Otter Express are hard to beat. Items include the chicken katsu, chicken teriyaki, huli huli, and the breakfast bowl – all of which offer a balance of protein, starch and veggies for a balanced, complete meal. Prices range from $11–$13, making them one of the better values on campus. Most bowls and salads can be purchased with meal exchanges, which also come with a drink (the breakfast bowl being the only exception). Raft House’s biggest strength is its hours of operation: open from 9 a.m. to midnight on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. Whether it’s breakfast, a quick lunch or a late-night dinner after studying, Raft House is a reliable option throughout the day.
Photo courtesy of @wildblue.asiankitchen on Instagram
Wild Blue: Sushi
Wild Blue offers fresh, grab-and-go options on campus at very affordable prices. Classic rolls like the California roll usually run between $7–9, while specialty rolls cost a bit more but remain reasonable. With areas located across several campus locations, including the Otter Express, Sea Store and library, it’s one of the most convenient choices for students on main campus. The wide variety of options, from California rolls to dragon rolls make it easy to mix things up – everything is made fresh daily. If you want a quick, lighter meal, especially when running between classes, or just as an easy-to-eat option while studying, Wild Blue is a good contender.
Photo courtesy of @otterkitchensmb on Instagram
Library Café
The Library Café is a staple for many students’ campus life and another great spot for good food at good prices. With prices fairly comparable to other local off-campus coffee shops, and featuring a wide-ranging drink menu, with options like lattes, macchiatos and new refresher options made with lemonade, tea, or even a Monster Energy base. Service is quick, which makes it an easy stop between classes. The pastry case is also a highlight, offering everything from apple turnovers and butter croissants to spinach and feta pastries, bagels and cookies. Meal exchanges can also be used for a variety of select drinks and a pastry, making it an affordable choice for a snack while studying or for a quick grab-and-go.
Photo by Arianna Nalbach
Sono Burrito/Burrito Bowl
For the last option, great for a full meal at a reasonable price, is Sono’s burritos and burrito bowls. With bowls and burritos starting at around $12, a price comparable to Chipotle whose options range from $11-14, Sono is a great option for a fair-priced and balanced meal. Each option typically comes packed with protein in the form of chicken, pork or jackfruit as well as toppings like beans, rice, veggies, several choices of sauce, cheese and sour cream. Choosing between a bowl and a burrito also offers the ability for more or fewer carbs, depending on how you like it. If you are using a meal exchange, the bowl and burrito also come with a drink and a side of chips. Sono, which is located in the student union, is an especially good option when you want a complete, portable meal option that’s filling, convenient and fairly priced.