My Favorite Places to Eat on Campus

Blog Post

Giulia Calabrese author photo
Giulia C.

Hello! I'm Giulia Calabrese, a sophomore at Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. College can be stressful sometimes, but one of my favorite ways to decompress is to meet up with a friend at one of Cornell’s many on-campus cafes! 

Before coming to Cornell, I had heard from friends and family that the food was one of their favorite aspects of the school. It did get ranked second on The Princeton Review's Best Campus Food list; however, it wasn't until I began my own Cornell experience that I understood what everyone was talking about. Let me take you through a few of my all-time favorites.  

Let's start off with my first Cornell cafe experience: Martha’s Cafe is the perfect place to go for a delicious Mediterranean-style bowl or wrap. Located in Martha Van Rensselaer Hall, this is the spot to go for a fresh, healthy meal to fuel your day. Whether you want greens, grains, or grilled chicken, Martha’s has it all, topped off with savory dressings and toppings to intrigue your taste buds.  

Speaking of having it all, next up, we have Trillium Cafe. This cafeteria-style eatery is the ideal place to go for anything your heart desires, from Mexican food to Asian cuisine, to customizable salads, and more. Located in the center of campus, this is the most convenient spot to satisfy your cravings. Make sure to try my personal favorite, the quesadilla, when you stop in.  

Last, but not least, Mac’s Cafe has a special home in my heart. Not only does Mac’s have an amazing menu, but it’s also the social hub of campus. Located in Statler Hotel, along with Terrace Cafe, you will always see a friendly face roaming around. This is the best place to get a custom sandwich, a smoothie, or just a laugh with your friends.  

Whether you're looking for a quick caffeine fix, a tasty meal, or a sweet treat to brighten your day, Cornell’s on-campus cafes have you covered. There are many experiences you should enjoy during your time at Cornell, but make sure that trying out all the cafes there are to offer is on your list!