Beat the Dining Hall Blues

It has happened to all of us: Professor I-Love-To-Ramble blabs for ages, and when he finally releases class, it’s 12:59pm. Stomach audibly growling, you grab your backpack and sprint madly toward Collins. Just as you arrive, the door clangs shut with a sound as hollow as your empty belly. “Noooooo!” Don’t despair, oh hungry one, there are plenty of other places to get some sustenance on campus. Use this guide to choose your alternative dining destination.

Hub Mon-Thu 11am-3pm and 7pm-10:30pm, Fri 11am-3pm and 7pm-2am, Sat-Sun 8pm-2am Meal Replacement Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-3pm and 7pm-9pm

Located right next to CMC’s North Quad, the Hub is easily accessible and has long daily hours. While best known for its late-night greasy snack foods (the mozzarella sticks are a must), the Hub also has great healthy wraps, sandwiches, and salads for a healthy lunch or dinner option. Prices are reasonable, and Claremont Cash and Flex are both accepted after meal replacement hours end. Try the buffalo chicken wrap, curly fries, and a piece of fruit for a tasty lunch.  Or, for an on-the-go meal, stop into the Hub Store and grab a bar or some trail mix. If you’re looking to multi-task by studying while eating, plan to bring those Bose headphones. With two pool tables, comfy couches, and sports games constantly on the TV, the Hub is more of a social venue than an academic one.

The Coop Mon-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri 9am-1:30am, Sat noon-1:30am, Sun noon-midnight

If you’re on Pomona’s campus, check out the Coop. Its modern décor and easygoing atmosphere is conducive to studying and socializing alike. The food options are diverse: from delicious mint chocolate chip milkshakes and giant brownies, to veggie burgers and smoothies, there’s something for everyone. Be ready to spend some money (or Flex): prices are fairly high, but the food is worth it. Like the Hub, the Coop also has an adjacent store stocking snacks for on-the-go munchers. The Coop store is without a doubt the best snack store in the 5-C’s, and carries treats like Doritos, organic dried fruit, and Lara bars.

Jay’s Place (aka The Mudd Hole) Sun-Thu 7pm-1am, Fri-Sat 8pm-2am

The Mudd Hole’s late-night hours speak for themselves: this retro food joint sells midnight snack favorites. Quesadillas, pizza sticks,cheesy pretzels...the Mudd Hole will have something to satisfy your cravings for a wallet-friendly price. The atmosphere is utterly ‘70s, with old sitcoms playing on the TV, pool tables awaiting use, and a neon “Jay’s Place” sign glowing from one wall. Try a build-your-own pizza if you’re eating with friends, or a chicken quesadilla if you’re dining solo.  Tip for the health nuts: don't come here if you are looking for something remotely nutritious.

The Motley

Mon-Thu 8am-12am, Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 11am-5pm, 8pm-12am

If in search of a cozy study nook, look no further than Scripps’ campus. The Motley is full of diligent students enjoying the unique atmosphere and quality coffee drinks. The variety of specialty drinks offered rivals Starbucks, and the prices are certainly better. Try the pumpkin spice latte, a seasonal sensation. If you’re getting a drink to go, bring your own mug and save the (often controversial) $1 charge for a take-out cup. For breakfast, the Motley carries homemade muffins and bagels, though full meals are not this cafe's specialty.

Honnold Café

Mon-Thu 8am-12am, Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 12pm-12am

Need motivation to go to the library? The Honnold Café will make you want to spend every meal there. The coffee drinks are high quality and diverse, and there are food options for delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners. Try a “dirty chai” for an energizing treat (a chai latte with a shot of espresso), and add a warm muffin or some oatmeal to make it a breakfast. Or, if you’re there later in the day, try the sushi (yes, I said sushi) or a fresh panini and a cup of soup. The Honnold Café is perfect for late-night studying, or simply a tasty meal at any time of day.

Pit Stop Café

Mon-Fri 8:30 am-4pm

Tucked away in Pitzer’s Bernard Hall building, the Pit Stop Café is a hidden gem.  This pint-sized cafe is homey and quiet.  The dining options are more limited than other cafes on campus, but the quality remains high. Try a mocha and a warm blueberry scone for a no-fail cure to the rainy day blues.

Sagehen Café

Mon-Fri 7:30am-3:30pm (coffee) 11am-2pm (lunch), Thu-Sat 5pm-8pm (coffee and dinner)

If you need a sit-down restaurant for a formal meeting, there’s no need to go off campus. Just stop by the Sagehen Café, a combination coffee bar and restaurant.  The coffee drinks are mediocre, but the restaurant boasts a gourmet menu including grilled salmon and quiche and the atmosphere is professional and chic.  Prices are moderate, even in the restaurant (date night, anyone?), and the service is friendly and prompt.