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Dining at Saint Mary’s
Dining at Saint Mary’s isn’t just about eating — it’s about connecting. Grab a coffee, catch up with friends over lunch, or snack on the go. You’ll find fresh, convenient options to match your mood. Thanks to our partnership with Chartwells, dining is all about what students love most — good food, good options, and good friends.
Visit Saint Mary’s — your meal is on us, plus a taste of campus life!
On-campus dining
Whether you’re craving something fresh, fast, or just a caffeine boost, you’ll find it all in the Toner Student Center — where every dining location is just steps away.
Student Dining Room (The Eatery)
A community dining space with something for everyone.
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Made-to-order specials
- Fresh salad bar
- Ice cream machine, sweet treats
- Pizza and pasta served daily
- Friendly staff who know your order before you even step up
Cardinal Club (The Pub)
Your go-to spot for a quick bite.
- Thursday special
- To-go prepared foods
- Outside patio dining option (seasonal)
- Use the Rockbot app to request songs and hear them play
Cardinal Coffee
Grab a latte, espresso, or Bubblr™
- Proudly serving Caribou Coffee
- Seasonal specials
- Bloedow donuts, Brother Frank cookies available
The Market
Part café, part convenience store.
- Frozen meals, bottled beverages, and snacks
- Grab-n-go lunch options
- Protein shakes and bars for on-the-go fuel
- Fresh sushi served daily
- Essentials like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, laundry detergent
Meal Plans and Cardinal Cash
Eating on campus is easy and flexible with Saint Mary’s meal plans and Cardinal Cash. Whether you live on or off campus, choose from four options to fit your needs.
Residential Meal Plans
All students living on campus are required to select a meal plan. Freshmen can choose between two meal plans — Essentials 19 and All Access. You can switch between these two plans after the fall semester if your needs change.
Commuter Plans
Students living off campus can purchase a commuter plan — or even a residential plan if preferred.
Cardinal Cash
Cardinal Cash lets you make tax-free purchases at any Saint Mary’s dining location, even if you don’t have a meal plan. It never expires while you’re a student, and you can add funds anytime — plus get a 3% bonus on amounts $50 or more.
Fresh. Local. Sustainable.
Good food that’s good for you — and the planet. Every bite supports a healthier planet and a stronger campus community with fresh, locally sourced ingredients from nearby farms.
Meals that matter
- Cage-free eggs
- Antibiotic-free chicken & pork
- Sustainable seafood
- 100% trans-fat-free oils
- Fair trade coffee
- 4,800 pounds of local produce yearly
- 100% RBGH-Free Milk
Operations that count
- Track and reduce waste
- Recycle and repurpose campus-wide
- Energy-efficient equipment and practices
- Smart inventory to minimize unused products
Good food. Great people.
Dining is a chance to connect — with friends, your community, and the team behind every meal.
Joe Piscitiello is passionate about great food and creating memorable experiences for students,
from serving fresh pasta to sharing inspiration from his travels to Florence, Italy.
Darlene Paulson has been brightening Saint Mary’s for nearly 50 years, and every student knows her friendly smile in the dining hall. Read her story here.
Mara Aschliman, our on-campus dietitian, shares wellness tips, hosts fun food activities,
and helps students and athletic teams make healthy choices.
So APPetizing
Get dining info on the go! With the Dine On Campus™ app, you can see daily specials, hours, menus, and nutrition info — all from your phone. As a student, download the app for full access to dining at Saint Mary’s anytime, anywhere.
Current Cardinals can also check out today’s Cardinal Club Menu and Chartwell’s website.
Let’s dish: Saint Mary’s dining fun facts
1,650
Students served every day
62 lbs.
of ranch used daily
3,000
Sandwiches made each month
150
Made-to-order omelets served daily
#1
Favorite special in the Cardinal Club? Popcorn chicken bowl
3 hrs
Spent cutting up melons each day
3x
Fresh fruit and vegetables delivered each week
24
Trays of cookies our oven holds at one time
FAQs
What meal plan options do freshmen have?
Freshmen can choose between two meal plans — Essentials 19 and All Access. You can switch between these two plans after the fall semester if your needs change.
What is a meal exchange?
A meal exchange lets you use a meal swipe for select menu items at the Cardinal Club instead of eating in the dining hall.
Can I change my meal plan?
You can enroll in your preferred meal plan within the first ten days of the semester if you qualify. However, it’s best to register for your chosen plan before you arrive so everything is ready for you and you can avoid any delays.
Are dining locations open on weekends and breaks?
Yes. The student dining room, Cardinal Coffee, and The Market are open on weekends. During breaks, we are closed. We use these times throughout the year to give our staff a break and deep-clean our venues.
What about late-night options?
You can grab something to eat from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the Cardinal Club.
I am a student. Can I work for food service? If so, how can I apply?
Yes! We’d love to have you on our team. All open positions, along with information about benefits, are listed on Handshake.
Can commuter students purchase meal plans?
Yes. We would love for you to eat on campus. You have options for a commuter meal plan or to purchase Cardinal Cash. Whatever option is best for you.
Can I use Flex Dollars outside the dining hall?
Yes! If your meal plan includes Flex (like the All Access plan), you can use it to purchase food and drinks in any of our retail dining areas.
What if I have food allergies or dietary restrictions?
You can schedule a time to meet with our dietitian, who will help you explore food options that work best for you and explain all the choices available. We’re happy to support you with your needs.
Can I pre-order meals and pick up?
Sorry, pre-orders aren’t available at this time.
Do you have vegetarian options available daily?
Yes! You’ll always find a variety of vegetarian choices available each day.
Is campus dining just about meals?
Not at all! Our dining program is about more than just food. We host Teaching Kitchens, special events, and even surprise residence halls and classrooms with treats throughout the year.