Explore Your Dining Options

Here are some tips to help you have the best experience possible when the lunch crunch gets real.

September 08, 2022

Know Your Options

Whether you’re looking for a full sit down meal or something grab-and-go, Columbia Dining has options for you. Exploring what’s available will you help beat the crunch!

  • Five Columbia Dining halls offering in-unit or to-go meals
  • Express dining at Chef Mike's Sub Shop Express or JJ's Take 4
  • Retail dining at Blue Java and Cafe East
  • Off-campus dining with Flex
  • Barnard Dining

Use your meal swipes for an express meal at:

  • Coming Soon: Chef Mike's Sub Shop Express
  • JJ's Place Take 4

Best for: when you're short on time

Sushi. Soup. Paninis. Breakfast sandwiches. All of that - and so much more - is available with Dining Dollars or Flex at:

  • Blue Java Lerner, Mudd, and Uris
  • Cafe East

Best for: when you're short on time

Go with Flex! Flex dollars can be used for dining-in at select restaurants and grocery stores around campus. So whether you're in the mood for pizza, noodles, or a burger, or you just want to pick up some snacks for your room, Columbia Dining has you covered. 

Best for: exploring the local food scene

No time to make a food run? No problem. Use your Flex to order online food delivery.

Best for: can't-stop-for-anything study sessions or your weekend streaming binge

Use your eco-container or purchase a 50 cent compostable container and take your meal to go. Eat outside, in your res hall lounge, or wherever!

Best for: dining al fresco and/or meeting up with friends

  • The King's Table room in John Jay provides extra seating when the main dining room is full. Enter the King's Table through the door near the fusion station.
     
  • Hepburn Lounge and the Uris patio are great spots to enjoy your Chef Mike's sub!

Through the Columbia-Barnard meal exchange, Columbia Dining plan holders can use their meal swipes at Barnard Dining locations. Select locations will also accept Dining Dollars and Flex.

Best for: using your meal swipes at new places

Do you and four friends each want to win $20 Dining Dollars just by eating with Columbia Dining? Find out how.