With half a semester left, make sure to not miss out on these school lunches! Disclaimer: This ranking is not a reflection of the cafeteria staffs’ hard work, but instead fan–favorite lunches.
10. Sandwich Station
The Sandwich Station is a great option for picky eaters, allowing students to craft a customized meal with a variety of breads, meats and toppings. This Action Station serves as the perfect backup option for those who do not want the main entree, providing a personalized, failproof alternative. Yet, this meal does not appear regularly, making it less reliable than other scheduled lunches.
- Baked Potato
The Baked Potato Station offers a solid choice for a quick meal, but it comes with its challenges. The line can stretch out past the serving area, especially on busy days, making it less ideal if you have a club meeting. Toppings also tend to run out quickly, leaving you with a plain potato if you arrive at lunch late. Despite these setbacks, the Baked Potato Station remains a favorite with shredded cheese, bacon, green onions, and other toppings. While not always the easiest meal to grab on the go, it proves worth it when you get your hands on one.
- Wing Bar
With students being offered a choice of Barbecue Wings, Hot Wings, or Original Wings, this action station brings the heat. The crispy texture and bold flavors make it a strong contender, especially for sauce lovers. You can modify this dish with four or eight wings, making it a dependable option whether you want a light or heavier lunch. Personally, the wing bar ranks lower because the sauce gets all over your hands, resulting in a messier and less convenient lunch.
- Chicken Parmesan and Pasta
A classic comfort food, Chicken Parmesan combines crispy chicken, rich marinara sauce, and melted cheese to create a savory, flavorful dish. The pasta helps make the dish filling and simple, attracting a wide range of students. While not always my first choice, Chicken Parmesan and Pasta remains a dependable option for students craving something familiar.
- Salmon and Potatoes
Although this might seem like an unpopular opinion, salmon and potatoes earns a well-deserved spot near the top. This dish offers a break from the usual fried options, making it a go-to for those looking for a healthier alternative. Its balanced combination of glazed, grilled salmon with charred, tender potatoes makes it appealing to students who prefer a lighter lunch, but as it does not receive the same hype as other meals, it remains in the middle of the ranking.
- Beef Bulgogi
This meal ranks as one of my personal favorites, bringing a flavorful, unique change to the normal lineup of entrees. Since Beef Bulgogi is an uncommon dish for lunch, it remains a hidden gem, often overlooked by students because it generates shorter lines. The mix between the sweetness and savoriness of the sauce compliments the rice perfectly, creating a mouthwatering combination students look forward to.
- Butter Chicken with Rice
Among the many chicken lunches, Butter Chicken stands out with its creamy, bright yellow sauce. While its high ranking might surprise some, many students select this meal as their top choice, especially when paired with the delicious, soft Naan bread. As Butter Chicken is not a regular cafeteria staple, students eagerly await it and fill Flores Hall with excitement when they see it on the menu.
- Pasta Bar
The Pasta Bar offers endless opportunities with sauce choices like alfredo, marinara, or pesto along with meatballs. This customizable lunch makes it a crowd favorite every time, with students mixing and matching to create their ideal dish. Whether you are in the mood for something creamy, tangy, or herby, the pasta bar will not disappoint. Despite the appeal of personalization, the pasta bar ranks lower because of the long line that comes with it.
- Fried Chicken with Mac & Cheese
A fan favorite, this meal hits the spot with crispy chicken paired with creamy mac & cheese.
It is a filling and heavier dish, making it a great choice for days when you miss your Mav Cafe snack. The iconic mac & cheese stands as a popular pick, drawing students back for seconds and even thirds. Due to the popularity of the mac & cheese, this Southern delectable combination ranks at the top of the lunches.
- Orange Chicken with Rice
Whenever the cafeteria features orange chicken, students often beg their teachers to end class early to beat the rush. This infamous lunch always draws crowds, as students eagerly line up as soon as they see it out. While some might not want to wait in line, the wait is always worth it. Students can upgrade this meal with egg rolls, or simply enjoy this sweet and savory combination! Orange Chicken never fails to satisfy students, making it a lunchtime staple that will remain at the top for years.
