Across Sacred Heart University’s campus there are a total of 11 places to grab a meal, ranging from cafés to dining halls, giving the campus and its students a variety of dining options.
A few of these dining halls, like Pio’s Kitchen and Thea’s Abbey, have only been placed on campus within the last three years.
Senior Meghan Haggerty said that Thea’s Abbey is her favorite dining hall on campus.
“When I was living on campus it was a really easy walk from my dorm and I like the variety of options that they have,” she said. “The burrito bowls and breakfast sandwiches have always been my favorite meals to get. Also, the employees are always really nice there.”
A majority of the dining halls on campus are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A few exceptions would be Einstein’s Bagels, Café Rosso, and Pio’s Kitchen, which are primarily open for breakfast and lunch time.
Senior Kayla Goncalves has two favorite dining halls oncampus for different reasons. “I would say that Linda’s or Pio’s Kitchen are my top two on campus. I like that they added a new dining hall at West Campus because basically all of my classes are there, so it’s really convenient for me,” said Goncalves. “The sandwiches and wraps are my favorite at Pio’s Kitchen, and they always make them really quick.”
Sacred Heart’s West Campus did not have any official dining options at all until the last two years.
All of the dining halls at Sacred Heart accept either dining dollars or meal swipes as a form of payment. Visitors are able to pay with a regular debit or credit card if they happen to be eating on campus.
Each student at the university has their own meal plan catered to them which allows them to pay for their food on campus.
There are a few other options as to where to eat on campus that aren’t traditional dining hall style, such as the Market in the main academic building and Café Rosso, or the East Café, located on West Campus. Both of these places are more of a grab-and-go dining experience, as there are not many places to sit and eat your food directly inside or around them.
“In my opinion, Linda’s is the best dining hall because of the variety. I can always count on Linda’s when I don’t know exactly what I want to eat,” said senior Hadley Bansal. “63’s was a go-to for me as well when I lived on campus, but I didn’t love how you had to swipe in before you got to see the meal options for that day.”
JP’s Diner is a retro style diner right on Sacred Heart’s main campus that offers students restaurant service or opt in for takeout.
Source: Nicholas Vukota, Staff Photographer
Linda’s dining hall is a favorite amongst many SHU students because its wide variety of options. The dining hall also offers a variety of seating options.
Source: Nicholas Vukota, Staff Photographer
JP’s Diner, named after the university’s current president Dr. John J. Petillo, is a ‘50s style diner that offers a variety of food options as well as desserts. This red and white themed dining option can be found on campus directly behind Mother Teresa Hall and next to the Pioneer Park softball field.
“Living off campus, I don’t get to JP’s very often, I think it is probably one of the best places to sit down and eat when I’m with a group of friends or my roommates,” said Bansal. “The cookie skillets are the best dessert you can find on campus.”
