There are many places to eat on LSU’s campus, but few match the popularity of the school’s two dining halls: The 5 and The 459 Commons. With both offering similar all-you-can-eat styles and vast food selections, one can’t help but wonder: Which one’s best?
The 5
Built in 1966 as the “Pentagon Dining Hall,” The 5 Dining Hall has been the go-to place for residents on the northern side of campus for years—and with good reason, diners say.
“The 5 is literally steps away from the Pentagon gates. The convenience is unmatched,” screen arts major Trevor Tripp said.
Broussard, Cypress and Spruce Halls as well as the West Campus Apartments are also a short walk away.
The convenience isn’t the only thing that keeps students coming back, as The 5 was listed as one of the “36 best dining halls in the U.S.” as recently as 2015 in a ranking from Food Publication Spoon University.
That ranking is a product of The 5’s various offerings: a soup and salad bar, a wood stone pizza oven, a large breakfast selection, many vegetarian options, a bakery, display cooking, ice cream and more. The 5 also features The “Take 5” convenience store with options from sushi and cold foods to toothpaste and laundry detergent.
Where The 5 might gain an edge over its rivals is in its allergy accommodations. The Pure Eats section is a 5 exclusive, providing students food options that are free of the top nine allergens: milk, eggs, nuts, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, wheat, soy and sesame. “I know I can always have a good meal that tastes good and be safe too,” said engineering major Allsion Brual on the allergen-free offerings.
The 459 Commons
Once called the “Laville Food Emporium” due to its location in the backyard of Laville Hall, The 459 Commons was built in 1949 as a “common” area for students living on the east side of campus. For students living in Laville, Camilia, Azalea and McVoy halls, as well as the East Campus Apartments, The 459 is just a short walk away.
Inside, The 459 features plenty of seating options and modern decor. Food sections include the Sweet Shoppe, Flame, Carved and Crafted, Rooted, Student Choice, Nook, Homestyle, Fresh 52 and 500 Degrees, all serving a similar buffet-style array of foods, similar to The 5 but with the added flair of some catchy titles.
What The 459 has over The 5 is student-chosen music playing while you eat. All students need to do is download the Rockbot app and queue up their very own LSU pre-approved song.
The 459 is also home to a student mini-market, featuring the same items as The Take 5 in The 5.
Which is Best?
The decision between the The 5 and The 459 Commons dining halls comes down to a few factors: convenience, allergies, ambience and personal preference.
Whether you prefer the historical charm and wide selections of The 5 or the trendy ambiance and student-run music of The 459, both are more than just a place to eat. They are places to make memories, friends and to enjoy a taste that is just as vibrant as LSU’s culture.
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