Chili’s, Applebee’s, Joe’s, Cane’s and … Magnolia’s? The first three names are recognized easily as popular eateries around the Baton Rouge area. The fourth also is a great place to eat, and it’s even closer to home than you may think.
There are several grab-and-go places on campus equipped to accommodate the busy lifestyles of students. When students have a spare moment there are places where they can take a break from their chaotic existence and enjoy a meal in a restaurant-like atmosphere.
“I think that people forget the Magnolia Room exists,” said Jon Peltier, a psychology junior. “But the restaurant’s buffet is a nice break from the fast food we eat every day.”
Located on the third floor of the Union, the Magnolia Room is open for business Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All meals include selections from the salad and dessert bars, ice cream and a beverage for $7.
Cash, Paw Points and TigerCASH are accepted methods of payment for lunch at the Magnolia Room.
Menus can be accessed on the LSU Dining Web site or viewed on the dining tables in the Union Tiger Lair.
Another alternative offered in lieu of typical everyday dining is a meal eaten at The Faculty Club.
“The Faculty Club is considered the living room of LSU,” said Director Dorothy White. “A wide variety of people — including students, staff members, and people of the public — come here to relax and enjoy reasonably priced Louisiana cuisine.”
The Faculty Club is open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m to 1:30 p.m. Daily menus can be accessed on the LSU Dining Web site found under Campus Dining Services, said White.
“After eating, people can even check-in and rest in one of our hotel rooms upstairs,” said Sue Keller, hotel manager. “We get a lot of visitors each year during Spring Testing. Parents can both eat and rest in one location.”
Cafe Vieux Carre’, located in the French House on the east side of campus next to West Laville residence hall, also provides an environment of meditation and relaxation.
“Every now and then I treat myself to Cafe Vieux Carre’,” said Alex Wellie, an undecided freshman. “It’s also a great place to sit and read or study.”
As stated on menu, the cafe accepts cash or TigerCASH and is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until midnight and Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Teas and coffees, beignets, sandwiches and salads dominate the cafe’s menu.
“I love the food selection here because I think that it is healthier than fast food,” said Sarah Hill, a marketing freshman. “It’s also not crowded like the Union can be, which makes it easier to sit and have a discussion with friends.”
Tiger Lair, located on the second floor of the Union, houses Pizza Hut, Chick Fil-A, Newman’s Own Pasta, Louisiana Classics, Upper Crust, Freshens Smoothies and Yogurt and AFC Sushi.
Louisiana Classics serves both lunch and breakfast. Employee Linda Diggs said students can find items for breakfast such as eggs, bacon, grits and biscuits with gravy. Southern comfort foods such as crawfish etoufee, meat pies, fried chicken and cornbread dressing appear on the lunch menu.
Upper Crust serves as the sandwich shop of the Lair. A selection of different meats, cheeses and vegetables are available for students to create the sandwich of their choice.
Customers of these facilities can purchase their food with TigerCASH, Paw Points or cash and enjoy their meals at one of the many dining tables surrounding the Lair.
At Foster’s Cafe by Foster Hall, students can pick up coffee, donuts, Pizza Hut pizza, drinks and sandwiches to enjoy inside the cafe or outside on the patio.
Pierre’s Landing, found between CEBA and the Old Forestry Building, offers an additional lunching option for students. This facility offers hot pizza, sandwiches, soups and other snacks.
“Pierre’s Landing really accommodates people on this part of campus, because we don’t have to walk a long way to get a bite to eat,” said Melissa Bourgeois, a printmaking art sophomore.