A Guide to Berea College Dining: On and Off Campus

Berea, Kentucky, a town known for its scenic beauty and rich arts and crafts scene, is also home to Berea College. This unique institution, the South’s first coed and racially integrated college, distinguishes itself further with a work-study program. Students contribute 10 hours a week at various establishments to offset tuition costs, and many of those establishments are dining locations. This guide explores the diverse dining options available to students and visitors in Berea, both on and off the college campus.

On-Campus Dining Options

Berea College is committed to providing a variety of dining experiences for its students, faculty, and staff. The college is experiencing rapid growth, leading to an increase in both on-campus and off-campus dining choices.

Mountaineer Dining Hall

Located on the first floor of the Alumni Building, the Mountaineer Dining Hall offers a buffet-style service with daily rotating food options provided by Sodexo. Understanding the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs, the Dining Hall provides allergen labels at each station and a designated allergen-free station. Students can also consult with a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.

Mountaineer Dining Hall has been certified as a 3 Star Certified Green Restaurant® by the Green Restaurant Association (GRA) since 2023. The GRA is a national nonprofit organization that helps restaurants become more environmentally sustainable. The certification standards cover energy, water, waste, reusables, chemicals, and food.

The Pinnacles Cafe

Situated on the first floor of the Margaret A. Cargill Natural Sciences and Health (MAC) Building, The Pinnacles Cafe is a convenient spot for those seeking quick and easy meals. It features a selection of "Simply to Go" grab-and-go items, including sandwiches, salads, sweet and savory snacks, and coffee beverages.

Read also: Understanding Berea's Calendar

Sandella's Flatbread Cafe

Located on the second floor of the Woods-Penniman Building, Sandella's Flatbread Cafe offers a variety of wraps, paninis, quesadillas, and flatbreads. It's a popular choice for students seeking a customizable and flavorful meal.

The Farm Store

The Farm Store stands out by offering a unique dining experience that emphasizes fresh, organic ingredients sourced directly from the Berea College Farm. Open year-round, the store provides a daily lunch menu prepared by students. In addition to prepared meals, customers can purchase seasonal organic produce, meats from freezers, and dry goods. The store also features a bakery case filled with fresh bread and pastries made from scratch using Berea College grains, herbs, fruits, and vegetables.

Meal Plans

Berea College offers various meal plan options to suit different needs and preferences. The default plan includes unlimited meals, two guest passes, and $50 flex dollars per semester, which can be used at The Pinnacles Cafe or Sandella's Flatbread Cafe. Students can upgrade their meal plan or add more flex dollars to their account. Off-campus students, staff, and faculty also have the option to purchase a meal plan.

Catering Services

Berea College also provides catering services for on-campus events, offering a convenient option for meetings, conferences, and other gatherings.

Off-Campus Dining Options in College Square and Beyond

Just a short walk from campus, College Square and the surrounding area offer a variety of local eateries that cater to different tastes.

Read also: Berea College v. Kentucky

Crafted at Boone Tavern

A Kentucky dining landmark since 1909, Crafted at Boone Tavern underwent a four-month renovation and rebranding. The hotel restaurant focuses on a locally-sourced menu, artwork and furnishings. The decor showcases handmade tables and wall decorations that were made by Berea College Student Craft. The new menu has more of a focus on southern and Kentucky foods, utilizing as much as it can on ingredients from Berea College Farms. The restaurant estimates about 60% of its menu is farm-to-table from ingredients and products sourced from the school farm. New additions include a full-service bar, a lounge, a redecorated dining room, a private dining room and the updated menu.

Papa Leno's

A longstanding fixture in College Square, Papa Leno's is known for its simple yet satisfying approach to Italian cuisine. The restaurant focuses on doing Italian favorites really, really well rather than diluting their menu with a myriad of other options, sticking with the homemade recipes passed down from the business’ original owners.

Doña Maria’s Tamales And More

Opened in May 2023 in the former home of Happy Jack’s World Sandwich Bar, Doña Maria’s Tamales And More is an authentic family-run Mexican restaurant serving up everything from elotes - also known as grilled Mexican street corn - to various tacos, gorditas, and of course, tamales. Although technically disconnected from the central Square structure, the restaurant is close enough to be included by proxy. With daily specials like shrimp cocktails and refreshing desserts like mangonada (mango sorbet and chamoy topped with chili powder) it’s also perfect for any occasion, making it a place you’ll want to get back to over and over again.

Bert’s SpeakCheezy

The family-owned business started as a food truck before opening a location on North Broadway but moved to College Square at the beginning of the year. They specialize in gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches and have popular varieties on the menu that use spicy cream cheese spread, jalapeños, beer cheese, shredded chicken, honey ham, apricot jam and more. The menu also features soups, salads and a selection of espresso drinks, coffees and teas. They also have vegan options and the food truck still makes stops in Lexington and Berea. Catering is also available.

Bluegrass Kitchen

Opened in Oct. 2023, the restaurant and catering business from Donna Mabes brings home cooking to College Square with a meat and three experience that, depending on the day, includes everything from meatloaf to fried chicken, chicken and dumplings, fried okra, collard greens, banana pudding, and more. The eatery also features blue plate specials like hamburgers, ribeye, catfish and polish sausage with sauerkraut along with veggie plates and an all-you-can-eat soup, salad and baked potato bar.

Berea Fudge Shoppe

From an assortment of gourmet fudges (including maple nut and peanut butter) to bourbon and moonshine balls, truffles, chocolate-dipped fruits, ice cream, jams and more. Located on the backside of College Square on Short Street, the confectionery is tucked away from the public eye, but that hasn’t stopped travelers from stumbling into it as if it were Willy Wonka’s factory for years.

Other Local Options

Beyond College Square, students and visitors can explore other local favorites such as Apollo Pizza and Native Bagel/Night Jar. Native Bagel/Night Jar is owned and operated by Berea College alumni.

A Commitment to Sustainability

Berea College demonstrates its commitment to sustainability through various initiatives, including the Green Restaurant Association certification of the Mountaineer Dining Hall and the use of locally sourced ingredients at Crafted at Boone Tavern and The Farm Store. These efforts align with the college's broader mission of environmental responsibility and community engagement.

Berea College: More Than Just a Place to Eat

Berea College is more than just a place to get a degree; it’s a community. The college was founded on the principle of "impartial love," extending to everyone regardless of race, gender, or class. This commitment to inclusivity is reflected in the diverse range of student organizations, clubs, and activities available on campus. Students can participate in athletics, outdoor adventures, dance groups, music ensembles, and more.

The college also emphasizes the importance of the residential experience. With 14 residence halls offering various living arrangements, students can find a community that suits their needs. The Gender Inclusive Housing Program provides a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ students and allies.

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